Minutes Supervisors

Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting, Tuesday, June 6, 2017

A regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors was conducted on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 commencing at 7:00 p.m. Chairman, Mr. Hensel called the meeting to order.  Present was Supervisor 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.  Supervisor, Mr. Schuibbeo was absent.

A moment of silence and Pledge of Allegiance was observed.

Mr. MacCombie opened the bid packages for the Sadsbury Township 2017 resurfacing project.  There was only one bid package to open and that was from DeRocco Brothers from West Chester, PA for a bid amount of $214,740.10.

Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor to have Mr. MacCombie review the bid and justify to the state why there was only one bid.  With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.

Heidi Androwick asked why was there only one bid.

Mr. MacCombie explained that the bid entailed paving and oil and chip.  Some companies only do paving and some only do oil and chip.  This contractor does both.

Mr. Hensel 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. Hensel 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 3,573 miles during the month of May and handled 249 incidents for the month of May of which 29 of these incidents were handled by the Pennsylvania State Police during off hours as follows:  9ll hang-up 3, assault with injuries 1, vehicle crash with injuries 1, property damage crash 2, alarm fire 2, alarm police 3, animal complaint 1, assist fire department 1, assist to other police department 5, burglary 1, business check 77, civil dispute 3, criminal mischief/vandalism 1, child custody dispute 1, disabled vehicle 1, disturbance 3, domestic disturbance 4, public intoxication (alcohol/drugs) 1, emotional disorder, erratic driver 1, for police information 8, house/vacation check 19, identity theft 1, keys locked (vehicle, house, etc. )  2, medical emergency 25, missing person 1, noise complaint 1, Township park check 2, service of PFA Order 1, police report (not in progress) 21, suspicious condition 3, suspicious person 1, traffic general hazards 8, traffic stop 9, residential vacation check 1, warrant hit or service 1, and 3 well-being checks.  The May criminal arrests are as followed:  burglary, criminal trespass, possession of drug paraphernalia, and public intoxication.  These do not include any potential arrest from any current active criminal investigations.  On May 10th, Chief Ranck attended the monthly Chiefs of police meeting in Phoenixville.  On May 10th , Sergeant Imhoff attended a mandatory TAC training at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy and is now authorized access through J-net to prepare for departmental audits conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police pertaining to federal security rules and regulations.  On May 18th , Sergeant Imhoff and Officer Haldeman attended a TraC training conference at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy.  TraC is a program which is used by our agency along with 450 other municipalities in the Commonwealth including the Pennsylvania State Police for the issuing of electronic citations, preparing and completing PA crash reports, written warnings, and the electronic transfer of data from the TraC program into our Cody records management system directly from the patrol vehicles.

Township Public Works Report:  For the month of May, the Public Works Department spent a majority of its time maintaining Township owned properties, streets, right-a-ways, buildings, signs equipment and our storm drain system.  Vegetation and woody debris were removed Township wide along roadsides, guide rails, road signs, bridges, and fire hydrants.  Sadsbury Township experienced an above average amount of rain for the month of May. Do to this fact, inspection and removal of debris from our storm drain systems occurred much more frequently.  We also had several large trees saturated by rain come down in road right-a-ways.  All of these trees impacted road travel and all were removed within minutes of the Public Works Department being notified.  Illegal dumping took place twice this month.  One occurred on Timacola Road in the area of the pumping station consisting of a large pile of construction materials and the other dumping occurred on Greenbelt Drive consisting of household items. Both were cleaned up and disposed of properly.  At Bert Reel Park, the walking trail was made safe by removing all exposed tripping hazards and ruts, the fencing was repaired, the rear pavilion was edged out and mulched, and the concession stand’s westerly facing wall was cleaned of graffiti and primed and painted.  An unsafe electrical box was removed and placed under-ground. Additional lighting was added in hopes of deterring illegal activities between the hours of sunset and sunrise when the park is closed.  The infield of the ball field was improved and groomed by Supervisor Earl Taylor, who did a fantastic job.  At Sadsbury Park two loads of Diamond Tex was added to the ball field and groomed.  This was completed with the assistance of Supervisor Earl Taylor also. The equipment hours were 17.6 and the vehicle miles were 629.8.

Mr. Taylor reported the John Deere Tractor needs to have replacement parts for the damaged parts for the 290 off-set flail at a cost of $578.52.

Mr. Taylor made a motion, seconded by Mr. Hensel, to purchase parts to replace damaged parts for the 290 off set flail mower attachment for the John Deere Tractor at a cost of $578.52.  With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.

Mr. Taylor stated he would like to have Tommy Scott cut vegetation in the roadside right-a-way at a rate of $70.00 per hour.  This is to cut the vegetation that the John Deere cannot reach on such roads as Stovepipe Hill Road, Compass Road, Skiles Road, Old Mill Road, Greenbelt Drive, Chestnut Street, Quaker Road, and Railroad Alley.

Mr. Taylor made a motion, seconded by Mr. Hensel, to approve Tommy Scott cut vegetation in the roadside right a-way at a rate of $70.00 per hour, one day only with an 8 hour limit.  With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.

Emergency Management Report:  Mr. Taylor reported he has received from the county the Incident Report.  This is shared with the counties bordering Chester County.  Valley Township communicates with their Road Department with this program.   Mr. Taylor is taking Class IS315 – Training for Incident Command.  Mr. Taylor has four more classes to take, which are IS522, IS554, IS556, and IS558.

Keystone Valley Fire Department:  Chief Cazillo reported that for the month of May, 2017, The Keystone Valley Fire Department responded to 27 calls for:  fire 7, rescue/medical assist 7, false alarm 5, good intent 6, and service call 2.  The response by municipality is as follows:  Sadsbury Township 3, West Sadsbury Township 10, Highland Township 1, Parkesburg Borough 9, and out of District 4.  The average personnel per call was 7, with a total of 185 personnel for combined response hours 117.95.  The average response time from dispatch to on-scene was 9 minutes.  There were 3 trainings in house with 33 members attending for 198 hours combined training hours.  The fire units traveled 1,842 miles using 196.3 gallons of fuel and the ambulance(s) traveled 2,787 miles and used 282.5 gallons of fuel.  The total miles traveled was 4,629 and the total fuel used was 478.8 gallons.  The Keystone Valley EMS Division answered a total of 101 calls for the month of May for:  treated/transported BLS 31, treated/transported ALS 36, no service required 9, patient refusal 10, recalled on route 6, recalled on scene 3, lift assist/public assist 5, and 1 unfounded.  The municipal break-down is as follows:  Parkesburg Borough 26, Sadsbury Township 38, West Sadsbury Township 13, Highland Township 7, Atglen Borough 2, Caln Township 1, Christiana Borough 4, East Fallowfield Township 1, Coatesville City 1, Upper Oxford Township 1, West Fallowfield Township 4, Sadsbury Township Lancaster County 2, and Valley Township 1.

Sadsburyville Fire Company Report:  Dave Reynolds reported for the month of May, 2017, Sadsburyville Fire Company responded to 20 calls for:  8 house, 2 fire police, 4 auto accident, 3 AFA, 1 drug overdose, 1 relocate, and 1 commercial structure.  The volunteer firefighters responding was 136 with an average of 6.8 firefighters per call.  Eighty- four miles were traveled with an average of 4.2 miles per call.  The pump miles were 11.  Time in service was 10 hours and 5 minutes, with the average time in service at 50 minutes per call.  The responses per municipality are as follows:  Sadsbury Township North 8, Sadsbury Township South 1, Valley Township 2, West Sadsbury Township 1, Modena 1, Honey Brook 1, and Coatesville 6.  The training topics for May are:  Vehicle rescue, SSCBA, gas meters, and hose line advancement.   Mr. Reynolds stated he met with contractors (Hooper) for the $350,000 extension to the Fire Company.  They plan to break ground the end of August and be under roof in September.

Sadsbury Township Park Committee Report:  Mr. Jessey reported the Park Committee met on May 22, 2017 and discussed the Tri-Centennial.  UTICOM will provide the street banners again this year, and Vietri Electric has agreed to furnish our electrical needs for the event.  Mr. Hensel’s food handlers license is displayed at the snack shack.  Mr. Walters is in touch with the Chester County Historical Society and he might have access to a PA system.  The committee came up with a potential list of sponsors to prepare for mailing out forms.  Mr. Jessey will start to send out letters to the sponsors to start to get money coming in and he will contact Hougar Farms to ask about straw bales, and also seek performers and displays.  Mr. Brecht will contact John Rock about a platform and Mr. Walters will contact a fireworks company to get prices for the event.  The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.  Mr. Taylor said he found a picture of Bert Reel, who the park is named after.  Mr. Jessey stated he has sent out letters and has gotten some sponsors.  He also stated the keys to the park should only be in the hands of the Park Committee.  Chief Ranck told Mr. Jessey that his ball team loves the snack shack being open during his games.

 

Township Engineer Report:   Mr. MacCombie stated he has a Letter of Credit Reduction Certificate of Completion from Aerzen USA Corporation in the amount of $112,939.44 for the Board’s approval.

Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to approve a Letter of Credit Reduction Certificate of Completion from Aerzen USA Corporation in the amount of $112,939.44 per Mr. MacCombie’s recommendation.  With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.

Mr. MacCombie stated he has an Engineering Escrow release of funds for Aerzen USA Corporation for the Aerzen USA, 108 Independence Way expansion in the amount of #810.00 for the Boards approval.

Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to approve an Engineering Escrow release of funds for Aerzen USA for the Aerzen USA 108 Independence Way expansion in the amount of $810.00 per Mr. MacCombie’s recommendation.  With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.

Mr. MacCombie stated he has a Bank Reserve Account Reduction Certificate of Completion for Sadsbury Arcadia Associates, LP, for Sadsbury Park Phase 4A in the amount of $175,138.01 for the Board’s approval.

Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to approve a Bank Reserve Account Reduction Certificate Completion for Sadsbury Arcadia Associates, LP, for Sadsbury Park Phase 4A in the amount of $175,138.01 per Mr. MacCombie’s recommendation.  With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.

Mr. MacCombie stated he has an Engineering Escrow release of funds for Sadsbury Arcadia Associates, LP for Sadsbury Park Phase 4A in the amount of $10,231.87 for the Board’s approval.

Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to approve an Engineering Escrow release of funds for Sadsbury Arcadia Associates, LP for Sadsbury Park Phase 4A in the amount of $10,231.87 per Mr. MacCombie’s recommendation.  With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.

Mr. MacCombie stated he has an Engineering Escrow release of funds for the CVS Store #10399 in the amount of $193.12 for the Board’s approval.

Mr. Hensel 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 $193.12 per Mr. MacCombie’s recommendation.  With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.

Mr. MacCombie reported to the Board that he received a quote from Modern Group to replace the block heater hoses, coolant, and batteries for $2,522.16.

Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to accept the quote from Modern Group for maintenance at the pump station to replace block heater hoses, coolant, and batteries for $2,522.16.  With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.

Mr. MacCombie reported his company will look at the trench settlement along Old Wilmington Road.

Mr. MacCombie stated that the relocation of Compass Road will require a right-a-way from the property owner.

Heidi Androwick asked why is the road being relocated.

Mr. MacCombie stated it has been hard to get in and out of Compass Road.  The road would be relocated to Route 10 so it would be easier and safer.  It would require a right-a-way from the property owner and the funding okay from PennDot.

Mr. Taylor relayed to Mr. MacCombie that Stovepipe Hill Road is sinking from work done by Pennsylvania American.  Mr. MacCombie stated Pennsylvania American was supposed to fix the road in the spring.  They were told it was unacceptable.

Mr. Jessey asked if the Sadsbury Village Enhancement Project is finished.  Mr. MacCombie said there is $50,000 outstanding to be released.  A utility company tore up the Road in front of the Township Building and it needs to be fixed.  Mr. Taylor stated the ruts and signs to be repaired are PennDots responsibility, and we are at their mercy.

Mr. Taylor would like to thank John Lymberis for having his crew mow the islands.

Township Solicitor Report:  Mr. O’Keefe reported that Pennsylvania American wants an extension of the exclusivity period until the next Board of Supervisors meeting.  Appraisals are being done by PAWC and also the Township.

Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to extend the exclusivity period with Pennsylvania American until the next Board of Supervisors meeting on July 6, 2017.  With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.

Mr. O’Keefe stated there is an application for property to be placed into Agricultural Security.  A public notice was advertised in the Daily Local News, the property was posted, and it was sent to the Chester County Planning Commission.  We are now waiting for their comments and no action is required tonight.

Mr. O’Keefe stated the Floodplain Ordinance is required by FEMA as well as the state.  This was sent to the Chester County Planning Commission, and will get their comments by the next meeting.  No action is required tonight.

Mr. O’Keefe received an extension letter from Mr. Gill, representing Sadsbury Commons, granting an extension to September 30, 2017.

Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to extend Sadsbury Commons application for Land Development Approval from July 3, 2017 to September 30, 2017.  With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.

Township Planning Commission Report:  The Sadsbury Township Planning Commission met on Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at 7:00 p.m.  Michael Gill came before the Planning Commission to discuss Sadsbury Commons Preliminary Land Development.  There will be a resubmission of plans different from the ones presented at this meeting.  Mr. Gill will bring the resubmission back to the Planning Commission when all the review letters are completed.  The Planning Commission made a request that Sadsbury Commons obtain Menke and Menke to do a landscape review.

Township Zoning Report:  Mr. Lowry reported that 45 inspections were performed and 96 inquiries have been received.  Eleven permits were issued in May for:  4 single family dwellings, one antenna, one temporary tent, one pool, one pergola & patio, one mobile home and three decks.  A meeting will be held in June to review a proposed building on Lot #7 Morris Farm.  Sadsbury Commons has presented Preliminary Land Development plans to the Township and will resubmit in the future.  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.  Mr. Lowry stated he spoke with the representative of Bellaire to finalize plans for reopening the gate at Old Wilmington Road.  This will need the agreement of PennDOT.

Mr. Lowry stated this was a Board of Supervisors directive to look into opening this road, and it remains a Board decision.

Heidi Androwick asked when the roads are dedicated, will the Road Department plow the industrial center, and what will happen to the residents?Mr. Taylor stated that when we get a bad snow storm, the residents would come first.

Ellen Rice wants a flashing light so that trucks can’t go down Old Wilmington Road and get stuck at the tunnel.  Mr. Lowry stated the Township cannot put signs on Old Wilmington Road, as it is a state road.  You would need to contact Harry Lewis or Andy Denniman.  Chief Ranck stated that for the last three days in a row, he has had to get trucks turned around at the tunnel and he thinks a flashing light at Quarry Road would help.  GPS takes trucks down 1st, Avenue.  Mr. Hensel stated this is an on-going problem.

Chester County Airport Update:  No report

Township Manager Report:  Mr. Walters stated he is attended the Zoning Update meetings, Planning Commissions, and the Parks and Recreation meetings.  The Month of May, he has attended the Route 30 bypass meeting, the Chester County Planning Commission on Landscapes 3 meeting on development and open space, the Chester County Historic Committee, and the Chester County PSATS meeting in new HIPPA regulations and new guidelines for grants and county matching funds.  Mr. Walters is working with Whitford Insurance Company on Township policies, is reviewing policies with the Township computer IT person, and is working with Dave Porter from Mr. MacCombie’s office on grants.  Mr. Walters has visited Aerzen USA, John Rock, Sikorsky, and Vietri Electric.  He is reviewing the Township accounts, bills, checks, insurance, and grants.  Mr. Walters has met with 16 residents this month.  The residents come first, and Mr. Walters is available to come to Home Owners Association meetings, if that is desired.

Payment of Invoices:

Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to pay the May 2017 General Fund invoices in the amount of $178,350.35.  With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.

Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to pay the May 2017 Sanitary Sewer invoices in the amount of $87,338.84.  With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.

Public Comment:

Mr. Taylor stated that has a receipt for Jamie Bowers for his CDL License, which is mandatory that he would like to have the Board pay for. If it is not approved, Mr. Taylor will pay for it.  Mr. Hensel asked if this was approved in the past?  Heidi Androwick says if he needs it for his job, pay it.  Mr. Hensel wants to table this matter until next meeting.  Mr. Taylor stated if you need to look into it, fine.

Jen Cofroth stated there is an ongoing problem with drugs and drug overdoses at Bert Reel Park.  You have to be vigilante with needles everywhere.  Mr. Walters stated that one of our Road Department workers got stuck with a needle.  Jen Cofroth stated the lights at the park are enabling the druggies to party at the park at night.  There are no cops patrolling at the park.  Drugs are being bough even in the porta potties.  She has an eleven year old daughter watching this go on day and night.

Heidi Androwick asked if cameras can be put in the park.  Mr. Taylor stated that was brought up a couple years ago, but was never acted on.

Mr. Lowry stated he has a friend who could give a price for cameras at the park.

Mr. Lymberis suggested a dusk to dawn fence so no one could drive into the park.

Jen Coftoth stated that would keep the drivers getting in but there are a lot of walkers. That would take away about 25% of getting in.

Mr. Hensel stated the park used to have a sign stating the park was closed “dust to dawn”, Mr. Hensel will have Mr. Walters get costs for fencing.  Mr. Walters said he will look into something that will work, maybe a fence and gate.

Chief Rank told Mr. Hensel the sign is at the concession stand.

Mr. Taylor stated cars can still go around the gate and run on the grassy area to get into the park.

Chief Ranck stated they can also come down across the field at the ball park.  Something has to be done in that area, also.

Michael Loftus suggested to reopen the road to the swimming hole.  Mr. Taylor stated that is swampy and he would discourage anyone from driving down there.  That area also might be Amtrak property.

Mr. Hensel instructed Mr. Walters to call Amtrak to see if they can patrol the area more often.

Mr. Moskel asked if the bids for the street paving and road repairs could be separated on the bid for companies who did paving and companies who did oil and chip. Maybe you could get a better price.  Mr. MacCombie said it could be rebid if necessary.  The bidder price came in around the budgeted amount.

Emanuel King stated the old school house on Octorara Road has been in bad shape for the last couple of years.  There is no roof and the place needs to be cleaned up.  Mr. Hensel stated the building is owned by the Upper Octorara church.  Mr. Lowry stated the Township does not have a property maintenance code.

Mr. Taylor would like to know what the church’s intentions are with the building.  Mr. Lowry will check with the church.

Ms. Androwick asked what about when someone does not cut their grass, what is the law on not cutting grass.  Mr. Lowry stated it would be a general ordinance that grass can be not over 12 inches high.

Ms. Androwick stated that every year she complains that the neighbor needs to mow the grass at his apartment building.  Mr. Lowry stated the owner was already cited, and the next move would be to send the Road Department to mow the grass and bill the property owner and if he does not pay, a municipal lien will be placed on his property.

Noreen Ficken stated she is worried about lyme disease and high grass breeds ticks.  People and animals can be bitten by ticks and now there is a new strain of lyme disease that is deadly.  Please change the Ordinance and not let grass get to 12 inches high.

Christine Moore asked if the Township is hiring a treasurer.  Mr. Hensel stated the Board is not doing anything at the moment.  We are in pretty good shape with the employees that we have, so we are not hiring, at this time.

Ellen Rice asked what is the status of Keystone Valley Fire Department?  Mr. Taylor said he cannot answer that questions.  Mr. Schuibbeo is taking the point on that and he has positive feed-back.

Michal Loftus stated that Sadsburyville fire Company is in align with Westwood Fire Department.

Christine Moore stated that Sadsburyville Fire Company is planning to add on to their building.  Are they asking the Township for funds?

Heidi Androwick wants to know why can’t the residents say what is done with Keystone Valley.  It is a big decision and the residents should have a say.

Michael Loftus stated that in Pomeroy, the Township is leaving the citizens blind.

Mr. Hensel wants the residents to let the process with Anthony Schuibbeo and Keystone play out.

Michael Loftus stated the Board is waiting until the election is over before letting Sadsburyville and Westwood take over.

Heidi Androwick stated Keystone is here until November.
Mr. Loftus stated that’s right around election.

Ellen Rice stated that Keystone Valley does a fine job for the Township.

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.

Respectfully Submitted,

Linda Shank
Secretary