A regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of Sadsbury Township was conducted on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 commencing at 7:00 p.m. Chairman, Mr. Reynolds called the meeting to order. Present was Supervisor Mr. Moore, and Supervisor Mr. Taylor. Also present was Township Solicitor, Mr. Christman in for Mr. O’Keefe and Township Engineer/Zoning Officer, Mr. MacCombie, and members of the community.
A moment of silence and Pledge of Allegiance was observed.
Mr. Reynolds 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. 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 Hawley reported that for the month of January, 2020, the police department answered 386 calls for service. The Criminal arrests for January, 2020 are as follows: possession with intent to deliver narcotic 2, theft, receiving stolen property, criminal mischief, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, possession of narcotics, harassment, disorderly conduct. A copy of the police activity report for January 2020 is on file and is available upon request.
Chief Hawley is looking to get renovations done to provide security to police and the employees. The Gilbertson Group Contractors plans meet and exceed the security. It will restrict access to the police in this building. Mr. Taylor feels safety is paramount.
The police have a storage unit at Hidden Valley Storage, which is not climate controlled. Chief Hawley and Sergeant Imhoff checked out Global Storage, which is climate controlled and for a 9×20 unit, it will cost $185.00 monthly, which is $30.00 more than Hidden Valley. The Global Storage would meet the needs very well to keep evidence secure. The Chief and Sergeant Imhoff would be the only ones with access to the storage unit to keep chain of custody on all evidence.
Rite Aid Pharmacy is placing a box in the lobby of the Township for disposal of medication. This will happen in 6 to 8 weeks.
Radio charger was given to the police department by the County, so all the radios are charged when an officer comes on duty.
The new tasers have 2 shot capacity with cameras on the tasers. Chief Hawley is looking into body cameras for the police officers. There is grant money available.
Chief Hawley would like to price out an aluminum sign to be placed out near the Township sign that says “Police Department”.
Red the Taylor is out of business, so a new uniform source will have to be found.
1,000 rounds of ammunition have been purchased for each weapon in the department.
All officers are being trained and certified for CPR, AED, and EMS.
Some officers have more tactical training ability than others, but it is better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.
The Body Cams should be in use sometime in this calendar year. Some choices are Motorola, Axon, and Watchguard. Watchguard is in the cars now and they will sync with the body cameras. They are leading the pack on needs.
The renovations to the building will cost $36,000 and some change.
Keith Montone, from CTDI has offered to help with the cost of the renovations. He will talk to the Chief after the meeting.
Public Works Report: For the month of January 2020, the department only had to respond to one winter weather event on January 18th. The Township received approximately 1.5” of snow, sleet and freezing rain. Although this event did not amount to much in the form of snow, it was an all-day event using approximately three times the amount of salt normally used to make the roads safe. The trucks were unloaded, vehicles washed and the equipment was inspected, the salt stock pile was replenished, making the department ready for the next event. Also, in January the department checked and maintained storm drains throughout the Township. Numerous pot holes were filled on various roads and several minor repairs and maintenance checks on all vehicles and equipment were completed. The department has finalized specifications for the new plow that is to go with our new 2021 Freightliner truck. This new truck has already been built by the manufacturer and will be sent to E.M. Kurtz, Inc. for the body up-fit sometime in February. The truck should be delivered by June. The department has repaired several street signs in the Township. Trash and some tree limbs were cleaned up at Bert Reel Park and two instances of illegal dumping were discovered on Quarry Road and Greenbelt Drive. The department also discovered an area along the Buck Run Creek in the area of the Greenbelt Tunnel where tarps, chairs, and trash were found. These areas have been cleaned up and turned over to our Police Department. The equipment hours were 9.2 and the vehicle miles were 1,280.9.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to renew the Salt Contract, which is the same as last year. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting, “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
The Public Works Department received a quote from Kochel Equipment Company for a steam cleaner for the trucks in the amount of $4,625.00. The Board will see if there are any funds left in the Public Works budget at the end of this year to purchase this item. There are no funds in the Capital Budget for this.
Emergency Management Report: Mr. Taylor reported he has John Moore registered as a student and he will have to take classes to be the deputy Emergency Coordinator.
Keystone Valley Fire Department Report: For the month of January, the Keystone Valley Fire Department responded to 18 calls for: fire 10, rescue/medical assist 3, service 1, hazard, 2 false 2. The response by municipality is as follows: West Sadsbury 2, Highland Township 1, Parkesburg Borough 6, Sadsbury (OOD) 3, Out of District 6. The average response by personnel per call was 18 with a total of 138 personnel for combined response hours of 46.02. The average time from dispatch to on-scene was 10.3 minutes. The Keystone Valley EMS Division responded to 115 calls for service for: treated/transported BLS 41, treated/transported ALS 34, Patient refusal (treat, no transport) 22, Public service 5, Dead at scene 1, recalled 2, transferred care – other EMS 3. The breakdown by municipality is as follows: Parkesburg Borough 35, Sadsbury Township 43, West Sadsbury Township 21, Highland Township 7, Atglen Borough 2, Sadsbury Township Lancaster County 2, West Caln Township 1, West Fallowfield Township 2, Christiana Borough, Lancaster County 2.
Sadsburyville Fire Company Report: For the month of January, the Sadsburyville Fire Company responded to 14 calls for: motor vehicle accident 3, building fire 2, public service 2, fire police 2, wires fire 1, automatic fire alarm 1, house fire 1. The break-down by municipality is as follows: Sadsbury Township 9, Valley Township 2, East Fallowfield Township 1, Parkesburg Borough 1, Honey Brook Township 1. There were 104 firefighters responding with 7.4 firefighters per call. There were 89 miles traveled with an average of 6.3 miles per call. The time in service was 10 hours and 42 minutes with an average of 45.8 minutes per call.
Planning Commission Report: Mr. Jessey reported the Planning Commission met on January 15, 2020 to reorganize. Mr. Lymberis was elected Chairman and Mr. Jessey was elected Vice Chairman. At the regular meeting held after the reorganizational meeting, Barry Stingel, R.L.A. of Advanced GeoServices, came before the Commission to explain changes to the proposed development of Sadsbury Park Phase 1, “Greenhill at Sadsbury Park”.
Engineer Report: Mr. MacCombie reported he has a Letter of Credit Final release of funds for Parsons Coatesville LLC, CTDI in the amount of $141,800.66 for the Board’s approval
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to approve a final Letter of Credit release of funds for Parsons Coatesville, LLC, CTED in the amount of $141,800.66 per Mr. MacCombie’s recommendation. With three being no questions from the public, theBoard voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. MacCombie stated he has an Engineering Escrow release of funds for Parsons Coatesville, CTDI Building Expansion Land Development in the amount of $753.75 for the Board’s approval.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to approve an Engineering Escrow release of funds for Parsons Coatesville, CTDI Building Expansion Land Development in the amount of $753.75 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 an Engineering Escrow release of funds for Sadsbury Arcadia Associates, LP. For Sadsbury Park Phase 3A in the amount of $2,212.50 for the Board’s approval.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to approve an Engineering Escrow release of funds for Sadsbury Arcadia Associates, LP for Sadsbury Park Phase A in the amount of $2,212.20 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 LP for Sadsbury Park Phase 3B in the amount of $847.50 for the Board’s approval.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to approve an Engineering Escrow release of funds for Sadsbury Arcadia Associates LP for Sadsbury Park Phase 3B in the amount of $847.50 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 last month the contract for the lighting for the lighting for the Enhancement Project was awarded to Lenni Electric.
Mr. MacCombie stated there are many roads in the Township that need attention and Quarry Road is one that is in bad shape. Mr. MacCombie will need to know the amount the Township has received in Liquid Fuels to start the paving bids.
PennDOT is looking into trimming some trees on Old Wilmington Road, and PennDOT is looking into a left turn lane at from Rt. 30 turning north onto Old Wilmington Road. PAWC fixed the sewer lines at Fox Trail, but the road repair is on the Township. Plans were received for the Sadsburyville Fire House and an extension letter was received from Patrick McKenna for Sadsbury Park Phase 1.
Mr. MacCombie stated there is a gentleman living in a shed on Lemon Alley with no water for sewer facilities. It is reported that he uses a bucket for sewer uses and dumps it in the creek. Mr. MacCombie wants the Board to be aware. Mr. Christman would recommend the police and codes officer go to the area and look into this matter.
Mr. Reynolds would like Chief Hawley look into photo ID’s for all Township Employees, especially the employees that are out in the public.
Mr. MacCombie reported that Sadsbury Commons is having issues with the road proximity to the retention basin
Vicky Horan wants to know what is going on with the Zorn property for a half way house. Mr. MacCombie stated that Mr. O’Keefe wrote a letter to Bridgeway House about sewer, water, living in basement, and more with no response.
Township Solicitor Report: Mr. Christman would like to have a motion to advertise the Belvedere Avenue Parking Ordinance. Mr. Reynolds asked Chief Hawley if this was something that needed to be done. Chief Hawley feels the problem is not the parking on Belvedere Avenue as people mostly park in driveways not on the narrow street. No Parking will not satisfy the one person who wants this as once no parking is in place, something else will crop up. This person is never going to be satisfied.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to decline and remove the Belvedere Avenue Parking Ordinance from the agenda. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Christman looked over the Gilbertson Group bid for the renovation for security of the Township building. If the bid was advertised and awarded to Gilbertson Group, that is fine. There could be some backlash if it was not bid out.
Mr. Reynolds stated it was put out to bid and the only bid was from Gilbertson Group.
Township Zoning Report: Mr. MacCombie stated that Mr. Craig Hannum is requesting a refund of $1,000 for his “sketch Plan” submission for 10 Old Mill Road. He has decided to sell the property. Mr. MacCombie will have to talk to David Biloon to see if any work was done on the “sketch plan” and if any review fees are to be taken out of the money. The Board will table this until next month. In other zoning matters, Mr. MacCombie stated the Stottsville Inn is scheduled for the Zoning Hearing Board. There have been several decks, a garage, and some fences installed for the month of January.
Chester County Airport Update: Mr. Roberts stated the Airport Authority had their meeting in January and elected new officers.
Payment of Invoices:
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to pay the January, 2020 invoices in the amount of $202,309.92. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
New Business:
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to reappoint Jane Heineman to the Planning Commission for a 4-year term. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Reynolds would like to announce that the Board will accept resumes for the 2 vacant positions on the Planning Commission. Please send or bring them to the office and give them to the Secretary. This is also on the web-page and posted on the door of the office.
Old Business:
The Board will look into the possibility of attending the PSATS Conference May 3-6, 2020 at Hershey, PA.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to approve the Police Department renting a storage unit at Global Storage. 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 authorize awarding Gilbertson Group the contract to do the security renovations to the Township Building. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Public Comment:
Brenden Curry, reporter for LNP & Lancaster Online asked if a location has been found for the Public Works garage. Mr. Reynolds said the Board is still looking for a site. Quarry Road site was not large enough. Still looking at other options.
Brenden Curry asked Mr. Reynolds how he felt about body camera for the police.
Mr. Reynolds stated he is all for them to protect the officers.
Jane Heineman complained about ATVS running over the railroad tracks to Greenbelt, flying up and down the roads. Mainly after school around 4:00 to 4:15 constant. They are a danger to people walking their dogs.
Chief Hawley replied that this is a pervasive problem in all communities. Younger people are operating these with no ID plates and it is hard to capture them. My officers will not chase them. We will continue to work on discouraging this behavior, but will not be able to stop it completely.
Anthony Clark said there is no property maintenance code in Sadsbury Township.
Mr. Reynolds stated that this is on the back burner and will soon be looking into that.
Vicky Horan wants to know what the bid Village Landscaping was for. Mr. MacCombie stated the Township received a grant for $50,000 and a bid was given to Lenni Electric for approximately $109,000 for lighting.
Vicky Horan also stated there is a political sign on the islands. Mr. Reynolds stated the Road Department will take it down.
Mr. Taylor would like to thank everyone for welcoming him back. His mother will have a birthday this Friday, and she will be 99 years old.
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