OCTOBER 2009 BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

                     OCTOBER 5Th 2009 BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
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AGENDA ITEMS

* 2009 LEAF PICK UP SCHEDULE- 6TH WARD*********

NOVEMBER 17 AND 18
DECEMBER 16, 17 AND 18
We are trying something new this year. For those who need to do leaf clean up before or in-between scheduled vacuum pick ups. We will be giving away 10 FREE recyclable leaf bags for your use. These bags can be picked up at the Township building during normal business hours. Just place your leaves in the bags and place them curb side on your regularly scheduled recycling days. If you need a pick up other than these days contact the township office at 610-356-4040 and request an emergency pick up. PLEASE REMEMBER THIS SCHEDULE IS ALWAYS SUBJECT TO WEATHER CONDITIONS AND EQUIPMENT FAILURES. (From experience you can count on one or the other happening)

* YMCA IN MARPLE TOWNSHIP************************
I will be meeting with representatives of the YMCA in the next few weeks to discuss their proposal for a new YMCA in Marple. As I stated in a previous email this would be a great addition to our community and I will try my best to make it a reality. This is an opportunity that we should not pass up. When the school district closes the Gauntlett Center we will lose our only community facility. A YMCA will fill the void plus it will bring additional programs for all residents young and old. Your initial feedback to my original email has been very positive in support of the idea. I will keep you informed as this progresses.

* WALMART IN MARPLE ******************************
In a previous update I spoke about the rumor of a WALMART in Marple. I can confirm that discussions will now officially begin with WALMART representatives. The proposed site is the Marple Crossroads Shopping Center. Their initial plan as we understand it will be to use the existing vacant stores at the center and consolidate them together to form one large area. Some stores would relocate in the center but no additional construction would occur to accommodate the WALMART store. This is preliminary since we have not seen an actual sketch plan. Before anything can happen WALMART Representatives must appear in front of the Marple planning commission and present their plan for review. I will keep you informed because this is a public meeting that you can attend and make comments.

* CELL ANTENNAS AT 1974 SPROUL ROAD ****************
Clearview Communications is asking the Board for conditional approval to locate 7 cell antennas on the building located at 1974 Sproul Road(Franklin Credit Union). The devices are mounted on top of the building and are 4 feet in height. So you are aware the building already has 11 devices affixed to it now. There would be no financial benefit to the Township in granting this approval. It would allow WiFi coverage for the Shopping Center area only, basically a .46 mile coverage radius. This will be voted on at next Mondays Board Meeting. At this time I tend to be against the approval. I think 18 antennas on a building is a bit much.

* ADVERTISE FLOOD PLAN ORDINANCE CHANGES *****************************
The state has revised the flood plan map for our area. The law states we must advertise the change before it is enacted into law. You may receive something in the mail from your mortgage company etc. stating that you are no longer in a flood plan area. On the surface you may welcome the news and be tempted to cancel your flood insurance coverage and save a few bucks. I would caution that although the map has changed it does not guarantee you will not still be flooded. I personally do not have flood insurance but people tell me it is not very expensive so its better to be safe than sorry. Consider it carefully before you cancel your coverage.

* Goodhill Center *********************************
Our Solicitor updated us on the Goodhill burned out building saga. At this time we are still waiting for Judge Zetusky to rule on our demolition/rebuild order. I asked if there is anything more the Board can do at this time to push the Judge to make his decision. Our attorney said NO, he was told by the courts the Judge will rule as soon as possible. In the meantime the owners are suing the Commissioners for being too aggressive in their pursuit to resolve the issue, claiming a violation of their constitutional rights.
I along with the other Commissioners will be deposed in preparation for the hearing that should take place next month. I find it funny how his lawsuit gets to court first and we are still waiting for a decision to be made by the Judge after almost 2 years.

* BILLBOARDS**************************************
Mr. Bartkowski of BIG investment group has indefinitely postponed any appeal of our sign ordinance in Marple Township at this time. As you know his intention was to erect 7 Billboards in residential areas against our current ordinance. Good News for us.

other items
* ADVERTISE THE FIRE COMPANY LOAN TO PURCHASE A NEW ENGINE
* HONORABLE DISCHARGE OF OFFICER COSTA
* ADVERTISE SEWER TIE IN FEES FOR NEW CUSTOMERS
* STREET DEDICATION OF CARLI DRIVE/QUARRY HILL SUBDIVISION
* Marple Newtown Bandarama this Saturday at 6pm at the high school, 12 area bands will compete. Come out and support the bands and have some Tiger french fries that I will personally cook for you. Stop by the stand and say Hello.

next Board Business Meeting on Monday October 12, 7pm. All residents are welcome and encouraged to attend.