and ask for a volunteer application.WINTER 2000 NEWSLETTER
Table of Contents
BROAD RUN PARK "UNDERBRUSH PROJECT"
You probably have noticed a major project going on at Broad Run Park this fall and winter. All the vines, underbrush, debris, and dead trees were cleared between the in-line skating rink and the "Tot-lot." The area closest to the Tot-lot on the north side and a 15-20’ wide buffer on the inside of the bituminous trail in the wooded section of the park have been cleared. This was done in order to provide greater visibility and safety.
The only work done on the outside of the trail was the removal of dead trees that posed a possible hazard to residents using the trail. We also plan to clear vines from around each tree in the interior of that trail. Many of these vines are 2" or more in diameter, which threaten the health of numerous trees. The rest of the underbrush will be left untouched for buffering and natural wildlife habitat.
You may also have noticed several high school students working on this project in the late afternoons or on Saturdays. One group of students and counselors is from Home Quest and they have been fulfilling their community service obligations. The other group of students is from Downingtown Area High School. The Downingtown Senior High School Graduation Project Committee has approved this project as "A Community Service Experience." Any ninth to twelfth grader who is looking for a project to fulfill part of his/her graduation requirements should contact Mr. Petty (610-269-4400) at the High School or Gary Schmidt (610-269-4174) at the West Bradford Township Administration Building for more details.
SUPERVISORS ELECT MR. HAIKO to be CHAIRMAN for 2000
In keeping with the tradition of rotating the chairmanship of the Board of Supervisors, Mr. Haiko was elected to be Chairman for 2000. Mr. Haiko became a supervisor in August 1990, when he was appointed to fill a vacant unexpired term of office. Since that time he has been elected to fill that term and to fill a complete term of office.
The Board of Supervisors has rotated the chairmanship for a number of years. Although the chairman does not have any greater legislative authority than the other members of the Board do, he does direct the meetings and establishes the agenda in concert with the township manager. The rotation of the chairmanship gives each board member an opportunity to forward programs, which they believe are important for the citizens.
The members of the Board of Supervisors are elected to six-year terms. The terms are staggered so that a supervisor is elected to office each odd numbered year.
When was the last militia training held in West Bradford Township, and what was the fine for not attending?
ANSWER TO DID YOU KNOW?
According to an article in the 1894 Morning Republican, the last training was held in 1835 or 1836. If you were between the ages of 18 and 45, and did not attend, you were subject to a fine of 50 cents.
As the public by that time did not feel the need for this training it was not taken too seriously. The last participants were pelted with rotten eggs and left the training grounds. This ended the militia training in West Bradford.
Without fail every winter we receive some snow and ice storms. Some winters are more severe than others are. However, whether it will be severe or not, our people are preparing to do their best to have our roads in as good a condition as possible.
Our trucks salt, cinder, and plow over 125 lane miles of roads. We hire extra contractors and maintain stock piles of over 400 tons of anti-skid material. We stock extra parts for plows, salt spreaders, and truck chains. Despite our best efforts, we do have equipment break downs during snowstorms; this may delay work on certain routes. Please be patient.
Each operator has a specific route that includes high priority roads and lesser priority roads. When a snowstorm begins, operators will cover their entire route with salt and anti-skid material. This helps to keep the snow and ice from freezing on the surface. After that they begin to plow their route. The intensity of the snowstorm determines how routes are completed. For minor storms the entire route may be completed at once. However, if the storm intensifies, only priority routes (usually through roads) will be plowed. Cul-de-sacs and secondary roads will not be done until the main routes can be kept open. As the storm lightens all roads will be opened. After all roads can be kept open, drivers complete their route by pushing snow back as far as possible on the cartway and clearing the intersections.
The success of our winter maintenance program depends on how much cooperation we receive from our citizens. By following these guidelines during a snowstorm you can assist us in keeping the roadways open:
Our road department and the contractors we hire spend long hours in tough conditions to make the roads as safe as possible, please cooperate with them and appreciate the fact that they are doing their best to serve the community.
The Shadyside Park Task Force will present the proposed Master Plan to the Board of Supervisors on Thursday January 20, 2000 at 7:30 PM in the Township Administration Building. This will follow a year of study by the task force. The presentation will be made at a public meeting that is being held to hear the report and the recommendations for development of the park.
The final plan that will be presented to the Board of Supervisors will include a recommendation to phase the construction of the park. The first phase will include the general grading, utilities, parking, walking trails, a baseball field and other amenities. The second phase is to include other facilities such as tennis courts and additional pavilions. The phasing is being done for financial reasons and to provide additional opportunity to review some of the facilities at the Broad Run Park. If a facility at the Broad Run Park run is underutilized or is creating problems, and a similar facility is planned for the Shadyside Park, then a review will be made before construction to determine if is appropriate to have that at the new park.
The Task Force includes representatives from various segments of our community and Township commissions and committees. They have worked with a consulting firm to prepare the master plan for the Township. In their work there has been presentations from other consultants, contacts with organizations and individuals in the community, an open public meeting to receive citizens comments, and visits to other facilities. This is the same process that was utilized to develop Broad Run Park. Because of that process Broad Run Park is a wonderful place in our community. We believe that the Shadyside Park will become a prominent community asset as well.
During the discussion of plans for the Shadyside Park a community pool was considered for this site. The Task Force is recommending that a pool not be a part of the development plans for the park. They are also recommending that if a community pool is considered in the future, a more comprehensive study be completed regarding siting, fiscal responsibilities, and management.
Our heartfelt thanks to the Task Force for their work in producing a plan for the Shadyside Park and their consideration of the needs and desires of the community. The construction of the park will occur over several years, but when it is available for use it will be a great place to visit and enjoy.
SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
Welsh Tract – Broad Run & Shadyside Roads, 30 lots. The Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors reviewed a preliminary plan. A final plan is under review by the Planning Commission.
Oak Hollow – Shadyside & Great Roads, 14 lots. The Board of Supervisors denied the original plan in July. The applicant has submitted a revised, preliminary plan that is currently under review by the Planning Commission.
DuPont Property – Romansville Road & Chestnut Lane, 299 lots. The applicant, Orleans Homebuilders, has submitted a preliminary plan to the Township. After receiving informal Planning Commission comments on that plan, the developer has produced sketch plans for the site that incorporate more open space and less housing units.
Highgrove – Hall Road & Hall Lane, 20 lots. The Planning Commission is reviewing a preliminary plan.
The Township has entered into an agreement with the Philadelphia Suburban Water Company (PSW) to provide fire hydrants on the public water system. The agreement requires PSW to maintain the hydrants and conduct periodic inspections of those hydrants. Having fire hydrants available in the township can help the fire company save lives and reduce property damage during fires. Most insurance companies also offer a reduction in your fire insurance premiums if your property is located in an area covered by fire hydrants and a fire company. Please check with your insurance company to determine if you qualify for a rate reduction.
The cost of maintaining and providing the hydrants will be assessed to the properties that benefit from hydrant service. This is a fair way to distribute costs to those who benefit from their protection. The Pennsylvania Second Class Township Code defines those properties as any that are located within 780 feet of a fire hydrant. The cost from PSW for each hydrant averages $350 per year. There are currently about 90 fire hydrants in the township.
Residents, who are in a fire hydrant service area, will receive their 2000 fire hydrant bill from the Township in February. The bill for 2000 is $25 per property covered.
Christmas Trees can be brought to the Municipal Campus, 1385 Campus Drive, for recycling. The trees are shredded into mulch; therefore, you must remove all stands, ornaments and plastic bags from the trees. Christmas wreaths can not be accepted.
Trees can be dropped off anytime from December 23, 1999 through January 31, 2000. The signs at the Municipal Campus will direct you where to drop off the trees.
The free mulch from the shredding is available for pick up by township residents. Residents may take mulch for home use year-round during daylight hours. The mulch is located in a marked pile behind the Public Works garage at the intersection of Poorhouse and Marshallton-Thorndale Roads.
Township residents have been experiencing significant trash pickup problems over the past few months. The Township’s contracted waste hauler, Waste Management Inc., has been missing routes sporadically and/or collecting trash late. Stated reasons for these difficulties have been broken equipment, driver’s being ill, new drivers, and cars blocking street access.
The Township has recently assessed Waste Management over $20,000 in penalties for missed pickups. We have had several meetings with them regarding the problems. Waste Management has put a new management team in place and has stated that the problems will be corrected. Township staff will continue to monitor Waste Management’s performance and assess penalties or seek other legal courses of action should the situation not improve. The Township’s current contract with Waste Management runs through 2000.
Please report all trash problems to the Township at (610) 269-4174. We will report the problem to Waste Management. If your trash is not picked up within a day, contact us again. We will make sure that the trash is collected and that Waste Management is held accountable. We appreciate your patience and assure you that we are making every effort get your trash collected promptly and efficiently.
Volunteers are needed to fill vacant positions on various boards and commissions. Just contact the township at (610) 269-4174 or and ask for a volunteer application.
Citizens serve on the township Planning Commission, Recycling Advisory Committee, Building Appeals Board, Historical Committee, Recreation Commission, and Zoning Hearing Board. These bodies generally meet at least monthly, in the evenings.
Even if you may not be interested in serving on a standing committee there are always opportunities to serve the township on a volunteer basis. Examples of other volunteer opportunities include assisting with West Bradford Day, helping out at our parks, participating in our Recycling Committee’s roadside trash cleanup, and serving on special committees like the Shadyside Park Task Force.
If you would like a further description of any of the volunteer bodies or opportunities, please contact us.
STUDENTS – WE WANT YOU, TOO!
The Township is increasing our efforts to make high school and college students aware of the functions of local government and get them involved in municipal affairs. Towards this end, we are expanding student representation on our Recreation Commission, Recycling Advisory Committee, and Historical Committee.
If there is enough student interest, each body will be expanded to include a student representative. The student would serve for a one-year appointed term and have all of the rights and responsibilities of a regular member. The positions may qualify for the Downingtown Area School District graduation project requirements. Contact the Township Office to express your interest.
NEW PARKS DIRECTOR - GARY SCHMIDT
Gary Schmidt was hired September 1, 1999 as West Bradford Township’s first ever "Parks Director". Gary and his family have resided in West Bradford Township since 1972 and he served as a firefighter for over 15 years. Previously, Gary was a math educator in the Haverford Township School District and was also involved with summer recreation programs, coaching, as well as initiating and planning interdisciplinary outdoor educational activities. His summers have been involved with his own pruning business, graduate work, "Good Works, Inc.", and making time to participate in various sports and outdoor activities.
As Parks Director, Gary’s duties will include land and equipment maintenance, budgeting, scheduling, capital expenditures, securing grants, maintaining facilities, landscaping, safety, as well as working closely with the West Bradford Township Recreation Commission to initiate new and varied programs for our residents.
A graduate of Bloomsburg University, Gary also earned a Master’s Equivalency through his graduate work at Penn State University. During the summers of 1993-94, he was one of twenty-two educators from the United States selected to participate in a "Conservation Biology Project" at the University of Montana.
The sewer system for the Village of Marshallton, the surrounding area, and the Tattersall Development has received planning approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). A contract has been signed with Tatman and Lee Associates to complete the design engineering and the construction bid documents for the project. The Township is working with a bond counsel for financing of the project.
Recently, a letter was sent to property owners that will be a part of the system. It asked the property owner to provide information necessary to design the individual hookups to the system. It also informed them that the engineering firm would be visiting their home to verify that information. If you believe that your property is intended to be in the system and you have not received a letter, or you want to know if you can be served by the system, please contact the Township Manager.
The expected completion date of the system is Fall 2001. After the design of the system is complete it must be approved by DEP and reviewed by the Delaware River Basin Commission. Only after those reviews can the work be placed for bidding. Depending upon the weather and the time of year that we are able to begin the project, it is anticipated that the construction will take approximately nine months.
Because the system will not serve the entire township its costs cannot be paid from the Township’s general fund. Those that directly benefit from the system must pay its costs. There will be three cost items that the property owners must deal with: a tie-in-fee, an annual usage fee, and a one-time connection cost.
The tie-in-fee can be compared to placing a down payment on a purchase. The reason for a tie-in-fee is to avoid having to pay the entire cost of the system at once. This allows annual usage fees that will not be too expensive.
The annual usage fee includes costs for operation and maintenance of the system as well as debt costs. The amount of the tie-in-fee and the annual usage fee directly relate to one another; if the tie in fee is lower, the annual fee will be higher and if the tie in fee is higher, the annual fee will be lower. The Township will review this when considering the system’s financing. A reasonable tie-in-fee will be set to keep debt service costs as reasonable as possible: thereby keeping the annual usage fees as low as possible.
The one-time connection costs cover the work that must be done on individual properties to connect to the system and to close the old sewage system. The property owner will do this by hiring an approved contractor.
In order to help affected property owners the Township will provide additional letters of explanation as we proceed through the project. If any citizen has any concerns or questions please contact the Township Manager.
The Township has investigated whether Community Development Block Grants are available to reduce the costs of the system. However, these grants are not available at this time for this project. There may be grants available to low- income individuals which would assist with the one-time connection costs. This information will also be explained in future mailings.
WEST BRADFORD DAY 2000 – SUNDAY, JUNE 4th
Mark your calendars now – the annual "West Bradford Day" celebration has been set for Sunday, June 4th, 2000. It will again be held at Broad Run Park. Numerous diverse exhibits, demonstrations, games, amusements, and other special events are being planned right now to provide entertainment and fun for all ages! An abundance of food from many local eateries and organizations will be available to entertain your taste buds as well.
We need lots and lots of volunteers, so please call Gary Schmidt at 610-269-4174 to give us an hour or two (or more!) of your time. Help make the first ‘West Bradford Party’ of this new millennium one we won’t soon forget!
Three residents have been appointed by the Board of Supervisors to serve on township volunteer boards and commissions. Mr. Wayne Ortner has been appointed to the Planning Commission, Mr. Martin Fortino has been appointed to the Recreation Commission, and Ms. Debbie Vitulli has been appointed to the Recycling Advisory Committee. We look forward to their fresh insight and assistance to the township.
BROAD RUN PARK - "LOST AND FOUND"
Lost and Found items may be claimed at the West Bradford Township Administrative Offices. You must identify the items and know the approximate date of its loss.