Warminster Supervisors Approve Blight Committee, L&I Fee Increases and Snow Ordinance

The political infighting of recent township meetings wasn't on display tonight as township supervisors plowed through  items on the agenda to approve a new snow ordinance, the revised license and inspections fee schedule, and a blighted property review committee and its members.

In calm, cool, deliberate work person-like way, all was said and done by 9:45 p.m., as opposed to the 11 p.m. finish of the last supervisor’s meeting.

As reported from last month’s meeting, three members for the Blighted Property Review Committee were appointed and approved in the township’s effort to acquire Shenandoah Woods from the US Navy.

The Snow Removal Ordinance passed by a 3-2 vote. Democrats Ellen Jarvis and Gail Johnson voted in favor with Republican Leo Quinn III. Johnson noted that a "toothless"  law  was on the book already and now Magestrial Court Judge Dan Finello could fine residents between $25 and $600.

Democrat Frank Feinberg and Republican Tom Panzer voted against the ordnance, noting they were concerned about seniors who might not be able to shovel.  

Supervisors Feinberg and Panzer, and Planning Commission member Jerry DeRosa were approved by a unanimous vote to be on the Blighted Property Review Commission.

At the next meeting, a fourth member will be nominated and a fifth, a Warminster resident will be sought out.

Jarvis suggested Jack Diamond, saying to the camera, "Mr. Diamond, if you’re watching ….” volunteer for the citizen’s position with the Blighted Property Review Committee, which proved to be comic relief for the evening.

Curiously enough, what some in the township might have thought would bring out residents-changes to the Warminster Township’s License & Inspection Fee Schedule, was merely raised above a whisper as it was approved unanimously by the supervisors with no public comment.

Dan Laurich, Acting Director of Warminster L&I (and Fire Marshal) in response to the board’s inquiries, specifically Supervisor Leo Quinn, of how the Township stacks up against others in the area said, “there  is one charge (overall) where we charge more than other Townships."

In addition Laurich shared, “Were looking to move to a completely paperless system” in response to Supervisor Johnson’s observation that such a change seemed to be on the horizon.

The final December 2010 Financial Report given by Linda Major was the focus of the majority of the early and later parts of the meeting. Supervisor Panzer asked Johnson and Township Manager Bob Tate if it were possible to have reports made available to the board about township finances with projections for this year as compared to years past, so the township can be prepared to deal with possible financial shortfalls saying, “I would personally like to see a greater effort toward planning to avoid the cash crunch we didn’t avoid in 2010.”

Johnson told the board he would be happy to assist in that.

To Panzer's point, Feinberg later said “I would like to see a month-by-month  report of revenues and expenses based on history" of cash accounts, to avoid any more surprises.

Johnson shared with the supervisors his concern about the credit rating of the township in light of closing out of the loan to the golf course. Of specific interest to Johnson was the carrying of debt by Five Ponds, asking Major how to get it off the books since they are in “the red for $84,000, on the finalized report."

Feinberg said after the meeting, “I don’t think the township should be in the restaurant business.”

As of Dec. 31, 2010, there is a total of $1.3 million in the general fund. The next supervisors meeting will be April 28 at 7 p.m. Supervisors Quinn and Johnson reported they he would not be at the next meeting.