Newtown Township
Board
of Supervisors Work Session
November
13, 2006
Members Present: Anne Goren, Chairman;
Philip Calabro, Vice Chairman; Jerry Schenkman, Secretary/Treasurer; Richard
Weaver, Member; Paul Beckert, Solicitor; Robert M. Pellegrino, Township
Manager; Herbert Gery, Engineer. Not
present was Tom Jirele, Member.
Also Present: Judith Goldstein, Boucher
& James, Inc.; Elaine Mills, Boucher & James, Inc.; Theresa Katalinas,
Bucks County Courier Times; Ethel Hibbs, Newtown resident.
Call to Order: Chairman Goren called the
meeting to order at 8:01 P.M.
Newtown Business Commons
Streetscape Master Plan
The
Supervisors were provided a copy of the proposed master plan for the Newtown
Business Commons streetscape in their packet for review.
Ms.
Goldstein made a presentation regarding the Newtown Business Commons
streetscape master plan. She advised the
Supervisors on the need for a streetscape within the Newtown Business Commons. She discussed busing in the Newtown Business
Commons and the enhancing of the entryways.
She discussed the need for amenities and the ability to walk in the
area. She advised the Supervisors on the
master plan and what is being proposed.
She discussed the grants that may be available.
Ms.
Goren commented on the cost of the proposed plan and who would pay. Ms. Goldstein advised on the cost of the
project and the funding.
Ms.
Goldstein advised the Supervisors on discussions that have taken place with the
businesses located in the Newtown Business Commons regarding a streetscape
master plan.
Ms.
Goren advised that she likes the proposed Newtown Business Commons streetscape
master plan.
Mr.
Weaver advised that he also likes the proposed Newtown Business Commons
streetscape master plan.
Mr.
Calabro questioned the bus service available in the area.
The
Supervisors discussed Septa and the Rush buses services and the busing
schedules.
Mr.
Schenkman advised that he likes the concept of the plan, but needs more
information on the next steps for the Township to take.
Ms.
Goldstein discussed strategies and the next step for the Township.
The
Supervisors discussed the benefits to the businesses within the Newtown
Business Commons and the effects to the small businesses.
Mr.
Calabro commented on the grants available and the Newtown Business Commons
working with Joint Downtown Newtown Corporation. Ms. Goldstein advised with regards to
applying for the grants.
Mr.
Schenkman questioned what would happen once the Township approves the master
plan. Mr. Pellegrino advised on the
process once the Township approves the master plan.
The
Supervisors discussed the cost of the project to the Township.
The
Supervisors discussed the proposed 2007 Budget.
Ms.
Goren commented with regards to the Recreation Department and the need for more
revenue. Mr. Pellegrino advised the
Supervisors with regards to the Recreation Department’s 2007 Budget
Ms.
Goren commented on the possibility of the Township charging more for some of
the recreation programs. Mr. Pellegrino
advised with regards to raising fees and the possible loss of registration to
the programs. He advised that he would
speak with Mr. Wert regarding the fees being charged for recreation programs.
Mr.
Schenkman advised he would like to hear more public comment with regards to the
proposed 2007 Budget.
Mr.
Pellegrino advised that the Board of Supervisors would hang the 2007 Budget at
next week’s meeting.
Mr.
Calabro questioned areas in the 2007 Budget that could be reduced. Mr. Pellegrino advised with regards to the
2007 Budget. He advised that the
department’s requests are consistent to prior years with the exception of
salaries, health benefits and pensions.
He also discussed the increased cost of heating oil and gasoline.
Mr.
Calabro questioned if the Township has increased the number of personnel. Mr. Pellegrino advised that the Township’s
number of employees has not really increased with the exception of adding two
Police Officers to help patrol Wrightstown.
Mr.
Pellegrino advised that on Monday, November 20, 2006, the Supervisors would
adopt the 2007 Preliminary Budget. He
also advised on the contributions to local organizations that the Township
continues to make.
Mr.
Calabro commented if the Ordinance would be enforceable on Stoopville and Swamp
Roads.
Mr.
Beckert advised the Supervisors on discussions with the Township’s Traffic
Engineer.
Mr.
Beckert advised that currently the Township can enforce the Noise Ordinance.
The
Supervisors discussed requesting the Township’s Traffic Engineer to make the
application now to see what the enforcement would be.
Mr.
Beckert advised that he would gather more information.
The
Supervisors agreed to discuss the matter further once they have more
information.
Mr.
Beckert updated the Supervisors on the proposed Demolition by Neglect for
Historic Structures Ordinance. He
discussed the Ordinance that Bedminster Township has and advised the
Supervisors of their options.
Ms.
Goren advised that she is in favor of the Township approaching the Jointure to
discuss the matter further.
Mr.
Schenkman advised that he is also in favor of the Township approaching the
Jointure to discuss the matter further and that he would like to hear from the
public.
Mr.
Beckert advised the Supervisors that he would discuss the matter with the other
solicitors in the Jointure.
The
Supervisors agreed to discuss the matter further once they have more
information.
Ms.
Goren questioned the utility rights. Mr.
Beckert advised that the utility rights would not be effected.
Mr.
Calabro commented with regards to maintenance.
Mr. Beckert advised that currently the Township is not maintaining these
areas.
Mr.
Beckert advised the Supervisors that the roads in question have never been
opened.
Mr.
Schenkman commented with regards to the current landowners choosing not to
purchase the land.
Mr.
Pellegrino advised the Supervisors on his experiences with regards to deeds and
paper streets.
The
Supervisors discussed recording something in the County Clerks Office with
regards to vacating the paper streets.
Mr.
Beckert advised the Supervisors that he would research the matter with the
Recorder of Deeds and update the Supervisors.
The
Supervisors agreed to discuss the matter further once they have more
information.
Mr.
Pellegrino updated the Board of Supervisors with regards to the creation of the
Newtown Visioning/Focus Committee.
Mr.
Calabro commented on what he would like to see the Committee undertake.
Mr.
Schenkman questioned the deadline for a response to the Comprehensive Plan.
Ms.
Goren advised with regards to the deadline.
Mr.
Schenkman advised that he is concerned with the Township meeting the
deadline. He suggested having the
Committee focus on the Comprehensive Plan and then move into other areas.
Mr.
Calabro commented on the need to start visioning now.
Ms.
Goren commented on the Township’s high quality of life. She also discussed the Council Rock School
District.
Mr.
Calabro commented on the Township maintaining a thriving economic
community. He also discussed the
Township’s park system, quality of life and revenue.
Mr.
Beckert suggested having the Committee review the Comprehensive Plan and if
that worked out, to have them get started visioning for the future of the
community.
Mr.
Pellegrino questioned how the Supervisors would like to proceed and suggested
developing a Mission Statement for the Committee.
Mr.
Pellegrino and Mr. Beckert advised that they would begin drafting a Mission
Statement for the Supervisors review.
The
Supervisors agreed to discuss the matter further once they have reviewed a
draft of the Mission Statement.
Ms.
Hibbs commented on the possible removal of the no turn on red sign located at
the intersection of Sycamore and Jefferson Streets. Mr. Pellegrino advised that the no turn on
red sign would not be removed due to site issues.
Ms.
Hibbs advised the Supervisors that she is in favor of the Township having an
Ordinance regarding the Demolition by Neglect for Historic Structures and
having discussions with the Jointure.
She commented on the work being done by Jeff Marshall.
The
Supervisors discussed the work still pending for the Sycamore Street
improvement project.
Without
objection, the meeting was adjourned at 9:36 P.M.
Respectfully
Submitted by:
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