A regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors was conducted on Tuesday September 6, 2011 commencing at 7:00 p.m. Chairwoman Ms. Silvernail called the meeting to order. Present were Supervisors Ms. Horan and Ms. Sarbaum, Mr. Pompo Township Solicitor, Mr. MacCombie Township Engineer and members of the community.
Ms. Silvernail announced that the Board of Supervisors met in executive session on September 6, 2011 at 6:00 pm to discuss personnel matters and possible legal litigation.
The moment of silence and pledge of allegiance was observed.
Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Ms. Sarbaum 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.
Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Ms. Horan, to adopt the previous meetings minutes. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Township Police report.
Chief Groce reported for the month of August the police patrolled 3,332 miles and handled 147 complaints from the public for: 3 suspicious persons, 6 911 hang ups, 11 alarms, 9 domestic, 10 accidents, 6 disturbances, 3 assist to other departments, 3 harassment, 3 animal, 2 criminal mischief, 5 thefts, 1 assault. There were 16 traffic citations issued for the month and 1 parking ticket, 14 of the citations were issued in the Pomeroy Heights area. Patrol activities included 101 traffic checks and 4 property checks. Chief Groce reported during hurricane Irene the police department received 18 reports for trees and wires down throughout Sadsbury Township during Saturday evening and Sunday morning. Chief Groce thanked Sadsburyville Fire Company for their assistance in supplying a generator to a family on Reel Street that needed power for medical equipment.
Chief Groce as requested from the previous budget meeting presented a proposal to the Board for a new 2012 Dodge Charger Police vehicle under the Co-Stars program costing $34,600.00. Chief Groce stated once the vehicle is ordered it will take (3) months to receive. Chief Groce stated that vehicle costs came in under the 2011 budget. The Board asked if the price included the transfer of equipment from one vehicle to the other. Chief Groce stated “no” it does not include the transfer. Chief Groce estimated the costs to be approximately $4,000.00 to transfer the equipment.
Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Ms. Horan, to order the 2012 Dodge Charger police vehicle to cost $34,600.00 and an additional cost not to exceed $4,000.00 to move equipment from one vehicle to the new one. Mr. Robert Silvernail asked how many miles are on the current vehicle. Chief Groce said 82,000 miles. With there being no other questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Ms. Horan, to terminate the employment of Officer Kevin Simmons to be effective immediately. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Township Engineer report. Mr. MacCombie reported that the Sadsbury Township 2011 Street Resurfacing and improvements bids were opened on Wednesday August 31, 2011. Mr. MacCombie stated that the bids were as follows:
Pennsy Supply of Annville PA $78,720.00
Reading Site Contractors Pottstown PA $102,815.00
Mr. MacCombie stated that he reviewed both bids for completeness and recommends awarding the contract to Pennsy for the proposed project.
Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Ms. Horan, to award the 2011 Resurfacing and Street Improvements Project to Pennsy Supply Inc. of Annville Pa in the amount of $78,720.00 as per Mr. MacCombies recommendation. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. MacCombie stated that he has prepared a letter of credit account reduction certificate of completion for Sadsbury Arcadia Associates/Sadsbury Park Phase 2A in the amount of $171,032.27 for the Boards consideration.
Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Ms. Sarbaum, to approve the letter of credit account reduction certificate of completion for Sadsbury Arcadia/Sadsbury Park Phase 2A in the amount of $171,032.27 per Mr. MacCombie’s recommendation. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. MacCombie stated that he has prepared an engineering escrow release from Sadsbury Park Phase 2A to Sadsbury Township in the amount of $8,789.24 for the Boards consideration.
Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Ms. Horan, to approve the engineering escrow from Sadsbury Park Phase 2A to Sadsbury Township in the amount of $8,789.24 as per Mr. MacCombies recommendation. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. MacCombie stated that he has prepared a certificate of release of funds from working account letter of credit reduction for Lafayette Square Phase 1 for the amount of $49,406.36 for the Boards consideration.
Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Ms. Horan, to approve the certificate of release of funds from working account letter of credit reduction for Lafayette Square Phase 1 in the amount of $49,406.36 as per Mr. MacCombies recommendation. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. MacCombie stated that he prepared an engineering release from Lafayette Square escrow to Sadsbury Township in the amount of $2,296.12 for the Board’s consideration.
Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Ms. Horan, to approve the engineering release from Lafayette Square escrow to Sadsbury Township in the amount of $2,296.12 per Mr. MacCombie’s approval. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. MacCombie reported that he is researching information through Penn Dot for provisions of creating a Residential District along Compass Road to slow the traffic speed down. He stated that Penn Dot does not recommend stop sign placement at Compass and Skiles Roads and he agrees that most vehicles that stop at a stop sign tend to speed up to make up for time stopped. Mr. MacCombie forwarded a copy of the Penn Dot vehicle code concerning the definition of creating a Residence District that would qualify posting a speed limit of 25 mph along Compass Road. Mr. MacCombie recommends establishing a 25 mph speed limit along Compass Road and have the police enforce the speed limit. Mr. MacCombie stated sending a survey out to Compass Road residents to inquire if they would have an interest in the placement of speed humps along Compass Road would be his second recommendation. Ms. Horan asked the difference between speed humps and stop signs. Do vehicles speed up in between speed humps like they do between stop signs because of lost time? Mr. MacCombie stated typically not because of the number of speed humps placed. Ms. Horan asked how does it get decided where the speed humps get placed. Mr. MacCombie said they must be placed in a safe area with street warning signs and street painting, to allow for safe presence and visibility. Ms. Horan asked if they can be placed in an area that cannot be driven around. Mr. MacCombie said “yes” and road drainage is a factor in placement as well. Chief Groce asked if examples of these humps are like the ones at 322 and Strasburg Road area. Mr. MacCombie said “yes” and the Kennett Square area uses them as well. Mr. Faggioli volunteered to take the survey door to door.
Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Ms. Sarbaum, to allow Mr. MacCombie and Mr. Pompo to complete research to determine a classification for a road district. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye” the motion passed unanimously.
The Board discussed the damage done to the Greenbelt Drive Bridge during Hurricane Irene. A large tree fell and broke the rails on the bridge. Mr. MacCombie recommended the Township call JD Eckman to get a quote for repair and to keep the road closed until repaired. Mr. MacCombie also recommended the Township get a quote to remove the remainder of the tree that fell and remove any tree that is lodged under the bridge.
Township Solicitor report.
Mr. Pompo discussed with the Board a Tolling Agreement regarding Walsh Road and Barkman Landfill Superfund Site. Mr. Pompo stated this agreement is a two year agreement that will toll any statute of limitations that may be applicable to the commencement of an action by any of all of the performing PRP Group. Mr. Pompo stated that if the Board does not accept the agreement, a law suit will probably be filed against the Township. Mr. Pompo recommends accepting the Tolling Agreement.
Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Ms. Horan to agree to consent and authorize the Tolling Agreement regarding Walsh Road and Barkman Landfill Superfund Site. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Pompo stated that he is in receipt of a letter dated August 31, 2011 from Pennsylvania American Water Company declining the request of Sadsbury Township to connect to the existing Pennsylvania American Water Company pump station located on the West side of route 10 south of route 30 in West Sadsbury Township.
Township Planning Commission report.
Ms. Sarbaum stated that the Planning Commission met on August 10, 2011. All were present except one member. No old business was discussed, under new business Art Herling presented the Planning Commission with a subdivision on Maple Avenue.
Township Zoning report.
Mr. MacCombie had nothing to report.
Mr. MacCombie reported that he received a phone call from Chris Williams from McMahon stating that Penn Dot agreed to allow Sadsbury Commons to move the storm sewers out of the Township’s right of way and onto Sadsbury Commons property.
Township Park Committee report.
Ms. Horan reported that the kiddie swings have been placed at the park. Ms. Horan requested to have Mr. MacCombie’s office inspect the pavilion at the Bert Reel Park between the ball diamond and railroad tracks and report back to the Board the condition. Mr. Pluck stated that the men’s bathroom door handle has been broken off and asked if it was possible to place a grab handle on the door. Ms. Horan will have the road crew look into it.
Pomeroy Fire Company report.
Mr. Taylor reported for the month of August a total of 15 alarms were answered for 2 auto accidents, 2 assist to police department, 1 smoke investigation, 1 out building, 2 building, 3 trees and wires, 4 public assist. Alarms were answered for 1 Coatesville, 9 Sadsbury, and 1 East Fallowfield, 2 Valley, 1 Parkesburg and 1 for Highland. Total time in service was 9 hours and 1 minute.
Pomeroy Volunteer Ambulance report.
Mr. Taylor reported for the month of August a total number of calls were 49 for: Sadsbury 13, West Sadsbury 7, Parkesburg 14, West Caln 4, and Highland 2. Call types were: Medical 32, vehicle, fire 2, relocate 1, recalled 9, transport 28. Mr. Taylor reported that Ambulance 29-1 is at New Holland for repairs. Mr. Taylor thanked all Career Crews and Volunteers for their continued support making Pomeroy EMS the up most professional service in Western Chester County.
Emergency Management Coordinator report.
Mr. Taylor reported that August 27, 2011 the Township experienced the effects of Hurricane Irene. Power was disrupted for close to (3) days for some residents. Sadsburyville Fire Company and Pomeroy Fire Company staffed their stations and calls were as follows: trees and wires assist home with oxygen, basement pumping, provide generator to resident to keep medical equipment functioning, assist road crew, tree removal from roadways. Total of 12 calls were answered for emergency services, 5 road closures were: Stove Pipe Hill Road, Octorara Road and Old Mill Road, Virginia Avenue, Green Belt Drive, Chestnut Street. Mr. Taylor reported that Greenbelt Drive remains closed due to bridge damage. Mr. Taylor reported that Black Walnut Winery has had a Knox Box installed.
The Board of Supervisors thanked Sadsburyville Fire Company and Pomeroy Fire Company for their effort and help to the residents during the hurricane.
Chester County Airport Authority.
Mr. Roberts stated that the Authority has concerns with the amount of trash along the roadside of Washington Lane. He said the trash is gathering from Keystone Foods and the dumpster at Little Anthony’s. Mr. Roberts asked if the Township could do anything about this situation. Mr. Pompo stated that it can be enforced through the rubbish ordinance; first off you must find out where the trash is coming from. The Board agreed to have the Road Department check the roadway. Mr. Roberts stated that the airport owned farm house and barn along Rockdale Road was scheduled for demolition but that decision has been reversed and looks like they can now remain. Mr. Roberts stated that a survey showed that Sadsbury Township has many trees within the flight path.
Payment of Invoices:
Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Ms. Sarbaum, to pay the August general fund invoices in the amount of $114,757.78. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Ms. Sarbaum, to pay the August sanitary sewer invoices in the amount of $26,093.49. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
New Business:
The Board discussed sending Dave Simmons to a one and half day MS4 Education and Training Seminar Tuesday September 20th and half day Wednesday September 21st to cost $40.00. The Board agreed for Mr. Simmons to attend the seminar.
Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Ms. Horan, to approve Mr. Simmons attend a day and half MS4 Training and Education Seminar to cost $40.00 plus the Township pay Mr. Simmons wages to attend. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Silvernail announced to all departments that their fall newsletter article must be turned into Lisa Myers no later than September 30, 2011.
The Board discussed scheduling the first 2012 budget work session. The Board agreed to schedule Wednesday September 21, 2011 at 9:00 a.m.
Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Ms. Sarbaum, to schedule a 2012 budget work session to be held on Wednesday September 21, 2011 and to authorize the advertisement of said meeting. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
The Board discussed scheduling a public hearing for a proposed Amendment to the Sadsbury Township Zoning Ordinance and to forward all documents to the Chester County Planning Commission and Sadsbury Township Planning Commission.
After discussion, Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Ms. Horan, to authorize the advertisement of a public hearing for the proposed amendment to the Sadsbury Township Zoning Ordinance is held on November 1, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. and to authorize the Chester County Planning Commission and Sadsbury Township Planning Commission get copied of said amendment. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
The Board discussed a request dated August 20, 2011 from a resident that has been placed in lien for non-payment of the fourth quarter 2010 trash invoice. The resident is requesting to have the lien taken off their property and be waived from the attorney’s fees. The Board reviewed the documentation provided by the administration office that clearly shows that the payment made March 31, 2011 was for the 2011 trash collection and not towards the 2010 fourth quarter payment as stated in the resident’s letter. The lien letter was mailed from Sadsbury Township for the delinquent 2010 trash in May 2011 which was sent certified mail and signed for by the resident.
Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Ms. Horan, not to honor the request to waive fees or remove liens from the residents request letter dated August 30, 2011. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Public Comment:
Elmer Pluck asked what meeting was being held at East Fallowfield. Ms. Silvernail stated it’s the Western District Consolidation Steering Committee. The Committee will have a presentation at the East Fallowfield Township Building September 20, 2011 at 6:30 p.m.
John Lymberis asked if Pennsylvania American Water Company denied the Township‘s request how will that effect the Sadsbury Commons Medical Office. Mr. Pompo stated that Sadsbury Commons has proposed a temporary on lot system. Mr. Lymberis asked the status of the Sadsbury Enhancement Project. Mr. MacCombie stated that project is currently on hold through the Pen Dot processes.
Chief Groce stated that since Old Wilmington Road reopened the vehicles traveling on Washington lane have decreased from 1,300 a day to 600 a day.
With there being no further business, Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Ms. Sarbaum, to adjourn the regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lisa Myers
Secretary/Treasurer