Pennsbury Township supervisors decided not to automatically increase the township’s allocation to Longwood Fire Company. Instead, the township and several other municipalities decided to retain the services of an outside consultant to determine whether Longwood’s request is justified or whether to consider other options.
According to Supervisors’ Chairman Charles “Scotty” Scottoline, Longwood wants to triple Pennsbury’s current amount. In response — and after sending out a Request-for-Proposal — Pennsbury, Pocopson, East Marlborough, Newlin and Kennett townships agreed to retain VFIS, of York, to review Longwood’s proposal.
Scottoline said the total cost of the review is expected to be in the $29,000 to $30,000 range, but Pennsbury’s portion will be no more than $7,000.
Of primary consideration is the cost for emergency medical services. Scottoline said Longwood currently collects only half of what it bills. The study by VFIS would determine whether the townships agree to the increase or look elsewhere for EMS services, such as finding a hospital.
Specific dollar amounts regarding Longwood’s request were not brought up during the meeting, but Township Manager Kathy Howley later said Pennsbury budgeted $125,000 for the fire company in 2015, but now Longwood is asking for $300,000.
Other business
• The township’s first workshop for determining the 2016 budget will be held at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 14, in the township building.
• Supervisors approved a landscape plan for a 0.737-acre parcel of land in the Parker Preserve area along Route 926. The parcel is part of the homeowners’ association’s open-space area near the home of Keith Mikkelson, who lives on Anthony Way.
Mikkelson denuded the area earlier this spring, but was required to come up with a plan to re-landscape after the township learned about his unauthorized action.
At issue during the meeting was where trees are to be planted and whether or not there should be meadow grasses or wildflowers and native plants.
Also under consideration is where a trail might eventually be located. Mikkelson said he doesn’t want it near his home, but the decision will be made by the homeowners’ association.
Muddying the situation is that there is no actual HOA yet, and might not be for another year.
About Rich Schwartzman
Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.
