Summary of 28 February 2024 BOS Meeting
This is my personal summary of the February 28, 2024, meeting of the #NewtownPA Township Board of Supervisors (BOS). This is not a complete nor an official summary.
Access the 2024 BOS Chronicle for detailed summaries of all 2024 BOS meetings plus the BOS voting record (UNOFFICIAL) for 2024.
Agenda Items, Discussions, Decisions, and More
- Reports of Committees, Boards and Commissions
- Planning Commission: Wireless Amendment to JMZO
- John Mack: Bucks NAACP Race & Policing in Bucks County Briefing, Human Relations Commission Meeting, and 26 February 2024 Meet Mack Monday Zoom Meeting
- Engineer’s Report
- Crumbling Section of Lower Dolington Road
- Manager’s Report
- ESD Report
- Other Items of Interest
Reports of Committees, Boards and Commissions
Planning Commission: Wireless Amendment to JMZO
“This amendment, drafted by The Cohen Group, experts on wireless [5G] communications, would help the Jointure better regulate location, placement, construction and maintenance of wireless equipment.
“As technology changes this amendment updates existing ordinances to help comply with both Federal and State regulations, while allowing the municipalities to have some control over the facilities.
“The Commission members agreed that this is beyond our expertise and that we would rely on the advice of experts in the field. We voted to recommend that the Board approve adoption in conjunction with our Jointure partners. It is our understanding that issue regarding health ramifications of the facilities are to be addressed separately.” [Listen to “Supervisors Table Decision on 5G Wireless JMZO Amendment’]
The Jointure hired the Cohen Group to prepare an updated wireless ordinance that addresses “Small Wireless Facilities” (aka DAS) which are small systems that are used to boast wireless service. The Cohen Group was asked to ensure that the entire Ordinance is complaint with both state and federal regulations (read “Cohen Law Group Expert Advises JZC on 5G Small Cell Antenna Ordinance”).
MY COMMENT: My understanding is that there is not adequate provision in the ordinance for removal or relocation of small antennas that may be a health hazard to residents living nearby. I brought this issue before the JZC some time ago base on comments made before the BOS at its May 25, 2022, meeting [read “Residents Raise Health Issues Caused By 5G Wireless Technology”]
Related Content:
- “Attorney Joel Winston Answers Questions Regarding JZC Draft Wireless Communications Ordinance”
- “An Expert's Critique of the JMZO 5G Wireless Ordinance”
- “Andrew Campanelli Reviews JMZO Wireless 5G Ordinance”
John Mack: Bucks NAACP Race & Policing in Bucks County Briefing
I attended the January 15, 2024, Bucks NAACP "Briefing" on Race & Policing in Bucks County. At the briefing was Karen Downer, President, NAACP Bucks County, Helen Tai, former PA State Representative, and member of the Bucks NAACP Criminal Justice and Education Committee, as well as other dignitaries including perhaps a dozen police officers from neighboring communities.
I created a video from a 15-minute audio recording of the "Key Findings" session presented by Mr. John Blevins, who is also a member of the Criminal Justice and Education Committee. To create this video, I selected what I considered the most appropriate graphics and data from the BC NAACP's "2023 Report on Reimagining Public Safety".
February 21, 2024, Human Relations Commission Meeting
I attended the 21 February 2024 Human Relations Commission (HRC) meeting, where new members John R. Gyllenhammer, J.D. and Rev. Dr. Susan A. Sciarratta were welcomed. This brings the number of voting members to 4. All 4, including Chair Kevin Antoine and member Angelic Acevedo, were in attendance. Also in attendance was Kara McCarthy, a non-voting member.
I informed the members that on February 10, 2024, Mike Dalewitz officially submitted via email his request to be appointed to the Commission. Mr. Dalewitz is the co-owner of the Borscht Belt Deli located in Newtown Township. The members had no problems with Mr. Dalewitz becoming a member. To date, the Supervisors have not acted upon Mr. Dalewitz’s request.
Proposed Mural Project
At the meeting, Barbara Simmons, a member of the NAACP Bucks County Executive Board, informed members about Bucks County's "Mural Arts Program," supported by the Bucks County Commissioners. Ms. Simmons discussed my idea of having the HRC sponsor a series of canvas murals attached to the chain link fence on the PennDOT walking bridge from the George School to the Township. This would involve police departments of three communities: Newtown Township, Newtown Borough, and Middletown. Listen to the discussion:
February 26, 2024, Meet Mack Monday Zoom Meeting
On Monday, February 26, 2024, I hosted the second Meet Mack Monday Zoom meeting of the year. 7 residents attended. At the meeting, I presented a slide show covering the following topics:
- LED Streetlight Project – What’s the Savings?
- Trash Collection Rising Rates – Time for a Change?
- ·Borscht Belt Neon Sign Decision Update
- Newtown Place Apartments – Revised Plan
- Single-Use Plastics Ban – What You Need to Know
- Bucks NAACP Race & Policing Report Briefing Summary
- Mack’s Pothole Patrol: If You See Something, Say Something!
- Human Relations Commission Report: Proposed Mural Project
- What’s With Wawa on Bypass?
- Questions/Comments from attendees included: Payback period of LED Streetlight Program, proposed sewage treatment plant to be located in the OR district next to the Wawa location, several buildings on Sycamore St., for example Guru's, and the Arya Rug building, are in sore need of siding repair and paint
Engineer’s Report
Crumbling Section of Lower Dolington Road
The Township Engineer was not present. I brought this to the attention of the Township Manager after the meeting.
This is in an area on the northbound lane of LDR just north of Frost Lane (see photos). It was a cutout in the pavement previously reported by a resident who noted: “Potential hazard for motorists”.
When I informed the Township Engineer about this back in 2023, I was told that “the pavement is slightly notched out there due to the contractor needing to accommodate the underground storm water infiltration trench." You told me the same last night.
I was also told "The pavement edge was sawcut so they could make the excavation for the trench.” Obviously, the trench has NOT been installed as evidenced by the puddle of water seen in one photo!
With the current state, I would say that this is even a greater hazard to motorists than ii was because the crumbling pavement goes beyond the edge line pavement marking into the travel lane. I hope that this can be repaired ASAP.
Manager’s Report
ESD Report
Deputy Chief Nicholas Weaver of Newtown Fire Rescue announced plans to intensify its fire prevention program.
My Detailed Notes
The following notes were prepared prior to the meeting. View the notes embedded below or download the pdf document.
Official Video
Transcript
Download the unedited time-stamped transcript of this meeting prepared by Youtube from the video: download PDF document.
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