Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting, Tuesday, March 7, 2017
A regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors was conducted on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 commencing at 7:00 p.m. Chairman, Dale Hensel called the meeting to order. Present was Supervisor Mr. Taylor, Township Engineer, Mr. MacCombie, Township 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.
Due to the absence of Mr. Schuibbeo, the Board will approve the minutes of the last month’s meeting at the next Supervisors meeting since Mr. Hensel was absent at the February meeting.
Township Police Report: Chief Ranck reported that the police patrolled 3,518 miles during the month of February, 2017, and handled 252 incidents, of which 26 were handled by the Pennsylvania State Police during off hours as follows: 911 hang-up 2, abandoned vehicle 1, vehicle crash with injuries 1, accident other type 1, property damage crash 3, alarm fire 1, alarm police 7, animal complaint 1, overdose 1, assist fire department 1, assist other police department 3, burglary 1, shrubbery fire 2, Township business check 75, credit card theft/fraud 1, criminal mischief/vandalism 1, disturbance 1, domestic disturbance 3, drug/narcotic violation 1, illegal dumping 1, erratic driver 7, escort person or money 3, field or brush fire, for police department only 2, residential house check 16, keys (person child in vehicle) 1, medical emergencies 35, miscellaneous police nature 11, Township Park check 4, parking violation 1, report only (NIP incident) 7, indecent sexual contact (no assault) 1, suspicious condition 10, suspicious vehicle 1, theft 5, traffic general hazards 5, traffic stop 4, unauthorized use of motor vehicle 1, and 1 residential vacation check. The February criminal arrests are as follows: simple assault, resisting arrest, possession of Crystal Meth, possession of prescription narcotics, possession of drug paraphernalia, thefts, receiving stolen property, scattering rubbish, disorderly conduct, and public intoxication. These do not include pending criminal arrest from any current active investigations. In February, Chief Ranck attended the Chief of Police meeting. In February, all sworn personnel attended the Lethality Assessment program which was hosted by the Chester County Domestic Violence Center. Each member received a certificate upon completion.
Township Public Works Report: For the month of February, the Public Works Department prepared and responded to two winter weather events in which plowing operations were deployed and the treatment of roads with de-icing agents were used. On February 9th , snow accumulated to 2” and all roads were plowed and treated. On February 10th , there was moderate drifting and the drifted areas were plowed and treated. During the month of February, we experienced heavy rain on the 7th which required the Public Works Department to check and clear storm drains if needed. Several street signs were replaced throughout the Township that were damaged by vehicles, strong winds and normal wear. All pot holes have been filled and Old Mill (the one- way portion) was graded. The best way and most efficient way to report a pot hole, tree down, icy road, or any type of hazardous road condition is to e-mail the Department at Sadsburypublicworks@Comcast.net, or phone the Department at 610-857-3733. If the road issue or condition is life threatening or a serious safety concern please dial 911. Maintenance checks were done regularly on all vehicles and equipment. The Township has experienced many incidences of illegal dumping during the first two months of 2017. Most of these incidences occurred on Greenbelt Drive and Quarry Roads. We know that about one quarter of these incidences occurred during the day light hours. Items that were dumped consist of construction materials, furniture, electronics, used tires and deer carcasses. The Public Works Department, in cooperation with the Police Department have stepped up awareness and implemented undisclosed measures in an effort to catch individuals looking to dump in our Township. These measures are working and two arrests have been made so far. “No Dumping” signs have been erected in the area most affected by the illegal dumping. Some of the other roads in the Township that experience illegal dumping less frequently are Old Mill Road, Timacola Road, and Skiles Road. The equipment hours were 9.3 with 898 vehicle miles.
The Public Works Department received a quote from Exeter Supply Co. to repair one manhole on Old Wilmington Road. Jamie MacCombie has already gotten pricing to get all 4 manholes on Old Wilmington Road repaired. The amount was included in the budget for the 2017 resurfacing project. Since it is on a main highway, you will need flagging and traffic control; the project will start around May or June. Mr. Taylor reported the Public Works Department was asked to take a survey monkey under his direction regarding the possibility of gaining county radios for their usage. Sadsbury Township was very quick in completing the survey and could possibly be the first to acquire them. This will enhance our ability to communicate with the county and other entities within the county that may need assistance along with any emergencies within the Township. The county is also pleased that our Public Works is interested in using the knowledge center. Currently Valley Township Public Works and Emergency Management, I understand; use it all the time. The Public Works Department will be going to the Public Training Facility in Modena on the 13th of this month for a day-time basic class of the knowledge center. Mr. Taylor will be attending the evening session. The class is free to all users. Visitors from Tredyffrin Township stopped by to look at the new dump truck. The design of the truck is unique and most of the design was done by Todd Bowers. After some discussion with them, they would like to order 5 trucks similar to his design. Hats off to Todd for that. Finally, we have had a constant battle with dumpers on Greenbelt. Tires seem to be the trash item of choice with many other miscellaneous items. The Public Works Department is constantly picking up trash over there. If anyone sees anyone dumping there, please notify the police.
Emergency Management Report: Mr. Taylor stated he has a certificate for his file for finishing the independent study course IS-02900, National Disaster Recovery Framework (NDRF) overview. Updates are underway with the Emergency Operations Plan. Some minor changes were made along with making sure facilities emergency contact numbers were correct along with the contact information. The PEMA Directive has covered the following: current plan, local emergency operations plan, local emergency response functional checklists, notification and resource manual, national incident management system, and planning process. Fleet mapping is also included in the parts of the EOP plan. This directive supersedes PEMA Directive D-2002-5 dated November 25, 2002. This Directive is effective May 1, 2017. Certification of Annual Review has to be signed and sent in per the county. Mr. Taylor stated he would like to have the Board’s approval to purchase a new laptop for his Emergency Services duties. The one he has came from a grant via Homeland Security and has seen better days. Current pricing is around $2,000. Mr. Hensel would like to take a look at the budget to see what is available, and discuss this next month.
Keystone Valley Fire Department: Chief Cazillo reported that for the month of February 2017, The Keystone Valley Fire Department responded to 30 calls for: fire 14, rescue/medical assist 4, false alarm 7, CO alarm 1, and service call 4. The response by municipality is as follows: Sadsbury Township 7, West Sadsbury Township 7, Highland Township 2, Parkesburg Borough 9, and Out of District 5. The response by personnel per call was 9, with a total of 259 personnel for combined response hours of 206.5 hours. The average response time, dispatch to scene was 9:43. There were 6 in-house trainings with 75 members attending for 190 hours combined training hours. The Keystone Valley EMS Division answered 91 calls for: treated/transported BLS 27, treated/transported ALS 31, treated/transferred Air Medical 1, no services required 15, patient refusal 7, recall en-route 5, recall on-scene 1, lift assist-public assist 3, and 1 unfounded. The municipal breakdown is as follows: Parkesburg Borough 17, Sadsbury Township 46, West Sadsbury Township 18, Highland Township 5, Atglen Borough 1, Christiana Borough 2, West Caln Township 1, and Coatesville City 1.
Sadsburyville Fire Company: For the month of February, 2017, the Sadsbury Fire Department responded to 14 calls for: auto accident 3, relocate, 1, vehicle 1, automatic alarm 2, brush 1, building 2, out building 1, and house 3. There were 114 volunteer fire fighters responding for an average of 8 firefighters responding per call. Miles traveled were 111 with an average of 8 miles per call. Pump miles traveled were 24. The time in service was 14 hours and 5 minutes with an average time in service of 1 hour per call. The average response time dispatched to scene in district (Sadsbury North) was 7 minutes. The responses per municipality was: Sadsbury Township North 6, Sadsbury Township South 1, Valley Township 3, East Fallowfield Township 1, West Caln Township 2, and Honey Brook 1. The combined firefighter training hours was 162 with 80 combined personnel fundraising hours.
Sadsbury Township Park Committee: Mr. Jessey reported the Park Committee met on February 27, 2017 at 7:00 p.m., for their monthly meeting. Discussions were held on exploring different options in regard to putting on a fireworks display for the Tricentennial. The Bouncyroo will not be available on the June 24th date the committee had in mind for the Tricentennial, but would be available for dates in September. Ms. Brecht has opened a line of dialogue with Mr. Dick Dague, of the Sadsbury Township Historical Society. After discussing the issues surrounding the availability of inflatables, organizational time, and fundraising time, the Committee decided to recommend to the Board of Supervisors that the Tricentennial event be held on September 23rd. A discussion was held on various ideas concerting the Tricentennial.
Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to give permission for the Park Committee to hold the Tricentennial event on September 23, 2017. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
Township Engineer Report: Mr. MacCombie reported that he has an Engineering Escrow release of funds for the Aerzen USA Expansion, 108 Independence Way in the amount of $64.37 for the Boards approval.
Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to approve an Engineering Escrow release of funds for the Aerzen USA Expansion, 108 Independence Way in the amount of $64.37 per Mr. MacCombie’s recommendation. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
Mr. MacCombie reported that he has an Engineering Escrow release of funds for the CVS Pharmacy Store #10399 in the amount of $93.50 for the Boards approval.
Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to approve an Enginering Escrow release of funds for the CVS Pharmacy Store #10399 in the amount of $ 92.50 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 April 3, 2017 is the hearing date for Lincoln Crest Trailer Park at the Chester County Courthouse. Mr. MacCombie has a Pennsylvania American meeting at the Township at 9 a.m. on Thursday and he will discuss with them the Mass Property and the Western Chester County Sewer District.
Mr. MacCombie reported that Arcadia has submitted final Subdivision and Land Development plans to facilitate the development of Phase 4A consisting of 57 single family homes. Mr. O’Keefe stated there is no formal certification that the bank loan is approved, however; he said that Mr. Pompo is comfortable for the Board to sign the plans and not record them until the escrow is approved. Mr. Duckworth will have all the agreement documents signed. The amount to be placed in escrow in conjunction with the Developers Agreement is $1,680,076.97, which includes the 10% Contingency. An additional $106,614.00 will be placed in escrow with the Township to cover engineering construction surveillance and legal fees.
Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to sign the Sadsbury Park Phase 4A plans and all the agreements per Vince Pompo’s suggestion contingent escrow funds are received. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
Mr. MacCombie stated the Sadsbury Village Enhance Project is about $30,000 over because all the state required changes to the handicap ramps. The state should pick up the tab for this expense. Mr. MacCombie stated that Moreno Corporation is due $126,776.04, and it is okay if the Board wants to authorize payment.
Mr.Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor to authorize the release of money to Moreno Corporation in the amount of $126,776.04 contingent everything is in place with Jamie MacCombie and the Solicitor’s office. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
Mr. MacCombie stated when the Township accepts dedication of the Enhancement Project, it will be up to the Township to take care of the islands. Until dedication, the state is responsible for the signs.
Township Solicitor Report: Mr. O’Keefe discussed with the Board terminating the Sadsbury Village Enhancement Project with McCormick Taylor. The Township has received a price adjustment from McCormick Taylor for $6,500 over cost for the inspection of the Sadsbury Village Enhancement project. According to Mr. Pompo, the Township is not responsible for any money over cost. PennDOT will pay the final payment with the close out of the project. The Township needs to terminate the Sadsbury Village Enhancement Project with McCormick Taylor. MacCombie Engineering could do further inspections and could take the project to the finish line.
Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to terminate the Sadsbury Village Enhancement Project with McCormick Taylor. 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 approve MacCombie Engineering to finish out the inspections for the Village Enhancement Project. 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 approve payments to McCormick Taylor in the amount of $12,928.38 and $3,061.80 to finish out their contracted costs contingent on approval from MacCombie’s office and Joe Drozd. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
Mr. O’Keefe reported the Exclusivity Period with PAWC under the letter of intent for appraising the sewer system is set to expire today. Mr. O’Keefe recommends to the Board to extend Exclusivity Period letter of intent to the May 2, 2017 meeting.
Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to extend the Exclusivity Period with PAWC under the letter of intent to May 2, 2017 per Mr. O’Keefe’s recommendation. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
Mr. Okeefe is working on the lease agreement with American Tower. American Tower wants a 20 year extension of the lease that is set to expire in 2029. They would agree to a 3% annual increase in lease payments with an 80-20 split. The Township is not obligated to extend the lease. Mr. Taylor reminded Mr. O’Keefe that he would like to have included in the lease agreement that they keep the area free of weeds and make the area look decent.
Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to authorize Mr. Pompo to go back to American Tower and draft a lease extension agreement and explore language requiring them to maintain vegetation growth and abide by the Weed Ordinance. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
There is a desire by the Board to advertise the position of Treasurer for the Township. Mr. O’Keefe stated the Township is not obligated to advertise the position. The Board asked the Township Manager, Mr. Walters to put together an advertisement for the position.
A question was asked by Vicky Horan as to whether this was a full-time position. The answer is yes, this is a full-time position.
Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to have Mr. Walters advertise the position of Township Treasurer. With there being no further questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
Township Planning Commission Report: There was no Planning Commission meeting in the month of February.
Township Zoning Report: Mr. Lowry reported there were 27 inspections performed. And 53 inquiries have been received. Five permits were issued in February for 2 single family dwellings, one alteration, and two solar arrays. The screening is complete for the HVAC units at the CVS store.
Aerzen USA is seeking a waiver of the Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance requirements as mandated by the MPC, in order to install a fire pump. The current water pressure is not sufficient for the fire protection system in the new addition currently under construction. A fire pump and small building is required. Mr. MacCombie does not have a problem with granting the waiver provided a revised Grading plan is submitted and the proper permits are submitted.
Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to waive the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance requirements as mandated by the MPC, in order for Aerzen USA to install a water pump and small building as the current water pressure is not sufficient for the fire protection system in the new addition currently under construction. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
Mr. Lowry polled the Board of Supervisors during the month to receive approval for the negotiations to pursue the acquisition of an acre of land from the owner of the Bellaire Business Center. The owner has indicated he will provide the Township with a clean (no environmental constraints) acre and 18 acres of open space in exchange for the Township accepting dedication of the roads and public sewer by the Township. Conceptional plans are being prepared. The Board has given Mr. Lowry permission to meet with the Public Works Department concerning the maintenance building. The intent is for the Department access through Bellaire Business Center to Route 30. Mr. Taylor asked what priority does the Business Center expect with the dedication of their roads to the Township. He doesn’t want to take away from the residents. Mr. MacCombie stated that the roads in an industrial park are built stronger than regular roads. They have twice as much paving as regular roads because they are geared to truck traffic. Mr. Lowry stated the Zoning Hearing Board will have a decision on Thursday at 7PM on the McWilliams case.
Chester County Airport Update: Mr. Roberts reported the Chester County Airport Authority met today at 4:00 pm. The website will be up next week. On April 11, 2017 at 1:00 pm, Sikorsky will meet with County Commissioners and Supervisors of surrounding Townships. Mr. Taylor will set something up with the fire company.
Township Managers Report: Mr. Walters reported he is working on advertising the Township Treasurer position and meeting with legal council about present items and future issues. Receiving an update on Skiles Road on preparations for paving. Will soon be having a meeting with Joe Drozd, concerning budgetary items, and with Mark Meshurle on some computer issues. Mr. Walters says he has taken many classes offered through PSATS and the county.
Payment of Invoices:
Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to pay the February 2017 General Fund invoices in the amount of $121,255.51. 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 February 2017 Sanitary Sewer invoices in the amount of $60,961.99. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
New Business:
The Chester County Tax Claim Bureau is asking to exonerate an uncollectable tax in the amount of $11.14 on a mobile home that has been removed from Sadsbury Township.
Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to exonerate an uncollectable tax in the amount of $11.14 on a mobile home that has been removed from Sadsbury Township. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
The Chester County Tax Collection Committee is asking the Township to appoint delegates for the year 2017. Each Municipality that levies an earned income tax must appoint one voting delegate and one or more voting alternate delegates to the Committee.
Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to keep in place the delegates for the year 2017 for the Chester County Tax Collection Committee. Primary-Dale Hensel, Secondary-Earl Taylor, and Alternate-Anthony Schuibbeo. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
Old Business:
Joe Russella came before the Board to discuss the Morris Farm Preliminary/Final lot line change for Lots 5 & 7. Mr. Russella was here in January to discuss the lot line change. The change involves the undeveloped portion of former lot 5, which is 7.113 acres, the majority of lot 5 is currently developed with the Fire Store. There is no development proposed for the former Lot 7 and its adjusted total of 16.084 acres.
Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to approve the lot line change for the Morris Farm Lots 5 & 7 preliminary/final subdivision plan contingent it meets all the requirements of the MacCombie letter dated January 27, 2017. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
Public Comment:
Mr. Taylor would like to thank the Fire Departments for the fire near his home.
Mike Klingman asked when is the court date for Lincoln Crest. Mr. Taylor stated they are always receiving notifications of boil water advisory for Lincoln Crest.
John More of Compass Road has a complaint about Harlan Motors using Compass Road to road-test cars and use it as a speed-way when bringing cars from the auction. Sergeant Imhoff will bring the ENRADD to that location.
A resident of Longabaugh Drive wanted to know why the Township does not remove snow on his road. Mr. MacCombie answered that Longabaugh Drive is privately owned by a farmer that lives in front of the Drive. There is an agreement that all the residents chip in for maintenance. The road is not a dedicated road and is the responsibility of the homeowners.
Mr. Fronk apologized to Mr. O’Keefe for being rude to him at the last meeting. He also urged the Board to take care of the Chief of Police. He was told there is no contract for Mr. Walters concerning his right to know request and that it was done by resolution. Would like to know why the office was closed when the secretary was sick for two days when there is a Township Manager.
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