NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP SYCAMORE STREET COMMITTEE

Approval of Minutes: Mr. Merjeski made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 8, 2005 meeting as presented.

Members Present: Chairman Vince Lombardi; Members Joe Merjeski, Shannon Wilson, Melva Vittoriano, John Nejman, Frank Tyrol; HARB representative Terry McLean; Planning Commission Liaisons Shawn Ward, Esq. and Michael Piazza.

Members Not Present: Members David Burns, Jr., Supervisor Tom Jirele; Rand Jaslow, Borough Liaison; Barry Dinneen, Borough Representative; Planning Commission Liaison Beth Sanderlin.

Also present: Nelson Shaffer representing Pennoni Associates Inc.; Walt Jamison representing Newtown Presbyterian Church; Tom McLearnon representing Chandler Hall; business owners Robert and Sandi Thomas; Dave Heller and his father.

Call to Order: Chairman Lombardi called the meeting to order at 8:02 PM.

Approval of Minutes

Mr. Ward made a motion to approve the minutes of the January 11, 2005 meeting as presented. Mr. Merjeski seconded; the motion carried, with abstention by Mr. Piazza.

Special Announcements

None.

OLD BUSINESS

• Bypass Left Turn Lane Project – Nelson Shaffer
  Mr. Shaffer reported the field view took place in late December; there were 22 punch list items, including additional seeding and silt fence removal. He said there were approximately 20 punch list items for Armour Electric, including additional signal poles and video detection. Mr. Ward asked if surplus materials at the intersection of Buck Road and the Bypass would be removed; Mr. Shaffer said he would look into the matter. Mr. Shaffer said that dotted lines at the intersection would be completed in warmer weather.
  
• Newtown Creek Restoration – Update Mr. Lombardi reported that the project was on hold and should resume in March.
  
• Community Relations Committee Report – Joe Merjeski
  Mr. Merjeski said that Mr. DeYoung and Mr. Pellegrino are working on the crack issues at Mr. DeYoung’s house; there is no decision yet about what will happen. Mr. Shaffer said the structural engineers will be reporting to the township about the issue.
  
• Haines & Kibblehouse – update/look ahead
Mr. Shaffer said that H & K are hoping to be back to work on February 14^th; Comcast and Verizon are working on moving over wires now. He said they may be able to put the facing on the Jersey barrier near 7-11 when the weather becomes warmer. Mr. Shaffer said that they sent someone into the sewer pipe and found that there were various size pipes utilized; they are recalculating the size and expense of replacing the pipe, as they should be able to use the standard 42” pipe instead of 48” pipe; they may not need to take down the stone wall. Mr. Shaffer said that the storm water sewer design should be finalized by the end of the week and they hope to make the repair overnight, and would bring in a day crew to finish if necessary. He said that the cost should fall within budget and the repair should be able to be completed fairly quickly because they can use the standard 42” pipe, which is more readily available. Mr. Shaffer reported that PennDOT will pay 80% of the repair cost.

• Acme Site Update
  Mr. Lombardi said he thought there were three or four proposals being considered, and that only two really fit the vision of the committee. He said there may be further news after the Board of Supervisors meeting tomorrow night. Mr. Lombardi noted that the agreement of sale with the seller is good for 120 days from December 23, 2004, and that approval to condemn was completed if needed.

NEW BUSINESS

Mr. Merjeski said the “Welcome to Newtown” sign at the Bypass was in poor condition. Mr. McLearnon said he was looking into pricing for a new sign and will speak to Mr. Pellegrino about replacing the sign.

Mr. Ward noted that two committee members had been appointed to other township committees: Shannon Wilson to the Planning Commission and Frank Tyrol to HARB.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

Next Meetings: The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 8, 2005.

Adjournment

On motion by Mr. Ward, and without objection, the meeting was adjourned at 8:28 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

_____________________________
Leslie P. Dunleavy, Recording Secretary