MINUTES WERE APPROVED at the regular meeting August 13, 2003. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF 7/23/03:  Mrs. Goren moved to approve the minutes of the 7/9/03 regular meeting with two corrections: Mr. Jirele should be listed as present in the first paragraph; and the second sentence of the last paragraph under the second Community Comment section should read “The Manager will provide the Board with information on how the Township will make up the shortfall.” The motion was seconded by Mr. Weaver and passed unanimously.

The Newtown Township Board of Supervisors met on Wednesday, July 23, 2003, in the Township meeting room at 8:00 PM.  In attendance were Supervisors: Chairman Scott R. Harp, Vice Chairman/Assistant Treasurer Anne Goren, Treasurer/Secretary Richard Weaver and Member Raymond Goodnoe.  Also present were:  Planning Commission Chairperson Karen Doorley, Joint Downtown Newtown Representative Tony Petsis, Township Solicitor Stephen Harris, Township Engineer Gerald Smith and Township Manager Robert M. Pellegrino. 

CALL TO ORDER:  Chairman Scott R. Harp called the regular meeting to order at 8:00 PM with a moment of silence. 

INVOCATION:  Given by Father Heckman of St. Mark’s Orthodox Church.  This was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. 

ADDITIONS AND CHANGES TO THE AGENDA:  Mr. Pellegrino asked that the RFP for the Acme site be removed from New Business and replaced with a proposed resolution that was distributed to Supervisors before the meeting; that the Wrights Road no parking ordinance be removed from the Solicitor’s report; that approval of the 2003 Road Maintenance Program be added to the Engineer’s report; and that approval of a contribution to the BCATO legal fund be added to New Business. 

SPECIAL ACTIONS 

100^TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION - BOOKER DINGLE:  Mr. Harp presented a certificate honoring Booker Dingle’s 100^th birthday on 8/30/03 to Booker Dingle’s son, Wally Dingle.  Mr. Dingle said his father, now a resident of Pickering Manor, is a long-time resident of Newtown and continues to be interested in Newtown area politics. 

16^TH ANNUAL 5K RUN/WALK:  Linda Mitchell of the Newtown Athletic Club invited all residents to participate in the 16^th annual 5K Run/Walk on 8/6/03, which begins at the Newtown Athletic Club.  She said the proceeds will go to the Township’s Park and Recreation Department. 

MINUTES, BILLS LIST AND REPORTS 

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF 7/9/03:  Mr. Weaver moved to approve the minutes of the 7/9/03 regular meeting with one correction; the date of the minutes approved at that meeting should be 6/25/03.  The motion was seconded by Mrs. Goren and passed unanimously. 

BILLS LIST:  Mr. Weaver moved to pay bills totaling $271,789.20, and to make interfund transfers totaling $404,183.44; the motion was seconded by Mrs. Goren. 

Discussion of motion:  Mr. Goodnoe noted the list includes a bill from Pennoni Associates for work done in May on the traffic-calming project in Newtown Gate, before the contract for the project was approved by the Board.  Mr. Pellegrino said he authorized the work because Pennoni Associates told him it was imperative to do the traffic count before the end of the school year.  Mr. Goodnoe said it is inappropriate to pay this bill. 

Mrs. Goren said she remembered this point being discussed at the 7/9/03 meeting when the contract was discussed, and no one objected. 

Nancy Crescenzo, a Township resident, asked about a bill for architectural services in connection with the Municipal Complex expansion project.  Mr. Pellegrino explained that the bill is for preliminary work necessary to develop a proposed plan, and it is not included in the $7-8 million dollar estimate for the project. 

Mr. Weaver’s motion passed 4-1, with Mr. Goodnoe voting “nay”. 

TREASURER’S REPORT:  No items for this section.  

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS 

PLANNING COMMISSION:  Commission Chairperson Karen Doorley reported on their 7/15/03 meeting, at which they reviewed a preliminary plan for Newtown Industrial Commons Lot 21.  The Commission recommended approval, with several conditions and waivers.  Four Zoning Hearing Board applications were also reviewed.  The Commission recommended that the Board of Supervisors oppose the applications from Piccolo Trattoria, Pryda LLC and KJMED LLC. 

Mrs. Doorley reported that new member Frank Mendicino will serve as liaison with the Newtown Area Regional Planning Commission.  The Commission also discussed the benefits of having regular information-sharing with the Board of Supervisors. 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:  Mr. Weaver reported on the most recent meeting of the Committee.  They reviewed a video developed by the Business Development Council for marketing the Newtown area to prospective businesses.  The Council also reviewed a report from the Township Planner which described how neighboring municipalities handle issues such as impervious surface limits, parking requirements and stormwater management.  The Council will be developing some recommendations on the design and placement of signs. 

Mr. Jirele asked that copies of the Township Planner’s report be distributed to the Board of Supervisors. 

JOINT DOWNTOWN NEWTOWN CORPORATION (JDNC):  Tony Petsis, a member of the JDNC Board, reported on their 7/17/03 meeting.  The job description for the Main Street Manager has been finalized, the Design Committee is working on a design book for signs in the downtown area, and the Promotion Committee is working on a video focusing on the Newtown Industrial Commons.  The next JDNC meeting will be 8/21/03 at 4:30 PM at the Sewer Authority. 

COMMUNITY COMMENTS 

Mr. Harp asked that individuals limit their comments to five minutes and refrain from personal attacks.  

Shawn Ward, a member of the Planning Commission, said there was no consensus on the Commission regarding the need for a liaison with the Board of Supervisors. 

Charlie McDevitt, a resident of Gaucks Lane, complained of excessive noise coming from the Stone House restaurant.  He said there is loud music four or five nights a week which can be heard by residents of all seven homes on Gaucks Lane.  Mr. Pellegrino said he has talked to the restaurant owner twice, and the Township Codes Officer is taking sound readings.  The owner has been given a notice of violation. 

Mr. Jirele asked if the restaurant has permission for outdoor entertainment.  Mr. Sander said the Codes Officer is investigating the violation of the noise ordinance, and the Solicitor is looking into whether outdoor entertainment is permitted at this site.  Mr. Sander said it will be helpful to have Mr. McDevitt’s testimony if the Township has to take legal action; Mr. McDevitt said he is willing to provide it.  Mr. McDevitt said there is also a lighting fixture installed in a tree that shines into the eyes of drivers on Washington Crossing Road and is probably wired improperly. 

Karen D’Aprile, a Township resident, said that customers of the LaStalla restaurant are using all the parking spaces near Rita’s Water Ice instead of the parking provided behind the restaurant, and customers of Rita’s have nowhere to park.  Mr. Pellegrino said he will follow up with this concern. 

Ron Thornburg, a resident of Eagleton Farms, read a letter sent by Robert Gaynor, another resident of Eagleton Farms, to the Council Rock School Board.  The letter described a recent near collision between a speeding quarry truck and a car at Eagle and Stoopville Roads, and expressed concern that one of these trucks could hit a school bus.  The letter also asks the School Board to support the Eagleton Farms Homeowners Association resolution that Ed Tate, another Eagleton Farms resident, gave to the Board of Supervisors at the 7/9/03 meeting.  The Eagleton Farms resolution asked the Board of Supervisors to study potential traffic-calming measures that could be used on Stoopville Road. 

Nancy Crescenzo said the relationship between the Township and Newtown Borough has been deteriorating, and noted that Borough Council recently voted to discontinue their contract with the Township for road services.  She also criticized several Supervisors who became involved in the School Board reapportionment issue. 

Ed Tate, a resident of Eagleton Farms, asked for an update on the resolution he gave to the Board on 7/9/03.  Mr. Harp said it will be on the agenda at one of the upcoming Board work sessions. 

Del Purscell, a Township resident, said the subject of Pennoni Associates employees making political contributions is an appropriate one for discussion at public meetings.  He said this practice might be an ethical violation, and he fears that favors will be asked in return for these contributions.  He suggested that in future contracts, the Township should prohibit political contributions. 

James Bowe, a resident of Tyler Walk, thanked the Board for appointing Frank Mendicino to the Planning Commission.  Mr. Bowe, also a former member of the Commission, said Mr. Mendicino is always prepared and knowledgeable, and brings the perspective of the small businessperson as well.  He said that Mr. Fidler and Mr. Lombardi are also extremely valuable resources on the Commission.  Mr. Bowe said that people have been unfair to Mr. Mendicino concerning the signs in his store, and that Mr. Mendicino has been working with the Codes Department on this issue. 

Joe Valenti, owner of the Township House restaurant, said that he attended a Planning Commission meeting at which Mr. Mendicino challenged the integrity of Mr. Fidler. 

Brandon Wind, a resident of Newtown Grant, asked about the barn on the Heston Tract.  Mr. Sander said that the plan approval required that the barn be taken apart and stored in such a way that the timbers did not deteriorate, and that Toll Brothers would pay to have a foundation built at the Peter Taylor Farmstead.  This was done, and Mr. Sander said he is investigating why the barn has not been reconstructed on the Farmstead as planned.  He said he expects to have a report on this by the middle of next week.  Mr. Wind asked who is responsible for rebuilding the barn; Mr. Sander said that in his opinion it is not Toll Brothers.  He also said that if the timbers were not stored correctly, the Township could pursue collecting damages from Toll Brothers.  Mr. Pellegrino said that the Toll Brothers contribution for the foundation was sent in a check made out to the Friends of the Farmstead. 

REPORTS OF OFFICIALS 

CHAIRMAN 

WORK SESSION OF 7/21/03:  Mr. Harp said the major part of the 7/21/03 work session was devoted to a discussion of plans for the expansion of the Municipal Complex.  He noted that the last significant expansion was in the 1980’s, and the Township’s population has greatly increased since then.  Other topics included development of the Woll Tract, the RFP for the Acme site, the proposed Wrights Road no parking ordinance, a proposal from Video Gold for replacement of two cameras, and a request from Upper Makefield for a contribution towards their defense against a challenge by Toll Brothers. 

VOLUNTEERS FOR TOWNSHIP BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:  Mr. Harp reminded interested residents to send their resumes to the Administrative office. 

SCOUT PROJECTS:  Mr. Harp said the Administrative office can help Scouts develop community service projects. 

OTHER BOARD MEMBERS:  No items for this section. 

MANAGER 

PLAN EXPIRATIONS:  Mr. Pellegrino said the Township has received several extensions recently, and currently there are no plan expirations requiring action tonight. 

PENNDOT WINTER SERVICES AGREEMENT:  Mr. Pellegrino referred to a 7/14/03 memo from Tom Harwood which includes the proposed agreement with PennDOT for the Township to provide snowplowing and salting on certain state roads in the Township. 

Mrs. Goren moved to authorize the Chairman to execute the agreement with PennDOT for winter servicing of certain state roads by the Township, as recommended by Mr. Harwood’s 7/14/03 memo.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Weaver. 

Discussion of motion:  Mr. Goodnoe asked if any new equipment would be necessary; Mr. Pellegrino said no new equipment will be needed, noting that the Township contracts with a trucking company to do the plowing.  Mr. Jirele asked how much the Township will be reimbursed.  Mr. Pellegrino said the Township will receive $7,682.40. He added that Township residents will be better served with this arrangement, although the reimbursement may not  always cover the cost for this service. 

Mrs. Goren’s motion passed unanimously. 

SOLICITOR

RESOLUTION CHANGING THE NAME OF NEWTOWN INDUSTRIAL COMMONS TO NEWTOWN BUSINESS COMMONS (2003-R-18):  Mr. Sander explained that the Economic Development Committee has recommended this name change to more accurately reflect the current and future makeup of the Commons. 

Mr. Weaver moved to adopt Resolution 2003-R-18, changing the name of the Newtown Industrial Commons to the Newtown Business Commons.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Jirele and passed unanimously. 

RESOLUTION OPPOSING NORTHERN BYPASS:  Mr. Sander said the proposed resolution sent to the Supervisors in their packets has been revised to more accurately reflect the motion in the minutes of the meeting in which this resolution was discussed; the motion used the phrase “use of Stoopville Road as a road of greater than one lane in each direction” instead of “Northern Bypass.”   Mr. Sander read the entire revised version, since the Supervisors did not receive a copy of it. 

Mr. Weaver moved to adopt the revised resolution stating the Board’s opposition to the use of Stoopville Road as a road of greater than one lane in each direction.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Jirele.  

Discussion of motion:  Mr. Sander explained that the reference to Lindenhurst Road that appeared in the earlier draft was taken out because the minutes referred only to Stoopville Road.  Mrs. Goren asked if this resolution will be binding on future Boards; Mr. Jirele said that future Boards will have to take public action to reverse this action.  Mr. Sander noted it will be sent to PennDOT.  

Mr. Goodnoe asked that the reference in the first paragraph be to a northern bypass (no quotation marks and no capitals), and that the reference to Newtown Borough be eliminated.  He said that the issue is not about the Borough, and it has not been discussed with the Borough.  Mr. Jirele suggested using the phrase “around the Newtown area” instead of this reference. 

Mrs. Goren said she would like the resolution to refer to the “Northern Bypass” (with quotation marks and capitals) because the phrase has been used in earlier discussions and documents, including some that have been sent to PennDOT.  Mr. Goodnoe said this will just invite controversy. 

Mr. Harp asked Mr. Pellegrino to research what language would be appropriate and he asked Mr. Sander to revise the resolution in light of tonight’s discussion and bring it back to the Board at a later meeting. 

Mr. Weaver and Mr. Jirele agreed to withdraw their motion. 

APPEAL FROM ZONING HEARING BOARD - NEWTOWN OFFICE COMMONS:  For the Board’s information, Mr. Sander provided copies of Judge Rubenstein’s opinion reversing a decision of the Zoning Hearing Board regarding a variance granted to Brandywine Realty. 

APPEAL FROM ZONING HEARING BOARD - EVANS:  For the Board’s information, Mr. Sander provided copies of an order dismissing the Evans’ appeal of a Zoning Hearing Board decision regarding the Suttons. 

REQUEST FOR DEDICATION - ST. ANDREWS BRIAR:  Mr. Sander explained that the Elliott Building Group has requested dedication of public improvements in the St. Andrews Briar development.  However, the developer has not complied with all the requirements for dedication.  Therefore, Mr. Sander is requesting a motion to deny the request. 

Mr. Jirele moved to deny the request for dedication of public improvements in the St. Andrews Briar development.  The motion was seconded by Mrs. Goren. 

Discussion of motion:  Mr. Jirele asked if a fence around a culvert is part of the St. Andrews Briar development.  Mr. Smith said it is part of the Pheasant Pointe development, and they know they have to take care of it.  Mr. Goodnoe said a resident has contacted him about a large pile of stumps on the St. Andrews Briar site.  Mr. Smith said he will check it out. 

Mr. Jirele’s motion passed unanimously. 

ZONING HEARING BOARD APPLICATIONS - 8/7/03:  Mr. Sander reviewed the four new applications scheduled before the Zoning Hearing Board for 8/7/03, and asked if the Supervisors wished the Solicitor to represent them in any of them.  Mr. Sander noted that the Planning Commission recommended opposition to three of the four. 

APPLICATION OF PRYDA, LLC - REQUEST #605-03:  Mr. Sander explained that the variances requested are not necessary if the applicant intends a residential use.  According to Mr. Harwood, the applicant applied for and received a building permit which specifies residential use for this property; the plan submitted with the request shows D-1 office use.  Mr. Sander said that the applicant has not yet obtained conditional use approval for either use, and the applicant will need to deal with parking requirements at that time.  If he is granted a variance now it will run with the land regardless of the use.  Mr. Sander said the plan mentions that five parking spaces will be leased from an adjoining property owner, but this has not been done, which calls into question the accuracy of the entire plan. 

PUBLIC COMMENT:  Nancy Crescenzo asked to comment on this item.  Mr. Harp said she was out of order, because Roberts Rules states that the public can comment on items of business only when a motion is on the floor.  Mr. Goodnoe said it has been the Board’s practice to allow the public to comment on any agenda item regardless of whether there is a motion on the floor.  Mr. Jirele said that the Community Comment section is limited to public comment on items not on the agenda; if people come to a meeting to comment on an important subject on the agenda, they should be able to do so during the Board’s discussion.  

Mr. Jirele moved to adopt a policy to allow public comment on agenda items at the time the agenda item is addressed by the Board.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Goodnoe. 

Discussion of motion:  Mr. Goodnoe said the Chairman has the prerogative to manage public comment, but people have the right to comment.  Mrs. Goren said the public may comment when the Board is contemplating an action, or during the two Community Comment sessions.  Mr. Jirele said the public may have something to contribute to the discussion before a motion is made. He also said people should not have to wait for the second Community Comment session, which frequently comes very late in the evening. 

Warren Keyser, a Township resident, supported Mr. Jirele’s motion.  He pointed out that sometimes the Board makes decisions without motions, as in the case of the Zoning Hearing Board applications. 

Nancy Crescenzo supported Mr. Jirele’s motion.  She also stated she is very concerned about the damage being done to the creek bank by the work at the Pryda site. 

Joe Valenti said he is the neighbor from whom the applicant in the Pryda case hopes to lease parking spaces, but they have not been leased yet. 

Shawn Ward said he agrees with Mr. Keyser’s comment about Zoning Hearing Board applications, and feels the public should be able to comment on them.  Mrs. Goren said she agrees with Mr. Keyser’s comment as well. 

Mr. Jirele’s motion passed 3-2, with Mrs. Goren and Mr. Harp voting “nay.” 

Mr. Jirele said he hopes the public will not abuse the new policy.  Mr. Goodnoe said he hopes the Board can live up to it. 

Mrs. Goren said she would like to send the Solicitor to oppose the Pryda Zoning Hearing Board application.  Mr. Goodnoe asked Mr. Sander to explain the issue of the five parking spaces.  Mr. Sander said a note on the plan says the applicant intends to lease at least five spaces from an adjoining property, and the Planning Commission wanted the Board to know this has not happened.  These spaces would be needed only for a commercial use. 

Mr. Sander said Mr. Harwood will be on vacation when the 8/7/03 meeting is held.  Mr. Jirele suggested the Board send a letter to the Zoning Hearing Board summarizing these issues.  He said he would prefer to reserve the Solicitor for the most egregious situations. 

Mr. Goodnoe moved to send a letter to the Zoning Hearing Board expressing the concern of the Board of Supervisors that the note on the plan regarding leasing parking spaces should be removed if the applicant does not produce a lease.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Jirele. 

Discussion of motion:  Mrs. Goren asked if the motion should include a reference to the inappropriateness of the application.  Mr. Sander said it is not inappropriate, just not ripe. 

Mr. Goodnoe asked if the Pryda plan is consistent with the Sycamore Street plan.  Shawn Ward, a member of the Sycamore Street Committee, said it is consistent. 

Mr. Jirele questioned if a letter will be sufficient.  Mr. Sander offered to speak about the Board's concerns at the Zoning Hearing Board meeting. 

Mr. Goodnoe moved to amend his motion as follows:  The Solicitor is directed to attend the Zoning Hearing Board meeting on 8/7/03 and express the sense of tonight’s discussion about the Pryda LLC application, but not to oppose the application.  The amended motion was seconded by Mr. Jirele and passed unanimously. 

APPLICATION OF KJMED LLC - REQUEST # 603-03:  Mr. Sander noted that the Planning Commission objected to the request for a D-2 Medical Office Use because this use is prohibited in the LI District.  He said the applicant claims the impact will be the same as that of a D-1 Use.  Mr. Sander said that if he is sent to the meeting, he will bring a traffic expert to testify about the impact of D-2 Use.  

Mrs. Goren moved to send the Solicitor to oppose the application of KJMED LLC.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Harp. 

Discussion of motion:  Mr. Jirele questioned the severity of the traffic impact, given the location of this property near the corner of Newtown-Yardley Road.  Mr. Weaver said the Economic Development Committee is considering whether to recommend that medical offices be permitted in the LI District.  Mrs. Goren said the Township should not rezone the area piecemeal.  Shawn Ward said the Planning Commission raised the same objection.  

Nancy Crescenzo spoke in support of raising the issue of permitting medical offices in the LI District. 

Mrs. Goren’s motion failed 2-3, with Mr. Goodnoe, Mr. Jirele and Mr. Weaver voting “nay.” 

SIGNING OF MYLARS - 30 CHATHAM PLACE - TMP# 29-4-207:  Mr. Sander provided copies of a 7/9/03 memo from Mr. Harwood asking the Board to consider 1) granting an extension for the PRD approval for 30 Chatham Place, and 2) approving the signing of the mylars. 

Mr. Weaver moved to grant an extension of the PRD approval for 30 Chatham Place to 8/7/04.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Goodnoe and passed unanimously. 

Mr. Jirele moved to sign the mylars for 30 Chatham Place, in accordance with Mr. Smith’s 8/5/03 letter.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Goodnoe. 

Discussion of motion:  Mrs. Goren asked that the motion be amended to state that the mylars will not be released unless all fees are paid. 

Mr. Jirele and Mr. Goodnoe agreed to amend their motion in accordance with Mrs. Goren’s request.  The motion passed unanimously. 

ENGINEER 

INSTALLATION OF TRAFFIC SIGNAL - BRANDYWINE BOULEVARD AND NEWTOWN-YARDLEY ROAD (RESOLUTION 2003-R-19:  Mr. Goodnoe moved to approve Resolution 2003-R-19, to apply for the installation of a traffic signal at Brandywine Boulevard and Newtown-Yardley Road.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Weaver. 

Discussion of motion:  Mrs. Goren asked if there will be a cost to taxpayers; Mr. Smith responded that there will not be a cost. 

Mr. Goodnoe’s motion passed unanimously. 

FINAL PAYMENT - TRAFFIC SIGNAL - LINTON HILL AND WASHINGTON CROSSING ROADS:  Mr. Weaver moved to make the final payment, in the amount of $10,543.00, for the installation of the traffic light at Linton Hill and Washington Crossing Roads.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Jirele and passed unanimously. 

2003 ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM:  Mr. Smith provided a revised proposal for the 2003 Roadway Improvement Program to the Board.  He said the original proposal was discussed at a work session, and Mr. Goodnoe asked him to look into reducing the cost of some items.  The original budget was approximately $283,000 for construction costs and approximately $45,500 for engineering.  Mr. Smith said he was able to reduce the total costs by approximately $10,000. 

Mr. Goodnoe moved to approve the 2003 Roadway Improvement Program as presented by Pennoni Associates and amended tonight, and to include the alternate for the fiberized asphalt membrane that may be needed for Pheasant Run. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Goren and passed unanimously. 

NEW BUSINESS 

AUTHORIZATION OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY TO PARTICIPATE IN NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE ACME SITE (RESOLUTION 2003-R-20):  Mr. Goodnoe moved to authorize the Redevelopment Authority to assist the Township in negotiations for the acquisition of the old Acme property.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Weaver. 

Discussion of motion:  Nancy Crescenzo asked if there are contaminants in the ground at the Acme site; she said she is concerned about whether the Township is liable for cleaning it up.  Mr. Sander said the soil was tested before the Township entered into the lease. 

Mr. Goodnoe’s motion passed unanimously. 

CONTRIBUTION FOR DEFENSE FUND - BUCKS COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS (BCATO):  Mr. Harp said that BCATO will be filing an amicus brief on behalf of Upper Makefield, which is being challenged by a developer, and the Township has been asked to contribute $1,000 to the Defense Fund. 

Mr. Goodnoe moved to contribute $1,000 to the BCATO Defense Fund towards the defense of Upper Makefield Township.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Jirele and passed unanimously. 

COMMUNITY COMMENTS 

Brandon Wind asked for an update on the intersection in front of Applebee’s.  Mr. Smith said Pennoni Associates issued a report two weeks ago which estimated very high costs for correcting the road conditions at this intersection.  He said Pennoni is in the process of providing some backup data requested by Mr. Pellegrino.  Mr. Smith said the intersection was built as designed; if changes are to be made, they must be submitted to PennDOT.  This might be done as part of a major renovation of the Bypass.  In the meantime, Mr. Smith recommended posting warning signs. 

Nancy Crescenzo expressed concern about the Township’s relationship with the Borough. 

Glenn Beasley, a Township resident, said that the Township Engineer was paid about $679,000 by the Township in 2001, and about $740,000 in 2002.  Pennoni Associates will probably be paid a similar amount in 2004, plus about $350,000 for the Sycamore Street project. 

Frank Mendicino said Carroll Engineering contributed to Mr. Goodnoe’s campaign and was paid an increasing amount of money each year for five years.  However, Pennoni Associates is getting paid less this year than last year. 

Mr. Jirele said that Mr. Mendicino was on the Board when those payments were approved.  He also said that most of the money that goes to the Township Engineer is a pass-through, not Township money.  Mr. Mendicino said no one ever suggested contracting with any company other than Carroll Engineering when he was on the Board.  Mr. Jirele and Mr. Goodnoe disagreed with him and mentioned several projects for which the services of other companies were used. 

Del Purscell said that the Board could resolve this issue by refusing to accept political contributions from contractors. 

John D’Aprile, a Township resident, expressed disappointment at the petty politics being displayed tonight. 

Mr. Goodnoe asked how the Township will make up the revenue shortfall caused by the loss of the contract with Newtown Borough.  Mr. Harp said this will be addressed at a later meeting. 

ADJOURNMENT:  Mr. Weaver moved to adjourn.  With no objections, the meeting was adjourned at 11:22 PM.

Respectfully Submitted:

_____________________________
Gretta Stone, Recording Secretary      

Approved as submitted _______ as corrected _______

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Scott R. Harp, Chairman

______________________________________
Anne Goren, Vice Chairman/Assistant Treasurer

______________________________________
Richard Weaver, Treasurer/Secretary

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Thomas Jirele, Member

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Raymond Goodnoe, Member