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CONSTRUCTION OF NEW MARSHALLTON SEWER SYSTEM READY TO MOVE FORWARD AT CONCLUSION OF COURT CASE
We continue to work toward providing the new sewer system to the Village of Marshallton. All of the permitting has been completed and the project is ready to move forward with construction bidding, except for a lawsuit that has been filed against the County and West Bradford Township. The lawsuit is scheduled for trial in March. At the conclusion of the trial we will move forward with the project. How the project moves forward will depend upon the outcome of the trial.
The lawsuit has been brought by Laura Maurer, William Ewing, Mary Ewing, Michael Lewis, and Jill Roberts Lewis: all residents or landowners in Newlin Township. Their principal stated complaint is that the land we are acquiring from Chester County for the spray fields cannot be transferred from the County to the Township. They contend that that transfer is a violation of the public trust, in that the County acquired the land for a specific purpose and cannot transfer it to another entity.
The Township has tried to work with the plaintiffs on several occasions. They have been offered the opportunity to change the layout of the spray system to better suit their stated goals. But they have not taken advantage of those opportunities.
The land that will be used for spray irrigation is located in West Bradford Township and will continue to be used as open space with the addition of the spray irrigation system. Over twenty of these types of facilities are currently in operation in southeastern Pennsylvania; many with histories as far back as a decade. The proposed system follows all of the guidelines and permit requirements established by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and from the Delaware River Basin Commission. Those permits could have been challenged if someone believed that they were not properly issued. They were not challenged.
The Township continues to receive inquiries from Marshallton residents as to when the system will be in place and when the failing septic systems can be eliminated. The plan is to move forward with the system as soon as possible, we still anticipate that to be sometime this year. We will establish a more exact starting date and project schedule shortly and will notify all of the affected residents by mail.
SUPERVISORS ELECT MR. BLAIR AS CHAIRMAN
In keeping with the tradition of rotating the chairmanship of the Board of Supervisors, Mr. Blair was elected to be Chairman for 2002. Mr. Blair was initially appointed to office in 1992. Since that time he has been re-elected to two terms 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.
TOWNSHIP THANKS MR. KLUNK FOR HIS SERVICE
Mr. Kenneth Klunk retired from the Township Board of Supervisors in December. He served two terms on the Board; being initially elected in 1990. During his time on the Board he championed a prudent fiscal approach to the Township’s finances. His great legacy includes shepherding the Downingtown Area Recreation Consortium (DARC) and the creation of the Township’s park and open space system. He was also very active in West Bradford Youth Athletics for many years.
Contributing to his decision to retire, Ken learned that he needed a kidney transplant. His wife, Barb, donated her kidney in November. The couple is slowly recovering with the help of their family and friends.
The Township thanks the Klunk family for their generous contributions to the community. Our prayers go with them. Ken plans to spend all of the free time he’ll get from not having to attend evening meetings with his four children and grandchildren.
WINTER IS HERE; WE'RE PREPARED FOR SNOW
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 122 lane miles of roads. We hire extra contractors and maintain stockpiles 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 breakdowns 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.
*We do not plow or maintain State roads. Strasburg Road, Marshallton-Thorndale Road, Northbrook Road, Romansville Road, Route 322, Bradford Avenue, Glenside Road (from Beacon Hill Road into Downingtown), Camp Linden Road, and Stargazer Road are State roads. Call PennDOT at 610-436-2091 to report problems with these roads.
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.
What was the total number of pupils enrolled in the Romansville Public School for the fall term of 1892?
ANSWER
Gertrude Cunningham had 12 male and 17 female students her class between the ages of 7 and 17. Her monthly salary was $35.
TOWNSHIP HIRES PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
Steve Becker was recently hired as the Township’s Public Works Director. This is part of the Township’s reorganization of our Public Works Department to better serve future community needs.
Steve is a native Pennsylvanian raised in Boalsburg, near State College. In 1989, he earned a Bachelor of Architectural Engineering Degree, with emphasis in construction management, from Penn State.
After graduating from Penn State, Steve spent 11 years on active duty in the Navy Civil Engineer Corps. He completed tours in Dahlgren, Virginia as a construction contract manager, in Washington D.C. as an environmental protection program manager, and in Sicily, Italy as a public works division head. During his time in the navy he obtained a Professional Engineer License in Pennsylvania and Virginia.
Steve moved here from Fairfax, Virginia to accept the Public Works Director position in September 2001. His wife, Theresa Becker, is originally from nearby Delaware County and works as a social worker in Downingtown.
CENSUS SHOWS HOW WE COMPARE AGE-WISE WITH DASD, COUNTY
(This article will be a recurring feature of our newsletter as Census information is distributed. It will show the results of the 2000 Census and compare it to the last Census.)
The results are in… How does the age of West Bradford residents compare to other Downingtown Area School District (DASD) municipalities and the County? The average age of a person in the Township was 35.5 years old. The average age of a County resident was 36.9 and 36.6 in the school district.
Our 2000 population was 10,775. Of that number, 7% of our residents are under 5 years old: the same as the County average and the rest of the DASD. Our young children and teenagers, from 5 to 19 years old, make up 29% of our population. This compares to 22% in the County and 25% in the DASD.
Young adults and middle age adults make up 32% of our residents, from 20 to 44 years old. This compares to 36% in the County and 35% in the DASD. Residents in or near the baby-boom generation, from 45 to 64 years old, make up 25% of West Bradford’s population. This is almost identical to the County and school district. Seniors, 65 plus, make up only 7% of our residents. The County has 12% seniors and the DASD 8%.
What do these numbers mean? West Bradford residents have roughly the same age characteristics as those in our School District and County. While our toddlers make up the same percentage as in the School District and County - we have a greater number of school age children. This is partially due to the moderately priced starter housing that existed in the Township during past decades. We have slightly less younger and middle age adults. This is partially due to our location in the county and the fact that we do not have as many apartment units as other municipalities in the area. Our seniors make up a considerably less percentage than the county average. This is partially due to the fact that we have no assisted living facilities and limited senior housing options.
How do the Township and School District use these results? The Township uses these numbers to help prioritize services to our residents. Our Recreation Commission looks at them to help figure out what kind of recreational facilities and events to plan. Our Planning Commission looks at them to help with long-term zoning and infrastructure plans. The School District looks at them to figure out classroom and facility needs.
Future newsletter Census articles will cover housing characteristics, racial breakdowns, and income levels.
ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES HAVE NEW STATE LICENSING REGULATIONS
Every all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or snowmobile owner in the township should be aware of new regulations put in place by the Commonwealth. These vehicles must be registered and have a certificate of title. License plates and/or registration stickers are now required, as is liability insurance.
ATV’s, snowmobiles and dirt bikes are defined as vehicles under the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code. Operators are not permitted to drive them on fields, farmland, common grounds, or private property without the consent of the owner. West Bradford Township encourages all operators to have written permission from the landowner on their possession when using private property. Both the operator and owner of the vehicle may be subject to all penalties associated with violating provisions of the vehicle code or trespassing.
No motorized vehicles of any kind are permitted on Township owned property.To make sure that your trash and recyclables get picked up you must:
· Recycle the proper items (aluminum, steel, bi-metallic cans, #1 and #2 plastics, clear/brown/green glass and office, junk mail, phone books, and light cardboard paper products are the only products accepted).
· Don’t put paper products with other recyclables.
· All items must be out at 6 A.M. on your collection day.
· Don’t pile trash in your toter so that the lid won’t shut.
· Don’t put items in your trash that are too heavy to lift.
· Purchase trash stickers for extra trash bags.
· Don’t put more than one item out for bulk trash.
· Don’t put bulk items out that contain freon unless it has a removal certification sticker on it.
Click here for more information on trash and recycling
Volunteers are needed to fill vacant positions on various boards and commissions. We are currently interviewing for positions on the Township’s Planning Commission, Recreation Commission, and Historical Commission.
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. We currently need volunteers to assisting with West Bradford Day and other events in the Township.
We are also looking for Downingtown Area High School students who need to complete their graduation project. We have several projects that could be used to fulfill their community service requirements.
Click here if you would like a further description of any of the volunteer opportunities or contact us at (610) 269-4174.The following men from West Bradford Township lost their lives in service to our country during World War II. A record of each of these men is being created. We are asking for your cooperation in providing whatever information that you may have on them - either official or anecdotal.
E. Roy Eshleman, Jr.
Oscar Eshleman
Robert P. Guiler
Chester F. Harple
Charles A. Henk
Horace J. Keller
William H. McAllister
Ralph Wilson
If you know anything about any of these men or their families please contact Jack Hines Jr., the Township Manager at 610-269-4174 or by email at .
SHADY SIDE PARK CONSTRUCTION EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN LATE SUMMER
The Board of Supervisors adopted a master plan for Shadyside Park in September of 2000. It was developed with the help of a consultant, Township Staff, and a citizen task force that included neighbors of the site.
Staff then sent out grant applications to various organizations to help with the construction of Phase I. In April 2001, we were notified that the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources had awarded us $100,000 for the first phase of development of Shadyside Park. In November 2001, we were notified that Chester County had awarded us $250,000 under its Landscapes 21st Century Round XIII Park Facilities Grant Program.
We then solicited proposals from architectural/engineering/design firms to undertake construction design and project management. The Township received eight proposals and selected the firm of Yost Strodosky Mears in October 2001. The development process is already well underway and we anticipate actual physical construction to begin late this summer.
Shadyside Park is located at the northeast corner of Shadyside and Glenside Roads. Some of the highlights will include an adult-sized baseball field, a large multi-purpose field, a hockey rink, basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts, three pavilions, horseshoe pits, bocce ball courts, a “Tot-Lot” for 2-5 year olds, a “Youth Playground” for 5-12 year olds, picnic areas and approximately one mile of paved walking/jogging trails.
Click here for an abbreviated copy of the master plan. The full plan can be reviewed during business hours at the Township Building. Look for continuing Shadyside Park updates in future newsletters.
June 2001 began our second summer of outdoor family events held at Broad Run Park. The four movie nights averaged over 250 people per night and, despite some very “iffy” weather on every occasion, the four concerts averaged over 125 per evening. If you missed out – don’t worry; we plan to do it again! West Bradford Township hopes to provide even more events this spring and summer. Concerts and movie nights are a great opportunity for family and friends to enjoy an evening out under the stars.
To continue to provide these events free of charge to everyone - residents, families, and friends - the Recreation Commission is currently seeking sponsors to offset the costs to the Township. Individual, business, or corporate donations in any amount will be accepted. If you or your company is interested in becoming a sponsor please contact the Township Office. The names of the sponsors will be displayed prominently in our newsletters, concert brochures, newspaper articles, website, and other locations.
We plan to feature a great variety of music at this year’s concert events and are always interested in hearing your thoughts. So… if you have a new idea for a concert, a good family movie, or other event you’d like us to put on, please call (610-269-4174), e-mail , or visit us at the Township Office to let us know your thoughts.
LOCAL STATE TROOPERS HONORED BY TOWNSHIP SUPERVISORS
The Board of Supervisors adopted resolutions honoring members of the Pennsylvania State Police, Troop J during their December meeting.
Lt. Dennis Dougherty was presented with a resolution honoring his 21 years of service in the State Police, his leadership of the Embreeville Barracks, and his active participation in West Bradford Youth Athletics. His professional achievements in the force and service to our community as a resident were noted.
The troopers and staff of the Embreeville Barracks were also honored in a separate presentation. Lt. William Teper, Jr., the new commanding officer, accepted the resolution on behalf of the Barracks. The staff of the barracks serves as the sole police force for the township. Their professionalism and dedication in serving the public safety needs of our community are unequaled.
The Internet offers a wonderful resource for children. However, it can also be fraught with risks for a naïve user. By taking responsibility for your children’s computer use, parents can greatly minimize the potential risks of being online. Parents should make it a family rule to:
A handout with more information on this topic is available at the Township building.
TOWNSHIP HOLDS LINE ON TAXES FOR 28TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR
On December 11, 2001, the Board of Supervisors adopted the Township’s 2002 budget. In keeping with the Board’s philosophy of prudent fiscal spending, the budget requires no tax increase to achieve its objectives. This marks the Township’s 28th year without a tax increase!
The major goals of the Board for 2002 include continuing to maintain our road system by resurfacing and reconstructing portions of eleven roads, the development of our park system by developing Shadyside Park and acquiring Leids Road Park, the development and leasing of a new State Police Barracks, the finalization of the Strasburg Corridor Wastewater Treatment Facility to alleviate the sewage problems in Marshallton, and the upgrading of our IT system to increase service to residents.
You can find the budget available in the lobby of the Township Building.