The Kennett Township Board of Supervisors voted to authorize funding for two possible real-estate acquisitions at its meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 3.

The first motion to spend up to $265,000 on one property passed unanimously. The second – for up to $500,000 with a 50 percent match in state and county money – was approved by Supervisors Whitney S. Hoffman and Richard L. Leff. Supervisors’ Chairman Scudder G. Stevens recused himself, explaining that he had a potential conflict of interest.

Township Manager Lisa M. Moore said that the township could not identify the properties until the negotiations concluded, a condition that frustrated several residents in the audience of about 10 people. Moore said that in the past, one deal fell apart because another party tried to outbid the township, a situation that is avoided by not disclosing the location.

Resident Nancy Hughes asked whether residents would have an opportunity to provide input on possible uses for the properties once the deals were finalized.

Stevens responded that some of the uses are prescribed in the easement agreements. Moore added that another property, which would be discussed in two weeks at the next supervisors’ meeting, would offer an opportunity for the public to provide feedback.

Hoffman said she understood residents’ frustration, and she used the recently purchased Fussell House, a former Underground Railroad hub, as an example of a property for which the supervisors are actively soliciting suggestions.

Residents are being asked to trust the supervisors to make wise decisions about the selection of properties, Hoffman said. “I feel strongly about making sure that there’s a public benefit,” she said.

In August, following a presentation by Michael Guttman, the township’s new grant program coordinator, the supervisors pledged to become more aggressive about preserving open space. Guttman pointed out then that East Bradford, which comprises 15.1 square miles and 9,942 residents, had used grants to help preserve more than 50 percent of its land. Kennett, with15.6 square miles and a population of 7,565, had not availed itself of grant opportunities and had protected only about 20 percent of the township.

In other business, the supervisors discussed a resolution that “all persons appointed to township boards, commissions and committees must have a computer, a working e-mail account, and a printer.” After some discussion, the motion was amended to require “access to a printer,” a change that prompted unanimous approval.

The supervisors explained that the intent is to improve communication and efficiency, not to impose a burden. Any volunteer who does not have an active e-mail account would be provided one by the township.

Requests for extensions for three developments – the Ham subdivision on Burnt Mill Road, the Cannery Road mixed use development adjacent to Magnolia Place, and the North Walnut Holding Company residential community on Walnut Road – generated discussion only related to the first one.

The supervisors questioned the fact that the Ham property has been receiving extensions for a number of years. Moore explained that the owner has been working on an easement that would benefit the township. However, if those negotiations break down, he doesn’t want to lose the work that has gone into the subdivision plan, she said.

The supervisors voted to approve all three extensions, but they indicated that the extended timeline for the Ham property, which runs until Aug. 19, could be the last.

Finally, Hoffman announced that she had updated the township’s Resident Guide, which she felt didn’t contain enough useful information for newcomers. Now, residents can learn such things as where to get passports or how to access trails.

Hoffman said the new guide would be available free on iBooks and on the township’s website. By having the information electronic, the township can make updates easier, Hoffman said.

“It’s very nice – and very comprehensive,” said Moore.