LOWER OXFORD TOWNSHIP

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Organizational Meeting January 3, 2006

 

            The Year 2006 Organizational Meeting of the Lower Oxford Township Board of Supervisors was held at the Township Building on Tuesday, January 3, 2006.  Those present were: Supervisors Arthur A. Astle, Kenneth L. Hershey and W. Ronald Kepler; Code Enforcement Officer Deborah Kinney; Roadmaster Steve Price; Secretary Ruth W. Libby, and 17 guests. Absent was Building Inspector John Jackson.

Astle called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Jane Freeman gave the oath of office to the following:  Supervisor Kenneth L. Hershey, Auditor Jane Cannoy and Tax Collector C. Marsha Getty.

After determining that no one had any public comments on the Re-organizational Agenda, the Reorganization of Lower Oxford Township for 2006 proceeded.

 

Kepler moved and Astle seconded that Ken Hershey be named Temporary Chairman.  MOTION CARRIED. Hershey assumed the position of chairman

 

Hershey moved and Astle seconded that Ruth Libby be named Temporary Secretary. MOTION CARRIED.

 

Kepler moved and Hershey seconded that Art Astle be nominated for Chairman of the Board for the Year 2006. MOTION CARRIED. Kepler moved and Astle seconded that the nominations be closed. MOTION CARRIED.  Astle assumed the position of Chairman of the Board of Supervisors

 

Astle moved and Kepler seconded that Ken Hershey be nominated for Vice-Chairman of the Board for the Year 2006. MOTION CARRIED. Kepler moved and Astle seconded the nominations be closed. MOTION CARRIED.  Ken Hershey assumed the position of Vice-Chairman.

 

Hershey moved and Kepler seconded that Ruth Libby be re-appointed Secretary/Treasurer of the Township. MOTION CARRIED.

 

Kepler moved and Hershey seconded that Steve Price be re-appointed Roadmaster of the Township. MOTION CARRIED.

Kepler moved and Astle seconded that Randy Gray be re-appointed Roadman of the Township. MOTION CARRIED.

Kepler moved and Hershey seconded that the three supervisors be employed as extra help if needed. MOTION CARRIED.

Hershey moved and Astle seconded that Deborah Kinney be re-appointed Code Enforcement Officer of the Township. MOTION CARRIED.

Kepler moved and Astle seconded that John E. Jackson be re-appointed as Building Inspector for the Township. MOTION CARRIED.

Kepler moved and Astle seconded that Marsha Getty be re-appointed Tax Collector of the Per Capita Tax for Lower Oxford Township. MOTION CARRIED.

Kepler moved and Astle seconded that Berkheimer Associates be re-appointed Tax Collector of the Earned Income Tax for the Township. MOTION CARRIED.

Kepler moved and Astle seconded that Ruth Libby be re-appointed Recording Secretary of Lower Oxford Township’s Planning Commission. MOTION CARRIED.

 

Kepler moved and Astle seconded that Ken Hershey be appointed Assistant Roadmaster.  MOTION CARRIED. Astle moved and Hershey seconded that Ron Kepler be appointed Assistant Secretary. MOTION CARRIED.

 

Kepler moved and Hershey seconded the Board recommend to the Auditors that the Treasurer’s Bond be set at $300,000. MOTION CARRIED.  Kepler moved and Hershey seconded that the Tax Collector’s bond be set for $6,000. MOTION CARRIED.

 

Kepler moved and Hershey seconded that Ed Fisher of Light-Heigel Associates, Inc. be re-appointed Township Engineer.  MOTION CARRIED.

Kepler moved and Hershey seconded that Winifred Moran Sebastian be re-appointed as Township’s legal counsel. MOTION CARRIED.

Kepler moved and Hershey seconded that Bill Hostetter be re-appointed to serve a one-year term on the Vacancy Board. MOTION CARRIED.

Since Bill Hostetter asked not to be re-appointed to the Planning Commission, a vacancy was declared for that position.

Kepler moved and Hershey seconded that Stephen Barbone be re-appointed to the Zoning Hearing Board for a three-year term. MOTION CARRIED.

Kepler moved and Hershey seconded that Ralph Cheek be re-appointed as alternate to the Zoning Hearing Board. MOTION CARRIED.

Kepler moved and Hershey seconded that Dwight Myers be re-appointed to a seven-year term on the Park Commission. MOTION CARRIED.

Kepler moved and Hershey seconded that Ed Holbrook be re-appointed to a five-year term on the UCC appeals Board. MOTION CARRIED.

Kepler moved and Hershey seconded that Darlene Lockard be appointed to the vacant position of Auditor.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

Kepler moved and Astle seconded that Astle or Hershey and Secretary Libby be named the signers on the checks. MOTION CARRIED.

 

Selection of Depositories:    Hershey moved and Kepler seconded that the Fulton Bank be named as the depository for the State Fund, the Open Space Fund, the General Fund and the Sewer Extension Fund.   MOTION CARRIED.

Hershey moved and Kepler seconded that First Financial Bank be named as depository for the Escrow Fund. MOTION CARRIED.

Hershey moved and Kepler seconded that the following banks be named as possible depositories for Certificates of Deposit – Peoples Bank of Oxford, Coatesville Saving Bank, Fulton Bank, First Financial Bank, First National Bank of Chester County and Wachovia Bank depending on the best rate at the time of purchase. MOTION CARRIED.

 

Kepler moved and Hershey seconded that the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. except January be established as the regular meeting dates for the Board of Supervisors and that the Meeting place be 220 Township Road.  An exception will be made in September when it will be the second Tuesday. MOTION CARRIED. The regular meetings for 2006 will be held February 8, March 8, April 12, May 10, June 14, July 12, August 9, September 12 (Tuesday), October 11, November 8, December 13, and Tuesday January 2, 2007 will set as the Organizational meeting for the Board of Supervisors and Wednesday January 3, 2007 will be set as the Organizational meeting for the Township Auditors.

 

Kepler moved and Hershey seconded that the three Supervisors, the Secretary and Codes Enforcement Officer of the Township be certified as the delegates to the State Association’s Annual Convention in April. MOTION CARRIED.

 

Kepler moved and Hershey seconded that Union Fire Company No. 1 of Oxford be named to provide fire and rescue service to the Township. MOTION CARRIED.

Kepler moved and Hershey seconded that Resolution # 1-2006 Emergency Services be adopted. MOTION CARRIED.

Kepler moved and Hershey seconded that Arthur Astle be named the Fire Equipment Member. MOTION CARRIED.

 

Hershey moved and Astle seconded that Kepler be named Emergency Coordinator. MOTION CARRIED.

 

Hershey moved and Kepler seconded that Ruth Libby be named Recycling Coordinator. MOTION CARRIED.

Kepler moved and Astle seconded that Ken Hershey be named the Voting Delegate to the Annual Convention. MOTION CARRIED.

 

It was decided to defer the balance of the re-organization until a closed session could be held after the regular business was concluded.

 

 

 

 

There was no public comment concerning items on the agenda and no one asked to appear on the agenda. 

Hershey moved and Kepler seconded the minutes of the December 14th regular meeting be approved as written. MOTION CARRIED.   

 

The Secretary/Treasurer presented the bills totaling $39,452.23 for the General Fund and a copy is attached to the minutes. Hershey moved and Kepler ershey seconded that the bills be approved for payment. MOTION CARRIED.

 

Mrs. Libby presented the final budget deviations for the 2005 budget. Kepler moved and Hershey seconded to adopt Resolution # 4-2006 authorizing that $1,076 be transferred. MOTION CARRIED.

Mrs. Libby had no requests for transfers because the engineering bills had not been received. 

 

Correspondence:

An audit report for Berkheimer describing their controls in operations,

Notice of a matter before the FCC concerning Armstrong Cable and local municipalities,

PennDot report on three bridges in our township and minor corrections needed.

 

Building Inspector –The Supervisors skipped the Building Inspector’s report.

 

Code Enforcement: Officer Kinney presented her December report showing two permits issued with a construction value of $9,750 and resulting in permit fees of $227.00.  She issued three temporary certificates of occupancy.

 

Violation report:  One new violation was reported on Scroggy Road.  The owner has 30 days to remove vehicles, trash and the apparent residence in an accessory building.

 

Subdivision report: 

   

   Hearthstone extension:  Another request for extension of time to get the contingencies completed for the Hearthstone Adult Residential Community has been received. Kepler moved and Hershey seconded that Resolution 5-2006 extending the contingent approval by ninety days be adopted. MOTION CARRIED.

 

Wyncote Commercial Subdivision:  This plan needs a non-building waiver and although fronts on Route 10 does not have access to Route 10.  The Supervisors discussed the lack of detail on the plan and what provisions there were for  the shared driveway.  Kepler moved and Hershey seconded  that the non-building waiver be approved.  MOTION CARRIED.  After further discussion, the plan is to be sent back for more detail on the driveway.

 

 

 

 

   Oxford Commons:  An application for a third Conditional Use Hearing has been received from Wolfsen-Verrichia and Mrs. Kinney indicated she has sent her requests for reviews to various agencies..

 

  Oxford Farm Market:  Mr. Stoltzfus has requested approval of his plans for an exhaust system on his cooking facilities.    He is also requesting that he be permitted to place storage shed for sale on his property.  The Supervisors felt that sheds would not be considered nursery products which is permitted in the Conditional Use granted to him.  The engineer will meet with Mr. Stoltzfus to discuss the exhaust chimney.

 

Kepler moved and Hershey seconded that the Code Enforcement Officer’s report be accepted. MOTION CARRIED.

 

The Supervisors reviewed the Township Engineer’s report. Hershey moved and Kepler seconded that the report be accepted. MOTION CARRIED.

 

Letter of credit reduction request – Oxford Land (Elk Ridge):  No action was taken.

 

Regional Act 537 Plan:    There was no report.

 

Roadmaster – Steve Price presented his December report.  Kepler moved and Hershey seconded that the Roadmaster’s report be accepted.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

Oxford Recreational Authority:  There was no report.

 

 Old Business

Bernard Park – No report.

 

Ag Security 7-Year Review:  The 45-day review period is over and several changes have been suggested.  Due to the work load expected in January, the secretary requested additional time to prepare for the public hearing.  Kepler moved and Hershey seconded that March 8th at 6:30 p.m. be set for the Ag Security 7-Year Review Hearing and authorize the Secretary to advertise the hearing.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

SPCA Contract:  There has been a offer from Keystone Animal Hospital to contribute $600 toward the full Contract # 1 with the Chester County SPCA.  Kepler explained the difference between the two contracts offered by the SPCA and thought we should accept the offer from Keystone Animal Hospital.  Kepler moved and Hershey seconded that we cancel Contract # 2 and enter into the Contract # 1 with the Chester County SPCA. MOTION CARRIED.

 

New Business:  New Supervisors course:  Ken Hershey has requested that he be  permitted to attend a course for new supervisors on March 18th . Kepler moved and Astle seconded that Ken Hershey be permitted to attend the New Supervisors course on March 18th with expenses to be borne by the Township.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

Conditional Use Application – Oxford Commons:  The Secretary announced that a Conditional Use Hearing has been set for 6 p.m. on Monday, January 23rd for an application concerning the Oxford Commons project.

 

In other business, Kepler moved and Hershey seconded that  the Township pay Jane Freeman $35  for her services this evening.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

Public comment:

 

Vicki Brown  had a question on the permit fees reported by the Codes Enforcement Officer.

 

JoJo Campbell had a question on the terms of the contract with the SPCA and suggested that all three supervisors attend the Supervisors course.

 

The Chairman called for an executive session at 7:57 p.m. to discuss employee wages and holidays.  The meeting reconvened at 8:28 p.m.

 

Kepler moved and Hershey seconded that the following official holidays be designated:  New Years Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.  MOTION CARRIED. 

 

Kepler moved and Hershey seconded that the Roadmaster’s hourly wages be increased by 50 cents per hour. MOTION CARRIED.

 

Hershey moved and Astle seconded that Ron Kepler’s wages be recommended for an increase of 25 cents per hour and he will work when requested by the Roadmaster. MOTION CARRIED.

 

Hershey moved and Kepler seconded that Roadman Randy Gray’s wages be increased $15.00 per hour. MOTION CARRIED.

 

Kepler moved and Astle seconded that the Secretary/Treasurer’s wages be increased to $15.00 per hour. MOTION CARRIED.

 

Kepler moved and Hershey seconded that the Per Capita Tax Collectors wages be increase by $20 per month. MOTION CARRIED.

 

Kepler moved and Hershey seconded that the Planning Commission Secretary’s wages be increased to $15.00 per hour. MOTION CARRIED.

 

Kepler moved and Hershey seconded that the other Supervisors’ extra help wages be recommended for an increase to $16.00 per hour. MOTION CARRIED.

 

Hershey moved and Kepler seconded that the Code Enforcement Officer’s wages be increased by 50 cents per hour.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

Kepler moved and Hershey seconded that the Building Inspector be paid per his inspection schedule of $50 per inspection.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

Kepler moved and Hershey seconded that the Zoning Hearing Board members including the alternate be paid $40 per hearing and if the hearing takes more than one session that they be paid for each session. MOTION CARRIED.

 

Kepler moved and Hershey seconded that the mileage reimbursement rate be set at 44.5 cents per mile. MOTION CARRIED.

 

Kepler moved and Hershey seconded that Resolution #2-2006 - Earned Income Tax being shared equally with the Oxford Area School District be adopted. MOTION CARRIED.

Kepler moved and Hershey seconded that Resolution #3-2006 - Real Estate Transfer Tax being shared equally with the Oxford Area School District be adopted. MOTION CARRIED.

 

There being no other business or comments, on a motion by Hershey and seconded by Kepler the meeting was adjourned at 8:35.

 

                                                Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

                                                Ruth W. Libby

                                                Secretary/Treasurer