No tax increase expected in 2015 budget
By Kris Firey-Poling, Correspondent, The Times
Edward Stillman of Stillman Volvo makes his case with Birmingham Township Supervisors, Monday night, over a proposal to use a nearby property in Thornbury for car storage.
BIRMINGHAM — At Monday night’s Board of Township Supervisors meeting, Edward Stillman presented documents pertaining to Stillman Volvo’s request to access the PHP Enterprise property, located in neighboring Thornbury Township.
The car dealer told supervisors he needs additional property to park up to 150 cars; access from the dealership to the PHP property will be needed two to three times per day. The change will not require signage or lighting.
According to Stillman, Thornbury’s Zoning Hearing Board has approved the request on their end. The issue raised many questions by the supervisors and Township Solicitor Kristin Camp. A representative from PHP described how the property is currently used.
Before giving approval, supervisors said they wanted to make sure everything is as it should be on the property.
“We need to make sure the property is in compliance before deciding to allow more traffic on Birmingham property,” Supervisors Chairman John Conklin said.
The board agreed to have the building inspector look at the property and make a recommendation on how they should proceed.
In other township business, Secretary/Treasurer Quina Nelling explained that the 2015 Budget “will remain constant at 1.6 mils, with no changes in sewer costs.”
For the record, Supervisors Vice-Chairman William Kirkpatrick said “This is lower than surrounding townships!” The Board agreed to authorize the 2015 Budget for public inspection. The budget is scheduled to be adopted at the Dec. 8 Board of Supervisors’ meeting.
Also, supervisors approved a five-year wastewater treatment contract with M&B Environmental, as the township’s current contract with them expired. The final cost was lower than expected, officials said, with an agreed 3% increase each year.
Police Chief Thomas Nelling received approval to sell two vehicles – a 2003 Ford Expedition and 2008 Dodge Charger.
Nancy Needham was appointed to the Historical Commission; her term continues through 2018.
