A regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors was conducted on Tuesday, June 5, 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 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 corrections. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Reynolds introduced Clark Faggioli, who talked about a 5K run that will take place on September 15, 2018 to benefit 100% to help fund Veteran’s causes. Last year on November 11th, a Veterans Day event was held at the National Guard Armory. Mr. Faggioli would like to have the Board’s permission to hold this year’s event.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to allow the 5K run and other events to take place with the Township’s blessing. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Police Report: The Sadsbury Police Department patrolled 4,170 miles and answered 344 dispatched incidents during the month of May. The Pennsylvania State Police answered 42 incidents during the overnight hours from midnight to 8:00 a.m. The incidents for the month of May are as follows: hit & run crash 1, accident other type 1, property damage crash 5, Doa actual or possible 1, alarm carbon monoxide 1, alarm fire 8, alarm police 3, animal complaint 5, overdose 1, assist to other police department 6, business check 92, civil dispute 1, criminal mischief/vandalism 2, disabled vehicle 1, disturbance 1, domestic disturbance 7, DUI (drug related) 1, emotional disorder 2, erratic driver 4, for police department information 6, house/vacation check 20, identity theft, report for insurance purposes 1, keys locked(veh house etc) 1, lost property 1, medical emergency 17, misc police nature 10, noise complaint 5, township park check 10, parking violation 2, repossession 2, police report 25, reported runaway 1, suspicious condition 6, suspicious vehicle 2, theft 3, theft from vehicle 1, traffic general hazards 6, traffic stop 36, and 3 well-being checks. Criminal arrests for May are as followed: DUI (drug related) arrest, possession of controlled substances, possession of drug paraphernalia, thefts, receiving stolen property, driving while suspended DUI related, disorderly conducts. These arrests do not include any active investigations which may result in arrest.
Public Works Report: For the month of May the Public Works Department has spent significant time and effort checking and clearing our storm drains. This is due to the above average rainfall the Township received this month. All Township owned properties have been prepared for mowing by picking up trash, tree branches, and other debris. Regular mowing of these properties has begun. Several private residential properties that were damaged by plowing operations this past winter have been repaired. At last month’s regular Board of Supervisors meeting held May 1, 2018, there was discussion and approval by the Board to lower the speed limit on Old Mill Road between Friendship Way and Lincoln Highway to 35 MPH to 25 MPH. With the approval and direction of the Board, the new posted speed limit was officially posted on May 2, 2018. On Friday, May 18th , the Department received a compliant of large chunks of asphalt in the roadway in the area of Sadsbury Road and Octorara Road. Upon observation of this area, there was approximately a 30’x8’ area in the northbound lane of Sadsbury Road where the asphalt had peeled apart leaving significant holes and large pieces of asphalt in the road. This deterioration of roadway took place in just a couple days. Pictures were obtained, and the area was made safe until the repair could be made. This repair was categorized as priority and was repaired the following Wednesday, May 23rd. Pot holes were addressed on Timacola Road and Limestone Road. Several street/road signs have been repaired or replaced. Mr. Simmons respectfully requests the Board of Supervisors approval on hiring a temporary part-time summer helper, not to exceed 90 calendar days and approval to use him at winter weather events. Our Department, the last few years has operated with two part-timers assisting us if needed during the summer months. Earl Taylor and Jared Dalmas have fulfilled these roles. Unfortunately, due to Earl Taylor’s accident, he will be unable to assist us, and with all the summer work, we could use the extra help. Having an extra man would also assist us greatly in emergency situations such as severe storms, flooding, power outages related to traffic lights and in instances when there is a vacation scheduled. Each Supervisors has been provided a copy of the desired applicant for review. If approved, the applicant’s employment with Sadsbury Township would be dependent on the standard police background check. Our Department received several complaints in regard to a leaking sewer lateral located a 1925 Valley Road. Raw sewage was found to be discharged from a compromised sewer lateral located at 1925 Valley Road on to near by private and public properties. Our department notified and have been working with Township Engineers, Code Enforcement, and the DEP, in an effort to remedy the issue. 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 10 and the vehicle miles were 512.
Mr. Taylor reported the Public Works Department would like to hire a temporary part-time summer help not to exceed 90 calendar days and approval to use him at winter weather events.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to initiate the process of hiring a temporary part-time summer worker not to exceed 90 calendar days with approval to use this person at winter weather events. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Taylor reported the Public Works Department would like to buy a new 2018 Exmark LZC980EKC726W0 38 Hp Kohler EFI 72” mower deck suspension seat. They will be trading in the John Deere 390 Flail Mower Attachment for $1,800, the John Deere MX6 Rotary Mower for $1,100.00, and the Bush Hog RDTH72 Finish Mower for $900.00. The mower will cost $12, 800 before the trade-ins. After the trade-ins the cost of the mower will be $9,000. This will be a Co-Stars purchase. Mr. Taylor stated the money is in the budget for a new mower.
Mr. Taylor made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to purchase a 2018 Exmark 38hp Kohler EFI 72” mower deck suspension seat from Stoltzfus Farm Service through the Co-Stars program at a cost of $9,000.00. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Emergency Management Coordinator Report: Mr. Taylor stated he was contacted by Chief Grossman of Sadsburyville Fire Company about the Sadsbury Park fire hydrants. Mr. Taylor tried to call his contact at Pennsylvania American Water, but he did not return his call.
Keystone Valley Fire Department Report: Mr. Cazillo reported that for the month of May, the Keystone Valley fire Department responded to 14 calls for: fire 7, rescue/medical 2, good intent 3 and false 2. The response by municipality is as follows: West Sadsbury Township 6, Highland Township 1, Parkesburg Borough 2, Sadsbury Township OOD 2, and Out of district 3. The average response by personnel was 6 with an average response time dispatch to scene was 9:30 minutes. There were 3 in-house trainings with 49 members attending for 127.54 combined training hours. The fire units traveled 1,700 miles and used 188.7 gallons of fuel. Ambulance(s) traveled 2,909 miles and used 315.8 gallons of fuel. The total miles traveled was 4,609 and the total amount of fuel used was 504.5 gallons. The Keystone Valley EMS Division answered a total of 80 calls for the month of May as follows: treated/transported BLS 28, treated/transported ALS 24, no services required 2, patient refusal 18, recalled on route 4, recalled on scene 1, DOA 1, and treat and transfer 2. The municipal break-down is as follows: Parkesburg Borough 21, Sadsbury Township 31, West Sadsbury Township 15, Highland Township 5, and Out of District 8.
Sadsburyville Fire Department: Chief Grossman reported that for the month of May, the Sadsbury Fire Department responded to 16 calls for: auto accidents 3, structure fires 2, assist EMS 3, appliance fire 1, and automatic fire alarms 7. The municipal break-down is as follows: Sadsbury Township 11, Coatesville City 1, Valley Township 2, and West Caln Township 2. There were 123 volunteer firefighters responding with an average of 7.6 firefighters per incident. Miles traveled were 107 with an average of 6.6 miles per incident. The response time dispatched to enroute was 4 minutes 2 seconds, and dispatched to on scene was 6 minutes 55 seconds. In service time was 6 hours 50 minutes. There was 129 hours of training with 45 personnel attending.
Township Park Committee Report: Mr. Jessey reported the Park Committee met on May 29, 2018. A grant proposal was discussed, the BBQ ticket sales have been disappointing, but the event will go on as planned. Due to weather and schedule changes that made volunteers unavailable, the was very little snack shack activity in May. The upcoming Community Day planning was discussed.
Stephanie Silvernail asked why was Hensel Mower and PJ’s Deli advertised on the Township Park web page? Mr. Jessey stated that Matt Hensel does the BBQ for the park, with no profit to him. Some of the ticket money will go toward the food and he does not sell BBQ at the snack shack.
Stephanie Silvernail stated that tickets were for sale at Hensel Mowers and PJ/s. No other business got an opportunity to sell tickets and be able to advertise.
Mr. O’Keefe stated that a business should not be advertised that can make money from the ad.
Ms. Silvernail stated the link to Hensel Mower and PJ’s Deli was on the web site and then taken down.
Mr. Reynolds stated it is being addressed by our web-master. Once the Supervisors were notified of the links to businesses, the link was taken down.
Mr. Jessey stated there is a tractor trailer that parks on Blackberry Lane in the Sadsbury Village Development. Mr. Moore stated he checked with Sergeant Imhoff and the tractor trailer is legally parked. There is no ordinance saying it can’t park there. It is not inhibiting traffic and it’s tags are current..
Township Engineer Report: Mr. MacCombie stated he spoke to Herb MacCombie about the sewer problem at 1925 Valley Road. The lateral that is broken belongs to the homeowner and it is a codes problem. Tri County Water gave Mr. Simmons, the property owner, an estimate of repair and Mr. Simmons didn’t want to do the repairs. The Township sent notice to the property owner to fix the problem. If he does not comply, the Township will have the problem fixed and bill the owner. Mr. Alderman, a neighbor impacted by the leaking lateral, says the problem has been happening since April; and also the grass is very high and has not been mowed. Mr. O’Keefe wants the Codes Department to issue a citation on this property for overgrown grass. Mr. Alderman also stated that wood is piled halfway up the building. Mr. O’Keefe stated to contact Tri County Water and see if they can recommend someone to do the repairs. This can be addressed Thursday morning if the lateral is not fixed.
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 $216,089.93 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, LP for Sadsbury Park, Phase 3B in the amount of $216,089.93 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 a Letter of Credit Reduction Certificate of Completion for Rock Holdings PA LLC for the 500 Independence Way 88,00 SF warehouse in the amount of $149,629.04 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 Rock Holdings PA LLC for the 500 Independence Way 88, 000 SF warehouse in the amount of $149,629.04 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 $13,238.75 for the Board’s approval.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to approve an Engineering Escrow release of funds for Sadsbury Arcadia Associates, L.P. for Sadsbury Park Phase 3B in the amount of $13,238.75 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 Rock Holdings PA, LLC in the amount of $1,805.00 for the Board’s approval.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to approve an Engineering Escrow release of funds for Rock Holding, PA LLC in the amount of $1,805.00 per Mr. MacCombie’s recommendation. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. MacCombie stated he has an Engineering Escrow release of funds for CTDI grading permit #58-17 in the amount of $1,966.25 for the Board’s approval.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to approve an Engineering Escrow release of funds for CTDI grading permit #58-17 in the amount of $1,966.25 per Mr. MacCombie’s recommendation. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Township Solicitor Report: Mr. O’Keefe has an agreement for provision of emergency medical services from Keystone Valley. Mr. O’Keefe asked Mr. Taylor if he would abstain from the vote, if one is taken. Mr. Taylor replied yes. Mr. O’Keefe asked Mr. Taylor, if he would allow the Secretary to stamp his signature on the Abstention Memorandum. Mr. Taylor replied yes. Mr. O’Keefe stated the services will extend to December 31, 2021. The initial payment in 2018 will be $40,605.00, 2019 the cost will increase to $41,295.00, 2020- $41,997.00 and 2021 will be $42,711.00.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore to accept the Agreement for Provision of Emergency Medical Services from Keystone Valley. Mr. Taylor does not have to vote. With there being no questions from the public, Mr. Reynolds and Mr. Moore voting “aye”, the motion passed.
Chris Poterjoy, of Peonni Associates representing the CTDI project came before the Board. They have received two review letters from the MacCombie office and they give a clean letter. They are asking for 5 waivers from the Township’s Subdivision and Land Development Ordinances. (attached to minutes). Mr. Poterjoy is here tonight to ask for approval of the Preliminary/Final Land Development Application. They will be purchasing 11 additional edu’s , will pay a $75,900 fee in lieu for landscaping, and will pay $63,000 for the 209 traffic impact fee. Mr. MacCombie stated he has no objections to the waivers and they have complied with all the items in MacCombie’s review letter.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to grant CTDI Sadsbury, Preliminary/Final Land Development contingent all the conditions in Mr. MacCombie’s review letter dated June 5, 2018 are met. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. O’Keefe reports that PennDOT wants to install traffic signal upgrades (TSU), and travel time readers (TTR) at various locations on Route 30 to better understand traffic. PennDOT will install, maintain, and operate. This is a process to streamline and monitor traffic on Route 30. The Township must pass a resolution for this project.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to adopt Resolution 2018-11, to approve a Cooperative Agreement with PennDOT to install travel time readers (TTR) in Sadsbury Township along State Route 30. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. O’keefe stated that the sale of the sewer system will result in quite a lot of money coming into the Township. A variety of banking institutions have been looked into for the purpose of investing, and the best option is moving the funds into the Pennsylvania Local Government Investment Trust (PLGIT). PLGIT services over 3,000 government agencies in Chester County and offers interest rates anywhere from 1.52% – 1.96%. PLGIT also offers CD and Mutual Fund investments with even higher interest rates.
Mr. O’Keefe stated if the Board is interested in passing an Ordinance to enter into this trust, it must be advertised.
Mr. Robert Silvernail questioned what PLGIT invested in. Ms. Russell, Township Treasurer, stated it is not known at this time.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore to authorize Mr. O’Keefe to advertise an ordinance to enter into an agreement with PLGIT. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. O’Keefe consulted Mr. MacCombie per the Boards instructions pertaining to John Rocks complaint that the landscaping fee in lieu of is burdensome and has asked for relief from the fee until the Board can have the ordinance rewritten. The proposal is to have John Rock put up a bond or security equal to 20% to 30% of what the Township Ordinance requires. No action would be taken with this money until the new Ordinance is adopted and the new fee would be taken out of the security posted. Mr. Montone of CTDI questioned the Board if the fee in lieu of could be adjusted for them as well? Mr. O’Keefe stated the Board can certainly reverse their preliminary approval and look into the Landscape fee in lieu of. Mr. Reynolds asked if the same agreement can’t be reached with CTDI that was done with John Rock? Mr. MacCombie stated it would be reasonable to treat everyone fairly. Mr. Montone stated he will continue to go forward and will come back to the Board with a proposal. Mr. Reynolds feels some foundation needs to be put in effect until the Ordinance is changed. Stephanie Silvernail stated the reason the Ordinance is in the Land Development is because when CTDI was first built, it was EB Games; and they put in 5 trees. The Board needs to understand the reason for the Ordinance and not go too far the other way. Mr. MacCombie stated that CTDI can’t physically put in any more trees.
Robert Silvernail asked the difference between a bond and an escrow. Mr. MacCombie stated an escrow is cash put into an escrow account. A bond is more or less an insurance and can sometimes take a few years to collect the money.
Mr. O’Keefe stated the Del-Val Participant Continuing Disclosure Agreement, that was tabled from last meeting, is the financial company the Township has the sewer system loan.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to continue the Del-Val Disclosure Agreement on the advice of Mr. O’Keefe. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Township Planning Commission Report: Mr. Moore reported the Planning Commission met on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. Chris Poterjoy, of Pennoni Associates, representing CTDI came before the Planning Commission with slight revisions to their plan. There have been some revisions on stormwater, landscaping, and lighting. They are requesting waivers from the Township’s Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance. A motion was made and seconded to recommend to the Board of Supervisors that they approve the Preliminary/Final Land Development Plan for CTDI Sadsbury revised plan, and also approve the 5 waivers requested in the Pennoni letter dated May 8, 2018. All the members voted “aye”, and the motion passed. The meeting was adjourned.
Treasurers Report: Ms. Russell reported Maulo CPA’s has started the final audit for 2017 and will be done and ready for the August meeting. We have begun to work on the budget for 2019 and to prepare for the upcoming budget meetings at the end of the summer. We have met with several banks in regard to rates, CD, and accounts. We have given the Board details on moving accounts to a better percentage rate. No cash is now being accepted for any payments.
Zoning/Building Report: There were 16 certificates of occupancy issued January to May 2018 for: Renovated Commercial 1, new residential buildings 13, and 2 renovated residential buildings. There were 13 permits issued in May for: new commercial building permit issued 1, renovated commercial building permits issued 0, new residential building permits 2, and renovated residential building permits issued 4.
Chester County Airport Update – No report
Payment of Invoices:
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to pay the May 2018 General Fund invoices in the amount of $105,252.96. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to pay the May 2018 Sanitary Sewer invoices in the amount of $67,885.93. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously
New Business:
A letter was received from the Chester County Tax Claim Bureau asking the Township for permission to sell from “Repository for unsold properties”, a double wide mobile home for a bid price of $1,000. Mr. O’Keefe would like to table this item until he looks into this further.
Mr. Reynolds stated a letter was received by Allan Myers requesting night time hauling at the CTDI warehouse expansion. They would like to work from 7:00 pm to 4:00 am. Mr. Taylor is concerned that the back-up alarms could keep people up all night. Mr. Andrew Bates from Allan Myers stated they will be switched over to strobes. There will be 29 trucks at night. Anthony Clark stated that sound travels better at night, so how about a sound wall? Mr. Reynolds stated that if he was living there, he would not like it. No one wants to hold up progress, but night noise is not what resident want to hear. Mr. Reynolds stated that Sikorsky is allowed to run 4pm to 10pm. Mr. O’Keefe will check what the Ordinance states for noise. Mr. MacCombie states that the Philadelphia Airport runs 24 hours a day, and that is where his inspectors are. He would have to pull some inspectors and schedule them at CTDI. Mr. Andrew Bates stated that the bad weather has put them behind at CTDI, but if there is decent weather, night time work will not be needed.
Old Business
Mr. Taylor stated he has put together a lot of thoughts. Members of both the fire companies are his friends and neighbors. There was Pomeroy Fire Company and Sadsburyville Fire Company, and both worked well together, with different views. Money and funding was an issue with both companies. Pomeroy voted to join Keystone Valley. Sadsbury did not. Both companies are dedicated to serving the community and protecting lives. Mr. Taylor would like to have a motion to propose the Township pass a resolution to direct all calls to a system at Chester County Emergency Services using an ADL system to determine who would be closest available to respond to calls. Mr. O’Keefe stated there would be no conflict to any Board members and no release of funds. Mr. Moore stated that Honey Brook has been doing this for years.
Mr. Moore made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, for the Township to reach out to the Department of Emergency Services to direct ADL response implemented at Sadsbury Township. Based on response, funds will be released to responders for fire service.
Judy Klingman asked would Chester County tell us how the system would work and what fire company would respond. Mr. O’Keefe replied the nearest available fire company is sent to the Township.
Tony Clark asked what would the fee be for the company that responds?
Mr. Taylor stated he would like to fund every fire company. Sadsburyville Fire Company is not getting enough.
Duffy Pluck suggested to hold the money to the end of the year when you get the numbers, then pay the fire companies.
Mr. Taylor suggested a flat fee release no matter how many calls.
Scotty Weaver asked if the county even does the ADL system. Keystone should get 20% flat out based on the call volume.
Mr. Moore stated the Pomeroy station will remain active. Mr. Cazillo stated they have staffed 2 ambulances at Pomeroy in an event when needed.
The question was asked by a resident, why is Mr. Taylor proposing mutual aid? Sadsbury Township should have 1 fire company named Sadsburyville. We do not go to other municipalities and ask for funding, we keep it here. Mr. Taylor stated the ADL will call the closest fire company. There are areas in the Township where one is closer than the other.
Robert Silvernail stated to think of the tax base. It is a small base to pay for an extraordinary system. Join together and make 1 fire company and make it easier on the tax payer. All the fire companies are going to eventually join some consolidation because volunteerism is going down.
Mr. Reynolds stated that not every consolidation fits every purpose.
Duffy Pluck stated that donations are down. Mr. Reynolds stated that when contribution letters are sent out, only 18 % of the people respond.
Mr. Reynolds stated that if we are going to utilize the ADL for fire calls, we should use it across the board for EMS also.
Duffy Pluck stated that according to the minutes of Valley Township, they are begging for volunteers.
Christine Moore stated that the fire calls and the EMS calls are two different categories.
Robert Silvernail stated the taxpayers cannot fund 2 operations.
Mr. Grossman stated that last year the Township donated $35,000 to Sadsburyville Fire Company.
Mr. Moore made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, for the Township to reach out to the Department of Emergency Services to direct ADL response implemented at Sadsbury Township. Based on response, funds will be released to responders for fire service.
With there being no further questions from the public, with Mr. Moore and Mr. Taylor voting “aye” and Mr. Reynolds voting “nay”, the motion passed.
Mr. O’Keefe will draft a resolution for next meeting.
Mr. Reynolds stated the volunteers in this Township are disheartened.
Mr. Grossman stated there are no boundaries now.
Tony Clark stated that whatever created the animosity between these fire companies should not continue.
Mr. Reynolds feels the ADL is used for the fire companies, it should be used for EMS.
Tony Clark stated to get some real facts, so we can have a real vote.
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