Update Reorganization Meeting and Board of Supervisors Meeting, January 5, 2009

Last evening at the Reorganization Meeting, Mr. John Funk retained his seat as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Mrs. McNeil retained her seat as Vice-Chair of the Board of Supervisors and Mr. Dunphy continues as an East Vincent Township Supervisor.

Committee vacancies filled include Dr. Lester Schwartz retaining his seat on the Planning Commission, Mr. Max Maxfield becoming a Zoning Hearing Board member---replacing Dore Dabback, and Mr. Bruce Weinsteiger taking the position of alternate Zoning Board member.

Following the Reorganization Meeting was the Board of Supervisors meeting. The minutes of December 10, 2008 were not adopted due to Vice-Chair McNeil's wanting the Township solicitor's comments about the Reiff Tract acquisition bulletted in the December 10, 2008 minutes. Chairman Funk would like to see the minutes shortened in the future. Supervisor Dunphy would like the tape of the December 10, 2008 meeting used for factual accuracy in regard to this minutes revisal. Supervisor Dunphy also addressed Vice-Chair McNeils mentioning of the 85 acre park during a Public Meeting, which currently is only in Executive Session, after Vice-Chair McNeil brought the park up again at this Public Meeting.

Chairman Funk and Vice-Chair McNeil both approved certifying the Township's support of the Northern Federation application for funds for a Regional Park, Open Space and Recreation Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Dunphy was not in favor of using more of the East Vincent taxpayers' money for this study considering the same study has been completed by the Phoenixville Region Plan and therefore East Vincent taxpayers are paying twice for a redundant study.

During Public Comment the issue of qualifications for East Vincent Township committee persons was raised. Chairman Funk stated that simply being a "resident of East Vincent Township" is qualification in itself. A taxpayer pointed out that there seems to be a pattern of providing positions for those who have contributed to the Chairman and Vice-Chair's campaigns as some positions seated have been filled by persons with less experience than others who have donated their time for the committee position. Another issue raised was funding for the Regional Park should it come into fruition.Vice-Chair McNeil said East Vincent Township would get the money by the Chester County Planning Commission and two Pa. State Senators. When a taxpayer asked what she meant by this, Vice-Chair McNeil responded with "verbal assurances" from two Pa. State Senators but she would not like to provide their names. The money for this Regional Park therefore is not concretely guaranteed at this time. A taxpaying resident stated a "grant" is still coming from the taxpayer and therefore does not mean "free" money.

It is worth noting that East Vincent Police have cameras installed in their vehicles, thanks to a grant from Congressman Gerhlach. An I-Cop Nightscope camera will be in use on one of the police vehicles also.

As of January 1, 2009, the new "Right To Know" law was enacted.This new law gives residents more access to records involving their township. Costs for copying each page will be 25 cents.

The Transfer of Development Rights/Opens Space Design Option Ordinance Amendment, Residential Density Multiplier (RDM Proposal) will definitely occur in February at a soon to be announced evening workshop meeting. It is relevant for those concerned about the impact of adding additional density to our Township attend this workshop meeting. Please share this information and site with your neighbors and check regularly for updates in regard to this density change. This density includes a bonus density of 500+ units.

Please contact us with any questions or concerns.
Yours in a balanced East Vincent Township,
The Informed East Vincent Residents Group
www.informedeastvincentresidents@gmail.com

Reorganization Meeting, January 5, 2009

Those of us in the Informed East Vincent Residents group would like to wish our fellow East Vincent Township residents a safe, healthy and happy New Year.

The Reorganization Meeting and Board of Supervisors Meeting will be held Monday, January 5, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at the East Vincent Township Municipal building located on 262 Ridge Road.

Yours in a Balanced East Vincent Township,

The Informed East Vincent Residents Group

Update to December 10, 2008 East Vincent Board of Supervisors Meeting

The Public Hearing on the Reiff Tract parkland acquisition, was held last evening during the Board of Supervisors meeting. Several concerns about access to this Reiff Tract park were raised.

 The blueprint for the Reiff Tract parkland presented last evening to the residents showed access to the park directly off Ridge Road between several established residences. Another point of access which had been presented to the Board of Supervisors in November 2007, showed access through the East Vincent Elementary School grounds. The East Vincent Township Open Space and Recreation Plan adopted October 17, 2007 states "36 acres of the Reiff Tract that the Township has negotiated to purchase with State grant funds, for use as a passive use, interpretive park."  The DCNR website clearly states "The new Township Park is central to the Township and will provide extensive outdoor recreation facilities-both passive and active-and trails through the park that will connect to the adjacent Vincent Elementary School and link to other parts of the township. The large natural area to be preserved will afford residents and visitors educational opportunities to study wildlife habitats, stream studies, as well as hiking and fishing."

   One resident expressed safety concerns for the students and staff of the East Vincent Elementary School if access were permitted utilizing elementary school grounds. This resident requested our supervisors follow the lead of East Pikeland Township and the Phoenixville School District which made access to their trail accessible for the public by moving the trail away from students of the proposed Kimberton Elementary School.  Another resident who will be directly affected if access is permitted between his and his neighbor's established property also spoke about his concerns.

Chairman Funk made it clear these access points are only options and have not yet been resolved.  Supervisor Dunphy stated he wants what is best for the entire Township and the Reiff Tract park, with the issues of access, population data and the financial obligation it cost the Township to purchase this parcel, does not appear to benefit the entire Township. Mr. Dunphy made it clear he was glad the 72 homes were not built, but felt this Reiff Tract purchase could have been better handled. Pam Brown, Director of the French and Pickering Creek Trust shared with the Board there must be public access if the Township receives public money.

The Transfer of Development Rights/Open Space Design Option Ordinance Amendment (Residential Density Multiplier) was not discussed at last evening's meeting but we will be sure to keep our residents informed of the date and time of the evening workshop meeting.

The reorganization meeting of the Board of Supervisors will be held on Monday, January 5, 2009 immediately followed by the regular Board of Supervisors meeting.

Please be sure to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have about any proposals brought forth in East Vincent Township.

Yours in a balanced East Vincent Township, 

The Informed East Vincent Residents Group