Tag Archives: Meeting Minutes

Township Supervisor’s Meeting Minutes – March 13th, 2024

Bridgeton Township Meeting Room

BRIDGETON TOWNSHIP SUPERVISORS
Minutes of March 13, 2024 Regular Monthly Meeting

The regular meeting of the Bridgeton Township Board of Supervisors was held on March 13, 2024 as advertised, at the
Township Building, 1370 Bridgeton Hill Road, Upper Black Eddy, Pennsylvania. This meeting was also held remotely via
Zoom. Present were Supervisor Gard Holby, Supervisor Michael Lynch, and Supervisor Roger Keller (virtual). Also present
were Secretary/Treasurer Sheryl Patterson and CC Hopf (virtual). Solicitor David Shafkowitz was absent.

Supervisor Holby called the meeting to order at 7:10 PM. No executive session was held prior to the meeting as there were
no matters of real estate or litigation. It was noted that the February 14, 2024 Regular Monthly Meeting of the Bridgeton
Township Board of Supervisors was cancelled due to lack of quorum.

PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA:
None

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Upon motion by Supervisor Lynch and seconded by Supervisor Keller which carried 3-0, the minutes from the January 2,
2024 reorganization/regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors were approved.

BILLS/PAYROLL: Upon motion by Supervisor Lynch and seconded by Supervisor Keller , which carried 3-0, the bills and
payroll in the amount of $ 33,092.31 from January were approved; the bills and payroll in the amount of $ 14,901.27
from February were approved; and the bills and payroll in the amount of $ 11,882.81 from March were approved.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Upon motion by Supervisor Lynch and seconded by Supervisor Holby, which carried
3-0, the Treasurer’s Reports from December 2023, January 2024, and February 2024 were approved.

REPORTS:
1. Fire Company – No report.

2. Open Space – The park name has been voted upon and “Bridgeton Nature Preserve” was chosen. There will be a park sign placed by Tinicum Conservancy listing all those who contributed funds for the purchase of the park. Others will pay for the cost for the sign. Construction of the trails will begin this spring.

3. Solicitor – Upon motion by Supervisor Lynch and seconded by Supervisor Keller, which carried 3-0, the request to
advertise the latest version of the Comprehensive Plan Update was approved. Thanks were given to the Planning
Commission for all their hard work on this project.

4. Planning Commission – CC Hopf reported that the Planning Commission met on February 27 and reviewed a line-by-line
draft of the proposed Short-Term Rental Ordinance. They considered everything that was sent to them as well as the
residents’ comments. At the next meeting on March 26, the Planning Commission will finish making recommendations,
which will then be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors.

5. Secretary/Treasurer – a) Liquid Fuels money was received in the amount of $ 49,427.68; b) the DCED audit was on
March 7th; and c) the 2022 Liquid Fuels audit occurred on March 18.

6. B/N/T Groundwater Committee – has a new chairman – Tom Eckhoff; they are working on a new website to concentrate
data. The B/N/T Groundwater Committee will have two presentations at Palisades High School @ 7:30 PM: a) 4/8 – water
quality testing; and b) 4/22 – understand and protect our local water aquifer.

7. Roadmaster – the Canal Lane Bridge has been demolished and is scheduled to re-open in the fall.

8. Zoning Officer – submitted a written report to the Board of Supervisors.

9. Emergency Management – gave a briefing to the Board of Supervisors for emergency preparedness and will also
coordinate with Bucks County Emergency Services.

10. Traffic Committee – a) data gathering is continuing with one sign but another one is needed so both northbound and
southbound directions can be monitored – will give baseline of speeding on River Road to be presented to PennDOT so that
calming measures can be installed; b) recommend installing a camera at the Milford Bridge to document the truck traffic –
will give more information to report to PennDOT.

OLD BUSINESS:
None.

NEW BUSINESS:
1) Upon motion by Supervisor Lynch and seconded by Supervisor Keller, which carried 3-0, the request for fire police for the Plumstead Township Blaze of Glory 5K Run on March 23, 2024 was approved.

2) Upon motion by Supervisor Lynch and seconded by Supervisor Keller, which carried 3-0, the request for fire police for the Borough of Sellersville 150th Anniversary/Memorial Day Parade on May 25, 2024 from 8 AM – 1 PM was approved.

3) Upon motion by Supervisor Lynch and seconded by Supervisor Keller, which carried 3-0, the request for participation in
the Mosquito Control Program enacted by the Bucks County Health Department was approved.

PERSONS TO BE HEARD:
None.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:
A general discussion ensued about the closing of the towpath below Homestead General Store, truck traffic, and
emergency preparedness.

ADJOURNMENT:
Upon a motion by Supervisor Lynch and seconded by Supervisor Keller, which carried 3-0, the meeting was adjourned at
8:06 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sheryl L. Patterson
Secretary/Treasurer


March-13-2024-minutesDownload

Planning Commission Meeting Minutes – Oct. 24th, 2023

Bridgeton Township Planning Commission Minutes of October 24, 2023 meeting via Zoom
BTPC (PC): CC Hopf (Chair), Greg Gerhardt, Roger Keller at the Bridgeton Township building and Michael Doyle on Zoom

Attending public: Kevin & Linnea McIntyre, Rick & Iris Lewis, Eric & Gabrielle Wallace, Jeff Porter, Kasara McIntyre, Walter Gabler, Edna & Jim Cochran, Joan Fullerton, Joe Guasconi, Joe & Nicole, Colette, Basil Tartaglia, Mark Bryan, Juan Carlos Carretero; and attending on Zoom: Bea Briggs.

I. Call to order
CC Hopf called the meeting to order at 7.37 pm. The meeting was on Zoom and recorded.

II. Requests from the public to be heard on the October 24, 2023 agenda:
Residents shared how the STRs “help take care of families”, “STRs give families resilience financially” and the STR’s spend money in our community.
The BTPC was questioned by the residents regarding urgency on the passing of the STR. Roger Keller said the BTPC reviews the proposed draft ordinance and forwards their comments and advisories to the BT BOS, the proposed draft STR Ordinance may go to the Bucks County Planning Commission for comment to Bridgeton Township and there is public hearing before final adoption (or not). There is no specified timeline.
A group of residents, “Responsible Renters of Bridgeton Township” (RRBT), presented a 2 page document – “A Statement of Concerns/Suggested Revisions” relating to the Township’s proposed Draft Short-Term Rental Ordinance under review by the BT Planning
Commission. This Statement of Concerns will be appended to the Oct. 24, 2023 minutes.

CC Hopf suggested going through the enumerated list of concerns:
It was commented that the ordinance was not easy to understand, coming across as ‘lawyer talk’, and in places the meaning is not clear.

Roger Keller said that the proposed ordinance is written by the Township Solicitor and suggested that questions about specific language
should be collected and put in writing.

CC Hopf asked the residents to forward the specific text passages that they wanted clarified and forwarded to Bridgeton Township by email at: info@BridgetonTwp.org. This will be forward by the township to the Bridgeton Township solicitor for explanation/reply.

The list of specific recommended changes from the two page RRBT document that was submitted were discussed and questions were fielded. For clarity some of the comments
made were on the following from the RRBT document:

1. Some of the group want residents to be able to own one STR in addition to any at their primary residence. The draft ordinance currently stipulates one STR at the primary
residence only.

3. Safety inspections of STRs. The group recommends independent private inspectors rather than the Township Zoning Officer… that the home owner pays for and may use either the local Fire Department or their own choice of Independent Safety Inspectors; Roger Keller commented that safety issues could be different for STR renters versus usual longer term renters.

4. In the proposed ordinance: STR owner-operators must be private individuals or LLC exclusive to the STR unit owned – “no corporate ownership”. Comment was made that exclusion of corporations might be a legal issue.

5 & #6 In reference to page 3, section F of the proposed STR draft… the RRBT commented that there should be no restriction on the number of rental days, and the number of guests should be increased from 2/bedroom to 4.
It was pointed out by the BTPC that this has potential for increased load on the septic system.
Bea Briggs on Zoom shared: An important concern is that STRs will change the nature of the community with fewer permanent residents contributing in their various ways to a healthy community. The community is already changing and it’s concerning. On the other
hand, it was pointed out, STRs offer some benefits such as enabling people to purchase housing and by creating living units thus increasing the stock of housing.
Discussion of the proposed Draft STR Ordinance was closed at 8.55pm.

It is noted that: Members of the public are welcome to share your comments on proposed ordinances, subdivisions and land development applications, or matters relating to planning and zoning to Bridgeton Township at: info@BridgetonTwp.org .

The Bridgeton Township Planning Commission/BTPC may support a proposed ordinance or subdivision/land development application or not, or simply not have an opinion one way or another. Either way, the Bridgeton Township Board of Supervisors/BOS may consider the
planning commissions insights but are not bound to agree with or act on any of the Bridgeton Township Planning Commissions/BTPCs recommendations.

III. Review of June 27, 2023 meeting minutes.
The draft minutes from the September 26, 2023 meeting were reviewed. Greg Gerhardt moved for approval of the minutes. The motion was seconded by CC Hopf. Per Roberts Rules of order, C C Hopf certified the minutes as written. There were no comments and the motion was approved unanimously, 3, 0, 1 (3 aye, one abstention)
IV. BTPC review of Bridgeton Township, Bucks County Pennsylvania draft Short-Term Rental Ordinance
The goal of the draft ordinance is to allow Bridgeton residents the opportunity for short-term rentals of their own homes or accessory buildings, with certain restrictions.
Majority of the BTPC meeting was listening to residents during the public comments.
V. The proposed Bridgeton Township Comprehensive Plan (CP) Update.
1) Bridgeton Township has received the completed Historic Survey containing photos, map, database and report for the historic resource survey update. Per BTPC discussion: the historic survey will be included in the CP update by reference and text only; corrections/updates will be taken care of prior to referring to the BOS; a link to the historic survey will be put on the Bridgeton Township website; Roger Keller will take care of theabove mentioned “details”.
2) It was agreed to tentatively hold a BTPC workshop meeting on November 28, 2023 on Zoom to go over the public comments that were received on the proposed draft CP update.
A public announcement of the meeting will be made if this workshop is to be held. If not held, a discussion on the CP update public comments that were received will be covered at the BTPC December 5, 2023 meeting.
–A link accessing the latest draft of the proposed CP update
is posted on the Bridgeton Township website and a copy of the CP draft available at the Bridgeton Township building.
-Public presentation of the proposed CP update was on 7/25/2023 via Zoom; The CP 45-day public comment period started 6/27/23, open until 8/12/23.
VI. Public comments: No further public comments
VII. Comments from the PC members:
Roger Keller inquired about the proposed draft ordinance amending the Bridgeton Township Zoning Ordinance to permit and regulate keeping and raising chickens as an accessory use.
C C advised the BOS requested the BTPC to discuss this again and will tentatively be on the January 2024 BTPC agenda.
VIII. Adjournment
Roger Keller moved the meeting to be adjourned. The motion was seconded by Greg Gerhardt and passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 9.24 pm.
Michael Doyle

BTPC-Minutes-Oct-24-2023-1Download

October 11, 2023 Supervisor Meeting Minutes

Bridgeton Township Meeting Room

October 11, 2023 Bridgeton Township Supervisor Meeting Minutes

BRIDGETON TOWNSHIP SUPERVISORS
Minutes of October 11, 2023 Regular Monthly Meeting
The regular meeting of the Bridgeton Township Board of Supervisors was held on October 11, 2023 as advertised, at the
Township Building, 1370 Bridgeton Hill Road, Upper Black Eddy, Pennsylvania. This meeting was also held remotely via
Zoom. Present were Supervisor Gard Holby, Supervisor Roger Keller and Supervisor Michael Lynch. Also present were
Secretary/Treasurer Sheryl Patterson and CC Hopf (virtual). Solicitor David Shafkowitz was absent.
Supervisor Holby called the meeting to order at 7:08 PM. No executive session was held prior to the meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA:
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Upon motion by Supervisor Keller and seconded by Supervisor Lynch which carried 2-0, the minutes from the September
13, 2023 regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors were approved.
BILLS/PAYROLL: Upon motion by Supervisor Keller and seconded by Supervisor Lynch, which carried 3-0, the bills and
payroll in the amount of $ 22,510.62 from October were approved
TREASURER’S REPORT: Upon motion by Supervisor Lynch and seconded by Supervisor Keller, which carried
3-0, the Treasurer’s Report from September 2023 was approved.
REPORTS:
1. Fire Company – upon motion by Supervisor Lynch and seconded by Supervisor Keller, which carried 3-0, the release of
the 2023 foreign fire funds in the amount of $ 11,274.25 was approved.
2. Open Space – news on canal & Wilderness Park- there were three trees blocking access that have been cleaned up; the
trail work has been postponed until spring since the AMC is currently completing another trail. Volunteers will be needed.
3. Solicitor – No report.
4. Planning Commission – CC Hopf reported that the Planning Commission met on September 26th: a) July/August
minutes were approved; b) public comments on the Short-Term Rentals draft ordinance were heard; c) the draft of the
ordinance on number of chickens was not supported by the Planning Commission as it is written – due to existing zoning
that already regulates the number of chickens based on acreage. d) no time to work on the Comprehensive Plan – the
Planning Commission is holding a workshop on November 28th to finish up the Comprehensive Plan; e) the historic survey
was received. Next meeting to be held on October 24th where there will be continuing discussion of the Short-Term Rentals
draft ordinance.
5. Secretary/Treasurer – upon motion by Supervisor Lynch and seconded by Supervisor Keller, which carried 3-0, the
proposal to advertise the special budget meeting to be held on November 1st was approved.
6. B/N/T Groundwater Committee – Nockamixon Township passed an ordinance.
7. Roadmaster – the 2023-2024 salt bid award letter was sent to Silva Concrete Products.
8. Zoning Officer – submitted a written report to the Board of Supervisors.
9. Emergency Management – no report.
10. Traffic Committee – moving ahead and looking into sharing resource agreements; traffic sign upgrade is being
considered. Supervisor Keller suggested that the traffic committee look at projects in stages.
OLD BUSINESS:
None.
NEW BUSINESS:
None.
PERSONS TO BE HEARD:
1) Terry Kuntz – recommended that American Chestnut trees be planted in Memorial Park to replace tree that was
removed; best to plant in the spring.
2) Gabrielle Curione Wallace and Carlos Carretero commented about the changes in the Short-Term Rental draft
ordinance. The Board of Supervisors noted again that the proper place for this discussion is at the Planning Commission
meeting. Supervisor Holby offered to meet with concerned citizens and discuss further. He encouraged review of the Draft
Ordinance by identifying specifically areas of concern or support, then submitting the proposed modifications to the
Planning Commission via email.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
None.
ADJOURNMENT:
Upon a motion by Supervisor Lynch and seconded by Supervisor Keller, which carried 3-0, the meeting was adjourned at
8:10 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sheryl L. Patterson
Secretary/Treasurer

Planning Commission Meeting Minutes – Sept. 26th, 2023

Bridgeton Township Planning Commission
Minutes of the September 26, 2023 meeting
BTPC (PC): CC Hopf (Chair), Greg Gerhardt and Terry Brown.
Attending public: Kevin & Linnea McIntyre, Rick & Iris Lewis, Eric & Gabrielle Wallace
and Christina Kennedy.
I. Call to order
CC Hopf called the meeting to order at 7.40 pm. Zoom was unavailable at this meeting.

II. Requests from the public to be heard on the September 26, 2023 agenda:
Christina Kennedy read her husband, Jeff Porter’s written comments on how the STRs
help families locally and the STR’s spend money in our community. These comments
were repeated among the residents present; C C Hopf suggested for Jeff Porter’s
written comments to be forward to Bridgeton Twp. at info@BridgetonTwp.org.
Gabrielle Wallace asked how she can get appointed to the BTPC.
Printed copies of the draft STR ordinance were made available at the BTPC meeting for
the public for their reference and questions were fielded with reference to the proposed
STR draft. Terry Brown shared there may be “unintended consequences”; the BTPC
suggested that the residents write proposed edits to the draft STR ordinance and
forward their suggested edits to the township.
As most are not familiar about township planning commissions, C C Hopf, shared:
as set by and in accordance with the PA. Municipal Planning Code (PA MPC) and the
Bridgeton Twp SALDO, Article IV, Section 401 – The Planning Commission is an
advisory entity to the township Supervisors charged with advising the Supervisors on
matters relating to planning and zoning, subdivisions and land development
applications, planning modules and proposed ordinances.
The BTPC may support a plan or not, or simply not have an opinion one way or another.
Either way, the Supervisors are not bound to agree with or act on any of the Planning
Commission’s recommendations, – but can/will consider the planning commission’s
insights.
In accordance with same, the BTPC has a set number of commissioners by law, which
at present is set at 5 members, all residents of Bridgeton Township.
Members of the public are welcome to share your comments on proposed ordinances,
subdivisions and land development applications, or matters relating to planning and
zoning and, or send your requests to volunteer to township committees to Bridgeton
Township at: info@BridgetonTwp.org .
III. Review of July 25, 2023 meeting minutes and the August 22, 2023 minutes.The
draft minutes from the July 25, 2023 meeting were reviewed. Greg Gerhardt moved for
approval of the minutes. The motion was seconded by CC Hopf. There were no
comments and the motion was approved unanimously, 3, 0.

The draft minutes from the August 22, 2023 meeting were reviewed. Greg Gerhardt
moved for approval of the minutes. The motion was seconded by CC Hopf. There were
no comments and the motion was approved unanimously, 3, 0.

IV. BTPC review of Bridgeton Township, Bucks County Pennsylvania draft
ordinance amending the Bridgeton Township Zoning Ordinance to permit and
regulate keeping and raising chickens as an accessory use.
The BTPC voted 3, 0 to not recommend or support amending Bridgeton Township’s
existing ordinance and referenced Bridgeton Township’s existing zoning ord.: Pg. 4-41
Pets, Keeping of, in particular Section d. calling for the maximum of 12 chickens and
Section h. more would be keeping of livestock… where our twp. Zoning ordinance goes
to Pg. 4-13 Livestock, Raising of (or Animal Husbandry). The Bridgeton’s Zoning also
goes further covering Pg. 4-26 Stable-Non-Household; Pg. 4-37 Fences & Walls.

V. BTPC review of Bridgeton Township, Bucks County Pennsylvania draft
Short-Term Rental Ordinance
The goal of the draft ordinance is to allow Bridgeton residents the opportunity for
short-term rentals of their own homes or accessory buildings, with certain restrictions.
Majority of the BTPC meeting was listening to residents during the public comments.

VI. The proposed Bridgeton Township Comprehensive Plan (CP) Update.
Discussion was postponed on the following:
-Discuss, edit the CP where needed: 1) the CP update public comments that were
received and 2) receipt of the completed Historic Survey containing photos, map,
database and report for the historic resource survey update.
-A link accessing the latest draft of the proposed CP update at:

https://app.sharebase.com/#/document/17422359/share/129-LdvO66PHtKf9n-
n8IvrfvvqJGA4 is posted on the Bridgeton Township website and a copy of the CP draft

available at the Bridgeton Township building.
-Public presentation of the proposed CP update was on 7/25/2023 via Zoom;
The CP 45-day public comment period started 6/27/23, open until 8/12/23.
IV. Public comment
V. Comments from the PC members
VI. Adjournment
With no further PC or public comments, Terry Brown moved that the meeting be
adjourned. The motion was seconded by Greg Gerhardt and passed unanimously. The
meeting was adjourned at 9.02 pm.

BTPC-minutes-from-Sept.-26-2023-mtgDownload

June 14, 2023 Supervisor Meeting Minutes

Bridgeton Township Meeting Room

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 14, 2023 Bridgeton Township Supervisor Meeting Minutes

BRIDGETON TOWNSHIP SUPERVISORS
Minutes of June 14, 2023 Regular Monthly Meeting
The regular meeting of the Bridgeton Township Board of Supervisors was held on June 14, 2023 as advertised, at the
Township Building, 1370 Bridgeton Hill Road, Upper Black Eddy, Pennsylvania. This meeting was also held remotely via
Zoom. Present were Supervisor Gard Holby and Supervisor Roger Keller. Also present were Secretary/Treasurer Sheryl
Patterson and CC Hopf (virtual). Supervisor Michael Lynch and Solicitor David Shafkowitz were absent.
Supervisor Holby called the meeting to order at 7:08 PM. No executive session was held prior to the meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA:
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Upon motion by Supervisor Keller and seconded by Supervisor Holby which carried 2-0, the minutes from the May 10, 2023
regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors were approved.
BILLS/PAYROLL: Upon motion by Supervisor Keller and seconded by Supervisor Holby , which carried 2-0, the bills and
payroll in the amount of $ 13,682.23 from June were approved
TREASURER’S REPORT: Upon motion by Supervisor Keller and seconded by Supervisor Holby, which carried
2-0, the Treasurer’s Report from May, 2023 was approved.
REPORTS:

  1. Fire Company – No report.
  2. Open Space – Roger Keller reported that the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) , in conjunction with the Tinicum
    Conservancy, were presenting plans for the park and local trails on June 15th at the Township building. They are also
    planning for an initial identification and direction for the trail through the Casillio property.
  3. Solicitor – No report.
  4. Planning Commission – CC Hopf reported that the planning commission continued work on the Comprehensive Plan
    update; the finish details will be completed by their June meeting and the 45-day review period will start.
  5. Secretary/Treasurer – received final payment from PEMA due to Hurricane Ida in the amount of $ 630.55.
  6. B/N/T Groundwater Committee – No report.
  7. Roadmaster – No report.
  8. Zoning Officer – submitted a written report to the Board of Supervisors.
  9. Emergency Management – No report .
  10. Traffic Committee – Ken Law reported : a) there were two truck stops by the State police; and b) the recent oil/chips
    on River Road have had a positive effect in slowing people down.
    OLD BUSINESS:
  11. Township News – advertised in various locations: bulletin board, FaceBook pages, wilderness park , and in
    Senator Coleman’s publication.
    NEW BUSINESS:
  12. Upon motion by Supervisor Holby and seconded by Supervisor Keller, which carried 2-0, the motion to hire a cleaning
    service for the Township building once per month was approved.
    PERSONS TO BE HEARD:
    Robert McEwan from Lower Delaware Wild & Scenic – presentation for endorsing congressional designation of High Falls
    Creek. Background: Delaware River was added to the designation in 2000. High Falls Creek has the largest falls in Bucks
    County, has outstanding remarkable values, and potential for recreational use and open space preservation. Supervisor
    Holby and Supervisor Keller decided to table this proposal until they spoke with Supervisor Lynch.
    PUBLIC COMMENTS: A general discussion on canal erosion ensued.
    ADJOURNMENT:
    Upon a motion by Supervisor Holby and seconded by Supervisor Keller, which carried 2-0, the meeting was adjourned at
    8:08 PM.
    Respectfully submitted,
    Sheryl L. Patterson
    Secretary/Treasurer