CALENDAR
All meetings are held in the
Borough office unless otherwise noted.
December
2 - Environmental Advisory Committee,
7:30 p.m.
4 - Planning Commission, cancelled
10 - Borough Council, 8 p.m.
16 - State Police town meeting, 7:30 p.m.
January
6 - Environmental Advisory Committee,
7:30 p.m.
8 - Planning Commission, 7:30 p.m.
14 - Borough Council, 8 p.m.
February
3 - Environmental Advisory Committee, 7:30 p.m.
5 - Planning Commission, 7:30 p.m.
11 - Borough Council, 8 p.m.
NEWS
At the November 12th Borough Council meeting, Council voted to accept the resignations of Mayor Gerald Perry, Council President Tim Plummer and Treasurer Michael Josbena. Council then appointed Mr. Plummer to the unexpired term of mayor and Mr. Josbena to the unexpired term of councilperson.
This leaves the position of treasurer vacant. Any Rose Valley resident who is interested in applying for the office of treasurer should submit a resume to the Borough office by December 5, 2008.
Click here to see a copy of the preliminary 2009 budget.
Rose Valley Borough has set up an email system to notify residents about important news, particularly public safety issues. There are two ways a resident can get on this distribution list:
1. Create a Google account; search for the group called rvb-alert; and add yourself as a member.
2. Give your email address to the Borough office (610-566-2040 or rosevalleyborough@comcast.net) and we will add you to the list.
NEW - Permit applcations can now be downloaded from this website. Click on FORMS & PERMITS on the home page. Then click on the specific permit you wish to submit. The form can be filled in online before being printed.
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
COUNCIL MEETING
October 8, 2008
The regular meeting of the Rose Valley Borough Council met on October 8, 2008 in the Borough Office, Old Mill Lane, Rose Valley, Pennsylvania. President of Council Tim Plummer called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m. In addition to Mr. Plummer, those present were: Councilpersons Giorgianni, Hale, Helms, Kelley, Meyer and Sass; Mayor Perry; Treasurer Josbena; Controller Firn; Solicitor Smith; and Secretary Healy.
Guests attending were Mr. Don Detterline, 35 Rabbit Run and Mr.George Golden from Aqua.
After the Pledge of Allegiance, the Minutes of the September 10, 2008 Council Meeting were adopted on a motion made, seconded and unanimously approved.
Mr. Detterline said that Strath Haven High School students are parking on both sides of Rabbit Run, near the intersection of Rabbit Run and Brookhaven roads, creating unsafe conditions that often restrict two-way traffic. After some discussion Council agreed that Mr. Smith draft an ordinance prohibiting parking on Rabbit Run during specified hours. To enforce the Ordinance, the Borough would hire a Constable to ticket offenders.
WASTEWATER SYSTEM BID OPENING
Advertisement of the sale of the Borough’s wastewater system was published in the Delaware County Daily Times on September 12 and 19, 2008. Delcora submitted a Bid and Aqua submitted a letter. These documents will be reviewed by the Wastewater Committee, Engineer Houtmann and Solicitor Smith. As advertised, the Borough’s decision will be announced at the November 12 Council Meeting.
PERSONNEL
Mayor Perry tendered his resignation as Mayor, effective “upon acceptance” by Council. Mr. Plummer expressed deep regret in learning of Mayor Perry’s decision, but said that he knew that members of Council and our residents recognize that Mayor Perry has had a distinguished career in public service to our Borough for which we are most grateful. Mr. Plummer said that Mayor Perry’s counsel and wisdom has been very important to Members of Council and to our residents while serving for over 30 years in a number of key positions including Treasurer, Councilman, Council President and Mayor.
Mr. Plummer noted that the Mayor’s letter states that his resignation will be effective “when accepted.” Mr. Plummer suggested that Council consider delaying acceptance of the Mayor’s resignation until our November meeting at which time Council could appoint a replacement to fulfill the time remaining in the Mayor’s current term. It’s important that a new Mayor be appointed and sworn at the next meeting so that our year end-resolutions in December that require the Mayor’s signature are processed on time.
Mr. Plummer also tendered his resignation as a Member of Council effective upon acceptance by Council. Mr. Plummer said he is taking this action because he would like to be a candidate for appointment as Mayor to fill the unexpired term of Mayor Perry.
Mr. Plummer said that any others who wish to be considered to be appointed as Mayor should contact the Personnel Committee, and that since he is a candidate, he recused himself from the Personnel Committee’s deliberations and appointed Jon Helms to join the committee for that purpose.
Mr. Plummer said that if Council accepts both resignations at the November meeting, Council will need to appoint a new member of Council. Anyone interested in being considered for appointment to Council should contact the Personnel Committee. Once the new Council is seated, they can elect a new President, Vice President and appoint a new Mayor.
PLANNING
Mr. Hale reported that the Planning Commission is working on the amendments to the Zoning Ordinance.
Vaughan and Sautter have asked for release of $13,513.00 escrow monies. Mr. Houtmann has approved this request. On a motion made, seconded and unanimously passed, Council approved the release of $13,513.00 to Vaughan and Sautter.
The Rose Valley Historical and Museum Committee is sponsoring a House Tour of the Shepard resident on October 11, 2008.
Mr. Hale is working on arranging the first annual meeting of the municipalities participating in the Multi-Municipal Comprehensive Plan.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Mr. Giorgianni reviewed the Police and Fire Reports. The Police Report cited the following incidents: 3 false alarms; a collision at Tulip Lane and Rose Valley Road on 9/8/08; and a burglary at 18 Rabbit Run on 9/17/08. There were no fire incidents for the month of September.
Mr. Giorgianni is investigating the neighborhood alert system used by Avalon, New Jersey.
HEALTH & SANITATION
Mr. Helms reported that Mr. Houtmann has submitted the renewal application for the Borough’s sewage treatment plant operation permit.
INSURANCE & CABLEVISION
Mr. Smith is negotiating terms of the new Cablevision Agreement with Comcast.
HIGHWAYS, LAND ACQUISITION & PRESERVATION
One bid was received in response to advertising for a snowplowing contractor for the winter season of 2008 – 2009. The bid was from R. C. Marland who has been the Borough’s snowplower during the past several years. The bid was judged to be a responsible bid in line with previous years. On a motion made, seconded and unanimously passed, R. C. Marland was awarded the 2008 – 2009 snowplowing contract.
The Borough was audited by PennDOT regarding our Liquid Fuels monies. PennDOT noted that the Borough used $13,595 of liquid fuels monies to repave the Borough parking lot which is not permitted and $3,012 of liquid fuels monies instead of General Fund County Aid in 2007. These monies, in the amount of $16,607 have to be reimbursed to the Highway Aid account. This transfer of $16,607 from the General Fund to Highway Aid was approved on a motion made, seconded and unanimously passed.
ENVIRONMENT & LIBRARY
Mrs. Sass reported that the Enviromental Advisory Committee walked through the Borough’s Wildlife Sanctuaries and found 10 invasive plant types that they plan to remove.
The Chester-Ridley-Crum Watershed Association (CRC) is working with the Borough on November 1 to do a planting in the Saul Wildlife Sanctuary. CRC obtained a “Tree Vitalization” grant from Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to remove invasives and replant with native trees and shrubs. Scout Spencer Barton is helping organize this planting.
FINANCES
Mr. Firn reviewed the income for September. Ms. Kelley reviewed the Status of Funds for September. Mr. Josbena reviewed the Bills for Approval for October and answered questions. On motions made, seconded and unanimously passed, the Bills in the amounts of $33,323.96 from the General Fund and $120.00 from the Land Acquisition fund were approved.
Ms. Kelley reviewed the proposed 2009 Budget and answered questions.
GENERAL
Mrs. Healy reported that the Zoning Hearing Board will be meeting on October 14, 2008 to consider the request of Mr. Joseph Sigismondi, 305 W. Brookhaven Road, to reduce the side yard setbacks on his flag lot.
Mr. Smith had received a question from a resident regarding his liability if he allowed deer hunters on his property. Mr. Smith recommended that residents contact their personal lawyers for guidance in this situation.
There being no further business, on a motion made, seconded and unanimously passed, the meeting adjourned at 10:06 p.m.
_________________________________
Paula W. Healy, Secretary
COUNCIL MEETING
September 10, 2008
The regular meeting of the Rose Valley Borough Council was held on September 10, 2008 in the Borough Office, Old Mill Lane, Rose Valley, Pa. President of Council Tim Plummer called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m. In addition to Mr. Plummer those present were: Council members Giorgianni, Hale, Helms, Kelley, Meyer and Sass; Treasurer Josbena; Solicitor Smith; and Secretary Healy.
Those members absent were: Mayor Perry and Treasurer Firn.
Guests attending the meeting were: EAC members Susan Maeder-Chieffo, Andy Saul and John Smith; and Boy Scout Max Shaw of Rose Valley Troop #272 and his Eagle advisor Harris Resnick.
After the Pledge of Allegiance, on a motion made, seconded and unanimously passed, the Minutes of the August 13, 2008 Council Meeting were approved.
Boy Scout Max Shaw presented his plans for his Eagle Scout Project. He plans to clear the Minquas path on the E. Wallace Chadwick Wildlife Preserve to make it more accessible. Council complimented Max for an excellent presentation and approved his project.
Susan Maeder-Chieffo, Andy Saul, and John Smith, members of the Rose Valley Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) attended the meeting. The EAC is concerned about environmental issues regarding the sale of the wastewater system, particularly that the new owners of the wastewater system may take down trees and ruin the land. Solicitor Smith pointed out that the Borough's Environmental Ordinance #309 regulates activities in wetlands, floodplains and steep slopes within 300 feet of Ridley Creek and that future sewer work would require Borough approval.
Mr. Meyer asked about plans for the reduction of the deer population in Rose Valley. After some discussion, it was decided to encourage home owners on wooded property to permit bow hunting on their private land this year. Plans for the culling of deer on Borough property will be deferred until next year and will benefit from the planned Swarthmore College culling in the Crum Woods.
PERSONNEL
Mr. Helms notified the Council that he plans to move out of the Borough next spring. Mr. Anderson plans to submit his resignation from the Zoning Hearing Board at the October Council Meeting.
PLANNING
Traymore
Mr. Plummer reported that one additional home, #6, has been sold since the August Council Meeting. The Stable House (#44), not previously included in the total of residences, has also been sold and is under construction. Units sold thus far are: 4,6,14,16,17,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,30,31, 32,33,35,36,37,38, and 44 for a total of 24. Units under construction are as follows: 14-15-16, 17-18-19, 20-21-22, 23-24-25, 26-27-28, 29-30, 35-36-37, 38-39, 40-41, and 44.
National Register of Historic Places
The Borough has received a number of booklets from Harrisburg that specify all of the forms we have to complete in support of our application for a historic district. The amount of required work is significant. Mr. Plummer, Mr. Hale, Mrs. Healy and the Borough consultant, Professor George Thomas are working on this project.
Multi-Municipal Comprehensive Plan
Mr. Hale reported that he plans to contact Lyn Floyd, President of Nether Providence's Board of Commissions, to try to arrange the first annual meeting of representatives from the four municipalities in the MMCP planning area later in the fall. This would presumably lead to further work on the Intergovernmental Cooperative Agreement.
Planning Commission
The next meeting of the Planning Commission is scheduled for September 18th at 7:30 p.m. in the Borough Office. Work continues preparing an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance regarding flag lots, impervious coverage, building height and protection of open space. The parking and storage of recreational vehicles and boats within the Borough will also be considered.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Mr. Georgiana reviewed the Police and Fire Reports. The Police Report cited the following incidents: 3 false alarms; a report of disorderly conduct at 106 Rose Valley Road on 8/20/08; a collision on Rose Valley Road near Hedgerow Theater on 8/22/08 and a burglary at 201 Possum Hollow Road on 8/27/08. The July Fire Report cited four incidents: responses on 7/17 and 7/28 to carbon monoxide alarms in the Traymore area; a dwelling fire at 30 Briarcrest on 7/10/08 and a dwelling fire at 73 Rose Valley Road on 7/29. There were no fire calls in August.
Mr. Giorgianni reported that there have been 31 false alarms to date in 2008, which is 55% higher that at the same time in 2007.
Mr. Plummer shared his experience of being alerted to public health issues by automated phone messages in the community where he was vacationing. Mr. Giorgianni will investigate whether or not such an alert system could be established in Rose Valley.
CABLEVISION & INSURANCE
Mr. Meyer reported that the Borough's insurance is in place for 2008.
Solicitor Smith is working with Mr. DiTommasso of Comcast, on renewing the Borough's Cablevision Agreement. Free service to the School in Rose Valley and Hedgerow Theater and the term of the agreement are the principal issues being negotiated.
HIGHWAYS, LAND ACQUISITION & PRESERVATION
The snow plowing bid requirements are being prepared and will be advertised.
Mr. Hale is investigating the removal of some obsolete street lights.
Two additional Scouts from Troop #272 are doing Eagle Projects that are benefiting the Borough. Will Provost is working to control erosion on the trails around the Traymore area and Spencer Barton plans to remove invasives and plant native trees along the old trolley track right of way leading from Woodward Road to the swimming pool.
HEALTH & SANITATION
Mr. Helms distributed copies of the bid advertisement for the sale of the Borough's wastewater system. Proposals received are planned to be opened on October 8th. The successful bidder will be determined following a review of each proposal by the Borough Engineer, the Borough Solicitor and the Wastewater Committee. Announcement of the successful bidder is planned to be made at the Council Meeting on November 12th.
ENVIRONMENT & LIBRARY
Mrs. Sass reported that the Helen Kate Furness Library's Board of Directors met on September 11th. Rose Valley residents Yoke and Jack Williams have been named the Volunteers of the Year. Mrs. Sass requested that the Borough consider increasing the Borough's annual contribution by 5%.
Anne Murphy from the Chester-Ridley-Crum Watershed Association has arranged for Rose Valley to receive a grant to be used for spraying of invasives and planting of native plants in the Saul Wildlife Sanctuary. Scout Spencer Barton will be involved in the planning and organizing of the planting to take place on November 1st as part of his work toward the Hornaday Award. He will also organize a cleanup of West Vernon Run.
FINANCES
Ms. Kelley reviewed the income and status of funds for the month of August. Mr. Josbena reviewed the September Bills for Approval and answered questions. On a motion made, seconded and unanimously passed, the Bills in the amount of $23,345.29 were approved for payment.
Ms. Kelley announced that work on the 2009 Budget has begun. She asked all Councilpersons to provide their budget requirements to her by October 1st, 2008.
GENERAL
Mr. Giorgianni was asked by a Long Point Lane resident about the possibility of the Borough offering trash pickup to residents. Mr. Smith recommended postponing this discussion because of the unstable condition of the garbage industry in our area at this time.
Because of the Strath Haven Middle School undergoing renovations, the parking lot used by teachers and students has been eliminated. This is causing parking on surrounding streets. Students from the High School are parking on Rabbit Run near the intersection with Brookhaven Road which is obstructing the passage of larger vehicles such as trash and fuel oil trucks. Mr. Smith will investigate possible solutions to this problem.
There being no further business, on a motion made, seconded and unanimously passed, the meeting was adjourned at 9:55 p.m.
____________________________________
Paula W. Healy, Secretary