A regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors was conducted on Tuesday, July 3, 2018 commencing at 7:00 pm. Chairman, Mr. Reynolds called the meeting to order. Present was Supervisor Mr. Taylor via telephone connection, Township Solicitor, Mr. O’Keefe, Township Engineer, Mr. MacCombie, and members of the community. Supervisor, Mr. Moore was absent.
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.
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.
Mr. Reynolds announced that all the reports would be available at the back of the room, to save time since the meetings are becoming so long., they will also be in the minutes. He asked that anyone with a comment, should stand and state their name.
Mr. Reynolds introduced Rachael Griffith from the Chester County Planning Commission to discuss the Chester Valley Trail West Feasibility Study and the Trail alignment through Sadsbury Township. Ms. Griffith stated that the Chester County Trail now goes from King of Prussia to Exton with 1 million visitors a year. The plan is to extend the trail to Downingtown, across Chester County to Atglen; where Lancaster County will extend it further. Easements would be required from the Township for the trail to pass through. The funding would be from grants from the County, and the Township would only be responsible for painting the lines on the road. Ms. Griffith stated this trail is still in the conception stage. Ms. Griffith stated there will be a meeting in October and Mr. Reynolds offered the Township meeting room as a place for the meeting.
Police Report: The Sadsbury Police Department patrolled 4,275 miles and answered 347 dispatched incidents of which 10 of those incidents were handled by the Pennsylvania State Police during the overnight hours from midnight to 8:00 AM. The incidents for the month of June are as follows: 911 hang-up 3, hit and run crash 2, vehicle crash with injuries 2, accident motorcycle 1, accident other type 2, property damage crash 8, accident involving police vehicle 1, alarm carbon monoxide 1, alarm police 4, emotional disorder 1, animal complaint 12, assist fire department 1, assist to other police department 10, bad check 1, business check 122, civil dispute 2, disabled vehicle 1, disturbance 4, domestic disturbance 8, erratic driver 5, for police department information 11, house/vacation check 19, keys locked 3, lost property 3, medical emergency 16, misc police nature 5, noise complaint 3, Township park check 15, parking violation 3, repossession 1, police report 15, shots heard or shooting (no injuries) 2, suspicious condition 5, suspicious vehicle 2, theft 1, traffic general hazards 9, traffic stop 28, and 4 well being checks. The Criminal arrest for June are as follows: Simple assault, Bench Warrant arrest, Bad Checks. These arrests do not include any active investigation which may result in an arrest. During the month of June, by recommendation of the Board of Supervisors, Township police were able to provide 2 nights of overnight police coverage during the weekend hours to provide police coverage for the residents of Sadsbury Township.
Public Works Report: For the month of June, the Public Works Department’s main focus was on seasonal maintenance tasks, such as mowing and vegetation control on Township properties and road right-a-ways. Many street/road signs within the Township have been replaced or repaired with approximately a dozen signs being replaced with highly reflective material to bring them up to state visibility standards. Every year an effort is made to upgrade a dozen or so signs that are in the worst condition within the Township. Some of the reasons we do this is to help us control and enforce traffic and ensure public safety with little expense economically to the Township each year. It is a task we have been doing for about 5 years now. This practice has demonstrated to work very well for the Township in many ways. Other tasks conducted by the department this month include maintaining the Township’s storm drain system, all buildings, equipment, and vehicles. During the month of June, the department was limited in tasks completed do to vacation requests. On June 8, 2018 the Township with legal authority accessed the private property of 1925 Valley Road in order to repair a failing sewer lateral. The lateral was repaired on this day by an outside contractor hired by the Township and assisted by our department and the Township Engineer. The equipment hours were 6.9 and the vehicle miles were 549.2.
There is a proposal from Wills Property Maintenance to cut back trees around the traffic light at Route 30 and Old Wilmington Road for $600.00. The Township will do the clean-up. Mr. Reynolds stated it is hard to see the light for the trees blocking it.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor to hire Wills Property Maintenance, LLC to cut back trees around the traffic light at Route 30 and Old Wilmington Road with the Township to do the clean-up. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
The Pubic Works Department would like to have the annual road inspection. There needs to be a date set for the inspection and also who will be attending. Mr. Reynolds thought Mr. Moore would be attending along with David Simmons and Todd Bowers and Herb MacCombie. Mr. Reynolds wants those on the inspection to set a date and make it happen.
Emergency Management Coordinator Report: Mr. Taylor reported that he has taken some training from the County on line.
Keystone Valley Fire Company Report: – For the month of June, 2018, the Keystone Valley Fire Company responded to 14 calls for: rescue/medical assist 6 rescue & 1 medical, good intent 6, and 1 false. The response by municipality: West Sadsbury Township 8, Highland Township 1, Sadsbury Township OOD 0, Out of District 1. The average response by personnel was 6, with a total of 83 personnel for combined response hours of 30.62 hours. The average response time dispatch to response was 5.36 minutes. There were 3 in-house trainings with 49 members attending for 127.54 combined training hours. The Keystone Valley EMS Division responded to 86 calls for: treated/transported BLS 37, treated/transported ALS 25, No services required 6, patient refusal 14, recalled on route 2, treat and release 1, treat and transfer 1. The municipal break-down is as follows: Parkesburg Borough 27, Sadsbury Township 30, West Sadsbury 17, Highland Township 8, and out of District 4.
Sadsburyville Fire Company Report: For the month of June, 2018, the Sadsburyville Fire Company responded to 16 calls for: 1 motorcycle crash, 2 auto fires, 1 child struck (landed helicopter), 1 brush, 1 fire police, 5 auto accidents, 1 building, 1 assist police, 1 gas leak inside, and 1 CO alarms. There were 135 volunteer firefighters responding with an average of 8.4 firefighters per call. The time in service was 7 hours and 7 minutes with and average time in service of 26.7 minutes per call. The average response time (dispatched to on-scene) was 6.8 minutes. The response per municipality: Sadsbury Township 10, West Sadsbury Township 2, Valley Township 2, and West Caln 2. There were 68 combined firefighter training hours and 52 combined personnel fundraising hours. The training topics for June were CPR, Water Rescue, Vehicle Rescue, and National Firefighter 1.
Township Park Committee Report: Mr. Jessey reported the Park Committee met on June 26, 2018. The Committee discussed potential improvements to the baseball field, walking trail and basketball court at Bert Reel Park with Township Engineer Jamie MacCombie. The BBQ held in Bert Reel Park brought in $684. After $188.64 in costs, the total amount raised came to $495.36. Mr. Jessey sent out letters to local businesses to solicit sponsorship for Community Day. Due to inclement weather and lack of volunteers, there had be no Snack Shack activity in June. The Township approved a banner design for Community Day, and Mr. Jessey sent an e-mail to the company who has been doing the banners.
Township Engineer Report: Mr. MacCombie stated he has a Letter of Credit Reduction Certificate of Completion for Sadsbury Arcadia Associates, L.P. for Sadsbury Park Phase 3B in the amount of $157,530.59 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 Arcadia Associates, L.P. for Sadsbury Park Phase 3B in the amount of $157,530.59 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 L.P. for Sadsbury Park Phase 3B in the amount of $9,313.74 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, L.P. for Sadsbury Park Phase 3B in the amount of $9,313.74 per Mr. MacCombie’s recommendation. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
Mr. MacCombie stated he has an Engineering Escrow release of funds for Sadsbury Arcadia Associates, L.P. for Sadsbury Park Phase 4A in the amount of $795.00 for the Board’s approval.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded Mr. Mr. Taylor, to approve an Engineering Escrow release of funds for Sadsbury Arcadia Associates, L.P. for Sadsbury Park Phase 4A in the amount of $795.00 per Mr. MacCombie’s recommendation. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
Mr. MacCombie reported he has an Engineering Escrow release of funds for Rock Holdings PA. LLC in the amount of $2,539.37 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 in the amount of $2,539.37 per Mr. MacCombie’s recommendation. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
Mr. MacCombie stated he has an Engineering Escrow release of funds for CTDI Grading Permit 58-17 in the amount of $2,136.87 for the Board’s approval.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to approve an Engineering Escrow release of funds for CTDI Grading Permit 58-17 in the amount of $2,136.87 per Mr. MacCombie’s recommendation. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
Mr. MacCombie reported the lateral at 1925 Valley Road has been fixed. The vent trap was broken. The Township paid to have the repairs done, since it was an emergency situation affecting neighbors. Mr. O’Keefe stated the Township should bill the homeowner and if he does not pay the bill, we can put a lien on his property.
Mr. MacCombie stated he was told by Scott Weaver that at 28 Washington Lane that a sink holes has developed. It appears the storm sewer line has a break causing a sink hole. The pavement is holding the road up and it needs immediate attention and must be fixed as soon as possible. The road is now blocked off and is dangerous.
Mr. O’Keefe stated that due to this being an emergency situation, the Township does not need to go through the bidding process.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to have Jamie MacCombie correct the issue on of a sink hole on Washington Lane. And to keep the Board informed of the progress. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
Township Solicitor Report: Mr. O’Keefe reported that the Sewer sale should be finalized by the end of this year. An option to invest the proceeds of the sale into a large pool of state municipality funds – PLIGT. The money will be put in trust and only the interest will be used if needed. There will have to be an Ordinance adopted by the Township in order to invest in PLIGT. The Ordinance has been duly advertised for adoption this evening.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to adopt Ordinance 2018-04, an Ordinance allowing the Township to invest the proceeds of the sale of the Sewer System in PLIGT. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
Mr. O’Keefe reported that he and Mr. MacCombie and Mr. McKenna from John Rock came up with what they feel is a good number for a partial escrow or bond for the fee in lieu of for Landscaping, until a new Township Landscaping Ordinance is finished. Mr. McKenna has agreed to a figure of $42,654 for a partial fee in lieu of.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to accept $42,654 from John Rock for Landscaping partial waiver for the fee in lieu of. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
Mr. O’Keefe reported that the Arcadia Development of Sadsbury Park is ready for the Township to take dedication of certain sewers and roadways in Phase 3B and 4A. A bond has been posted for maintenance. Mr. Taylor would like to have this tabled until next month because the roads in the development are narrow and he would like to know what roads are involved. Mr. MacCombie stated he will furnish the Board with a map of the roadways to be dedicated.
Simon Jessey would like to know if the noise at CTDI is violating the Noise Ordinance. Mr. O’Keefe stated the Noise Ordinance states 7AM to 9PM for noise. Mr. Jessey stated they are starting to work around 5AM but are stopping early. Mr. O’Keefe suggested Mr. Jessey contact the Codes Enforcer Officer to enforce the Noise Ordinance. Mr. Reynolds requested that Mr. O’Keefe send a letter to CTDI to enforce the Noise Ordinance.
Mr. Reynolds stated he pulled out the Keystone Valley invoice and payment and will have a conversation about this later.
Mr. O’Keefe stated the Township would like to move funds to DNB Bank, and to identify DNB Bank as a depository, the bank requires it be done by resolution.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor to adopt Resolution 2018-12, identifying DNB bank as a depository for funds from Sadsbury Township. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
Township Planning Commission: No June meeting.
Zoning Report/Building Report:
Chester County Airport Update: No report
Treasurer Report: Maulo CPA’s has started the final audit for 2017 and will be done and ready for the August meeting. We have begun starting to work on the budget for 2019 to prepare for upcoming budget meetings at the end of summer. We have met with several banks regarding rates, CDs, and accounts. We have given the Board details on moving accounts to a better percentage rate. We have chosen DNB for our working accounts with a 1.85% interest. Currently at Santander we are receiving 0.01%. In addition to DNB, we will be using PLIGIT for our accounts that are not used daily. We have opened accounts and will be moving all monies by the end of the year. No cash is now accepted for any payments at the Township. We do accept check, credit cards, and money orders. We are continuing to work on the file room and doing property maintenance files on each property. We have again this year a part-time student helper to scan, work on files and organizing.
Payment of Invoices:
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to pay the June 2018 General Fund invoices in the amount of $136,034.63. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to pay the June Sanitary Sewer invoices in the amount of $63,130.70. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
New Business:
Mr. Reynolds stated the Parkesburg Free Library is given a check annually for $1,500 and this year they are asking for the same.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor to give the annual contribution to the Parkesburg Free Library the amount of $1,500. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Old Business:
Mr. Reynolds stated he would like to see the ADL system for fire calls put off for now to find out how it works and discuss more to find out details and do the right thing.
Mr. O’Keefe stated the Ethics conflict of interest is a touchy area. Mr. Reynolds cannot vote on Sadsburyville Fire Company funds and cannot engage in conversation that could sway opinions.
Mr. Taylor stated he feels he also needs to understand more about the ADL System. He feels he didn’t understand all that was involved, and there should be more discussion on this matter.
Mr. O’Keefe feels the issue needs to be resolved, but should there be a vote with Mr. Moore absent?
Mr. Taylor feels the vote should wait until there is a full Board.
Mr. Reynolds stated he has a degree in Public Safety Administration and he feels he can say that he does not want to drag this out any longer. In November 2017, Sadsburyville Fire Company was designated sole fire protection for Sadsbury Township and they would like to be paid for services rendered. This has been going on for nearly a year, and we need to come to terms on last year’s budget item. When the new budget for 2019 comes up, we will certainly listen to what each organization proposes and needs.
Vicky Horan feels all three Supervisors should vote.
Mike Klingman asked is this the issue about the $39,000? Mr. Reynolds replied yes.
Mr. Alderman stated that Pomeroy Fire Company has been here for years. Rumor has it that Dale Hensel started this mess. He feels it would be best to wait for all three Supervisors.
Duffy Pluck feels that all 3 Supervisors should vote on this. People who lived in Pomeroy felt that Pomeroy Fire Company was always their fire company. Sadsburyville Fire Company was for Sadsbury. Keystone still uses Pomeroy station.
Scott Weaver stated that when the Keystone survey was done in 2016, basically stating Pomeroy station should remain open until the station in Parkesburg was completed. After that, it was not feasible to keep Pomeroy open.
Mr. Taylor stated that we need someone to look into that.
Duffy Pluck stated that at the last meeting, Chief Cazillo stated there are no plans to decommission Pomeroy station.
Mr. O’Keefe stated that if Mr. Taylor made a motion, Mr. Reynolds would be able to vote because there would be no majority from Mr. Taylor himself. Mr. O’Keefe asked Mr. Taylor if he would like to make a motion at this point.
Mr. Taylor made a motion, seconded by Mr. Reynolds, to disperse $39,000 to Sadsburyville Fire Company with the provision that open discussion will begin again when we begin new budget talks. With there being no further questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
Mr. Reynolds asked Mr. MacCombie if he would have a look at the Octorara Bridge. Mr. MacCombie said he would look into funding to see what is available from the state, so the money is not coming out of the General Fund. Mr. Taylor feels we need to get the ball rolling on the Octorara Bridge as soon as possible.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to authorize Jamie MacCombie to look into the Octorara Bridge replacement. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
Public Comment:
Mr. Klingman wanted to know why the check was withdrawn for the payment of the Ambulance.
Mr. Reynolds stated he received an E-mail on Thursday that the check was to be delivered to Keystone by July 1, 2018 or the contract would be null and void. They are the ones that placed a time limit.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to allow Mr. O’Keefe to contact Mr. Stackhouse or their council so he can advise another date in the future to sign the document. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
Anthony Clark stated he is glad the firehouse is settled.
Todd Wilson stated he is here to seek guidance in subdivision of his property. Mr. MacCombie gave him some information.
Vicky Horan asked the Board if there was any thought to renovate the islands on Route 30. Mr. Reynolds reported that Tammy Russell has applied to a $50,000 grant from Senator Denniman’s office.
Mr. MacCombie stated the Township is getting $43,000 for Rock Holdings for landscaping and also from CDTI.
Scott Weaver stated that he thinks the idea that everyone is talking is a good thing. He also stated that in Maine, they have islands made of concrete painted green.
Mr. Taylor would like to recognize the passing of Ralph Garris and his wife Betty.
Mr. Garris was a Township Supervisor for 24 years and his wife was a volunteer who worked on the Park Committee.
Mr. Taylor stated he is here to support both fire departments and is trying to do his best at that. He would like to thank all the residents for supporting him.
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.
Respectfully Submitted,
Linda Shank
Secretary