A regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors was conducted on Tuesday, April 4, 2018 commencing at 7:00 p.m. Chairman, Mr. Reynolds called the meeting to order. Present was Supervisor, Mr. Moore, Mr. Taylor via telephone connection, Township Solicitor, Mr. O’Keefe, Township Engineer, Mr. MacCombie, and members of the community.
A moment of silence and Pledge of Allegiance was observed.
Mr. Reynolds announced the Board met in Executive Session to discuss personnel issues and the sewer sale.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, 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. Reynolds 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 the police patrolled 3,794 miles and handled 273 incidents during the month of March. The State Police answered 55 incidents during the overnight hours from midnight to 8:00 a.m., which is a substantial increase from previous months. The incidents for the month of March are as follows: 911 hang up 2, assault with injuries 1, vehicle crash with injuries 2, property damage crash 2, alarm fire 1, alarm police 7, emotional disorder 1, animal complaint 2, assist fire department 1, assist to other police departments 7, business check 55, crime prevention activities 1, disabled vehicle 1, disturbance 1, domestic disturbance 6, DUI (drug related) 3, erratic driver 1, field or brush fire 1, fire arms violation 1, for police department information 4, house/vacation check 12, keys locked (vehicle or house) 1, medical emergency 23, miscellaneous police nature 8, clean/coast/NCIC hit 1, Township park check 6, parking violation 1, repossession 1, police report 34, indecent sexual contact (no assault) 1, shots heard or shooting (no injuries) 1, suspicious condition 3, traffic general hazards 2, traffic stop 19, warrant hit or service 2, well being check 1, and poles wires transformer fire 2. Criminal arrest for March are as follows: unsworn falsifications to law enforcement, unlawful purchase or transfer of a firearm, aggravated assault, simple assault, terroristic threats, recklessly endangering another person, prohibited offensive weapons, possession of counterfeit currency, 2 Chester County bench warrant arrests, 3 drug DUI arrests, 3 possessions of controlled substance, 3 possession of drug paraphernalia. These arrests do not include any current criminal investigations that may lead into an arrest. On March 23rd, and March 24th, Sergeant Imhoff, Officer Hawley, along with 150 Law Enforcement Officers from other municipalities including the Pennsylvania State Police participated in a county wide aggressive DUI enforcement detail known as (Operation Night Hawk). This detail was in memory of Trooper Iwaniec who tragically lost his life by a drunk driver on Route 41, just miles up the road from the Avondale barracks while Trooper Iwaniec was on his way home after completing his shift and was hit head-on by a drunk driver who was traveling at a high rate of speed, crossed over the center line with the head lights off. There was a total of 114 DUI arrests made county-wide, of which 3 of those arrests was made here in Sadsbury Township by Sergeant Imhoff and Officer Hawley.
Public Works Report: For the month of March, the Public Works Department prepared and responded to three separate winter weather events in which plowing operations were deployed and the treatment of roads with deicing agents were used. We also responded to one Nor’easter associated with heavy rain and wind. For Sadsbury Township, these storms were handled with ease due to many factors, such as the intensity of the storms and having the proper equipment and well trained dedicated man-power. The approval and purchase of such equipment like the Mack Truck makes a huge difference in efficiency and reliability. Also, with the approval of our new truck coming later this year, we are only getting better at what we do. The Public Works Department is grateful to Board members past and present, Earl Taylor, Stephanie Silvernail, Tom Greenfield, Dave Reynolds, and John Moore; for allowing this to happen. After a winter weather event, all vehicles, plows, and deicing equipment are washed and inspected for any damage or worn parts. All equipment is then prepared and ready for the next weather event. The department has also repaired several mail boxes and yards damaged by plows. Our policy regarding damaged mailboxes is, if the snow coming off the plow damages the mailbox, the responsibility falls on the home owner. If the plow comes in direct contact with the mailbox, it is the responsibility of the Department. In the case of yard damage by plows, the Department usually does not accept responsibility if the damage occurs within the road right-a-way. If damage is grossly over the perceived right-a-way and is glaringly obvious, the Department will accept responsibility for the repair. All repairs are made to restore the area back to its original appearance, nothing more, nothing less. Also for the month of March, pot holes have been filled on Timacula Road and throughout the Township with the exception of Limestone Road; which will be addressed within the next several weeks. Several street and road signs have been straightened, replaced or repaired during the month. The Department has maintained through basic and general maintenance all vehicles, equipment and our storm water drain system. Lastly, as a reminder, 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. The equipment hours were 13.6 and the vehicle miles were 1,706.1.
Emergency Management Report: Mr. Taylor stated that the County wanted the Emergency Coordinators to create a Special Needs Registry and there was never a lot of response. Now that he is in that condition, he feels there is more to do on that.
Keystone Valley Fire Department Report: Chief Cazillo reported that for the month of March, the Keystone Valley Fire Department responded to 25 calls for: fire 14, rescue/medical assist 6, false 1, good intent 3, and fire police 1. The response by municipality is as follows: West Sadsbury Township 6, Highland Township 3, Parkesburg Borough 8, Sadsbury Township OOD 3, and Out of District 5. The average response by personnel was 8 per call with a total of 180 personnel for combined response hours of 110.41 hours. The average time dispatched to on scene was 8:19 minutes. There were 3 in house trainings with 63 members attending for 208 hours combined training hours. The Keystone Valley EMS Division responded to 107 calls for: treated/transported BLS 37, treated/transported ALS 29, no service required 17, patient refusal 12, recalled on route 4, recalled on scene 6, and treat and transfer 2. The Municipal breakdown is as follows: Parkesburg Borough 36, Sadsbury Township 37, West Sadsbury Township 19, Highland Township 7, and out of district 8.
Sadsburyville Fire Company Report: For the month of March, the Sadsburyville Fire Company responded to 21 calls for: auto accident 5, building fires 4, trees/wires 7, brush fire 1, engine transfer1, assist EMS 1, public service 1, and automatic fire alarm 1. The municipal breakdown is as follows: Sadsbury Township 15, Coatesville City 2, East Fallowfield Township 1, East Caln Township 1, West Fallowfield Township1, Valley Township 1. There were 197 volunteer firefighters responding with an average of 9.3 per incident. There were 110 miles traveled, with an average of 7.8 miles per incident. In service time was 10 hours and 41 minutes. The average response time dispatched to enroute was 3 minutes 48 seconds and the average response time dispatched to on scene was 6 minutes 32 seconds. There was 120 hours of training with 30 personnel attending.
Township Park Committee Report: Mr. Jessey reported the Park Committee met on March 26, 2018. Mr. Jesse has spoken to individuals at Sadsburyville and Coatesville post offices and was told it was impossible to do a mailer that just targeted Sadsbury Township because there are 4 zip codes within the Township. To buy stamps for the mailers would be in excess of $2,000. Additional costs may be incurred by any fees associated with work done by the Township Engineer to assist the production of the directory’s map. It would be better to delay the actual production of the directory until any associated costs can be accounted for the 2019 budget. Mr. Jessey reported on the Board’s decision to limit pavilion rental to Township residents and put up the fee. A new form has been added to the website. The committee would like to set the date of September 8 for the 2018 Community Day. Discussions about Community Day would be consideration to provide cover from the elements for the band, and more games and activities for children. Sales of tickets for the BBQ fundraiser are available for $12.00 and will be held on June 9th.
The Board is in agreement for the date of September 8, 2018 for the Community Day Event.
Township Engineer Report: Mr. Maccombie stated he has a Letter of Credit Reduction Certificate of Completion for Sadsbury Arcadia Associates, LLP for Sadsbury Park, Phase 3B in the amount of $121,185.07 for the Board’s approval.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to approve a Letter of Credit Reduction Certificate of Completion for Sadsbury Arcadia Associates, LLP for Sadsbury Park, Phase 3B in the amount of $121,185.07 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 Arcadia Associates LP for Sadsbury Park phase 3B in the amount of $15,128.75 for the Board’s approval.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to approve an Engineering Escrow release of funds for Arcadia Associates, LP, for Sadsbury Park Phase 3B in the amount of $15,128.75 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 and Engineering Escrow release of funds for Sadsbury Arcadia Associates LP for Sadsbury Park Phase 4A in the amount of $115.00 for the Board’s approval.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to approve an Engineering Escrow release of funds for Arcadia Associates, LP, for Sadsbury Park Phase 4A in the amount of $115.00 per Mr. MacCombie’s recommendation. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. MacCombie stated the Chapter 94 Municipal Wasteload Management Plan was submitted to DEP before the dead line of March 31st.
Doug Howe and Bill McCauley, representing Rock Holdings is coming before the Board asking to deliver for signature on the 16th the plans to be signed to be recorded. The Land Development plans are at Jamie MacCombie’s office and review letters have come back for the landscaping and lighting. Mr. MacCombie was told by Mr. Russella the DEP issue is resolved and received the NPDS permit. They will need a grading permit but that will not be issued until all the paperwork is recorded. Mr. Reynolds stated he has no problem signing papers on the 16th. Mr. Moore will be out of town.
Township Solicitor Report: Mr. O’Keefe stated that in January, 2018, he submitted a letter to the Ethics Committee for an advisory opinion of the Board, because of the make-up concerning membership and officers of the two fire companies in the Township; he wanted to get ahead of the situation. The advice of Counsel letter dated March 19, 2018 from the State Ethics Commission gave their opinions. Without going through the whole document, the final decision was that John Moore has no conflict and can vote for all motions that come before the board. Dave Reynolds and Earl Taylor being officers in their fire departments, should abstain for financial benefits for their departments. Should a vote come before the Board, Mr. Moore cannot be the majority vote, after Mr. Reynolds and Mr. Taylor recuse themselves, they can vote.
Ellen Rice asked what she should do about an ambulance membership she received from Keystone. She doesn’t want to pay Keystone and then Westwood comes.
Mr. Reynolds stated that next month Keystone and Westwood will come to the meeting and quotes for their services will be reviewed.
Mr. O’Keefe stated he has prepared Ordinance 2018-02 setting the sewer rate at $14.18 per thousand gallons of water.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to adopt Ordinance 2018-02, an Ordinance increasing the meter rate to $14.85 per thousand gallons of water. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. O’Keefe stated he has prepared Ordinance 2018-03 amending the Code of Sadsbury Township Chapter 105, Streets and sidewalks by adding a new article III, “Sidewalk Maintenance”.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to adopt Ordinance 2018-03, amending the Code of Sadsbury Township Chapter 105, Streets and Sidewalks by adding a new Article III, “Sidewalk Maintenance”. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
A question was asked about a person with physical disabilities. Mr. Reynolds stated that anyone who has a physical disability would be helped, all you need to do is make the Township aware.
Michael Gill, from Buckley, Brion, came before the Board asking for Preliminary Land Development for Sadsbury Commons. Mr. Gill stated that Sadsbury Commons has been a long time coming. It began about 2007 or 2008. Mr. Gill has a series of waiver requests. Mr. MacCombie stated he has a minor problem with wording on 7a pertaining to sewer, and an important factor in #9 pertaining to stormwater. It should read “the Township is not responsible for the Stormwater facility for this project. The Developer and its successors shall be responsible. Mr. Gill will enter into the same agreement as with LGH.
Mr. Gill stated the waiver requests from the Subdivision and Land Development are:
407 F1- over amount of landscaping
303 – requirements on plan being no more than 2 years old
426.E7 – height of light poles
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to grant Preliminary Approval to the Land Development Plan for Sadsbury Commons Phase 2, pursuant to the conditions agreed to by the applicant and Jamie MacCombie’s list of conditions. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. O’Keefe stated Gateway Church is seeking a waiver for Land Development, and after review of the original Land Development, Mr. O’Keefe has no problem with the movement of the pavilion. He has no problem if the Board wants to waive the Land Development. They will still need a grading permit, Stormwater Management permit, and a financial security agreement. Mr. O’Keefe states they do not have to resubmit to the Chester County Planning Commission. Mr. MacCombie stated they would need a grading permit through his office and after that a building permit with Andy Kirk.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to waive Land Development requirements for the Gateway Church project. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Township Planning Commission Report: The Planning Commission met on March 14, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. Chris Poterjoy and Keith Montone came before the Planning Commission on behalf of CTDI. CTDI is proposing an expansion of their existing facility located at 200 Stuart Huston Drive. The expansion will consist of a 117,600 square foot one-story addition to the west of the existing building and a 20,000 square foot addition to the north of the existing building. There was a discussion on parking, lighting, and landscaping. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Chester County Airport Update: Mr. Roberts stated the Authority met today. There will be no Fall Flying Festival this year. There are other ideas floating around. There are ideas for next year for the 2019 Fall Festival to get together with Valley Township, Sadsbury Township, and other sponsors.
Payment of Invoices:
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to pay the March 2018 General Fund invoices in the amount of $228,479.15. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to pay the March 2018 Sanitary Sewer invoices in the amount of $47,829.33. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
New Business:
The Chester County Tax Claim is asking the Board to exonerate real estate taxes on 2 mobile homes that were physically removed from the associated lot. These are considered uncollectable. The total is around $35.00.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to exonerate the real estate taxes on 2 mobile homes that were physically removed from the associated lot. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Public Comment:
Tony Clark wanted to know if there was any building or zoning going on in the Township. Mr. Reynolds will have Andy Kirk start coming to meetings and give a report.
Simon Jessey stated the medians in the road are in need of repair. Mr. Reynolds will send the Road Crew out to do maintenance.
Mr. MacCombie stated the sign that was damaged disappeared or was thrown away the day before the inspection was to be done. The Township received a credit of $700.00 for the sign. The medians are the Township responsibility to operate and maintain. Originally trees were proposed as well. Mr. Taylor stated the sign was taken down by order of Dale Hensel.
Mr. MacCombie stated lighting would help, but PennDOT did not provide.
Mr. Reynolds stated the Road Crew should go out and pick up signs on the median and replace them. Sergeant Imhoff knows where the signs should be. Todd from the Road Crew should find out how much the radar signs cost.
Mr. Jessey stated Bert Reel Park has money for security cameras, how is that coming along. Mr. Reynolds stated that was being handled by the Township Manager and fell through the cracks.
Elmer Pluck asked who will get the Ambulance contract next month. Mr. Reynolds replied the Board will have to see how it goes next month.
A resident asked about people in the Township riding 4 wheelers and dirt bikes. Sergeant Imhoff stated the police will not pursue a dirt bike, if someone gets hurt or killed because of a police chase, the Township would be held responsible. The only way they can be cited is if they are stopped. But, if you can identify that person, we will cite that person.
Vicky Horan complained about trash on Old Wilmington Road, the entire area from Quarry Ridge to the Railroad tracks. Mr. Taylor stated that Old Wilmington Road is a State road, the residents of Quarry Ridge adopted that road, and years ago, Mr. Taylor, Stephanie Silvernail, and Tom Greenfield picked up trash in that area.
Don and Jeanie Wilkinson who live on Old Wilmington Road have a complaint about a neighboring property that is abandoned. Mr. Wilkinson, himself has done some mowing at the property. The back of the house is a nesting ground for rats. There are broken trees, limbs. The back of the house is out of control. Andy Kirk, the Township Codes Officer, will be notified to cite the property for the weed ordinance. Mr. Taylor stated the Road Department can not go on private property. Mr. O’Keefe stated that if the bank is not responsive to a violation of the Weed Ordinance, the Road Department can go on the property and lien the property. Sergeant Imhoff asked if the property is in violation of the weed ordinance, can the police cite that property for nuisance? Mr. O’Keefe stated that if is a summary offence, there is no problem.
Christine Moore asked if this will open up a new can of worms?
Mr. Taylor stated there has been some rumors on how his bills are being paid. This is nobody’s business. They are struggling, but the bills are being paid.
With there being no further business, Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, 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