Minutes Supervisors

Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting, Tuesday, May 2, 2017

A regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors was conducted on Tuesday, May 2, 2017 commencing at 7:00 p.m.  Chairman, Mr. Hensel called the meeting to order.  Present was Supervisors Mr. Schuibbeo and Mr. Taylor, Township Solicitor, Mr. O’Keefe, Township Engineer, Mr. MacCombie, Zoning/Building Officer, Mr. Lowry, Township Manager, Mr. Walters, and members of the community.

A moment of silence and Pledge of Allegiance was observed.

Mr. Hensel announced the Board met in Executive Session before tonight’s meeting to discuss legal matters.

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 unanimously.

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 unanimously.

Township Police Report:  Chief Ranck reported that the police patrolled 3,686 miles during the month of April and handled 248 incidents during the month of April of which the State Police handled 24 of these incidents as follows:  911 hang-up call 2, vehicle crash with injuries 1, property damage crash 6, accident serious 1, alarm fire 1, alarm police 6, animal complaint 2, overdose 2, Assist fire department 1, assist to other police department 4, shrubbery fire 2, business check 65, civil dispute 2, criminal mischief/vandalism 3, disabled vehicle 1, disturbance 3, domestic disturbance 3, erratic driver 6, field or brush fire 1, for police information 5, fraud (actual or attempted) 1, harassment 2, house/vacation check 15, keys locked (vehicle, house, etc.) 1, medical emergency 22, Township park check 2, repossession 1, police report (not in progress) 20, shots heard or shooting (no injuries) 1, suspicious condition 7, suspicious person 2, suspicious vehicle 1, theft 1, theft from vehicle 1, Traffic general hazards 5, trespasser 2, traffic stop 2, and well-being checks 6.  The April criminal arrests are as follows:  Burglary, (2) Criminal trespass, theft, receiving stolen property, harassment and criminal mischief.  These do not include any potential arrest from any current active criminal investigations.  On April 25th , Chief Ranck and Sergeant Imhoff attended a training course in (best practices in police management), that was held at the Chester County Public Safety Training Campus in Coatesville.

Township Public Works Report:   For the month of April, the Public Works Department cleaned up from the winter season and prepared the Township owned properties for mowing.  At the Main Township Building, trees were pruned and diseased trees were removed.  Mulching was completed.  At Sadsbury Park, Bert Reel Park, Taylors Lot and Greenbelt Park area, the trash and many tree limbs were picked up.  The water facilities at Bert reel Park has been turned on.  When all these tasks were completed, these properties were mowed for the first time this season. On April 6,2017, the Township experienced heavy rain throughout the day and one bad storm associated with high winds that caused some minor power outages that affected the area.  On Old Mill Road, a large tree came down over the Buck Run Bridge.  This road was closed for only a short period of time until the tree was removed.  On this day, we checked and cleared drains as needed and removed small debris from the roadways mainly by hand.  On April 21st, the Township conducted its annual road inspection with the Public Works Department, Earl Taylor, Anthony Schuibbeo, Bryan Walters and our Engineer firm all in attendance.  Sewer meter readings were recorded for the first quarter and several pot holes were filled, several street signs were repaired, many PA 1 calls were completed, and maintained our equipment and vehicles, and storm drains over the month as well.  There was only one incident of illegal dumping that occurred on Greenbelt consisting of tires. The equipment hours were 8.3 and the vehicle miles were 336.

Mr. Taylor requested the Board accept Jared Dalmas for part-time summer help.  He is needed to help with safety issues.  He can help with pot holes, mowing and getting things caught up.  According to the union contract, he can work for a period of 90 days.  Mr. Hensel stated that as long as he did not work over 90 days, there was no problem having Mr. Dalmas for part-time summer help.

Emergency Management Report:  The Emergency Operations Plan has been accepted by the county.

Keystone Valley Fire Department:  Chief Cazillo reported that for the month of April, 2017, The Keystone Valley Fire Department responded to 22 calls for:  fire 1, rescue/medical assist 6, false alarm 1, good intent 11, CO call 1 and fire police 2.  The response by municipality is as follows:  Sadsbury Township 2, West Sadsbury Township 8, Highland Township 0, Parkesburg Borough 8, and Out of District 4.  The average response by personnel per call was 8 with a total of 172 personnel for combined response hours 56.6 hours.  The average response time from dispatch to on-scene was 6 minutes.  There were 5 in-house trainings with 55 members attending for 187 hours combined training hours.  The fire units traveled 1,148 miles using 220.9 gallons of fuel.  The Ambulance traveled 2,673 miles and used 269.9 gallons of fuel.  The total miles were 3,821 and total fuel used was 49.8 gallons.  The maintenance hours on all apparatus was 31 hours.  The Keystone Valley EMS Division answered a total of 92 calls for the month of April for:  treated/transported BLS 37, treated/transported ALS 29, no services required 10, patient refusal 8, recalled on-scene 3, treated and released 1, lift assist-public assist 2, dead at scene 1, and 1 unfounded.  The municipal break-down is as follows:  Parkesburg Borough 32, Sadsbury Township 29, West Sadsbury Township 20, Highland  Township 6, Christiana Borough 1, Valley Township 2, West Fallowfield Township 1, and Atglen Borough 1.

Sadsburyville Fire Company Report:  Deputy Chief Brecht reported for the month of April 2017, Sadsburyville Fire Company responded to 20 calls for:  1 odor investigation, 4 house, 3 fire police, 1 outbuilding, 1 brush, 1 ambulance assist, 3 accident, 1 AFA, 1 controlled burn, 2 drug overdoses, 1 trees & wires, and 1 relocate.  The response by municipality is as follows:  Sadsbury Township North 9, Sadsbury Township South 0, Valley Township 6, East Fallowfield Township 1, West Caln Township 1, West Brandywine Township 1, Coatesville City 1, Caln Township 1.  There were 141 volunteer firefighters responding with an average of 7 firefighters responding per call.  There were 109 miles traveled with an average of 5.5 miles per call.  The pumper miles were 32.  There were 205 combined firefighter training hours and 132 combined personnel fundraising hours.

Sadsbury Township Park Committee Report: The Sadsbury Parks and Recreation committee met on April 24, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. The previous meeting minutes were adopted.  Township Manager, Mr. Walters, will now be responsible for the upkeep of the baseball field.  Mr. Jesse reported the vendor and sponsor forms for the Tri-centennial were approved by the Township’s lawyer and were now being distributed.  Mr. Jesse is unable to get permission to hold a firework display in Sadsbury Park; Mr. Walters will contact the fireworks company to get their input.  Mr. Damon, from Gateway Church, said the church would be happy to act as a venue for the Tri-centennial, provided it would not disrupt Saturday church service.  Mr. Walters offered to assist in finding food vender for the event.  Mr. Hensel reported the Little League will not be using the baseball field in Bert Reel Park this summer, due to low turnout.  Mr. Jesse would like to have the basketball court renovation preparations looked into.  Artwork, and plans for a photograph competition were discussed.  Mr. Walters will contact the Chester County Historical Society for their assistance with the event, and also will contact someone with a PA system who could provide the necessary equipment for the event.  T-shirts were discussed for the event, also. After assignments were given for the next meeting, the meeting was adjourned.

Mr. Jesse stated he has paid $80.58 for printer cartridge and has the receipt for all the printing he has done for the Park Committee.  Mr. Jessey would like to ask the Board of Supervisors to reimburse him for the payment for printer cartridges.

Mr. Schuibbeo made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor to reimburse Mr. Jesse $80.58 for printer cartridges purchased for the Park Committee.  With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Taylor stated he received a call from the Fallowfield Fillies to use the ball field at Bert Reel Park.  He will give the phone number to Mr. Jessey.  Mr. Taylor does not know the schedule at the ball field.  Chief Ranck will give the schedule of his team using the field, so there is no conflict in games.  Brian Gathercole stated the Fallowfield Fillies want to switch to Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday.  Mr. Taylor asked Mr. Gathercole if Diamond-tek would help the Sadsbury Park ball field and make in playable.  Mr. Gathercole stated that it would.

Township Engineer Report:  Mr. Maccombie stated he has a close-out Engineering Escrow release of funds for Ethermore and Associates, 241 Stewart Houston Drive in the amount of $11,722.00 for the Board’s approval.

Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schuibbeo, to approve a close-out Engineering Escrow release of funds for Ethermore and Associates, 241 Stewart Houston Drive, in the amount of $11,722.00 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 a Letter of Credit Reduction for Aerzen USA-Expansion in the amount of $484,861.13 for the Board’s approval.

Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to approve a Letter of Credit Reduction for Aerzen USA-Expansion in the amount of $484,861.13 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 Park Phase 4A, in the amount of $6,242.49 for the Board’s approval.

Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schuibbeo, to approve an Engineering Escrow release of funds for Sadsbury Park Phase 4A in the amount of $6,242.49 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 a Certificate of Completion Account Reduction for Sadsbury Arcadia Associates, LP, Sadsbury Park , Phase 4A in the amount of $79,123.04 for the Board’s approval.

Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schuibbeo, to approve a Certificate of Completion Account Reduction for Sadsbury Arcadia Associates, LP, Sadsbury Park Phase 4A in the amount of $79,123.04 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 Pharmacy Store #10399 in the amount of $253.12 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 $253.12 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 a Performance Surety Bond Reduction of funds for CVS Pharmacy, LLC. c/o CVS Health Corporation for the CVS Pharmacy Store located at 3373 E. Lincoln Highway in the amount of $604,901.77 for the Board’s approval

 

Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schuibbeo, to approve a Performance Surety Bond Reduction of funds for CVS Pharmacy, LLC. c/o CVS Health Corporation for the CVS Pharmacy Store located at 3373 E. Lincoln Highway in the amount of $604,901.77 per Mr. MacCombie’s recommendation.  With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.

Mr. MacCombie stated a letter was received from Sadsbury Arcadia Associates about final inspections of roads, sewer, curb, sidewalk, landscaping and dedication of the sewer lines by the Township.  Mr. MacCombie stated he needs more information regarding Phase 4C including documentation on roadways and easements.  Mr. MacCombie stated he is not in a position to act on this request at this time.

Mr. MacCombie stated that Sikorsky has a license agreement with the Township to have a cross walk on Washington Lane.  Chuck DiLabbio wants to install flashers. This requires a PennDOT permit for a flashing warning signal.  They are in the process of getting the permit.  Mr. MacCombie recommends the Board allow the flashers, as this is a safety issue.  The Board agrees.

Mr. Herbert MacCombie, the Public Works Department, Mr. Schuibbeo, and Mr. Walters did a road inspection around the Township.  $225,500 is budgeted for road repairs. The order of priority to repair is:

  1. Andrew Drive & Frederick Drive Circle                $105,916.25
  2. Skiles Road                                                               $  28,826.88
  3. Old Mill Road between Oct. & Friendship           $  48,178.63
  4. Quaker Road between Rt. 30 & Octorara Rd     $  13,330.63
  5. Sadsbury Road between Oct. Rd & Boundary   $  10,144.75

Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to approve Mr. MacCombie  advertise for bid the projects listed for road repairs in 2017.  With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye’, the motion passed unanimously.

Susan Bankert asked who is responsible for the signs on the highway, as they are broken and need to be fixed.  Mr. MacCombie stated the Village Enhancement Project has not been accepted by the Township.  The contractor is responsible now, but once all the punch lists are completed and the Township accepts the project, the Township will be responsible for the islands.

Township Solicitor Report:  Mr. O’Keefe reported that the Sadsbury Village Enhancement Project will have increased costs and the Township must accept by resolution and authorizes the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors to sign the letter of Amendment, agreeing to be legally bound to the terms, conditions, provisions set for the by Agreement, as amended.

 

Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to adopt Resolution 2017-10, to authorize the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors to sign the letter of Amendment, agreeing to be legally bound to the terms, conditions, provisions set forth by the Agreement, as amended of increasing the cost of the project.  With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.

Mr. O’Keefe stated, there has to be a motion to sign the letter of Amendment.

Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schuibbeo, to sign the letter of Amendment for the increase in cost of the Village Enhancement Project.  With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.

Mr. O’Keefe stated that Pennsylvania American Water wants the period of exclusivity extended to the  next Board of Supervisors meeting.

Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to extend the exclusivity period in the Letter of Interest by Pennsylvania American Water Company to June 6, 2017.  With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.

Mr. O’Keefe stated he is still working on the Act 172 Ordinance that gives tax credits for firefighters and emergency personnel.

Mr. O’Keefe stated most Pennsylvania municipalities must rewrite their floodplain ordinance to the maps released by FEMA.  They are satisfied with ours as of now but will need some input from Mr. Lowry.

 

Ms. Silvernail asked the question if the new floodplain ordinance will be more or less restrictive.  Mr. MacCombie stated It would be a little more restrictive.  FEMA redid the maps and there must be a FloodPlain Coordinator.  The Township has 6 months to revise the ordinance.

Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to advertise the Floodplain Ordinance.  With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.

Mr. O’Keefe stated there is a property owner that wants to add a parcel to the Township’s Agricultural Security Area.  It is required the Township publish in the local newspaper this application has been received.  After 15 days, if there is no objection, it goes to the Chester County Planning Commission.

Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schuibbeo, to advertise the addition of the parcel to the Township’s Agricultural Security Area.  With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.

Township Planning Commission Report:  No meeting

Township Zoning report:  Mr. Lowry reported that for the month of April, there were 39 inspections performed and 84 inquiries have been received.  Thirteen permits have been issued in April for: Two single family dwelling, six townhouses, one alteration, one demolition and reconstruct barn, one renew for temporary farm stand, and one generator.  Mr. Lowry stated a real estate agent called and stated that the Fire Store is purchasing the Cumberland Insurance Building.  Mr. Lowry is meeting with AIM Development Corporation about land acquisition.  The Township Solicitor and Mr. Lowry are working on preparing an application for yearly registration and inspection and a fee structure for Lincoln Crest.

Chester County Airport Update:  Mr. Roberts reported the Authority met today.  The outcome of the April 12th meeting with Pennsylvania Senators, Sikorsky, and the Airport Authority will be important for the area.  The number one priority is a control tower.  The runway and taxiway are under repair.  The fuel prices at the airport are second only to Philadelphia.

Township Manager Report:  Mr. Walters stated that the Board covered all that he had on his report.

Payment of Invoices:

Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schuibbeo, to pay the April 2017 General Fund invoices in the amount of $235,503.44.  With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to pay the April 2017 Sanitary Sewer invoices in the amount of $89,251.09.  With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.

Public Comment:

Mr. Taylor said with firefighters and police getting killed in the news, he would like everyone to say a prayer to watch over the police and firefighters.

Robert Silvernail wants to revisit the letter sent out on Republican Party letterhead and signed by two supervisors with Anthony Schuibbeo, Chairman and Dale Hensel, Vice Chairman.  Mr. Schuibbeo stated that it was a typo.

Ellen Rice asked how can you have safety in the Township when you want to get rid of safety by getting rid of Keystone Valley Fire Department?

Mr. Schuibbeo stated he spoke with Mr. Stackhouse but he is unavailable to attend meetings with Keystone Valley.  He attends many other meetings and has a family.

Kim Gathercole asked him why he ran for Supervisor and he needs to resign.

Robert Silvernail stated this letter is a fraudulent act and what else is going on the Township?

Heidi Androwick stated the big trash cans, Township Manager, let people have a say on things.  Ask us what we want.  We want the Township to communicate with us.

Kim Gathercole suggested that when the quarterly sewer bills go out, put notices in with them.

Robert Silvernail asked how the letter was distributed.  Mr. Hensel said it was signed electronically with permission and he did not mail it.

Mr. Silvernail asked if the letter was signed electronically, did the Republican Party send this letter. This letter would have never gone out from Republican Headquarters.

Mr. O’Keefe stated to let everyone deal with Township business.

Kim Gathercole stated that over 75% of the people here are concerned with the letter and you are shutting us down.

Ellen Rice asked why are you allowed to take away Keystone Valley when the public had no say.  Something as big as this, let people have a say.

Mr. Alderman stated the Township can’t afford to let Keystone Valley go.  Sadsburyville Fire Department does not have a ladder truck, no tank truck and nowhere to put the trucks if they had them.  Tell the Township the whole truth.

Mr. Hensel stated there has been discussions with Keystone Valley Fire Department to work something out. There is no agreement but will keep trying to talk.

Ms. Silvernail stated there are million dollar industrial properties in the Township and a fire in a 14 foot building and no ladder, what will happen.  There is Vietri, Aerzen, and Sikorsky to name a few, is the equipment adequate?  What about an ambulance?

Chief Cazillo, of Keystone Valley, said he wants everyone to know the meetings are with the Fire District and not with Keystone Valley.  Tom Scott is the Chairman of the Board.

Heidi Androwick asked do we need a full time Manager.  Why, all of a sudden now.  We should have had a vote on this.  He was hired without the residents knowing we needed a Township Manager and heard he was only hired because he was friends with someone on the Board of Supervisors.

Mr. Jessey stated the supervisors are elected to do a job. Do you feel that all decisions need a referendum?

Mr. O’Keefe stated that all the decisions made by the Supervisors have been advertised and held in public meetings.

Kim Gathercole asked how can a Township Manager be hired without public knowledge.

Erik Brecht stated the Township will still get a ladder truck and we are surrounded also by tankers.  Keystone Valley Fire Department has not used a ladder truck here in well over 8 years.

Susan Bankert says she comes to Township meetings and they are boring. Decisions are being made and no one is here.  What’s up with this letter? She sees a lot of campaign signs in the area.  How are you supposed to know anything about these guys?

Mr. Hensel stated he likes the Township and has a business here.  All the candidates care about this town.  Check with Chester County Pin to see who is running.

Mr. Jessey wants to know when the craters on Old Wilmington Road will be addressed.  Mr. Hensel stated some repairs to the tops of some were done.

Someone asked if the Board is going to try to communicate with the residents better.

Mr. Schuibbeo said he likes the idea presented by Kim Gathercole to put Township information in with the quarterly sewer bills.

Kim Gathercole stated to Mr. Schuibbeo that he promised he was going to improve communication between the Board of Supervisors and the residents, and it took her, a resident to come up with the suggestion of communication through sewer bills.  The Township is exploding and people do not know about Township meetings.  Start doing what you said you were going to do.

Mr. Silvernail still wants an explanation why the county would send out a letter with Mr Hensel’s and Mr. Schuibbeo’s names on it.

Heidi Androwick asked who made the decision to lower the sewer rate to $300.00 per year.  The rate in the minutes was initially $280.00 per year.  Where is the extra money and who made the decision?  Mr. Hensel stated they had to budget for  pump replacement, drains; there was just a crack in the wet well at the pump station that had to be taken care of.  Ms. Androwick still wanted to know who made the decision to not lower the rate to $280.00 and where the extra money went.

Mr. O’Keefe explained the rate is based somewhat on the fees charged for water by Pennsylvania American Water and how the Township Account looks at the fees and the sewer debt.  What PAWC rates amounts are, customer debt, the amount of customers, and operation costs determines if the Board increases or decreases the sewer rates.  The rate is not to make a profit, but to pay bills.  20% of invoices are not paid by customers.

Heidi Androwick said years ago when all the bills were not done properly by the previous Secretary/Treasuer, and the back billing was done to make up for the lost money, where did the extra money go?  Mr. McCombie stated there was no profit made, the money brought in was off-set by costs and there was not a surplus.

Christine Moore asked if the Township was still interviewing for the Treasurer position.  She applied for the position and has not heard anything.

John Moore asked if the police were in arbitration?  Mr. Hensel stated they are not in arbitration at this time, but can go.

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