Google Video scaled back

Google Video used to host lengthy videos, like those of supervisor meetings, for FREE. In April they ended that option, moving all new video to YouTube. This is no great loss, however, since the township never seemed to like the idea of its videos being hosted by Google. So this should not affect progress toward fulfilling the promise of video in Plumstead.

You promised us video!

Three of our five supervisors ran on platforms that promised videorecording of Board of Supervisors meetings, but somehow that isn't happening. BOS meetings are now being recorded for audio archiving.

Someone apparently made the argument that audiorecording is good enough for the county commissioners. As one who follows this issue, I can tell you that the county isn't going the audio route because it's superior to video but because Commissioners Cawley and Martin didn't want video, perhaps out of fear that unflattering clips might be used in the state-level political campaign Mr. Cawley recently waged. Is there a single other township that is recording audio only?

How are we supposed to know who is speaking unless we are well acquainted with all of the supervisors, their solicitors, engineers...? What about the developers and their teams who come before the board? And compare the difficulty of scanning through to find a particular part of the discussion in an audio versus a video.

There seems to be a feeling that unless we shell out $40K for a video installation, we can't do video, when all it would take is contracting with a videographer to sit on the side like PlumsteadWatch used to do, then post the segments on the township website in clips labeled by topic – old business, new business, whatever... The videographer would use their own camera. The popular Flip video camera only runs about $200.

Then there's unaccountable resistance to taking advantage of FREE Google hosting of the videos. We wouldn't have to view them at the Google website – they can be embedded in the township website.

So how about fulfilling your campaign promises to video the BOS meetings next year? And please don't spend $40K on a built-in system. All you need is someone with a Flip camera and a tripod.

"Builder buys long-idled development"

By Freda R. Savana, Intelligencer, January 9, 2011:

A new builder plans to take over the massive Carriage Hill project from C&M Home Builders.

The sprawling Carriage Hill development that's been on the drawing board in Plumstead for more than five years is about to be sold.

"Carriage Hill Resurfaces in Plumstead Township"

By Rebecca Fink, Bucks County Herald, December 16, 2010:
Original plan had approval in 2006. . . .

More on the whistleblower issue

Letter to the Editor of the Intelligencer, September 12, 2010:

Whistleblower issue complicated
I am writing in response to the Sept. 3 article about whistle-blower protection in Pennsylvania. The scope of Pennsylvania's Whistleblower Law is not as broad as the article suggests.

"Board approves solar panels"

By Freda R. Savana, Intelligencer, September 8, 2010:

Tom Widmeier quickly won approval Tuesday to install a large array of solar panels in the rear of his 12-acre Plumstead property on Meetinghouse Road.

"Supervisors want whistleblowers protected"

By Freda R. Savana, Intelligencer, September 3, 2010:
"In an effort to protect Plumstead employees from retaliation for reporting 'wrongdoing or waste' within the township, supervisors recently adopted a whistleblower policy, modeled after Pennsylvania law. . . ."

Mulholland named to BCWSA board

Plumstead Supervisor Stacey Mulholland has been appointed by the Bucks County commissioners to a seat on the board of the Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority, announced Frank Froio at a meeting of Plumstead's Board of Supervisors last night.

Solar panel decision appealed

"Couple appeals solar panel decision," by Freda R. Savana, Intelligencer, May 5, 2010:

A zoning hearing board ruling found the permits the township issued allowing the couple to install backyard solar panels were flawed. The homeowners disagreed.

Richland: "Supervisors OK $2.4M solar panel contract"

By Hilary Bentman, Intelligencer, April 13, 2010:

By the end of the summer, solar panels will be installed on 3 acres in Richland.

And by the end of the year, the panels should be helping to power some township properties. . . .

The panels are expected to generate more than 25 percent of the electricity needed to power township- and water authority-owned facilities.

The project is being paid for through a $500,000 grant from PA Conservation Works, a state Department of Environmental Protection-run grant program that provides federal stimulus money to projects that could reduce energy consumption.

The remainder of the cost is being split between the township and the Richland Township Water Authority.

Officials expect the project will pay for itself in a few years through savings on energy costs and the sale of renewable energy credits. . . .

"Board: Solar panel permit wrong"

By Freda R. Savana, Intelligencer, April 6, 2010:

The zoning hearing board upheld an appeal to a homeowner's controversial solar panels in Plumstead.

The Plumstead Zoning Hearing Board has agreed with a homeowner who said the township's zoning officer was wrong when he issued a permit allowing his neighbor to install an array of three solar panels in his backyard.

In its recent decision, the board said the panels, each approximately 16 feet high and 10 feet wide, do not qualify as a residential accessory use, which Plumstead's zoning officer, Rich O'Brien, of Keystone Municipal Services, found them to be.

Andrew and Marlene Capreri, who had the solar panels installed at their 4701 Essex Drive home late last year, have the right to appeal the ruling. They can also file an application to have the panels classified as a conditional use, which would require them to gain approval from the board of supervisors. . . .

"Plumstead skips open space bond vote this year"

By Freda R. Savana, Intelligencer, March 8, 2010:

Officials are blaming the weak economy for their decision to delay the vote on the $10 million bond until November 2011.

Plumstead residents will not be voting this year on whether to borrow $10 million to preserve open space.

A weak economy is largely to blame, said township officials, who had hoped to bolster Plumstead's dwindling land preservation coffers with a fresh influx of money. Plans call for the question to be on the November 2011 ballot. . . .

Citizen participation in government explained

Harry W. Pozycki, chairman and founder of the Center for Civic Responsibility and its Citizens' Campaign, was interviewed on WHYY's Radio Times, March 8, 2010. Having started in New Jersey, he is expanding his offerings to Pennsylvania. The general principles can be applied nationwide, however. His site offers an inspiring how-to for concerned citizens.

"Couple appeals zoning decision on solar panels"

By Freda R. Savana, Intelligencer, February 18, 2010: ". . . The zoning hearing board is expected to issue a decision on the appeal at its March 3 meeting."

"Solar panel fight not quite over yet"

By Freda Savana, Intelligencer, February 1, 2010: "A couple who objected to a neighbors' installation of freestanding solar panels is challenging the township's permit that allowed them to go up. . . . The zoning hearing board is holding a public hearing on the matter on Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the township building. . . ."

"Hilltown yanks memberships"

By Theresa Hegel, Intelligencer, January 28, 2010:

In an era when regionalization is often encouraged and cooperation between municipalities is rewarded by the state, Hilltown has taken an unusual step toward isolation.

Earlier this week, the township dropped membership with both the Bucks County Association of Township Officials and the Pennridge Area Coordinating Committee, saying the groups move government away from the people and detract from Hilltown's authority.

"Worth and Co., state reach settlement"

By John Anastasi, Intelligencer, January 7, 2010: "The Plumstead company agreed not to bid for state work for 15 months, but started a new company that can. . . ."

Re Point Pleasant Pike reconstruction

"Eminent domain holding up project," by Bill Devlin, Intelligencer, December 15, 2009. "Plumstead residents are upset a portion of Point Pleasant Pike has been closed for five years. . . ."

Intelligencer coverage of lights on fields

"Deal near for field lights: A long-standing dispute over lighting at Herbst Field may be nearing a resolution--at least temporarily," by Freda R. Savana, Intelligencer, January 27, 2010.

Bucks County Herald coverage of BOS meetings

January Board of Supervisors' meetings, reported by Rebecca Fink, Bucks County Herald: January 4, "Plumstead swears in two new supervisors," and January 19, 2010, "CBAA will get lights at Herbst Field: Plumstead supervisors agree to temporary plan."

Board of Supervisors' meeting, January 19, 2010

Unfortunately, the video recording ended when my ancient camera died. The Herald's coverage is above. I had hoped to tape the supervisors' discussion of the fulfillment of campaign pledges for video access to meetings. Instead, this is what I recall, in so many words: Tom Alvaré urged the board to ask township manager Carolyn McCreary to investigate the options and costs for various systems and report back in February. She said she had other major tasks at hand and would need until March. Dan Hilferty suggested she take until June so there would be plenty of time to do it right. Carolyn reminded the board that there is no money in the budget for actually pursuing these options. I commented that [hosting at] Google Video is free. Frank Froio had mentioned the possibility of having meetings taped by volunteers when we were talking at the polls during the last election. I said if I got a new camera I could tape but as township solicitor Jonathan Reiss had acknowledged when I asked in May 2008, there are potential privacy issues when volunteers put public comments on the internet. Last night, however, he said that if I announced what I was doing and gave citizens the option to have their comments deleted from the video, as I did that evening, he doubted there would be a problem. Stacey Mulholland said that public comments are an essential component of the meetings.

"Supervisors quash developer's request"

By Bill Devlin, PhillyBurbs.com, November 5, 2009.

Plumstead supervisors gave a prominent Bucks County developer only a little of what he wanted Wednesday night.

Richard Zaveta, president of Zaveta Construction Co. of Buckingham, had asked the supervisors to extend the five-year limit for beginning work on the project already approved by the township.

Zaveta has yet to start construction on a development, which would create a "village" mix of single homes, townhouses and stores in Gardenville.

The board's approval of the plans, which have drawn praise because of the architectural design, expires Dec. 10.

Supervisors Chairman Vince Formica told the board that he was not in favor of granting the extension, noting that since the Zaveta plans were approved, the township had made changes to its zoning and land development regulations.

Supervisor Housley Carr said he would only approve an extension if the plans were changed to conform to the new zoning and land development regulations. Carr also wanted Zaveta to reduce the number of units in project.

When Supervisor Stacey Mulholland's motion to grant the extension did not receive a second, Zaveta expressed his surprise.

"I am astonished that this (the extension) is not being approved," he told the board.

However, Supervisor Frank Froio suggested giving Zaveta some time to make the changes that would satisfy the board. Froio proposed a 6-month extension because it would allow Formica and Carr, who will be leaving office in January, to be involved in plan as well as giving Republicans Daniel Hilferty and Wayne Stork, who were elected Tuesday night, to have a say when they take their seats in January.

Froio also suggested to Zaveta that he reduce the scope of the development from 52 units to 40 units.

Froio's motion for the six-month extension was approved 3-1, with Formica dissenting. Supervisor Tom Alvare was not present.

Remote access discussed at county level

"Commissioner downplays recording of meeting," by Jenna Portnoy, PhillyBurbs.com, November 5, 2009:

. . . A more than two-hour-long meeting of the Bucks County commissioners was recorded Wednesday thanks to in-house video equipment at the Middletown Township building. But it's not clear if the video will ever be viewed by a wide audience. . . .

. . . Commissioner Diane Marseglia has pushed for televised meetings since before she took office in 2008. She maintains that the meeting times are inconvenient for people who work during the day. . . .

Commissioner Jim Cawley said he had no problem with the video appearing on television or streaming online. Two commissioners' support for a measure is typically enough to make it happen in Bucks, but Cawley said he would defer to Martin to make the final decision.

Unlike in municipalities, counties do not have cable franchise agreements to use as leverage for air time and video equipment from cable companies like Comcast. Showing the videos online could be a cost-saving alternative.

Back in April, then-Chief Operating Officer Dave Sanko said video of the meetings could begin streaming online as early as July.

At the time, Sanko said the technology would give anyone with Internet access the chance to view the meetings whenever it's convenient for them. The service would have been worth the costs of recording, he said at the time.

"Candidates: It's all about respect"

By Freda R. Savana, PhillyBurbs.com, October 14, 2009: ". . . All supported the referendum to borrow $4.5 million to purchase land to develop a multiuse park. . . ."

Supervisor Candidates' Forum, Tuesday, October 13, 7:30-9 p.m.

The League of Women Voters of Bucks County is sponsoring a forum for candidates seeking election to the Board of Supervisors, to be held in the Plumstead Township Building on Tuesday, October 13, 7:30-9 p.m. There are four candidates for two open seats: Jason Eskolsky (D), Daniel Hilferty (R), Helen Mitchell (D), and Wayne Stork (R). The term of office is six years. Housley Carr and Vince Formica are not seeking reelection.

Residents are invited to attend and learn more about the candidates. The League of Women Voters of Bucks County is "a non-partisan organization that encourages informed and active participation in government." The forum will begin with several questions directed to the candidates by the League, which will also collect written questions from the public. Note: Questions must be general--addressed to all of the candidates; each will respond in turn.

The candidates' websites are http://www.plumsteadfirst.com/ and http://www.helenandjasonforplumstead.org/.

BCWSA surge tank hearing, 7 April 2009

[Audio cuts out from 23 min 40 sec to 26 min 59 sec.] Plumstead Township engineer Tim Fulmer begins the Board of Supervisors' hearing on a land development waiver for the construction of a surge tank by Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority, represented by attorney John Koopman (out of the frame) and John Swenson and Greg Hucklebridge of Carroll Engineering. Public comments are omitted to avoid publicizing individual property owners' problems with their sanitary systems.
Here's the Intelligencer coverage by Freda R. Savana.

Plumstead Groundwater Study, 19 August 2008

Plumstead Township Groundwater Study presented to Board of Supervisors by David Fennimore of Earth Data Northeast, 19 August 2008. Public comment is limited to that for which permission to post was granted.
View in larger window at Google Video (52 minutes).

Plumstead water planning, 16 June 08

Plumstead supervisors discuss the township's public water systems with hydrogeologist Bruno Mercuri, contractor-monitor Mike Sullivan and Public Works director Alan Bleam.
Part 1 intro (33 seconds).
Part 1 (62 minutes).
Part 2 (57 minutes).
Part 3 of 3 (2 minutes). Public comment has been omitted because the private citizens who attended were not informed that they might appear online.

What is PlumsteadWatch.org trying to do?

Some townships are televising their meetings. PlumsteadWatch.org is the nonpartisan project of a Plumstead citizen, Barbara Glassman, to show how cheap and easy it would be for Plumstead Township to videotape their public meetings, starting with the Board of Supervisors, and post them online. Google Video hosting is free, and we already have a tech-savvy township employee who attends most meetings. Barbara addressing the 19 August 2008 Board of Supervisors' meeting (3 minutes):
[If screen is blank, go directly to video at http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5994518932996464612&ei=YqlBSZPZEoeQrAKGiOnGAg&q=plumsteadwatch&hl=en or http://tinyurl.com/ydna564]

The Media Bloggers Association, featured on NPR's On the Media on October 5, 2008, sounds like a great place to start to answer some of the questions that arise; they even offer liability insurance and a course in media law. On the Media features SLAPPs on their April 2, 2010, show and offers the possibility of using a homeowners' insurance policy to buy inexpensive coverage against defamation lawsuits.