A regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors was conducted on Tuesday, June 5, 2012 commencing at 7:00 p.m. Chairwoman, Ms. Silvernail called the meeting to order. Present were Supervisors Mr. Greenfield and Ms. Horan, Township Solicitor Mr. Pompo, Township Engineer/Zoning Officer Mr. MacCombie and members of the community.
Ms. Silvernail announced the Board met in Executive Session on June 5, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. to discuss personnel matters.
The moment of silence and pledge of allegiance were observed.
Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Ms. Horan, to waive the reading of the minutes of the previous meeting and special 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 minutes of the previous meeting and special meeting. With there being no question from the public, the motion passed unanimously.
Township Police Report
Chief Groce reported that for the month of May, 2012 the police patrolled 4,939 miles and handled 142 complaints from the public for: 6 suspicious persons/conditions, 2 – 911 hand-ups, 14 alarms, 10 domestics, 15 accidents, 4 disturbances, 4 assist to other departments, 4 harassment, 3 criminal mischief, and 5 animal. There were 49 parking tickets issued for the month and 76 traffic citations. There were 7 criminal arrests for: 2 DUI, 1 disorderly conduct, 1 underage drinking, 1 criminal mischief, 1 forgery, theft, and 1 possession of drugs. Patrol activities included 34 traffic checks and 13 property checks. Chief Groce reported there were three traffic details held this month on Route 30 Eastbound which resulted in the 76 traffic citations issued. The baseball outfield at Bert Reel Park was turfed by someone spinning wheels through the grass. Mr. Richard Felice asked Chief Groce how many of the parking tickets were issued in Quarry Ridge. Chief Groce stated he will have to look at the tickets in detail before he can answer that question.
Township Engineer Report
Mr. MacCombie reported that he has a certificate of release of funds from working account letter of credit reduction from Sadsbury Arcadia Associates L.P., Sadsbury Park Phase 4C in the amount of $16,424.49 for the Board’s approval.
Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Mr. Greenfield, to approve a certificate of release of funds from working account letter of credit reduction from Sadsbury Arcadia Associates L.P., Sadsbury Park Phase 4C in the amount of $16,424.49 per Mr. MacCombie’s recommendation. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “Aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. MacCombie reported he has an Engineering Escrow release of funds for Sadsbury Arcadia Associates, L.P. Sadsbury Park Phase 4C in the amount of $3,150.00 for the Board’s approval.
Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Mr. Greenfield, to approve an Engineering Escrow release of funds for Sadsbury Arcadia Associates, L.P. Sadsbury Park Phase 4C in the amount of $3,150.00 per Mr. MacCombie’s recommendation. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. MacCombie reported he has an Engineering Escrow release of funds for Lafayette Square Phase 1 in the amount of $155.00 for the Board’s approval.
Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Ms. Horan, to approve an Engineering Escrow release of funds for Lafayette Square Phase 1 in the amount of $155.00 per Mr. MacCombie’s recommendation. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. MacCombie reported he has a certificate of release of funds from working account letter of credit reduction from Sadsbury Commons Medical Office Development Phase 1A in the amount of $115,452.54 for the Board’s approval.
Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Mr. Greenfield, to approve a certificate of release of funds from working account letter of credit reduction from Sadsbury Commons Medical Office Development Phase 1A in the amount of $115,452.54 per Mr. MacCombie’s recommendation. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. MacCombie reported he has an Engineering Escrow release of funds for Sadsbury Commons Medical Office Development Phase 1A in the amount of $3,981.25 for the Board’s approval.
Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Ms. Horan, to approve an Engineering Escrow release of funds for Sadsbury Commons Medical Office Development Phase 1A in the amount of $3,981.25 per Mr. MacCombie’s recommendation. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. MacCombie stated the Township received a letter from West Sadsbury Township dated May 18, 2012, stating they received a letter from Signal Service, Inc. dated February 2, 2012 notifying them that all the pavement markings at the intersection of Route 10 and Route 30 need to be repainted. West Sadsbury Township obtained a proposal from DE Gemmill of Red Lion, PA for $3,223.65 to mark the intersection of Route 10 and Route 30 using thermoplastic application. Mr. MacCombie stated that this intersection is shared with West Sadsbury Township and Sadsbury Township would be responsible for half of the cost to mark the intersection.
Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Mr. Greenfield, to approve the proposal from DE Gemmill of Red Lion, Pa. to mark the intersection of Route 10 and Route 30 using thermoplastic application at a cost of $3,223.65 to be shared with West Sadsbury Township. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. MacCombie stated Sadsbury Commons wants the loop road construction prior to the shopping center being done. Many proposals have been made relating to the loop road and no final determination has been made.
Township Solicitor Report
Mr. Pompo stated the final development plans for Sadsbury Commons Medical Office and Styker Brigade Combat Readiness Center have been recorded with the county and the plans will be in the Township office soon.
Mr. Pompo stated an appeal has been filed with the Court of Common Pleas of Chester County on behalf of the Township regarding the Zoning Hearing Board approval of a variance from the Township Zoning Ordinance to allow Gateway Grace Church to have a free standing sign with a LED message board and a wall sign that measures 144 square feet.
Mr. Pompo stated the collection of back-billed sewer payments as of May 31, 2012 shows that the Township has collected $114,948.52 or 78% and that Pennsylvania American Water Company has collected $62,254.00 or 58%.
Mr. Pompo stated he has conducted interviews this month regarding the investigation into the sewer mistake and has one scheduled for next month.
Township Planning Commission Report
Mr. Greenfield stated the Planning Commission met on May 9, 2012 and there was no business to conduct.
Township Zoning Report
Mr. MacCombie reported that Abundant Life Landscaping Company has left the premises behind Hershey Motors. Mr. MacCombie stated that his office has received a noise complaint from Quarry Ridge regarding CTDI. Mr. MacCombie reported that Gateway Grace Church wants to rent out the second floor of the church office as a residence. Mr. MacCombie informed the church that they will have to reopen the Conditional Use as this is not a permitted use.
Township Park Committee Report
Ms. Horan reported there was damage to the baseball field, which was mentioned by Chief Groce in the police report. There was a minor plumbing problem. Ms. Horan reported that the road crew attended to both problems.
Pomeroy Fire Company Report
Mr. Taylor reported there were a total of 12 calls for the month of May: 1 auto accident, 1 investigation, 3 automatic alarms, 1 assist police department, 1 assist ambulance,1 vehicle fire, 2 relocate, 1 fire type unknown, and 1 pedestrian struck. There were a total of 12 assists to other departments: 1 East Fallowfield, 6 Sadsbury, 1 West Sadsbury, 1 Parkesburg, 1 Highland, 1 Caln, and 1 West Fallowfield. Time in service was 9 hours and 25 minutes and 39.14 man hours. Mr. Taylor reported for the month of May the ambulance responded to a total of 33 calls: Sadsbury 14, West Sadsbury 6, Parkesburg 6, Christiana Lancaster County 1, Highland 3, Valley Township 1, West Fallowfield 1, and Atglen Boro 1. The type of calls was: Medical 27, vehicle 3, fire 3, and recalled/refusal 11 and total number of transports was 19.
Sadsburyville Fire Company Report
Mr. Grossman reported that for the month of May there were a total of 11 responses for: 1 fire type unknown, 1 automatic fire alarm, 2 engine transfers, 1 propane tank, 2 motor vehicle accidents, 1 rapid intervention assignment on a building fire, and 3 assist EMS. Assists to other departments: Sadsbury Township North 5, Sadsbury Township South 5, City of Coatesville 2, West Caln 1 and West Brandywine Township 1. Traveled 50 miles and time in service was 4 hours and 25 minutes. Volunteer firefighters responding was 64.
Fire Company Consolidation update
Mr. Russell Guthrie gave a power point presentation on the fire company consolidation process. Copies of this power point can be obtained at the Township Office. Questions after the power point presentation were taken. Mr. Richard Felice asked Mr. Guthrie to summarize why this is going on and is this fire district another bureaucracy and does the Township lose its autonomy? Mr. Guthrie stated the Township does not lose its autonomy. This is a government entity not an authority. Mr. Felice asked does the money come from the general fund to fund the consolidation? Mr. Guthrie stated the money does come from the General Fund as the Township is obligated by law to maintain fire services for the residents. Mr. Vitikacs stated he sees Atglen, Parkesburg, and Pomeroy. What happened to Sadsburyville? Mr. Guthrie stated that Sadsburyville decided not to join the consolidation at this time, but can jump on board later on. At this time Sadsburyville wants to stand alone. Sadsburyville Fire Company will still be in business. Ms. Silvernail stated the Township cannot put them out of business. John Lymberis asked if the three companies will consolidate into one building? Mr. Guthrie stated that probably yes but initially no. Mr. Felice stated he is comfortable knowing that living in Quarry Ridge, he is relatively close to both fire companies. The area talked about in the consolidation is quite large; will there be one fire company location or a satellite location? Mr.Guthrie stated there are a lot of variables. Mr. Felice asked if he could have a copy of the presentation. Monika Bonn-Miller asked what is the cost of the Administrator? Mr. Guthrie stated the budget is decided by the fire district board as to the salary of the Administrator.
Chester County Airport Update
Mr. Roberts reported that Valley Township is concerned with Hershey Food trucks turning early onto Rockdale Road causing damage to Rockdale Road. Mr. Roberts reported that Valley Township is willing to pay for a sign at Rockdale Road that says “no trucks” or “no left turn”.
Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Mr. Greenfield, to pay the May invoices In the amount of $100,591.64. 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 the May sanitary sewer invoices in the amount of $53,511.95. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
New Business:
Mr. Joseph Duckworth, representing Arcadia stated the status of Fox Trail connection between Sadsbury Village and Sadsbury Park would be within the next week. It would entail downtime for electric service of 1 or 2 hours one day during working hours. Mr. Duckworth does not know when the downtime will occur as this is up to PECO and not the construction of Sadsbury Park. Ms. Silvernail stated that there was talk in the Township of power outages for days at a time. Mr. Duckworth stated that his office has heard these rumors also. Ms. Silvernail asked Mr. Duckworth if he will notify the Township when this outage is to take place? Mr. Duckworth stated that PECO will give notification one day before the power outage is to take place, but Mr. Duckworth stated he will notify the Township directly.
Mr. Duckworth also wanted to take this time to address the Conditional Use Agreement in which they were to build the Public Works garage on the site of the new Township Building. Mr. Duckworth stated he asked the same architect that did the Township Building to give details of what the garage will look like. He wants to use the same architect so the two buildings will be compatible. Mr. Duckworth advised the Board that Arcadia intends to pay the architect involved and advance the project. When required, the building can be built for the amount of money allocated. Ms. Silvernail stated the Board will take this information under advisement. Mr. MacCombie stated that the Public Works Department is aware of the situation.
Public Comment:
Mr. MacCombie stated he gave Ms. Silvernail MS4 Reports for her signature.
Vince Wolsky asked if he could have payroll information. Ms. Silvernail stated that a “Right to Know Request” form would have to be filled out to obtain the information.
Steve Miller of Compass Road asked the speed wagon results and what the future plans are for Compass Road. Mr. MacCombie stated the Township is waiting to receive money from FEMA for road repairs to be done. Chief Gross stated the speed wagon showed a module in the computer corrupted and gave no results. When the wagon is fixed, it will be put on Compass Road again.
Earl Taylor stated the county needs a list of vulnerable properties in the Township.
Mr. Cowan asked what is the update on the Sadsbury Village Enhancement Project. Mr. MacCombie stated he is waiting for Penn Dot’s final response. When the project was designed, there was a conflict with the safety and speed departments of Penn Dot. The problem now is with the handicap ramps.
Mr. Felice stated he has two issues with the Township. Mr. Felice stated that verbally through Mr. MacCombie’s office he reported that storm drains on his property are being washed away and this is causing a hole. In the summertime people walk in this area and if someone steps in the hole and comes to him, he in turn will come to the Township. Ms. Silvernail stated she will make sure someone takes care of this as soon as possible.
Mr. Felice asked if Quarry Ridge has become a crime zone as he has never seen so many police in the area.
Mr. Vitikacs stated that even contractors working in Quarry Ridge have been ticketed.
Ms. Horan asked why wouldn’t contractors park in the driveway? Mr. Vitikacs stated that the trucks are too long for the driveways.
Ms. Silvernail explained that a resident came to the Township meeting and complained that the Township is not enforcing its Ordinances; stating that cars got ticketed for an event at this person’s home and the next day cars were parked on the street and not ticketed. Chief Groce stated that a complaint was made that the police were not doing their job in the Township. Other residents attending the meeting from Quarry Ridge stated that they never had a problem with the police in the Township and they do not agree with the person who made the complaint and that this person should not speak for Quarry Ridge.
John Lymberis thanked Mr. MacCombie’s office for all the work they are doing on the Village Enhancement Project.
A resident on Old Wilmington Road had questions for Mr. Duckworth regarding the right of way that was granted to this resident per the development of Sadsbury Park. The contractors have piled dirt on the right-of-way and planted grass on the mound of dirt. People walking along the path to nowhere are walking through this resident’s lawn. Mr. MacCombie stated that this will be a walkable community and the project is under construction. The path could be completed in a month or a year. The Enhancement Project has been ongoing for 5 years. Mr. MacCombie explained that when dirt is piled, the County Conservation District states that seeding must be done instantaneously. Mr. MacCombie advised the resident that he should contact the police as people walking on his lawn is a trespassing issue. The resident stated he did not want to do that.
A resident of Quarry Ridge asked what can be done to function in the community as far as the parking situation is concerned. Ms. Silvernail stated the “No Parking Ordinance” was first enacted in 2005. Ms. Silvernail stated that the reason for no parking is basically a safety issue. Ms. Silvernail stated that one solution was for the Township to abandon the roads in Quarry Ridge.
Another resident stated that for five years he never received a ticket. The last couple of weeks, since the incident that happened to another resident; everyone is getting tickets.
Mr. Pompo stated that Quarry Ridge has a Homeowners Association. He suggested having responsible people in the Homeowners Association come up with a plan to offer suggestions on changing enforcement practices or an Ordinance change. Present this to the Board rather than a group of residents wanting different actions. Work through the Homeowners Association. Mr. Pompo stated a past Board of Supervisors, (not this Board) did vote to grant a waiver to the builder to allow the roadways in Quarry Ridge to be narrowed down. With this being said, it became a safety issue as emergency vehicles had less room to maneuver in the development.
Mr. Vitikacs stated that over the years the Homeowners Association has worked with the Board of Supervisors to address the parking situation to no avail.
Monika Bonn-Miller stated that electric is being supplied to the Trailer on Compass Road getting ready for people to move in. Ms. Silvernail stated the codes department and the police are aware of the situation.
Ms. Bonn-Miller stated the Township park playground equipment is in need of repair. Could the Township perhaps ask some of the developers to donate paint?
Mr. Felice asked if the Fire Company Consolidation Update presented by Mr. Guthrie will be available at the Township tomorrow? Ms. Silvernail answered that it would be available. Ms. Silvernail stated that if Mr. Felice or anyone wanted to attend the next consolidation meeting, it will be held at the Parkesburg Fire Company on June 19, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.
With there being no further business, Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Mr. Greenfield, to adjourn the meeting. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully Submitted,
Linda Shank
Assistant Secretary