The February 22nd, borough council work session was a short meeting lasting 34 minutes. The meeting began with 2 public comments.
Adelphia Gas Pipeline
The first comment was from Ms. Lora Snyder of Edgmont. Ms. Snyder raised concerns about the current Adelphia construction of a blowdown assembly being built across the street from Darlington Woods behind Concord Pizza. She specifically shared her worries over potential pollution, emissions, and possible flaring on the site and asked for additional information on the construction. The site referenced by Ms. Snyder is specifically identified on page 9 in table 1.3-2 Summary of Proposed Mainline Valves and Blowdown Assemblies (39°53'52"N 75°29'19"W) in the 2018 Adelphia Resource Report.
The location turns out to be not in Chester Heights, but rather in neighboring Concord Township. Ms. Snyder plans to follow up with Concord but encouraged Chester Heights council to learn more about the valve station as Chester Heights residents would be affected by the potential pollution and possible accidents.
Process Matters
The second public question was from me, Marta Driscoll, regarding council procedures on approving communications with residents signed by the borough council. Ms.Ellis confirmed the finance committee, communication chair, and tax collector unilaterally decided to include a letter from council with the tax bills without first seeking their approval.
After further inquiry, Ms. Ellis responded that each committee could not choose to communicate whatever they decided to the residents without full council approval, but because the council president was on the finance committee, and she herself was the vice president of the council, it was okay for them to do so.
I'd like to point out that Mr. Baum is not listed as a member of the finance committee, but rather a member of the fire company finance subcommittee. If the fire finance subcommittee is being included as the finance committee, then a quorum of the council, made a decision in private in violation of the Sunshine Act. However, neither Mr. Baum nor Mr. Firkser, who make up the fire company finance subcommittee and who were present at this meeting, confirmed nor denied that they approved the insert to be sent with the tax notice.
Since it was I who asked the question, I would like to clarify that it is not the content of the information that is being questioned, but rather the principle of select council members making decisions in secret on behalf of the council as a whole.
WAWA Escrow Release $515,939
Council approved the final escrow release for 240 Wawa Rd. (aka Blossom Hill) in the amount of $515,939. These plans were submitted on January 31st, 2019, reviewed by the Planning Commission on February 28th, 2019, revised on April 15th, 2019, and approved on May 6th, 2019.
The project description can be found in the May 6th, 2019 Borough Minutes.
Other matters:
Resolution for Engineers Week February 21st - 27th, 2021
Councilwoman Clarke Provided a summary of the Medical Marijuana Dispensary Ordinance meeting held Feb 15th. Notes from that meeting can be found HERE.
The annual traffic signal maintenance contract was approved with Higgins & Son's.
Chester Heights Fire Company will be participating in a live burn event on March 20th and invited members of the council and the public to attend if interested. They also will be holding water rescue training beginning in March.
Mr. Firkser reported the first payment for the water rescue equipment has been made to the Fire Company.
Land Development plans for the Rose Hill Lot Line: Submitted Plans 09/24/20, Reviewed Planning Commission 10/22/20, are listed in the minutes as Extended through 01/20/21.