TUESDAY JUNE 11, 2002
Approval of Minutes: On motion of member Fidler, seconded by member Fusco and approved by all present, except members Dieterle & Bowe who had been absent, minutes of the meeting held on May 14, 2002 were approved.
The Newtown Township Financial Planning Commission met on
Tuesday, June 11, 2002 in the meeting room of the Township Municipal Building,
100 Municipal Drive, Newtown, Pa.
Members present were Chairman Richard Weaver, Phil Vance,
Elaine M. Gibbs, and Allen R. Fidler, III. In attendance were Township Manager Robert Pellegrino, Code Enforcement Officer Thomas Harwood and
Gary Crossland, Public Works Director.
Chairman Weaver called the meeting to order and Code
Enforcement Officer Harwood introduced the newly-hired Director of Public
Works, Gary Crossland to all present.
Minutes of the meeting held on May 14, 2002 were
approved by motion of member Gibbs,
seconded by member Fidler, with one
correction on page 3: GASB (not GATSBY).
Codes & Public Works Future Plans (report attached)
Public Works Director & Code Enforcement Officer Harwood reported that the Computer System documents the Roadway Systems in the Township. The year in which each roadway has been improved is an important part of the documentation. Data will be reviewed by the engineering firm of the Township for accuracy. Most roads in developments are included, and will be added as dedicated.
The inclusion of Sycamore Street, as a gift to the Township
or a grant will be determined by the auditors for inclusion when final
consideration is noted as a (value) asset.
Assets are computed at such time as the Township borrows funds. The electronic based system has been
completed by the Public Works Department.
Mr. Harwood answered queries about certain roads: Twining Bridge Road was not built for the
heavy use to which it is now travelled,
due to developments along the road and thru-traffic. Mr. Harwood asked for the Commission to include major repairs to
all or certain areas to be given serious consideration, citing liability of the
Township. In particular, he asked for
drainage and shoulder improvements as soon as possible (and not necessarily
straightening). This will require
engineering and design plans. Mr.
Harwood recommended doing one section at a time, but doing the job WELL.
Again, he strongly urged serious
consideration of Twining Bridge Road.
Mr. Harwood defended the narrow cartway : noted the curve is tangible evidence of the
poor condition of shoulders.
Recommended speed limits should be 35 – 45 mph.
Member Fidler questioned whether the engineer had
prioritized roads, cartways and/or shoulder conditions?
Bridge Repairs
Mr. Harwood centered attention to Page 2, Section 2 of the
report: bridge repair and shoulder
improvements are needed at the Linton Hill Road Bridge, expected to begin construction on June 19th. Stone will be re-used to help maintain the
historic appearance of the walled structures on each side.
Road Resurfacing should become a capital part of this phase
of annual repair work. Member Fidler
asked if a developer’s traffic study report which should be submitted with
development plans might be added to the GIS Information System? This would show a present use as well as
impending/future travel. Question: does the Township have a
“trip-counter?” Could the “Speed
Calibrator” make counts? Might the
Township “re-seal” rather than “re-surface”?
Presently there are products on the market which allow “re-sealing at a
depth of ½”.
Municipal Drive
Note: Municipal
Drive needs a street light at the curve for increased visibility. A planned traffic light when development is
finalized opposite the Drive may
improve illumination.
Equipment
Mr. Harwood urged
replacement of the 1987 Johnston Sweeper
this year: the level of service
demanded of it by residents has increased. The new goal is to sweep streets every ten (10) days on both
sides. Employees have considered
three machines; recommending Elgin as the
best and would be expected to serve for 10 years.
Mr. Pellegrino suggested bids through the Consortium could be investigated. Reilly Sweeping had done the streets about 3 – 4 years ago for $6,000. for a one-time only sweep.
Member Fidler noted that one employee dedicated to the job would be a costly budget item.
Township Manager Pellegrino agreed to seek approval of
purchase from the Board of Supervisors presently. Liquid Fuels funds are available for the purchase. Mr. Harwood recommended purchase and
implementation of the suggested program as soon as possible.
Buildings/Grounds
Mr. Harwood reported that expansion plans are progressing: at the proposed site of the Public Works Garage, the fuel tanks should be put above ground.
Code Department Storage is presently contained in the Code
Department Building, making for
congestion. However, papers are more accessible for
research. Paper/document storage must
be a primary consideration and part of the plan for all departments.
Wrights Road (page 4 of documents)
Widening of the cartway if necessary, but securing rights-of-ways have been issues
which have prevented widening.
Mowing Equipment
Currently, the
Township mows 80 acres weekly.
Contract the mowing outside employees?
Has not been considered. Should
it be?
Other items
Road signs, street
sweeping, culvert work, each might be
contracted outside items since demands in the future for other services and
tasks to employees will increase as residents come into the
Township from areas where services were rendered. Mr. Harwood noted that demand as the changes in the culture of
the Township change will mean
addressing the demands forthcoming.
Years 2013-2017
Summary: the number one (1) priority must be the recommendation about the Johnston Sweeper….along with certain road improvements as noted on page 2.
Suggestion: develop
a comprehensive plan to follow.
Encourage the Board of Supervisors to have the engineer process
priorities/cost projections.
(Carroll Engineering Corporation
had begun projections earlier). Use
some of the data at the present time and plan phases appropriately but do projects thoroughly and well.
Member Fidler suggested the Engineer be asked to make assessments from the prior proposals (of Carroll Enginerring Corp.) and up-date to present time. Perhaps a traffic count on certain roadways and a review of accident reports would be helpful in prioritizing projects. Costs and risks to residents must be reviewed with vision.
Chairman Weaver thanked Mr. Harwood and Mr. Crossland for
their interpretation and in-put into the report, promising careful
consideration by the Board of Supervisors.
Capital/Fixed Assets
Member & Finance Director Gibbs discussed the process used in listing
inventory in the Township. At the
August meeting she will present a policy to expedite the accuracy of listing,
in consideration of the GASB requirements.
Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting was duly adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________
Ethel K. Hibbs, Secretary