Borough News and Events
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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.
The next council meeting will be held Wednesday, August 7, 2008 at 8:00 p.m.
Calendar of future Council Meetings Calendar of future Planning Commission Meetings
August 13, 2008 August 7, 2008
September 10, 2008 September 4, 2008
October 8, 2008 October 2, 2008
November 12, 2008 November 6, 2008
December 10, 2008 December 4, 2008
COUNCIL MEETING
June 11, 2008
The regular meeting of the Rose Valley Borough Council was held in the Borough Office, Old Mill Lane, Rose Valley, Pa. on Wednesday, June 11, 2008. 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, Helms, Kelley, Meyer and Sass; Mayor Perry; Treasurer Josbena; Controller Firn; Solicitor Smith and Secretary Healy. Councilman Hale was absent.
Chip Vaughan, NVWS Builders, attended the meeting.
After the Pledge of Allegiance, the Minutes of the May 14, 2008 Council Meeting were approved on a motion made, seconded and unanimously passed.
Mr. Vaughan presented to Council revised copies of the Traymore Plan illustrating the revised new lot lines. Borough Engineer Matt Houtmann in a letter to Council stated that in his opinion, the adjustments requested have merit, that the proposed changes have no adverse effect on the development layout, that the Open Space to be offered for dedication to the Borough has not been changed, and bulk regulations have been maintained. In view of these facts, he said that he had no technical objections to the approval of the amended plan.
PLANNING
The June Planning Commission Meeting was cancelled.
Traymore
Mr. Hale and Mr. Plummer met with Chip Vaughan and Tim Hoover, Traymore Project Manager. They laid out the paths of the proposed trails along Rose Valley Road between Traymore and the Saul Wildlife Preserve.
Mr. Vaughan reported that 17 homes have been sold in Traymore. In addition, two more deposits have been received. Construction continues on four more buildings.
National Register of Historic Places
Mrs. Healy and Mr. Plummer met with George Thomas, consultant, to prepare the second submission to the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission. Over 90 homes and sites will be nominated for inclusion in the proposed district.
Valley View
A petition to reargue the case involving some of the Valley View residents and Stone River Builders has been denied by the Commonwealth Court.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Mr. Giorgianni reviewed the Police and Fire reports. The Police Report cited the following incidents: 1 false alarm; a traffic accident at 41 Rose Valley Road on 5/14/08; and another traffic accident on Rose Valley Road at Tulip Lane on 5/29/08. The Fire Report showed that the fire company responded to the accident on 5/29/08.
Mr. Giorgianni reported that the false alarm monthly average for 2008 is 3.2, which is higher than in 2007.
Mayor Perry, Mr. Giorgianni, Mr. Plummer, Mr. Sheehan and Mr. Jacob met with the new State Police Commandant, Lt. Gestitus on May 15. The group informed Lt. Gestitus of the Rose Valley concerns, especially the speeding on Rose Valley Road. The community liaison is Trooper Sunderlein.
Lt. Gestitus suggested that Rose Valley consider purchasing an electronic speed indicator that would keep a record of traffic frequency and speeds. The estimated cost of the device would be approximately $3,500.
CABLEVISION AND INSURANCE
Mr. Meyer reported that the Borough’s Cablevision Franchise Agreement is up for renewal in August, 2008. Mr. Smith is working with Mr. DiTommasso from Comcast and expects that the renewal will take place on time.
HEALTH AND SANITATION
Mr. Helms, Mr. Plummer and Mr. Golden met with representatives from Aqua. Mr. Helms and Mr. Plummer also have a meeting scheduled with Delcora. A public meeting to inform the residents of the proposed sale will be held at 7:00 p.m. on June 24, 2008.
Mr. Smith is working on preparing the bid request. Mr. Helms reviewed the investments the Borough has made over the past 20 years to maintain the sewer system. Mr. Plummer thanked Mr. Helms for his work on this important project.
ENVIRONMENT AND LIBRARY
Mrs. Sass reported that the Board of the Helen Kate Furness Library met last night and that Bill Hale has joined the Library’s Investment Committee.
The Environmental Advisory Council will have an organizational meeting on June 17. Their regular meetings will be on the first Tuesday of each month.
Mr. Plummer thanked Mr. Smith for all his help in preparing the Environmental Advisory Council Ordinance.
FINANCES
Mr. Josbena reviewed the income for the month of May. Ms. Kelley reviewed the Status of Funds for the month of May. Mr. Firn reviewed the Bills of Approval for June and answered questions. On a motion made, seconded and unanimously approved, the Bills in the amounts of $32,739.28 from the General Fund; $3,474.70 from the Capital Reserve Fund; and $360.00 from the Land Acquisition Fund were passed.
GENERAL
Ms. Kelley said she would establish a “Google Group” on the Borough Website to facilitate communications with the residents.
The following resolutions appointing members to the Environmental Advisory Council were approved on motions made, seconded and unanimously passed:
Resolution 2-2008 – appointing Roger Latham for 3 yrs.
Resolution 3-2008 – appointing Penny Sass for 3 yrs,
Resolution 4 – 2008 – appointing Andy Saul for 2 yrs.
Resolution 5 – 2008 – appointing Susan Chieffo for 2 yrs.
Resolution 6 – 2008 – appointing Jim Audley for 1 yr.
Resolution 7 -2008 – appointing Jeff Stopford for 1 yr.
Mr. Perry contacted the Borough’s recycler about leaving debris when picking up the recycling. Steve Laxton will take corrective action.
Mr. Plummer reminded everyone about the wonderful Eleventh Annual Fourth of July Celebration being planned and encouraged everyone to attend.
Mr. Plummer shared the following current events: Wallingford/Swarthmore School District taxes are increasing 5.84%; Swarthmore Borough is being asked by Swarthmore College to amend an ordinance to allow for shooting of deer; The Swarthmorean reported on the Memorial Day Commemoration; and The Delaware County Daily Times reported on Rose Valley Valley Green’s Donor list.
There being no further business, on a motion made, seconded and unanimously passed, the meeting was adjourned at 9:24 p.m.
________________________________
Paula W. Healy, Secretary
COUNCIL MEETING
May 14, 2008
The regular meeting of the Rose Valley Borough Council was held on May 14, 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: Councilpersons Bob Giorgianni, Bill Hale, Jon Helms, Al Meyer and Penny Sass; Mayor Perry; Controller Firn; Solicitor Smith; and Secretary Healy.
Those absent were Councilperson Kelley and Treasurer Josbena.
Guests attending the meeting were: School Board member Mike Rinaldi; Boy Scout Will Provost; and Chip Vaughan and Tim Hoover from NVWS Builders.
After the Pledge of Allegiance, the Minutes from the April 9, 2008 Council Meeting were approved on a motion made, seconded and unanimously passed.
Mr. Hale introduced Will Provost from Rose Valley’s Boy Scout Troop #272. Will presented his Eagle Scout project which will be to assist in the construction of new paths around the Traymore Community by installing erosion control bars.
Mr. Rinaldi, School Board Representative, informed Council about the proposed 5.8% school tax increase. Mr. Rinaldi opposes an increase of that magnitude because the district has raised school taxes by 39 percent over the past six years, far out stripping the rate of inflation.
TRAYMORE
Chip Vaughan and Tim Hoover presented a revised plot plan of the Traymore Development. As the project has unfolded, it has become necessary to make some minor shifts of some building lots and relocation of some lot lines. To compensate for these changes, there will also be some adjustments to the open space boundary lines. The net change in Open Space acreage however will be minimal. The developer will also require a variance to locate Units #31 and #32, which have already been completed, 20 feet or more from the outside edge of the Traymore lane curb instead of 25 feet or more.
Mr. Plummer made the following statement:
Council has been advised by our Solicitor that Council has the right to amend and modify the plans for Traymore that have previously been filed with the Borough by the developer. This right to amend is based on the fact that Traymore is being built as a PRD pursuant to the Planned Residential Development Overlay Ordinance enacted by Council two years ago.
Pursuant to the Municipalities Planning Code, it is the Borough Council that decides on amendments and modifications to such plans. Accordingly, after a public hearing it appears to the satisfaction of Borough Council that the modifications are consistent with the efficient development and preservation of the entire Planned Residential Development; and furthermore that the modification will not adversely affect either the enjoyment of the land abutting on the development or across the street therefrom, or the public interest. These modifications are not intended to, nor do they, confer a special benefit upon any person or class of persons.
Bill Hale moved that Council accept the proposed modifications of the plan originally filed by the developer for the property know as Traymore. Such modifications shall be incorporated into the plan now on file with the Borough and the developer shall file written modifications to conform to the information presented here tonight. Such written modifications shall be filed with the Borough Secretary within thirty days and they shall also be recorded in the Office for the Recording of Deeds in and for Delaware County within the same thirty days.
This motion was seconded and unanimously passed by Council.
Mr. Vaughn suggested that instead of billing Traymore residents individually for their sewer rent, that the community be billed in lump sum. No action was taken on this suggestion.
Mr. Vaughan said that the present millage rate for Traymore is excessive and has failed to consider the Common-Level Ratio, as required by law.
PLANNING
Valley Green
The Valley Green Recognition Declaration has been framed and is now hanging in the Borough Office.
Traymore
One additional home (#14) has been sold during the past month bringing the total to 14. Units sold are as follows: #14, #16, #17, #19, #20, #22, #23, #26, #28, #30, #31, #32, #35, and #37. Construction continues on four more buildings: Units 20-21-22; 26-27-28; and 35-36-37.
National Register of Historic Places
Mrs. Healy, Mr. Hale and Mr. Plummer have identified over 90 “contributing” properties within Rose Valley that will comprise the proposed historic district. A meeting is planned with our consultant, Dr. George Thomas in the near future. We expect to respond to the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission’s questions within the next month.
Valley View
The appeal on behalf of some of the Valley View residents was denied. The residents have asked that they be permitted to re-argue their case.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Mr. Giorgianni reviewed the Police and Fire Reports. The Police Report cited the following incidents: 4 false alarms; and a theft from a vehicle at 17 Vernon Lane on 4/13/08. The Fire Report cited one incident of an alarm being activated by cooking at 78 Todmorden Drive.
Mayor Perry, Mr. Giorgianni, Mr. Plummer, Mr. Sheehan and Mr. Jacob will meet with the new State Police Commandant on May 15.
The Town Watch program is proceeding on schedule.
CABLEVISION & INSURANCE
The Borough’s Casualty and Liability Insurance is being renewed this month.
The renewal of the Borough’s Franchise Agreement with Comcast is under preparation.
HIGHWAYS, LAND ACQUISITION AND PRESERVATION
Mr. Jacob, 2 Forestview Drive, complained about the cinders left by the snowplower in front of his property. Mr. Hale is working to resolving this problem.
HEALTH & SANITATION
Mr. Helms is continuing to work on the sale of the sewer plant. Mr. Helms and Mr. Plummer will be meeting informally with Aqua and Delcora. Mr. Helms asked Mr. Smith to begin working on composing a Bid Invitation. A public meeting to inform residents of our plans is scheduled for the end of June.
ENVIRONMENT & LIBRARY
Mrs. Sass reported that 10 volunteers performed the Pew Park spring clean up. Many thanks to these volunteers.
The Environmental Advisory Council is in the process of being formed. It is planned that appointments will be made at the June Council Meeting.
The Helen Kate Furness Library’s May Fair was a success, raising approximately $5,200.
FINANCES
Mr. Firn reviewed the financial reports. On a motion made, seconded and unanimously passed, the Bills for Approval in the amount of $46,938.49 was approved.
GENERAL
Mrs. Healy and Mr. Plummer conducted a historical tour on May 3 which was attended by approximately 40 people.
Mr. Plummer shared the following news items: Swarthmore College is planning to allow deer removal from Swarthmore College woods; Nether Providence Township is also considering deer removal; Senator Arlen Specter is addressing problems related to the Philadelphia Airport Expansion project; and Middletown Township has approved the placement of a T-Mobile Tower.
There being no further business, on a motion made, seconded and unanimously passed, the meeting was adjourned at 9:47 p.m.
_____________________________
Paula W. Healy, Secretary