Minutes Scheduled Meeting Supervisors

Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting, Tuesday, April 4, 2017

A regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors was conducted on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 commencing at 7:00 p.m.  Chairman, Mr. Hensel called the meeting to order.  Present was Supervisors Mr. Schuibbeo and Mr. Taylor, Township Solicitor, Mr. O’Keefe, Township Engineer, Mr. MacCombie, Zoning/Building Officer, Mr. Lowry, Township Manager, Mr. Walters, and members of the community.

A moment of silence and Pledge of Allegiance was observed.

Mr. Hensel reported the Board met in Executive Session before tonight’s meeting to discuss property acquisition.

Mr. Schuibbeo made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to waive the reading of the minutes of the February minutes.  With there being no questions from the public, the motion passed.

Mr. Schuibbeo made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor to adopt the minutes of the February meeting.  With there being no questions from the public, the motion passed.

Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor to waive the reading of the March meeting minutes.  With there being no questions from the public, the motion passed.

Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor to adopt the minutes of the March meeting.  With there being no questions from the public, the motion passed.

Township Police Report:  Chief Ranck reported that the police patrolled 3,814 miles during the month of March 2017 and handled 255 incidents during the month of March, of which 28 of those incidents were handled by the Pennsylvania State Police during off hours as follows:  911 hang-up 1, hit and run crash 1, vehicle crash with injuries 1, property damage crash 5, alarm police 10, animal complaint 1, assist fire department 2, assist to other police department 3, burglary 2, Township business check 80, counterfeit currency 1, credit card theft/fraud 1, criminal mischief/vandalism 1, disabled vehicle 1, disturbance 1, drug/narcotic violation 1, public intoxication (alcohol/drugs) 1, emotional disorder 1, erratic driver 3, for police department information 3, fraud (actual or attempted) 1, harassment 1, residential house check 14, keys locked (vehicle/house etc,) 4, medical emergency 24, miscellaneous police nature 18, noise complaint 1, Township Park check 4, service of PFA order 1, repossession 4, report only (NIP incident) 15, indecent sexual contact (no assault) 1, suspicious condition 3, theft 4, traffic general hazards 5, traffic stop 5, and 2 well-being checks.  The March criminal arrests are as follows:  Possession with intent to deliver Heroin, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while suspend DUI related, use of air rifles and pistols, and criminal mischief.  On March 8, 2017 Chief Ranck attended the monthly Chief’s of Police meeting.

Township Public Works Report: For the month of March, the Public Works Department responded to two winter events that impacted our area. On March 10th, there was a minor 3.5” snow and all roads were plowed and treated.  On March 14th there was a major 5.5” of snow/sleet, drifting for several days afterwards, and all roads were plowed and treated.  The storms were handled with ease, suffering no equipment failures and few if any complaints other than a damaged mailbox or two.  After a weather event, the trucks are unloaded of unused material which is placed back into the stock pile.  All equipment is washed with the goal to remove any salt residue.  As the weather has warmed the process of removing some of the winter equipment has begun.  All plows have been washed, inspected, maintenance, and stored away.  By mid April, all winter equipment will follow suit. Several street signs have been repaired and mail boxes damaged during the storm have been repaired.  Storm drains have been cleared due to moderate to heavy rains and melting snow.  On March 13th, at approximately 3:37 p.m. the traffic light located on the southeast corner of Lincoln Highway and Old Wilmington Road was damaged by a hit and run, maroon in color flat bed tractor trailer. There is no further information on the vehicle or driver.  Damage to the traffic lights foundation and mast arm was found to be severe, although the light functions normally.  For public safety reasons, Signal Service was called out to inspect and make minor temporary adjustments to the traffic light until a permanent repair is completed.  This repair should take place within the next three to four months.  The equipment hours were 11.5 and the vehicle miles totaled 1,059.

A letter was received from Melinda Williams who lives on Old Mill Road commending Mr. Dave Simmons and Mr. Todd Bowers during the March snowstorm for their exemplary job of removing snow and keeping the roadways of Sadsbury safe and trouble-free.

Mr. Taylor stated that he would like to purchase an extended 3 year warranty on the new Mack Truck for a cost of $4,300.00.  Mr. Walters stated the money is in the budget for this expense.

Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schuibbeo, to approve a 3 year extended warranty on the new Mack Truck at a cost of $4,300.00.  With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.

Emergency Management Report:  Mr. Taylor reported the Emergency Plan Update is the same exact document as the last plan with a few minor changes.  Mr. Taylor would like to have the Board of Supervisors proof read the document before it goes to the County for approval.

Keystone Valley Fire Department:  Chief Cazillo reported that for the month of March 2017, Keystone Valley Fire Department responded to 28 calls for:  fire 5, rescue/medical assist 5, false alarm 4, good intent 8, and service call 6.  The response by Municipality is as follows: Sadsbury Township 3, West Sadsbury Township 10, Highland Township 3, Parkesburg Borough 4, and out of district 8.  The average response per call was 9 personnel with a total of 239 personnel for combined response hours of 239.47 hours.  The average response time dispatch to scene was 8.10.  There were 3 in house trainings with 45 members attending for 163 hours combined training hours.  The Keystone Valley EMS Division answered a total of 83 call for: Treated/transported BLS 37, treated/transported ALS 27, no service required 7, patient refusal 4, recalled en-route 4, recalled on-scene 1, lift assist-public assist 2, and dead at scene 1.  The Municipal break-down is as follows:  Parkesburg Borough 26, Sadsbury Township 23, West Sadsbury Township 17, Highland Township 6, Bart Township (Lancaster County) 2, Christiana Borough 2, East Fallowfield Township 1, Coatesville City 1, Salisbury Township (Lancaster County) 2, West Fallowfield Township 2, and Sadsbury Township (Lancaster County 1.

Sadsburyville Fire Company Report:  Deputy Chief Brecht reported for the month of March 2017, Sadsburyville Fire Company responded to 15 calls for:  3 auto accidents, 2 relocate, 2 fire police, 2 automatic alarms, 2 brush, 1 ambulance assist and 3 house.  There were 108 volunteer firefighters responding with an average of 7 firefighters per call.  144 miles were traveled with an average of 10 miles per call.  Pump miles were 12.  The time in service was 7 hours and 45 minutes with an average of 53 minutes per call.  In District the average response time dispatched to on-scene was 5.4 minutes.  The response per Municipality was:  Sadsbury Township North 5, Sadsbury Township South 0, Valley Township 3, East Fallowfield 2, West Caln 2, West Fallowfield 1, Modena 1, and Caln 1.  The combined firefighter training hours were 185 and the combined fundraising hours were 92.  Deputy Chief Brecht reported they received $10,000 in donations.

Sadsbury Township Park Committee:  The Sadsbury Township Park Committee met on March 27, 2017 at the Township Building parking lot, being unable to access the building.  The minutes of the previous meeting were approved and adopted.  The Tricentennial was discussed in regard to sponsors and venders.  In new business, the baseball field was discussed and a potential photo contest. Eric Brecht and Dave Reynolds will again, this year donate the money to buy the volunteer shirts for the event.

Township Engineer Report:  Mr. MacCombie reported that he spent most of the day on Monday at a court hearing for Lincoln Crest.  Mr. MacCombie also reported that Pennsylvania American is having trouble getting the pump started at the Stottsville Pumping Station.  Mr. MacCombie recommends having the wet-well cleaned at a cost of $1,500.

Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schuibbeo, to have the wet-well cleaned at the Stottsville Pumping Station on the recommendation of Mr. MacCombie.  With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.

Mr. MacCombie stated the Construction Inspector is no longer on the job for the Sadsbury Village Enhancement Project.  Mr. MacCombie would like to recommend to the Board of Supervisors a construction release of funds for Mareno Construction in the amount of $41,808.48, this will be Construction Release # 7 and would leave a balance of $50,000 left in the account.  The Township has not accepted the project and PennDOT will finish the project.

Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schuibbeo, to approve Construction Release #7 in the amount of $41,808.48 per Mr. MacCombie’s recommendation.  With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.

Township Solicitor Report:  Back in November 2016, Governor Wolfe signed Act 172, allowing tax cuts for various volunteers.  Mr. O’Keefe would like to know if the Board would be interested in exploring the option of having a draft ordinance prepared and eventually up for adoption.

Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to allow Mr. O’Keefe to work on an ordinance for the Act 172 volunteer tax credit ordinance.  With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”.  The motion passed unanimously.

Township Planning Commission Report:  No meeting.

Township Zoning Report:   Mr. Lowry reported that for the month of March,  34inspections were performed and 98 inquiries have been received.  Five permits were issued in March; one single family dwelling, three alterations, and one temporary tent.  A meeting was held with AIM Development Corporation to discuss the land acquisition. A lot approximately 1.8 acres adjacent to the current Township building has been presented to the Township for consideration.  Additionally, 18 acres of open space will be acquired in exchange for the Township accepting dedication of the roads and public sewer by the Township.

Chester County Airport Update:  No Report

Township Manager Report:  Mr. Walters reported that this is his third month with the Township and he is the point person with the Supervisors to keep them informed with Township business.  He will have all the budget update information for the next meeting.  The Treasurers position has been advertised with over 60 applications received. The field has been narrowed down to 10 or 12 to be interviewed.  Mr. Walters met with Vince Pompo and Max OKeefe concerning issues with the Township.  Mr. Walters met with several computer IT service representatives and also with Marc Mersurle, the current IT person concerning the Township E-mail.  A road inspection date of April 21, 2017 has been set after a meeting with the Public Works Department.  Mr. Walters hopes to meet with the Township Engineer in the near future.  He met with Mr. Jesse concerning the 300 year celebration festivities.  He met with Bill Dunn with Signal Services concerning the damage to the light at Old Wilmington Road and hopefully it will be fixed soon.

Payment of Invoices:

Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schuibbeo, to pay the March 2017 General Fund invoices in the amount of $285,841.14.  With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to pay the March 2017 Sanitary Sewer invoices in the amount of $63,570.78.  With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.

New Business:

Michael Gill, from Buckley Brion, came before the Board of Supervisors to present Preliminary Land Development Plans.  The next step for Mr. Gill will be to go the Planning Commission on April 12, 2017. Mr. Gill stated the property at Routes 10 & 30 wrapped up its Conditional Use in the Autumn of last year.  The Sanitary Sewer (Western Sanitary Sewer District) has been resolved in a conceptual way.  The traffic issues need to be nailed down and he is working with PennDOT to work them out.

The Board was presented by the office of Lamb, McErlane with a request by a resident that has a lien on their property of $18,673.51, to work out a compromise figure to pay off the lien.  The Board declined a compromise to lower the payoff amount.

Public Comment:

Simon Jessey wants to know if trail bikes and ATVS are allowed on Township Land and public property and if there are any Ordinances covering their use.  Chief Ranck answered that they are illegal on any Township streets, if they are on their own private property, they are allowed.  If they are on the Township road, call 911 and the police will come.

Theresa Alfarez stated there is a fire hydrant in her yard that is starting to get a sink hole.  Mr. MacCombie stated that Pennsylvania American owns the fire hydrant.  The Secretary will call Pennsylvania American to have them check out the hydrant.

Helen Rice would like to know who made the decision to leave Keystone Valley Fire Department. She stated it was a very poor decision to leave Keystone Valley.  She stated Sadsbury Fire Company bought a $400,000 fire truck and they can’t afford to pay for it.

Michael Moskel stated he is getting letters in the mail with 2 opposing points of view on the Keystone Valley issue.

Christine Moore asked why does the Township need a Treasurer if you have a Manager?  Mr. Walters stated that interviews will be done soon.  He has applications from multiple companies and individuals.  The Township Manager and Treasurer position are not done together.

Christine Moore asked what happened to the girl who was the Treasurer?  Mr. Hensel stated she was not reappointed to the position.

The question was asked if the Board has made any decisions after Keystone Valley is gone from the Township.  Mr. O’Keefe stated the current term does not expire until December 2017.  He is reaching out to council of Keystone Valley to engage in meaningful discussions to pay a reasonable amount and being financially responsible.

Tony Clark reminded everyone on Memorial Day to recognize our Veterans. Making sure their paperwork is up to date will ensure they get the recognition they deserve.

Stephanie Korcaster brought her son to the meeting as a project for scouting.

Mr. Alderman wanted to know how many men and what equipment Sadsburyville Fire Company has.  He stated Keystone Valley can cover more fires that Sadsburyville.  How are they going to cover the Township with the equipment they have?

Zachary Fronk stated the Road Department did a great job during the snow storm.  He stated there is a letter going around by Mr. Hensel and Mr. Schuibbeo on Republican letter formant stating they are for fiscal responsibility.  He has a copy of the budget to show all the legal fees paid by the Township.  He stated that Mr. Taylor is the only Supervisor on the Board who does not have an agenda and he would like to have Mr. Hensel unappointed to the Board.

Robert Silvernail stated he did not get a copy of a letter sent out.

Mr. Schuibbeo stated the letter was sent out and paid for by the Republican Party of Chester County and has nothing to do with the Supervisors meeting.

Mr. Silvernail stated he gets all the e-mails from the Republican Party and he did not know anything about this letter.  He is a Rebublican, why did he not get a letter?

Mr. Schuibbeo said he would not discuss it further.

Mr. Taylor stated on Saturday March 8th at the Avondale Fire House, there will be a St. Balderacks benefit for childhood cancer.

With there being no further business, Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor to adjourn the meeting.  With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully Submitted,

Linda Shank
Secretary