A regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors was conducted on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 commencing at 7:00 p.m. Vice Chairman, Anthony Schuibbeo called the meeting to order. Present was Supervisor, Mr. Taylor, Township Engineer, Mr. O’Neil, Township Zoning/Building Officer, Mr. Lowry, and members of the community. Chairmen, Mr. Hensel was absent.
A moment of silence and Pledge of Allegiance was observed.
Mr. Schuibbeo announced the Board met in Executive Session on January 20, 2017 to discuss personnel matters.
Mr. Schuibbeo made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to waive the reading of the minutes of the previous meeting. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
Mr. Schuibbeo made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to adopt the minutes of the previous meeting. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
Township Police Report: Chief Ranck reported that the police patrolled 2,872 miles during the month of January 2017, and answered 298 calls for service of which 28 of those incidents were handled by the State Police during off hours as follows: 911 hang-up call 4, hit and run crash 1, vehicle crash with injuries 2, property damage crash 9, alarm fire 3, alarm police 8, animal complaint 7, assault with injuries 1, assist fire department 1, assist to other departments 8, attempt to locate vehicle 1, DOA actual or possible 1, Township business check 91, civil dispute 1, criminal mischief/vandalism 1, child custody dispute 4, disabled vehicle 1, disturbance 1, domestic disturbance 4, illegal dumping 1, erratic driver 3, escort person or money 1, fingerprinting 1, for police department information 2, harassment 3, house fire 1, residential house check 15, keys locked (vehicle, house, etc.) 1, medical emergency 38, miscellaneous police nature 20, Township park check 5, parking violation 1, repossession 4, report only (NIP incident) 3, suspicious condition 3, suspicious person 2, theft 2, traffic general hazards 3, traffic stop 8, residential vacation check 1, warrant hit or service 1, and 2 well-being checks. The January criminal arrests are as follows: Simple assault 2, harassment, possession of controlled substances, possession drug paraphernalia, criminal mischief, scattered rubbish, public intoxication, and 2 wanted subjects. These do not include any pending arrest from active investigations. Chief Ranck recently attended a workshop training course through PSATS for Navigation the Ethics Act Minefield which was hosted at West Goshen Township on 2/2/2017.
Mr. Zachary Fronk, a resident of the Township, asked Chief Ranck if the Township was giving him a pension. Chief Ranck answered “no”. Mr. Fronk asked the Board why is the Township not providing a pension. Mr. Schuibbeo responded that the police are entitled to an IRA which the Township offers with a matching 3% from the Township. The Township is under negotiations with the police. Mr. Fronk stated that if they go into arbitration, it will cost a lot of money from the taxpayers. Mr. Schuibbeo stated that Chief Ranck is entitled to the 3% matching IRA. The Chief is a contract employee. Mr. Schuibbeo asked Chief Ranck if he ever asked for a pension. Chief Ranck stated this is only the second contract he has signed. Mr. Schuibbeo stated they are in police contract negotiations. Mr. Fronk asked when will it comes time, will the residents know what is due in pension payments. Mr. O’Keefe stated he advises the Township Supervisors not to discuss personnel matters. Mr. Fronk stated that Mr. O’Keefe is not a Supervisor, he is a Solicitor; and he wants to hear from an elected Supervisor. Mr. O’Keefe stated he is an advisor to the Board. Mr. Fronk asked if the taxpayers are not allowed to know where their tax money goes. Mr. O’Keefe stated they are allowed to know what is discussed in the Right – to- Know Law. Mr. Fronk stated the allocation of tax payer money is not a personnel issue. Mr. O’Keefe stated he respectfully disagrees. Elizabeth Sonsini asked if Chief Ranck is being put on the back burner. Mr. Schubbeo stated he can’t respond at this time.
Township Public Works Report: For the month of January 2017, the Public Works Department prepared and responded to five separate winter weather events in which plowing operations were deployed and the treatment of roads with de-icing agents were used. Following these winter events all equipment was washed and maintenance checks performed along with clean-up of the salt and anti skid bins. Christmas trees were collected Township wide on the 13th and the 20th of this month. Sewer meter readings were recorded for the last quarter of 2016. All pot holes were filled Township wide except for Old Mill Road (the one way portion) and two holes on Skiles Road due to the fact we ran out of cold patch material. These remaining areas or roads will be addressed as soon as it is possible. Approximately 60’ of road shoulder on Greenbelt Drive was filled with ballast in an effort to keep vehicles from driving off the road and compromising the road edge and right-a-way. Several street signs have been repaired and/or replaced and installed new real lighting on the International Dump Truck, and discovered and cleaned up a total of six separate incidents of illegal dumping on Greenbelt Drive. Items picked up consisted of 13 tires, construction materials, furniture and electronics. These incidents once discovered were cleaned up immediately by our department. Our department believes that if such incidents are not cleaned up in a timely fashion, that it will promote further dumping by the same individuals and possibly others. The equipment hours were 22 and there were 1,882 vehicle miles traveled.
Mr. Taylor stated the traffic signal maintenance contract with Charles Higgins and Son has expired. Signal Service does all the maintenance on the Route 30 Corridor. The material Higgins uses is bought from Signal Service. Mr. Taylor would like to ask the Board to switch the traffic signal maintenance contract from Higgins to Signal Service.
Mr. Taylor made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schuibbeo, to contract with Signal Service, Inc., to maintain the traffic signals at Lincoln Highway and Old Wilmington Road and Lincoln Highway and Aim/Independence Way in the yearly amount of $550.00. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
Mr. Taylor stated the salt contract for August 2017 to July 2018 season needs to be renewed.
Mr. Taylor made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schuibbeo, to renew the salt contract with the same amount of salt as last year. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
Emergency Management Report: Mr. Taylor reported that the Emergency Operations Plan is being updated.
Keystone Valley Fire Department: Chief Cazillo reported that for the month of January 2017, The Keystone Valley Fire Department responded to 22 calls for: fire 4, rescue/medical assist 4, false alarm 3, good intent 9, CO alarm 1, and 1 service call. The response by Municipality is as follows: Sadsbury Township 3, West Sadsbury Township 9, Highland Township 1, Parkesburg Borough 4, and out of district 5. The response by personnel per call was 8 with a total of 166 personnel for combined 73.9 response hours. The average response time in-district was 5:40 and 6:00 out of district. There were 3 in-house trainings with 101 members attending for 310.5 hours combined training hours. The fire units traveled 1,510 miles and used 202.9 gallons of fuel and the ambulance traveled 3,432 miles and used 331.7 gallons of fuel. The total miles traveled was 4,942 and the total amount of fuel used was 534.6 gallons. The EMS Division of the Keystone Valley Fire Department answered 107 calls in the month of January 2017 for: treated/transported BLS 44, treated/transported ALS 32, no service required 14, patient refusal 6, recalled enroute 2, recalled on scene 2, lift assist/public assist 3, and unfounded 4. The municipal break-down is as follows: Parkesburg Borough 28, Sadsbury Township 41, West Sadsbury Township 22, Highland Township 6, Atglen Borough 1, Christiana Borough 1, West Fallowfield Township 1, Honey Brook Borough 1, Caln Township 1, West Caln Township 3, Londonderry Township 1, and 1 in Valley Township.
Sadsburyville Fire Company: Erik Brecht reported that for the month of January, the Sadsburyville Fire Department responded to 23 calls for: auto accident 5, relocate 2, garage 1, automatic alarms 7, trash 1, cardiac arrest 1, medical assist 1, wires 1, house 4, and 1 animal rescue. There were 121 volunteer firefighters responding with an average number of firefighters responding at 5 per call. Miles traveled were 120 with an average of 5.2 miles per call. The time in service was 17 hours and 17 minutes with the average time in service being 45 minutes per call. The response by municipality: Sadsbury Township North 16, Sadsbury Township South 0, Valley Township 2, East Fallowfield Townsnip 1, West Sadsbury Township 1, South Coatesville 2, Coatesville City 1, and West Caln 1.
Sadsbury Township Park Committee: Simon Jessey reported that the Park Committee met on January 23, 2016 for their re-organizational and regular meeting. Mr. Jessey was elected Chairman, Matt Hensel, Vice Chairman, Deborah Jessey, Treasurer, and Erik and Lori Brecht to co-ordinate fundraising. Many topics were discussed at the regular meeting, including logging onto the PARC email, expanding the Township’s walking trails, enrollment in a two-day training course for writing grant proposals, and a discussion on the possibility of having a movie night. The Committee also discussed possible dates for holding the Township’s Tricentennial events, including a fireworks display, and how to approach sponsors and vendors. The committee discussed possibilities of what to do with the plaque that is normally in the Bert Reel Park pavilion.
Township Engineer Report: Mr. O’Neil reported that he has a Letter of Credit Account reduction Certificate of completion for Sadsbury Arcadia Associates, L.P. Sadsbury Park, Phase 2A in the amount of $30,459.51 for the Board’s approval.
Mr. Schuibbeo made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to approve a letter of credit account reduction certificate of completion for Sadsbury Arcadia Associates, L.P. Sadsbury Park, Phase 2A in the amount of $30,459.51 per Mr. O’Neil’s recommendation. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
Mr. O’Neil reported that he has an Engineering Escrow release of funds for the CVS Pharmacy Store #10399 in the amount of $373.12 for the Board’s approval.
Mr. Schuibbeo made a motion, seconded by Mr Taylor, to approve an Engineering Escrow release of funds for the CVS Pharmacy Store #10399 in the amount of $373.12 per Mr. O’Neil’s recommendation. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
Mr. O’Neil reported that he has an Engineering Escrow release of funds for Aerzen USA Corporation, the Aerzen USA Expansion in the amount of $204.37 for the Board’s approval.
Mr. Schuibbeo made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to approve an Engineering Escrow release of funds for Aerzen USA Corporation, the Aerzen USA Expansion in the amount of $204.37 per Mr. O’Neil’s recommendation. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
Mr. O’Neil stated that a new pump has been ordered for the Township Pumping Station and it should arrive in three to four weeks.
Township Solicitor Report: Mr. O’Keefe stated to the Board that Joseph McWilliams is going to the Zoning Hearing Board for a Special Exception to build a single family residence on a nonconforming lot. If the Board wants to intervene on this hearing they can, although in the past for this type of hearing, they did not. Mr. Schuibbeo stated the Board does not want to intervene on this hearing. Mr. Lowry stated they want to put a rancher type house with 20 feet on each side.
Mr. O’Keefe stated Ordinance 2017-01 has been duly advertised in order to decrease the annual sewer rental fee from $360.00 to $300.00 per EDU.
Mr. Schuibbeo made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor to adopt Ordinance 2017-01, amending Chapter 101, The Sadsbury Township Sewer Ordinance, Section 101-21, by decreasing the annual sewer rental fee to three hundred dollars per EDU. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
Mr. O’Keefe stated the Board wants to incorporate into the Police Department Policy Manual a policy on vehicle operations.
Mr. Fronk asked why is taxpayer money being wasted on a resolution on what is the law of the Pennsylvania vehicle code. Mr. Schuibbeo stated that it is to keep the officers safe. Mr. Fronk stated the vehicle code is what officers always plan to uphold.
Mr. Schuibbeo asked Chief Rank if the Resolution was acceptable to him and Chief Ranck answered “yes”.
Mr. Schuibbeo made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to adopt Resolution 2017-08, a Resolution of the Board of Supervisors of Sadsbury Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, adopting police policy 01-14; vehicle operations. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
Mr. O’Keefe stated that Mr. Taylor, as Emergency Coordinator has expressed interest in joining the Western Chester County Council of Governments Regional Emergency Management Group. Mr. Taylor stated this will make emergency responses more efficient.
Mr. Schuibbeo made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to adopt Resolution 2017-09 authorizing Sadsbury Township to enter the Western Chester County Regional Emergency Management Group. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
Township Planning Commission Report: The Sadsbury Township Planning Commission re-organizational and regular meeting were held on Wednesday, Januay 11, 2017. All members were in attendance. Ms. Heineman was nominated for Chairman and accepted. Mr. Lymberis was nominated for Vice Chairman and accepted. At the regular meeting, the minutes of the previous meeting were adopted. Mr. Lowry led a discussion on the Medical Marijuana Act, and also introduced an application from Joe Russella for a lot line change at the Morris Farm Subdivision for lots 5 & 7. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended to the Board of Supervisors to approve the lot line change contingent with it being in compliance with the Zoning and Subdivision regulations. The dates for the Planning Commission meetings for the year, as needed was set by Ms. Heineman for advertisement. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Township Zoning Report: Mr. Lowry reported there were 25 inspections performed for the month of January and 55 inquiries have been received. Seven permits were issued in January; four single family dwellings, one deck, one alteration, and one demolition. The Solicitor is preparing an application for yearly registration and inspection for Lincoln Crest Mobile Home Park. Morris Farm lot line change has been submitted and the Township Engineer has completed the review. Revised plans are required. The CVS screening will be completed in February and there is a water pressure issue for the fire protection system at Aerzen. There were 2 medical marijuana licenses issued, 1 in Parkesburg and 1 in East Marlboro. Mr. Lowry stated the Board has been talking about a cut-off road to wrap around Harlan Motors to Route 30, making Compass Road safer to navigate. Mr. Lowry would like to have approval from the Board to have aerial photos taken of the Harlan property, costing $3,000.
Mr. Schuibbeo made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to grant Mr. Lowry $3,000 to have aerial photographs of the Harlan Property to negotiate a wrap-around road to Route 30. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
Mr. Taylor stated there have been some horrible accidents at the intersection of Compass Road and Route 30 and any improvements at this intersection would help it be more safe.
Chester County Airport Update; Mr. Roberts reported the contract for the Engineer for the Airport has been renewed for 2 years. The Airport Authority web site is being improved. The Fall Flying Festival will be held in October and Valley Township is taking an active role in the festivities. This is the 5th year for the festival and no taxpayer money is spent on this Festival.
Payment of Invoices:
Mr. Schuibbeo made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to pay the January 2017 General Fund invoices in the amount of $589,144.09. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
Mr. Schuibbeo made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to pay the January 2017 Sanitary Sewer invoices in the amount of $136,925.17. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
Public Comment:.
Mr.Taylor stated that for Emergency Management he was required to do a test incident at the Township. Computers were hooked up for Emergency operations and can see any incidents in any county. An incident was created of an airplane down on Valley Road, and the test incident worked well
Mr. Taylor would like to announce that his mother’s 96th birthday is today.
Mr. Schuibbeo wished Mr. Taylor’s mother a happy birthday.
Ms. Heineman asked if the Township withdraws from Keystone Valley can they still be called.
Mr. O’Keefe stated the closest available vehicle will come.
Ms. Heineman wanted to know if the people throwing trash on Greenbelt have been caught.
Chief Ranck stated that some trash dumped yes.
Mr. Schuibbeo stated that thanks to Dave and Jamie of the Public Works Department for cleaning up the trash at Greenbelt and Chief Ranck for tracking down the trash dumpers.
Simon Jessey suggested could they put speed barriers on Lincoln Highway. Solar Panels would reflect the speed. Mr. O’Neil stated that any lighting device on the Highway must have a signal permit.
Mr. Taylor stated that walking in the Township and on Lincoln Highway, he stated Route 30 is dangerous. You would not believe the people driving and texting. He has picked up the yellow poles that have been knocked down on the Enhancement Project.
A resident asked when the contract for Keystone Valley is up in November, does Keystone have the option of mutual aid. Mr. Schuibbeo responded that it is still negotiable.
Mr. Schmelzer wanted to know the Township police hours. Chief Ranck responded that the Township is done at midnight and after that the State Police take over. Mr. Schmelzer wanted to know if the Township was looking at 24/7 police coverage. Mr. Schuibbeo stated that is being looked into.
Vicky Horan welcomed Mr. Walters to the Township and asked him if he would give his qualifications to hold the Township Manager position. Mr. Walters stated that he was born and raised in Chester County in Schuylkill Township and his family owned restaurants which he managed. He attended West Chester University and Immaculata Collage. He was a Township Supervisor, worked in the Emergency Services and worked in the Chester County Prothonatary Office. He has a lot of experience in management and in Townships. There are a lot of caring people in Chester County. He operates at the will of the Supervisors to run the Township better and to oversee the everyday happenings at the Township.
Ms. Horan asked for an update on the status of the Keystone Fire Company. Mr. O’Keefe stated a special meeting was held on January 23, 2017 and when the floor opened up for discussion, a lot of good comments were made, and when all was said and done, the vote was taken to leave Keystone Valley. Brian Gathercole stated the vote was 2 to 1. Two Supervisors on the Board do not have any fire experience.
Mr. Fronk asked when is the date for the police contract. Mr. O’Keefe answered it will be discussed at a later time.
When asked what is the benefit to withdraw from Keystone Valley, Mr. Shcuibbed said we don’t’ know what new technology is out there. The automatic 5 year renewal is what made him think about leaving. Families will not be hurt because Keystone is not available. Mr. O’Keefe stated the agreement is written in a way that if the Township did not write a letter a year out, they would be locked in for five years.
Mr. Shuibbeo stated they both do a great job and we had a great discussion. The Board has every intent to do what is best for the Township.
In answer to a resident’s question about Compass Road, Mr. Lowry stated if you are headed to Compass Road, if the deal goes through; come across bridge, make a right behind Harlan Motors to Route 30.
Mr. Gathercole stated there was a Municipal Regional Study done with Parkesburg, Sadsbury, West Sadsbury, and Highland. Sadsbury did not answer any questions on the Study. The Township is constantly working backwards with the police and now moving backwards with the fire companies. The Municipal Regional Study is available on the Keystone Valley website.
Mr. Lymberis asked if a solar powered speed limit sign could be placed on Lincoln Highway and lighting would help see the median at night. Mr. Lowry stated he is working with Senator Dinnimans office to get a grant for lighting.
Mr. Lymberis stated that at one time, the schedule for police was covered for the early morning hours. Sergeant Imhoff said they were at one time, years ago, on 12 hour shifts. The problem is there are only 2 fulltime officers and 7 part-time officers; who work at other police departments. It would cost $2,500 to $3,500 to equip one officer and the pay for fulltime would be $45,000 a year. It’s all about money.
Mr. Schuibbeo stated the police and firefighters are great assets to the community and we need them.
Susan Bankert stated we need the firemen and the police.
Elmer Pluck asked if he could have copies of all the minutes for the past year. He has been a member of the Fire Department for 22 years.
Dave Reynolds stated he has been a fireman for 35 years and his father is a 62 year member. He stated he sat in on the beginning of the consolidation meetings and by the third meeting, he withdrew because he felt it was not going to work. Maybe consolidation is in the future possibly, but the Township does not want to be stuck for 5 more years. Keystone covers 20% of the Township and receives $35,000 from Sadsbury Township, Sadsburyville covers 80% and receives $25,000. Mr. Gathercole asked if Sadsburyville Fire Company has an ambulance. Mr. Reynolds stated “no”, but with the new CAD System, it will identify the closest available ambulance and medical unit.
Mr. Hoss form Keystone Valley stated the Fire District controls Keystone Valley. Keystone Valley is an employee of the Fire District.
Chief Cazillo stated that a lot more miles and a lot more fuel was used by Keystone Valley for the month than Sadsburyville. Keystone Valley provides 100% ladder and 100% ambulance. Every service Sadsburyville cannot provide is provided by Keystone Valley. We have always worked well together and now Sadsburyville accuses Keystone Valley of a hostile take over.
Mr. Jesse stated he feels the only thing the Township has done is turn down a five year contract.
Brian Gathercole again stated the Fire District paid $23,000 for a study and a representative for Sadsbury failed to attend or answer a 50 question survey. With volunteerism dying and looking to the county and state to take volunteerism to a different level, Sadsbury failed to answer any questions.
Director Stackhouse stated the two fire departments have always worked well together when needed. Keystone Valley ambulance service is great and is willing to work in the Township, but nowhere in the minutes does it state the money only goes to the ambulance fund.
Mr. Lymberis suggested having paid professionals to hash out the problems between the fire departments and have a focus group to have discussions with the Township.
With there being no further business, Mr. Shuibbeo 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.
Respectfully Submitted,
Linda Shank
Secretary