A regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of Sadsbury Township was conducted on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 immediately following the Reorganizational Meeting.
Before the meeting began, Mr. Reynolds would like to extend condolences to the family of Jane Heineman. A donation in her name will be sent to the Chester Count Historical Committee. Ms. Heineman was a member of the Sadsbury Township Planning Commission for 26 years.
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. Moore, to adopt the minutes of the previous meeting. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Public Comment on Agenda Items:
There was a discussion on the property tax increase from 2.1 mills to 3.1 Mills. An increase of 1 Mill.
Vincent Wolski came before the Board with a question about his delinquent sewer bill.
Police Report: Chief Hawley reported there were 223 calls for service. Some of the calls were for: 72 traffic stops, 3 overdoses with successful resuscitation, 4 domestics, 1 assault with injuries (basic support), with an arrest, 1 reported unfounded burglary, and several DUI’s. The full report is at the Township Building.
Public Works Report: For the month of December 2022, the Public Works Department maintained the Township properties, right-a-ways, roads, signs, equipment and it storm drainage system. All storm drains within the Township have been inspected and cleared including on Lincoln Highway in the Village of Sadsbury. All plows have been inspected, tested and are ready in the event of a plowable snow. Several street signs have been repaired or replaced throughout the Township, notably Quaker Road. A few potholes have been repaired as well. The Department inspected all emergency equipment making sure everything is in good working order before the winter season arrives. On December 25th the Department responded to icy roads due to freezing rain. Action was taken to treat all roads with anti-icing agents.
Emergency Management Report: Mr. Taylor reported the Township is keeping the roads in very good shape. The County has to be contacted if there are any road closures of any kind. Octorara Bridge repair will create many problems. The flu and COVID are on the rise. Everyone should be mindful.
Keystone Valley Fire Department Report: Keystone Valley Fire Department responded to 46 calls for the month of December 2022 for: building fire 10, chimney for flue fire 1, vehicle fire 1, brush fire 2, medical assist to EMS 1, EMS call excluding vehicle accident with injury 2, motor vehicle accident with injuries 8, gas leak 3, carbon monoxide incident 2, lock-out 1, assist police 1, standby 3, cancelled on route 1, smoke odor 2, false alarm 1, sprinkler activation due to malfunction 1, unintentional sprinkler activation 1, special type of incident 2. The response by municipality is as follows: Parkesburg 11, West Sadsbury Township 9, Highland Township 3, and out of district 23. The average personnel per call were 8 people. The average response time from dispatch to on scene was 7 minutes. The total man hours were 111.45 hours. The Keystone Valley EMS Division responded to 153 calls for service in December for: ALS: abdominal pain 4, assault with injury 1, CVA/stroke 8, cardiac problems 21, diabetic emergency 2,emotional disorder 1, fall 2, hypotension 1, overdose 3, respiratory difficulty 13, seizures 3, syncope 2, unconscious person 2, unresponsive person 2, accident 2, BLS accident 10, abdominal pain 5, assault with injury 3, back pain 2, DOA 2, emotional disorder 8, fall/lift assist 12, hemorrhaging 1, injured person 8, overdose 4, sick person 23, syncope 2, relocate 1, standby-fire 5. The response by municipalities are as follows: Parkesburg 36, West Sadsbury 28, Highland 5, Sadsbury 41.
Sadsburyville Fire Company Report: For the month of December, the Sadsburyville Fire Company responded to 19 incidents for: auto accident 11, automatic fire alarm 4, standby 1, barn fire 1, gas leak 1, public service 1. The municipal breakdown: Sadsbury 7, Valley 6, West Caln 3, Caln Township 1, East Fallowfield 1, West Sadsbury 1. There was an average of 8 firefighters per call and there were 105 miles traveled, with an average of 505 miles per call. The time in service was 20 hours and 1 minute with an average of 63.2 minutes per call.
Planning Commission Report: Mr. Jessey stated the Planning Commission met on December 14, 2022. Michael Gill and Kent Silvers attended the meeting representing Sadsbury Commons, with a proposed amendment to the Sadsbury Township Zoning Ordinance. The proposal sought to modify and add to the language of article XV to accommodate certain types of signage that would be desired at the Town Center Development. The Planning Commission expressed a desire to meet every month, even if there is no business. This would be a brainstorming session with ideas on betterment of the community.
At this time, Mr. O’Keefe stated that Mr. Michael Gill is here to present to the Board his proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance for signage regulations as applicable within and related to a Town Center Commercial Development, to amend the definition of the term “on-site directional sign. Mr. Gill stated Sadsbury Commons in in the process of soon leasing. Mr. Gill would like to have his Ordinance Amendment ready for the February Board of Supervisors meeting to authorize advertisement to amend the Zoning Ordinance. There will be 3 standing signs at the Connector Road and Route 30 and the Connector Road intersection with Route 10. There will be WaWa signs for for gas and on the wall building sign. All the signs will require amendment to the Sign Ordinance. Sign for WaWa, Wendy’s, and Chipote. Mr. Jessey stated that LED Signs in the Township are an issue, and red and green signs cannot be used close to an intersection with a traffic light. Mr. Gill stated that gas prices are changed electronically. Mr. Jessey stated the Planning Commission looked at all Mr. Gill’s amendments, and they are in agreement with the amendment.
Engineer Report: Mr. Porter stated he has an Engineering Escrow release of funds for Lafayette Square Partners, L.P. for Lafayette Square Phase II & III in the amount of $87.50 for the Board’s approval.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to approve an Engineering Escrow release of funds for Lafayette Square Partners. L.P. for Lafayette Square Phase II&III in the amount of $87.50 per Mr. Porter’s recommendation. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Porter stated he has an Engineering Escrow release of funds for Sadsbury Commons, LP for Sadsbury Commons Connector Road Site Work in the amount of $672.50 for the Board’s approval.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to approve an Engineering Escrow release of funds for Sadsbury Commons, LP for Sadsbury Commons Connector Road Site Work in the amount of $672.50 per Mr. Porter’s recommendation. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Porter stated he has an Engineering Escrow release of funds for Sadsbury Commons, LP for Sadsbury Commons Phase 2 in the amount of $810.00 for the Board’s approval.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to approve an Engineering Escrow release of funds for Sadsbury Commons, LP for Sadsbury Commons Phase 2 in the amount of $810.00 per Mr. Porter’s recommendation. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Porter reported he has an Engineering Escrow release of funds for Sadsbury Associates, LP for Sadsbury Square in the amount of $1,432.50 for the Board’s approval.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to approve an Engineering Escrow release of funds for Sadsbury Associates, LP for Sadsbury Square in the amount of $1,432.50 per Mr. Porter’s recommendation. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Porter reported he has an Engineering Escrow release of funds for Lincoln Crest Management, LLC for Lincoln Crest Mobile Home Park Expansion in the amount of $2,707.50 for the Board’s approval.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to approve an Engineering Escrow release of funds for Lincoln Crest Management , LLC for Lincoln Crest Mobile Home Park Expansion in the amount of $2,707.50 per Mr. Porter’s recommendation.
Mr. Porter reported he has an Engineering Escrow release of funds for Rock Holdings, PA,LLC for John Rock Building #2 in the amount of $235.00 for the Board’s approval.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to approve an Engineering Escrow release of funds for Rock Holding, PA, LLC for John Rock Building #2 in the amount of $ 235.00 per Mr. Porter’s recommendation. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Porter reported he has an Engineering Escrow release of funds for XARIS Property Group, LLC for Sadsbury Park Phase 1, Clover Hill at Sadsbury Park in the amount of $612.50 for the Board’s approval.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to approve an Engineering Escrow release of funds for XARIS Property Group, LLC for Sadsbury Park Phase 1, Clover Hill at Sadsbury Park in the amount of $612.50 per Mr. Porter’s recommendation. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Porter reported he has a Letter of Credit Reduction Certificate of Completion for Sadsbury Associates, L.P. for Sadsbury Square in the amount of $71,075.22 for the Board’s approval.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to approve a Letter of Credit Reduction Certificate of Completion for Sadsbury Associates, L.P. for Sadsbury Square in the amount of $71,075.22 per Mr. Porter’s recommendation. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Porter gave an update on the Sadsbury Commons Storm Water Management erosion control issues. Lafayette Square is finishing the last building and will do paving in the spring. Clover Hill is in the process of being built. The Sadsbury Square will be requesting a C&O for building #1 soon. Lincoln Crest is done with blasting. They did additional drilling and think they can get the pipes in the ground. AZ Parkesburg is still working on their Preliminary Plan and the Stottsville Inn has made no new submissions.
The Bert Reel Park fence bids are out Mr. Porter is meeting with Belaire Business Owners about the Public Works Garage. There will be no grant from the state for the repair of the Octorara bridgework. John Lymberis is grading the Post Office parking lot and will be finished shortly. An inlet is needed for one pipe and he is asking if the Township could help with the cost. He will get prices on the inlet.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to donate not more than $2,000.00 for the inlet at the Sadsburyville Post Office parking lot to be drawn up by John Lymberis. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Solicitor Report: Mr. O’Keefe thanked the Board for reappointing his firm. Mr. O’Keefe asked for approval of the Police Chief’s contract extending to 2025.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to approve the Police Chief Contract for Chief Hawley extending to 2025. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. O’Keefe stated he has Resolution 2023-04, appointing Jim Kowalski as building inspector, Code Enforcement Officer and Zoning Officer for the Board’s approval.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to adopt Resolution 2023-04, appointing Jim Kowalski as Building Inspector, Code Enforcement Officer and Zoning Officer. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. O’Keefe stated that on grading permit applications it is written that there could be additional fees. Mr. O’Keefe has drawn up a Consultant Fee Reimbursement Policy and Procedures that explains the fee process and also an agreement to be signed by the property owners. This document will be added to the grading permit application on the web site.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to approve the Fee Reimbursement Agreement for Professional Services. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. O’Keefe stated the Board has accepted dedication of Sadsbury Park Roads and he is working on the documents and will have them ready for the Board in February.
Mr. Reynolds asked Mr. O’Keefe if there was something that could be done with the trucks that are parked at Bellaire and uses it for a dumping ground for human waste and trash.
Mr. O’Keefe stated that although it is a state road, the police could get involved.
Chief Hawley stated he has made trucks move, but they keep coming back and the drivers are not always the same.
Dave Reynolds asked Mr. O’Keefe what the new amount is that would have to go out to bid. Mr. O’Keefe will check on the amount.
Zoning Report: Mr. Kowalski thanked the Board hiring him. He gave 1 deck permit and handled many zoning phone calls.
Chester County Airport Update: Mr. Roberts had no report
Payment of Invoices:
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to pay the December 2022 General Fund Invoices in the amount of $157,458.00. 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 adopt Resolution 2023-02, appointing the firm of Certified Public Accountants to replace the elected Auditors. 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 adopt Resolution 2023-03, the Township Fee Schedule for 2023. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
The Board has set the date of January 18, 2023 and possible January 25, 2023 for Christmas tree pick-up in the Township.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to reappoint Jeremy Alcorn to the Planning Commission for a 4-year term to expire December 31, 2026. 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 reappoint Simon Jessey to the Planning Commission for a 4-year term to expire December 31, 2026. 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 reappoint Eric Schmelzer to the Zoning Hearing Board for a 3-year term to expire December 31, 2025. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Old Business:
The Township is in need of a Lighting Consultant upon the retirement of Mr. Stubbe. Mr. Porter has recommended Sharp Engineering. He stated this firm works in several Townships.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to hire Sharpe Engineering to be the new Township Lighting Consultant to replace the retiring Mr. Stubbe. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
The Township is in need of a Landscape Consultant upon the retirement of Carol Menke. Mr. Porter also recommends John Rockwell Hosbach, Jr., a certified arborist and a landscape consultant since 1995.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to hire John Rockwell Hosbach, Jr. as the new Township Landscape Consultant to replace the retiring Carol Menke. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Public Comment:
Chief Hawley reported there have been no complaints with the business on Chestnut Street. Chief states they have done everything they were asked to do.
Vicki Horan asked if John Rock was told to take noise reduction measures. She said the noise was much better during the holidays.
Michelle Falcone state the noise is early mornings and as late as 10:30 pm. She said it was very quiet over the holidays.
Mr. O’Keefe asked if he could have e-mails from Michelle and Vicky about the noise at John Rock facilities.
With there being no further business, Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, 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