Supervisors vote to approve $186,000 loan for capital expenditures
By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times
Public Works Director Kenneth Reed discusses the toll that recent storms have taken on the township.
Attendees at Monday night’s New Garden Township meeting learned that road salt and money remain in short supply – conditions that paved the way for the supervisors’ reluctant but unanimous vote to approve a five-year, $186,000 loan for needed capital expenditures.
Interim Township Manager Spence Andress explained that the 2.758 percent loan from National Penn would finance two police vehicles for $96,000, a maintenance pickup truck for $50,000, a maintenance roller for $20,000, a utility trailer for $8,000, and a $12,000 software upgrade for the accounting system. He said the list was whittled down from well over $300,000 in requests.
Asked by several supervisors about a capital reserve fund, Andress said that $188,000 had been set aside in this year’s budget; however, with low interest rates, it made more sense to borrow the money rather than immediately deplete the reserve fund. The supervisors agreed that the reserves need to be boosted to avoid such situations in the future.
New Garden Airport Manager Jon Martin provides an update on the facility as well as future aviators programs.
A motion to prepare an ordinance that would increase sewer rates by approximately nine percent was tabled until the next work session after several board members suggested the hike seemed steep. Andress said rates had remained the same for a number of years and the increase was needed to meet current operating expenses. The supervisors did approve nearly $12,000 in repairs to the East End Wastewater Treatment Facility.
Asked by the board about the impact of recent storms on the township, Public Works Director Kenneth Reed said the weather had put a strain on equipment as well as personnel. “There’s probably more potholes than roadways,” he said, adding that salt and cold patch are difficult to obtain right now.
“Everyone’s hurting for salt,” said Public Works Director Kenneth Reed. He said that New Garden has overspent its budgeted allotment by roughly $15,000, about a quarter of some other municipalities. “It’s not pretty, but it’s not a train wreck,” he said. He said his crew will conduct a spring assessment to prioritize road repairs, and he thanked the supervisors for the new purchases that will facilitate that process.
Supervisor J. Patrick Little said that even though Reed’s crews woke him up a few too many times – thanks to Mother Nature – he appreciated the excellent job they did.
New Garden Airport Manager Jon Martin also extended thanks to the supervisors. Earlier in the meeting, they approved the low bid for the West T-Hangar Apron project. Martin predicted that it will “prove to be a great improvement.” He said in addition to the popular kids’ summer camp for future pilots that the airport runs, it is also testing a curriculum-based program to expose children to aviation at Penn London Elementary School.
In his report to the supervisors, Police Chief Gerald R. Simpson continued the theme of gratitude, expressing appreciation for the new police vehicles. He also reported that tests had been conducted to determine whether a section of the airport could be used as an in-house firing range for training. Calling the possibility a “work in progress,” Simpson said neighbors did not report hearing loud noises and seemed supportive. Martin said the testing was “professionally done,” and he did not foresee any impediments to that use.
Following up on his distribution of regional policing materials at the last meeting, Simpson asked the supervisors for some direction. He said he was willing to determine whether any potential regional police partners existed, but only if the board felt the time would be well spent.
If the board has interest, “it may change the discussion” about a permanent police facility, said Simpson, adding that “now is the time” to explore options. The board agreed that Simpson should make inquiries, starting with Kennett Square Borough. “It has to be the right situation … or it will not work,” Simpson said, adding that a third partner would likely be needed to see any reduction in costs.
The board voted that township solicitor Vincent M. Pompo should proceed to elicit feedback on proposed ordinances dealing with billboards and uses for both the airport development zone and the highway commercial zone. Pompo reported that the township has not received a response from Artesian Water to an early January letter advising the company that its plan to construct a pump house on an easement it has near Broad Run and Newark Roads to access the Cockeysville Aquifer appears to be at odds with township zoning.
The company’s interest in extracting 200 gallons of water per minute from the well and exporting it to Delaware has raised concerns among neighbors. Pompo suggested that the township couldn’t prevent the testing needed to pursue a formal application. In fact, the Department of Environmental Protection recently approved an extension request from Artesian for the testing, he said.
Pompo told the supervisors that more work needs to be done on recycling, noting that the county has found New Garden out of compliance with its mandates. The supervisors said they would explore additional options, such as installing compost bins.
With time running out on a March 15 deadline to change health insurance, the supervisors voted to continue coverage with Aetna at a 50.2 percent rate increase while Andress continues to evaluate other plans.
Finally, Little elicited encouragement from the rest of the board to pursue the possibility of setting up an online newspaper for residents to keep them better informed. “We can do a better job of marketing the township,” he said. Supervisor Randy Geouque also suggested utilizing Facebook and Twitter.
Supervisor Stephen Allaband said the township used to produce a semi-annual newsletter that was subsidized by local businesses. “I agree we should be more proactive in informing residents,” he said.
And for residents with interest in getting involved in township activities, Supervisors’ Chair Betty Gordon said about a dozen vacancies exist on township committees and boards, and she urged anyone with interest to fill out a volunteer form.
–
