Minutes Supervisors

Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting Tuesday, January 3, 2017

A regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors was conducted on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 after the Re-Organizational meeting.  Chairman, Mr. Hensel called the meeting to order.  Present was Supervisor Mr. Schuibbeo and Mr. Taylor, Township Solicitor Mr. O’Keefe, Township Engineer Mr. MacCombie, Township Zoning/Building Officer, Mr. Lowry, and members of the community.

Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schuibbeo, 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 unanimously.

Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schuibbeo, to adopt the minutes of the previous meeting.  With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Brad Reinert, Assistant Department Director of 911 in Chester County came before the Board of Supervisors with a presentation of the County CAD System.  Mr. Reinert stated they will use an upgraded modum or radios with GPS availability to dispatch the unit based on location to be the closet available to the scene.  The word about this system needs to get out to the Townships and Boroughs.  Reimbursement to this system would be up to the municipality to work on funding and there are many different formulas to work out this issue.  This system is new to the County and no one is currently using the system but many agencies are interested.  The CAD calculates based on time limits to get to the scene.  Erick Brecht from Sadsburyville Fire Company stated he feels it definitely appears the EMS Division would benefit from the CAD system.  However; as to fire response, it does not address day time response pertaining to traffic and peak times of day.  People know better than computers how to get to a fire.  The volume of calls is EMS.  David Reynolds from Sadsburyville Fire Company stated that most fire companies are volunteer organizations and there is no way to know how many people are available.  Mr. Brecht stated that with the mutual aid system, companies will go anywhere to aid and assist each other.  Mr. Hensel stated nothing will be resolved this evening and asked if Mr. Rinert is available to provide more information at a later time.

Township Police Report:  Chief Ranck reported that the police patrolled 3,622 miles during the month of December 2016 and answered 169 calls for service as follows:  911 hang-up 1, hit & run crash 1, property damage crash 4, alarm fire 3, alarm police 4, assist fire department 2, assist to other police department 3, Township business checks 61, criminal mischief/vandalism 1, disturbance 2, domestic disturbance 3, drug/narcotic violation 1, erratic driver 2, escort person or money 1, house fire 1, residential house check 10, keys locked (vehicle or house, etc.) 1, medical emergency 18, miscellaneous police nature 15, missing domesticated animal 1, noise complaint 1, Township park check 3, repossession 1, report only (NIP) 3, suspicious condition 1, suspicious vehicle 1, theft 5, terroristic threats & related 1, traffic general hazards 6, trash or dumpster fire 1, traffic stop 3, and warrant hit or service 3.  In addition there were 41 calls for service handled by the Pennsylvania State Police.  The December 2016 criminal arrests are as follows:  theft, receiving stolen property, terroristic threats, recklessly endangering another person, harassment, and disorderly conduct.  These do not include any pending arrest from active investigations.  During the year 2016, the Township Police handled a total of 3,047 calls for service which does not include the calls handled by the Pennsylvania State Police.  Chief Rank stated that the fire departments are awesome that handle calls in the Township.

Zachary Fronk, a resident of Quarry Ridge asked Chief Ranck how many years he was a police officer in Sadsbury Township.  Chief Ranck answered he was a Police Officer for 41 years in Sadsbury Township.  Mr. Fronk asked if Chief Ranck was under a pension plan.  Mr. Schuibbeo answered that Chief Ranck’s contract is still in negotiations.

Township Public Works Report:  For the month of December 2016,  the Public Works Department spent a majority of its time maintaining Township owned properties, right-a-ways, buildings, signs, equipment and our Storm Water drain system.  All vehicles were prepared for the application of our new Township logo by washing and waxing them.  All vehicles were thoroughly cleaned inside as well.  Time was spent also cleaning and organizing the Public Works Building.  On December 12th the Department was requested by Marino Corp. and Township Engineers to attend the final inspection of the Village Enhancement Project located on Lincoln Highway.  On December 13th, the Department attended the annual Delaware/Chester Public Works Association Meeting.  Our new truck was requested for display for other Municipalities to view.  On December 17th, the Township experienced its first winter weather event referred to as Decima.  This was a minor event.  The Department handled this event with ease and without a single complaint generated from the residents.  We are proud of this fact and pledge to every resident as we move forward to never think the next event will be as easy as this one.  We will continue to find ways to improve our people and equipment in an effort to bring the highest level of service in regards to snow and ice removal to our residents. The equipment hours are 4 and the vehicle miles are 772.  The Department would respectfully request approval of part-time as needed winter help by the Board of Supervisors.

Mr. Taylor made a motion, seconded by Mr. Hensel, to approve for part-time as needed winter help the following:  Earl Taylor, Rob Herzog, Chris Loesh, Jared Dalmas, Dexter Pascoe, Dave Crum, Shaun McFadden, Eric Messner, Joe McGinley, and Justin Luton.  With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.

Emergency Management Report:  Mr. Taylor reported he attended a meeting at the county in regards to a cooperative effort within the county to join an organization that would greatly enhance and combine and consolidate efforts within many municipalities within Chester County to assist each other in times of emergencies.  At their monthly meeting of the Western Chester County Council of Governments Board of Directors approved the Articles of Formation for the Western Chester County Regional Emergency Management Group (“WCCREM”).  The WCCREM is being formed as a subcommittee of the COG.  The primary goal of the WCCREM is to enhance the ability of the member municipalities to deal with natural and man-made disasters which often strain the resources of local municipalities, by sharing personnel and resources as may be necessary, among other possible cooperative efforts.  There is a draft resolution as an example of the resolution, which can be tailored to each municipality attached.  Participation is this project is completely voluntary.  Mr. Taylor stated this concept has worked successfully in the Avon Grove Area; AGREM and in the Oxford area, OXREM. The cost to join is $250.00 and the yearly fee amount.  Mr. Schuibbio stated equipment could be swapped out as needed.  Mr. Hensel stated it probably is something we would be interested in and he will have Mr. O’Keefe look at the resolution for the next meeting.

Keystone Valley Fire Department: Chief Cazillo reported that for the month of December 2016 the Keystone Valley Fire Department responded to 17 calls for:  fire 5, rescue/medical assist 6 (4 accidents, 1 medical assist, 1 pedestrian struck by train), and 6 false alarms.  The response by municipality is as follows:  Sadsbury Township 4, West Sadsbury Township 8, Highland Township 0, Parkesburg Borough 5, and out of District 0.  The average response per call was 9, with a total of 141 personnel for combined of 144.85 response hours.  The average response time in district was 5:40 and the average out of district response time was 6:00.  There was 1 training with 24 members attending for 3.00 hours combined training hours.  The fire units traveled 1,061 miles and used 175 gallons of fuel.  The ambulance traveled 2,757 miles and used 330.6 gallons of fuel.  2017 starts with annual refresher training for all members in CPR/AED, blood borne pathogens and hazardous materials refreshers.  The Keystone Valley Fire Department EMS division handled a total of 93 calls for: treated/transported BLS 37, treated/transported ALS 31, no service required 10, patient refusal 8, recalled enroute 2, recalled on scene 3, recalled prior to response 1, and lift assist-public assist 1.  The municipal breakdown is as follows:  Parkesburg Borough 23, Sadsbury Township 29, West Sadsbury Township 27, Highland Township 5, Christiana Borough 4, West Caln Township 1, Coatesville City 1, East Fallowfield Township 1, Londonderry Township 1, and West Fallowfield Township 1.  The 2016 year-end fire report has 313 calls answered, 250 in-district and 63 out of district.  There was a total response of 2,295 personnel for 2,496.35 combined response hour on incidents.  There were 53 trainings with 628 members attending for 2,534.50 hours.  The yearly miles traveled were 53,714 miles and the fuel cost was $5,817.40. The Keystone Valley year-end report shows that 1,187 calls were answered.

Sadsbury Fire Company Report:  Chief Grossman reported that for the month of December 2016 the Sadsburyville Fire Company responded to 7 calls for:  auto accidents 2, relocate 1, appliance fire 1, and 3 automatic alarms.  There were 45 volunteer firefighters responding with an average of 6.4 firefighters per call.  Twenty six miles were traveled with an average of 3.7 miles per call.  Time in service was 4 hours and 1 minute with an average time in service 48 minutes per call.  In District (Sadsbury North) average response time (dispatched to on-scene) was 6 minutes.  The response per municipality was as follows:  Sadsbury Township North 6, Sadsbury Township South 0, Parkesburg Borough 1.  The combined firefighter training hours was 108 and the combined personnel fundraising hours was 90.

Sadsbury Township Park Committee:  No report.   The Committee will met January 23, 2017 at 7:00 pm.

Township Engineer Report:   Mr. MacCombie reported the Multi-model grant was submitted for the Village Enhancement Project on items that were not Included in the initial Pen DOT grant.  Mr. MacCombie stated they had a walk-through on the Sadsbury Village Enhancement project on December 12, 2016.  On their inspection, they found the timing of the signals to be off and there is a problem with the crosswalk signal.  Mr. MacCombie does not recommend approval of the project at this time.

Mr. MacCombie reported that he has an Engineering Escrow release of funds from CVS Pharmacy Store #10399 in the amount of $511.87 for the Board’s approval.

Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to approve an Engineering Escrow release of funds from CVS Pharmacy Store #10399 in the amount of $511.87 per Mr. MacCombie’s recommendation.  With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting, “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.

Mr. MacCombie reported that he has an Engineering Escrow release of funds from Aerzen USA Corporation in the amount of $124.37 for the Board’s approval.

Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schuibbeo, to approve an Engineering Escrow release of funds from Aerzen USA Corporation in the amount of $124.37 per Mr. MacCombie’s recommendation.  With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.

Township Solicitor Report: Mr. O’Keefe stated HRG Engineering has given a price of $25,000 to appraise the Township sewer system with the possibility of selling the system to Pennsylvania American Water Company.  Mr. O’Keefe stated this company fits the criteria under Act 12 and the cost is less than anticipated.

Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schuibbeo, to approve HRG Engineering to do an appraisal on the Township sewer system at a cost of $25,000.  With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.

Mr. O’Keefe stated that Act 12 requires an Engineer to give a proposal valuation of the system not to exceed $12,750 for their services.

Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to accept the proposal from MacCombie Engineering not to exceed $12,750 contingent on Pennsylvania American accepting the proposal.  With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.

Mr. O’Keefe stated that Keystone Valley Fire District is eager to get the vote one way or another if the Township is going to withdraw from the district.  Letters were sent out as per the agreement.  They would like to have a meeting set up for a day in January to express desire for the Township to continue in Keystone Valley Fire Department.  The Board may vote to withdraw or stay.

The Board would like to have a special meeting sometime in January and directed Mr. O’Keefe to advertise a special meeting between the Township and Keystone Valley and Ms. Camp, their attorney, to see when all are available.  At that time, Mr. O’Keefe will advertise the meeting.  Mr. Hensel stated the Township Manager position will be added to this meeting.

Mr. O’Keefe stated the sewer rate will need to be re-advertised since the rate has changed again.  It will have to be amended to $300.00 a year.

Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schuibbeo, authorizing Mr. O’Keefe to draft and advertise the ordinance to change the Sewer flat fee to $300.00 per year per EDU.  With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.

Township Planning Commission Report:  No December meeting

Township Zoning Report:  Mr. Lowry reported there were 37 inspections performed or the month of December 2016 and 46 inquiries have been received.  The Township Solicitor and Mr. Lowry are in the process of preparing an application for yearly registration and inspection and a fee structure.  The CVS store has opened and the screening for the rooftop HVAC units will be installed in February.

Chester County Airport Update:  No report

New Business:

Mr. Hensel stated Resolution 2017-02 appointing Maulo and Company as the Township’s auditors for 2017 has been duly advertised.

Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schuibbeo, to adopt Resolution 2017-02, appointing Maulo and Company as the Township’s auditor for 2017.  With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schuibbeo, to adopt Resolution 2017-03, the Township fee schedule for the year 2017.  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 adopt Resolution 2017-04, keeping the Real Estate tax rate at 1.30 mills for the year 2017.  With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Hensel stated the dates for the Christmas tree pick-up will be January 13, 2017 and January 20, 2017 weather permitting.

Mr. Hensel stated the office would like to get a remote deposit machine from Santander Bank.  This would eliminate trips to the bank except when cash is involved.  Deposits will be posted to the account immediately.  The negotiated fee for the Township is $65.00 monthly maintenance fee.  This will save $21.00 to $50.00 monthly.

Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to approve the remote deposit machine from Santander Bank at a negotiated price of $65.00 monthly.  With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.

Joe Russella, with D.L. Howell and Associates came before the Board of Supervisors asking for a lot line change within the Morris Farm Subdivision between lots 5 and 7.  Lot 5 being the Firestore and Lot 7 being the vacant lot.  The intent of the lot line change plan is to exchange acreage so that lot 5 would become smaller while remaining compliant and lot 7 larger for better development opportunity.  Mr. Russella stated that in 2008, Mr. Witmer had plans for expanding with additional facilities for a warehouse.  This was all moved to the West Coast.  Now the desire is to move the lot line back to the original position.  Lot 5 would maintain the property line limiting the Firestore to grow.  The lot line change would only exchange acreage.  Mr. Russella would like to  submit this minor subdivision and lot line change and ask permission to present it as a preliminary/final since it is only a lot line change.  Mr. Russella stated that earlier he had asked Mr. MacCombie to look at the plan for some feedback.  Mr. MacCombie told Mr. Russella that EDU’s cannot be transferred.  EDU’s required for lot 7 would have to be purchased from the Township.  Mr. Russella stated that whatever the regulations are, they will follow them.  Mr. Russella will go before the Planning Commission at their next meeting.

Mr. Hensel made an announcement that he Board of Supervisors will be attending the PSATS Convention in Hershey, March 26th to the March 29th.

Public Comment:

Zachary Fronk said that looking through the budget $20,000 in legal fees concerning the legal aspect of the police department seemed high.  Could someone explain what they are for as this is taxpayer money being spent.

Mr. O’Keefe stated he cannot speak to specific dollar amounts and any subject matter going to negotiations is not up for discussion.  It is a difficult area with legal fees as it pertains to client/attorney relationships. He advised Mr. Fronk to file a Right-to-know request with the secretary.

With there being no further business, Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schuibbeo, 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