A regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors was conducted on Tuesday February 3, 2009 commencing at 7:00 p.m. Chairwoman Ms. Silvernail called the meeting to order. Present was Supervisors Mr. Hensel and Ms. Horan, also in attendance were Mr. Thompson substitute for Vince Pompo Township Solicitor, Mr. MacCombie Township Engineer and Zoning Official and members of the community.
A moment of silence and pledge of allegiance was observed.
Ms. Silvernail announced that the Board met in executive session before the regular meeting to discuss personnel issues.
Ms. Silvernail read a statement before the start of the regular meeting. The letter read as;
As a result of the recent rash of suspected arson fires in the Western Chester County, the Sadsbury Township Board of Supervisors and Emergency Services personnel from the Fire Company, police department and ambulance services are working closely with the Arson Taskforce and the law enforcement agencies in the region for the protection of our residents.
We ask the residents and general public cooperate by:
When you observe anything out of the ordinary call 911 immediately.
Turn on any outside lights at night especially in the rear of the building.
Do not pile or store flammable material near the building or under porch.
Store trash cans away from all buildings.
Please observe no parking regulations and keep the streets clear.
Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Ms. Horan, to waive reading the previous meetings minutes. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Mr. Hensel, 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 Groce reported that for the month of January the police department patrolled 2,439 miles and answered 115 complaints from the public, the categories were: 2 thefts, 6 suspicious person, 6 911 hang ups, 16 alarms, 3 assist to other departments, 5 animal, 2 domestics, 14 accidents, 3 disturbances. A total of 6 traffic citations were issued and 6 parking tickets. Patrol activities included 3 traffic checks and 25 property business checks.
Township Engineer report. Mr. MacCombie stated that the traffic signal is in operation at AIM Boulevard and Lincoln Highway. Mr. MacCombie stated that Amtrak agreed to allow the Township easement of their property. Mr. MacCombie states that Amtrak is requiring the Township pay permit fees of $500.00 a $600.00 Railroad Protective Liability Insurance, and that all employees attend Amtrak safety training to cost $1,400.00, a project manager a fee of $1,199.00, flagman and a track foreman to cost $11,997.70 This fee is based on 5 days duration of work to be performed. The $11,997.00 is to be placed in escrow and money returned to the Township should the work take less time. With total costs being $15,696.00.
After Board discussion, Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Ms. Horan, to forward the amount of $15,696.70 to Amtrak to cover the costs of the permit fees, safety training, Liability Insurance, flagman and project manager in connection with the Township’s sanitary sewer project as per Mr. MacCombies recommendation. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. MacCombie suggested that Earl Taylor take the Amtrak Safety training course as the Township’s Emergency Services Coordinator and a member of Pomeroy Fire Company. Mr. Taylor stated that he believes he has taken the course already.
Mr. MacCombie stated that SSC has had a letter of credit with the Township for 10 years. Mr. MacCombie read a letter from Mr. O’Donnell;” In the course of the construction of the Sadsbury Sewer extension, Sadsbury Sewer Corporation placed a bond and letter of credit with the Township to secure the performance under the sewage treatment agreement, the protocol and the several amendments thereto. We are formally requesting that at its next meeting on February 3, 2009 the Sadsbury Township Board of Supervisors release the bond, return the letter of credit, and advise WSFS that there are no further obligations of SSC to Sadsbury Township under the bond. The final items were these: Payment to the Township of the tapping fee for Ann McGrail. That has been done by the payment to the Township of $5,082.04 by SSC. Payment for Township engineering expenses for preparation of “as built” plans, and payment for Township legal fees and costs for the preparation and filing of the easement documentation in the amount of $18,209.74. We will deliver a check either to you or the Township upon the Township’s agreement with the provisions of this letter. Very Truly Yours Patrick O’Donnell.” Mr. MacCombie recommended for the Board to accept the check in the amount of $18,209.74 and release the letter of credit.
Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Ms. Horan, to return the SSC letter of credit in return for a check in the amount of $18,209.74 as per the recommendation of Mr. Pompo and Mr. MacCombie. With there being no questions from the public, Ms. Silvernail voting “aye”, Ms. Horan voting “aye”, Mr. Hensel abstained, the motion passed .
Mr. MacCombie has prepared construction releases for the Boards consideration. Mr. MacCombie said he has (3) for the traffic signal installation at AIM Boulevard and Lincoln Highway. Mr. MacCombie stated that release #2 is in the amount of $23,511.82 to be withdrawn from the Meeting House escrow account to Higgins Electric.
Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Mr. Hensel, to approve release #2 in the amount of $23,511.82 from the Meeting House escrow account to be paid to Higgins Electric as per Mr. MacCombies recommendation. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. MacCombie prepared release #3 for the Boards approval in the amount of $9,952.80 to come from the Keystone Escrow funds being held by Patrick O’Donnell to be paid to Bertolet Construction Corporation for handicap access for the traffic signal.
Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Mr. Hensel, to approve release #3 in the amount of $9,952.80 from the Keystone Escrow being held by Patrick O’Donnell to pay Bertolet Construction Corporation for handicap access for the traffic signal as per Mr. MacCombies recommendation. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. MacCombie prepared release #4 for the Boards approval in the amount of $3,992.89 to be paid out of the Meeting house Property escrow to AIM Development Corporation to reimburse for past installation fees that were paid by AIM.
Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Ms. Horan, to approve release #4 in the amount of $3,992.89 out of the Meeting House Property escrow fund to pay AIM Development Corporation to reimburse for past installation fees that were paid by AIM as per Mr. MacCOmbies recommendation. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. MacCombie prepared release #5 for the Boards consideration in the amount of $1,013.75 from the Meeting House Property escrow to pay Sadsbury Township for inspection fees.
Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Mr. Hensel, to approve release #5 in the amount of $1,013.75 to be paid from Meeting House Property escrow to pay Sadsbury Township for inspection fees for the traffic signal installation as per Mr. MacCombie s recommendation. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. MacCombie prepared a construction release for Gateway Church in the amount of $20,217.04 for the Boards consideration.
Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Ms. Horan, to approve the construction release to Gateway Church in the amount of $20,217.04 as per Mr. MacCombies recommendation. With there being no questions from the public, Ms. Silvernail voting “aye”, Ms. Horan voting “aye”, Mr. Hensel abstained, the motion passed.
Mr. MacCombie stated that he met with Valley View Engineers to discuss Washington Lane breaking up and Mr. MacCombie said he wants the entire road fixed. Mr. MacCombie reported that when core samples were taken of the roadway they were taken from good areas that make the samples inaccurate. Mr. MacCombie reported that the entire road will be repaved. Mr. MacCombie said that the National Guard has interest in putting an armory station on a lot at Valley View. Ms. Horan asked what an armory station is. Mr. MacCombie stated that a limited amount of equipment and weapons would be manned on the property. Mr. MacCombie stated that the lot they are seeking is adjacent to the property of Ms. Porter and Ms. Floran. John Lymberis asked if they are interested in Valley View lot 3, Mr. MacCombie said “yes”.
Township Solicitor report. Mr. Thompson discussed the services of Portnoff Associates LTD collection agency and after review of the proposal he found that the services offered by them are already in place at the Township therefore he does not suggest the Township hire the company. Mr. Thompson stated that he does not agree with the Board entering into an agreement with Pennsylvania American Water Company that would shut off services to delinquent sewer customers. Mr. Thompson stated that after reviewing the document some language is not acceptable and Pennsylvania American Water Company will not agree to take the language but will verbally agree not to enact it. Mr. Thompson states that this could be more costly in the long run to the Township and Mr. Pompo is not recommending the Board accept this agreement.
Township Road report. No report given.
Township Planning Commission report. Mr. Lymberis reported that the Planning Commission met at their regularly scheduled meeting held January 14, 2009 at 7:00 pm. The commission conducted a re-organizational meeting for 2009, and thanked former member Jay Gregg for his years of service to the commission and welcomed Tom Greenfield as a new member. Appointed were the following: Theodore Claypoole as Chairman, John Lymberis as Vice Chairman, and Susan Franco as Secretary. At the regular business meeting the commission discussed Lincoln Crest Mobile Home Park Expansion; Lee Stivale was representing the mobile home park project of a proposed 52 lot expansion creating a total of 175 mobile homes. The Planning Commission agreed to send their comments to the Board of Supervisors.
Township Zoning Report Mr. MacCombie reported that Mr. Walker appeared in District Court and requested more time to clean up the junk cars. Judge Gill granted Mr. Walker several more weeks to clean up and that Judge Gill will enforce all fines against him if he does not comply. Mr. Walker stated that he will comply. Mr. MacCombie stated that a continuance of this hearing will be held on March 9, 2009 to review the case at that time.
Pomeroy Fire Company report. Mr. Taylor reported that for the month of December a total of 3 alarms were answered, 2 for Parkesburg, 1 for Sadsbury for 1 gas leak, 1 dwelling, and 1 ambulance assist. Total time in service was 1 hour and 5 minutes. Mr. Taylor reported that the 2008 year end alarms answered were 132 total times in service was 80 hours and 38 minutes. Mr. Taylor reported that for the month of January a total of alarms answered were 14 for 3 East Fallowfield, 2 Atglen, 7 Sadsbury, 1 Parkesburg, 1 Coatesville for 1 garage, 3 standby, 1 building, 1 farm equipment, 2 auto accident, 3 automatic alarm, 1 trash, 1 house and 1 chimney. Total time in service was 10 hours and 15 minutes.
Sadsburyville Fire Company report. Mr. Grossman reported that for the month of December a total number of alarms answered were 17 for 8 auto accidents, 1 chimney, 2 vehicle, assists to 28 1 odor investigation, assist to 43 1 standby and 1 dwelling, assist to 29 1 ambulance assist, assist to 44 1 dwelling, assists to 35 1 chimney. Total time in service was 13 hours and 8 minutes. Mr. Grossman reported that the 2008 year end report was a total number of alarms answered were 176 and total time in service was 107 hours and 13 minutes. Mr. Grossman reported that for the month of January a total number of alarms answered was 31 for 4 auto accidents, 1 building, 1 co2 detector, 3 automatic alarm, 2 fields, woods trash, 1 fuel spill, assists to 28 1 trash, assist to 43 2 standbys 7 dwellings, assist to 48 1 standby, assist to 44 5 dwellings 1 co, assist to 34 1 auto accident, assist to 76 1 standby. Total time in service was 25 hours and 32 minutes.
Emergency Services Coordinator update: Mr. Taylor reported that he has received Knox box forms and will get them out to those who requested them. There are still numerous facilities that have not made contact with Mr. Taylor regarding the Knox boxes. Mr. Taylor is requesting that all business provide him with emergency contact numbers.
Payment of bills:
Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Mr. Hensel, to pay the January general fund invoices in the amount of $71,848.25. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Mr. Hensel to pay the January sanitary sewer invoices in the amount of $26,462.45. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Mr. Hensel, to pay the January payroll in the amount of $31,254.78. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Ms. Horan, to pay Hondru Ford the amount of $64,117.85 for a 2009 Ford F-550 4×4 as discussed and approved in previous meetings. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
New Business:
The Board discussed the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Sodium Chloride program contract for the August 2009 through July 2010 season. Mr. Turner was absent from this meeting to give any opinion. His road report states that to date 75 tons of salt and 28 tons of anti skid material has been purchased so far. Ms. Horan asked what the cost per ton of salt is. Ms. Myers is to get back to her with the number. The Board tabled further discussion until Mr. Turner could be present at the next meeting.
Mr. Ken Crossan presented that Board with a final subdivision land development plan for Larry Constable. The Board accepted that plans from Mr. Crossan.
The Board discussed that Sadsburyville Fire Company is seeking a waiver from all building permit fees for their recent submittal of an addition. Mr. MacCombie stated that he reviewed these plans and the addition is a separate building adjoined by a breezeway and suggests that this application should be submitted as a subdivision land development. Mr. Thompson suggests that Mr. MacCombie review the plans as they are and write a review letter, at that time the Board can decide if they wish to waive any fees.
The Board scheduled May 15, 2009 as the Township bulk trash pick up day.
Ms. Silvernail announced that all committees must begin to prepare their articles for the spring newsletter and have them to Ms. Myers by March 9, 2009.
The Board is prepared to schedule another compost workshop for the spring season. Ms. Myers is to get some dates from Chester County recycling. Tabled until next meeting.
Mr. Thompson stated that he is in receipt of a Conditional Use application for Sadsbury Commons. Mr. Gill and Mr. Pompo worked through the fee schedule and agreed on an amount for the conditional use and accepted the application.
Public Comment: Mr. MacCombie announced that the Township is in receipt of a $30,000 check from the County for the Bert Reel park project.
Elmer Pluck announced that the first park committee meeting will be held on February 17, 2009 at 7:00 pm
Alan Eagles asked if the new traffic signal was set for Keystone traffic. Mr. MacCombie stated “no”.
Susan Franco stated that she has town watch signs available for Sadsbury Village and will discuss procedures with them if they are interested in starting a town watch.
John Lymberis expressed concerns regarding the conditional use hearing of Lincoln Crest Mobile Home Park and being an adjacent land owner to the property did not receive a letter or notice of the conditional hearing.
Susan Bankard expressed concerns with Lincoln Crest and the wetlands.
Gloria Gehman has concerns regarding the recent arsons in the Township.
Jay Groce announced that Senator Pileggi presented the Board with a check in the amount of $25,000 for the new police vehicle.
With there being no further business, Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Ms. Horan, to adjourn the meeting. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Myers
Secretary Treasurer