LITTLE BRITAIN TOWNSHIP
October 13, 2014
The Little Britain Township Board of Supervisors held its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday,
October 13th, at the Municipal Building, 323 Green Lane, Quarryville, Pennsylvania. Prior notice
of the meeting was given.
Chairman, Jerry Emling, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. A moment of silence was
followed by the salute to the Flag.
PRESENT: Jerry Emling
Dan Proffitt
Richard Brenneman
Clark Coates
Pat Wood
Christine Jackson
Margaret DeCarolis
John F. Beiler
Levi E. Beiler
Jim Bullitt
Sue Bullitt
Elaine Craig
Frank Donahoe
Peg Donahoe
Emanuel K. Esh
Jesus Feliciano
Amos F. Fisher
Daniel K. Fisher
Henry K. Fisher
Henry M. Fisher
Jacob M. Fisher
Levi L. Fisher
Mike Fisher
Chris L Fisher Jr.
Amos King
Bennie K. King
Benuel King
David King
Levi B. King
Stephen King
Stephen A, Lapp
Henry Miller
George Osborn
Marcella Peyre-Ferry
Giovana Posey
Agnes Reeder
Tom Reeder
Dan Risk
Enos J. Smoker
Stephen K. Smoker
Stephen K. Smoker
Jacob E. Smucker
Samuel F. Smucker
Daniel S. Stoltzfoos
David K. Stoltzfoos
Elam E. Stoltzfus
Elmer F. Stoltzfus
Israel F. Stoltzfus
John L. Stoltzfus
Jonathon B. Stoltzfus
Levi Z. Stoltzfus
Samuel L. Stoltzfus
MINUTES: Motion made by Mr. Proffitt, seconded by Mr. Brenneman and carried to adopt the
minutes of the September 8th meeting as printed.
SANITATION: It was reported that Mr. Stoner collected $825.00 in Sanitation fees during the
month of September. No well permits were issued. A copy of Mr. Stoner’s correspondence to
Mr. Duncan pertaining to the concern he stated during the September meeting was enclosed for
review.
ZONING: Zoning Officer, Christine Jackson reported issuing 6 building, 2 driveway, 16
occupancy, 2 extension and 4 demolition permits during September along with the acceptance of
2 Zoning Hearing Application . Ms. Jackson also advised of the following:
 Zoning Hearing Application of David Weaver.
 Zoning Hearing Application of Christ Taylor.
1
TAXES: Tax Collector, Agnes Reeder reported collecting $147.78 in Real Estate tax and $11.04
in interim tax during the month of September. The Board then reviewed a request submitted by
Ms. Reeder requesting reimbursement for attendance at the PSTCA Tax Collectors Convention.
Motion made by Mr. Coates, seconded by Ms. Wood and carried authorizing this request.
ROADS: Roadmaster, Dan Risk reported on the following September road crew activities:
 Repaired parking brake on backhoe.
 Mowed road banks.
 Mowed at municipal building.
 Worked on short section of Schoolhouse Road.
 Placed stone on Fairmount Road for dust suppression.
 Replaced front tires on mower tractor.
 Cleaned side gutters on Friends Road.
 Measured for line painting.
 Spread millings for Fulton Township with side spreader.
 Checked roads for storm damage.
 Checked Park, repaired bathroom door and changed camera cards at the Park.
 Cleaned side gutters on Black, Quail and Fulton Inn Road.
 Worked on fence installation at the Park.
 Reviewed 2015 budget and discussed 2016 budget.
 Performed routine equipment maintenance.
 Shot grades on Balance Meeting Road.
 Distributed letters to residents regarding tree trimming.
 Checked on 1-call sites and reviewed sites of driveway applications.
 Worked on Short Road.
 Removed tree after hours on King Pen Road.
 Cleaned storm grates.
 Cleaned up after storm damage and repaired dirt roads.
Ms. Wood questioned what repairs were made at the Park and was advised it was a door to the
restroom. Mr. Emling stated he noticed the yellow road lines that had been painted and
questioned why no white lines had been applied at the sides of the roadway. Mr. Risk advised
that due to the cleaning of the side gutters he believed any white road lines that were placed
would be scrapped away. Mr. Proffitt questioned if recent storms produced much washout and
was advised that washout was minimal.
PAYMENT OF BILLS: Motion made by Mr. Proffitt, seconded by Mr. Coates and carried
authorizing the payment of General Fund checks 9768 through 9797 in the amount of
$39,806.13.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Resident, Giovana Posey of Kirks Mill Road expressed concern
and frustration on the trash that continues to flow into her yard. She indicated that her husband
had addressed the Board several months back regarding this problem and requested that the inlet
boxes be cleaned in an effort to help alleviate this problem. Pictures of the trash washing into her
yard were viewed by the Board. Mr. Risk indicated that following the paving of Sunset Drive
2
that the situation should have improved. Ms. Posey advised things are better, but still not good.
Mr. Risk indicated he would visit the property on October 14th to discuss the matter with her in
more detail. Resident, Peg Donahoe inquired if any information had been obtained from
PennDOT regarding the bridge work to be done on Kirks Mill Road. She was advised that the
Township had no updates or anticipated work dates. Stephen Lapp, a resident of Colerain
Township advised he had been requested to address the Board pertaining to the animal
limitations being imposed on the Rebecca King property. He indicated that members of the
Amish community wished to determine what would be necessary to have the zoning changed to
allow for more animals on smaller lots. Ms. Jackson reiterated for the Board what she had
previously discussed with Mr. Lapp including the relief given to Ms. King in 2010 during a
zoning hearing which allowed for Ms. King to have 4 horses and 50 chicken or 3 horses, 1 cow
and 50 chickens on a 1.32 acre piece of property. It was further noted that the property had been
in violation of the animal count since the hearing. Mr. Proffitt questioned if Mr. Lapp believed
the relief given was fair. Mr. Lapp indicated that while it may seem fair it is inadequate as Ms.
King has three 3 sons and they need work horses as well as travel horses. Mr. Emling stated that
Ms. Jackson is only responsible for the enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance as written, that the
Board adopts the zoning regulations for the Township. As questions were raised pertaining to
zoning regulations in other municipalities, especially Colerain Township, Ms. Jackson advised
that she had obtained a copy of their livestock regulations, which were based on ours, and
confirmed that our regulations are more lenient then theirs. She further noted that the zoning
regulations in question have been in existence for 15 years, however the major concerns
pertaining to these regulations are due to the Amish buying more smaller lots. Henry Fisher
indicated the need for more livestock rights in order for them to continue running farms and farm
businesses. He indicated that when done properly, smaller farms of 8 – 10 acres can be selfsupporting if they double crop. It was noted that more and more Amish are being forced to
purchase smaller properties as they are unable to afford the larger farms as in the past. Concerns
pertaining to manure management and the belief that smaller lots were unable to property
dispose of this waste were discussed. Several members of the Amish community advised of how
they managed this situation and stated it could handled on properties of 8+ acres. Ms. Wood
questioned if Amish were trying to do too much on smaller properties. Many indicated their
belief that small acreage farms were being wasted and of their desire to utilize the land in all
possible ways. Ms. Jackson advised that Zoning Regulations were generated to ensure that all
land uses and regulations were aimed at protecting the agricultural community while ensuring
that adequate land was designated for other necessary purposes and to ensure that all land uses
were compatible with each other. She further noted that while those present at this meeting may
have no problems with the manure, rodents, flies, etc. that are inherent with the keeping of
animals, other residents who have invested in their properties may not be pleased to be forced
into living under such conditions. Additionally it was noted that special exceptions were already
being made for the Amish due to their religious beliefs and that English land owners were unable
to have any horses on a property less than 2 acres. David Fisher questioned why horses were
viewed differently from automobiles. The issues of manure, flies, etc. were again discussed.
Resident, Jim Bullitt also noted that there were regulations pertaining to automobiles that
residents had to comply with as well. He stated the disposal of oil, the licensing of vehicles, and
impervious surface as just a few examples of those regulations. The Board advised those present
to draft a list of specific things they would like to see changed in the zoning and present those
specific requests to the Board. It was noted that once the Board had a listing of specific change
3
requests, they could contact the Conservation District as well as any other County/State agencies
who may need to review and/or comment on any proposed changes the Board may wish to make.
Mr. Stoltzfus indicated this is a concern in all southern municipalities and questioned if the
Board would hold a joint meeting with the other municipalities so they would not need to pursue
this topic with each one individually. He was advised that each municipality has its own zoning
regulations and ordinance and therefore would need to be contacted separately. A Greg Bolbger
questioned if an educational session could be scheduled to assist those in drafting their proposal.
He was advised that the proposal did not need to be formally written but must be a proposal for
everyone across the board and not based on individual property desires. John Stoltzfus then
question the regulations pertaining to the doubling of a house. Ms. Jackson advised that the
Township previously only counted lots against a land owners sub-division rights but was forced
to change the regulations to count dwelling units instead of lots when determining sub-division
rights.
TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION: Motion made by Ms. Wood, seconded by Mr.
Proffitt and carried adopting the minutes of the September 22nd Township Planning Commission
meeting as printed.
AGRICULTURAL SECURITY PETITION: The Board acknowledged the receipt of the
application of William C. and Marilyn A. Fuller of 2192 Ashville Rd to include 2 tracks of
property, property account number 380-29077 which is 200.228 acres and property account
number 380-688772 which is 14.1 acres in the agricultural security area.
REQUEST FROM PROVIDENC TOWNSHIP: The Board was advised of a request received
from Providence Township to support them in their opposition to the proposed roundabouts to be
installed within their Township. Ms. Wood indicated she and Mr. Brenneman had attended a
meeting pertaining to this proposal and advised of the proposed locations for the roundabouts.
She further advised that while the presenters did say the roundabouts had not yet been approved
or authorized, it appeared they were being recommended. Not only would the installation of
these items be expensive, the maintenance on them would also be extremely expensive should
they ever be turned back to the municipality. Following a discussion on this matter, Mr. Proffitt
motioned that a letter from the Board expressing their opposition to the installation of
roundabout be drafted and forwarded per the instructions in the request. Mr. Brenneman
seconded the motion, which carried.
PENSION PLAN DISBURSEMENT: It was noted that the Township received $7,871.80 from
the state for the funding of the Township Pension Plan. The Secretary/Treasurer recommended
contributing $2,599.40 for each of the 3 employees enrolled in this plan and to retain $73.60 for
administrative fees. Motion made by Mr. Proffitt, seconded by Ms. Wood and carried to disburse
the funding as outlined above.
WAKEFIELD AMBULANCE RELIEF ASSOCIATION: The Board was advised that Neil
Uniacke, a member of the Wakefield Ambulance Association had contacted the Township
requesting that no funding received through the Fireman’s Relief Association be disbursed to
them through this year funding.
4
HEALTH INSURANCE RENEWAL: The Board reviewed the renewal rates for health
insurance from five various companies on fourteen various plans. Following a review and
discussion of the plans offered Ms. Wood motioned that the Township maintain its current plan
of with Highmark. The motion was seconded by Mr. Coates and carried.
CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS/VOLUNTEERS: Mr. Emling advised of concerns
pertaining to the recent changes in Act 15 regarding child abuse clearances and certifications,
particularly as to how it may affect the volunteers of the annual egg hunt hosted by the
Township. A discussion pursued in which various interpretations of the law as well as the article
on this topic in the recent edition of Township News were unclear and poorly written. Due to the
importance of this matter, the Board agreed to refer this matter to the Solicitor for feedback.
TRAINING/SEMINARS: Upcoming training and seminars were reviewed.
TRICK-OR-TREAT: It was noted that Trick-or-Treat would be observed on Friday, October
30th from 6 to 8 pm.
ADJOURNMENT: At 8:45.m. being no further business, motion was made by Ms. Wood,
seconded by Mr. Coates and carried to adjourn the meeting. It was noted that the Board would be
conducting a budget workshop following a short recess.
Respectfully Submitted,
Margaret D. DeCarolis
Secretary/Treasurer
5