A regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors was conducted on Tuesday, May 1, 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 there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. O’Keefe opened the discussion between Keystone Valley Fire Department and Sadsburyville Fire Department by stating the Board had approved a meeting in May for the fire companies to make proposals for fire and EMS service. Two members of the Board of Supervisors are officers with the fire departments, leaving Mr. Moore as the lone Supervisor with no conflict. Should Mr. Moore make a motion, Mr. Reynolds and Mr. Taylor can vote to break the tie. Mr. Reynolds and Mr. Taylor should stay out of the discussion as they could sway the vote. Mr. Taylor orally abstained from the vote and Mr. Reynolds abstained as well. This is not an opportunity to shout over each other, it is only a presentation. When one party has the floor, please be courteous and show respect. Mr. Moore opened the floor for discussion. Keystone Valley yielded the floor to Sadsburyville Fire Company.
Sadsburyville Fire Company was represented by Eric Brecht, President and Deputy Chief. Mr. Brecht stated that Sadsburyville Fire Company would like to serve 100% of firefighting services for Sadsbury Township. They are a volunteer fire company and give mutual aid free of charge. The volunteers are well prepared, highly trained; and come from all walks of life. There are plans for an all steel construction building expansion to cost $400,000.00. for the station. Sadsburyville Fire Company can give a great response to any emergency, as 22 volunteers live in close proximity to the station. Mr. Brecht stated that Sadsburyville Fire Company requests full fire and rescue funding. Our only responsibility is Sadsbury Township. Mr. O’Keefe asked what they would look for in funding, and Mr. Brecht replied they would accept the $39,000 that is available.
Mr. Stackhouse from Keystone Valley Fire Department stated that all the information has been provided about Keystone with all the meetings the Board of Supervisors sat in on. Information has been provided and information is also on Keystone Valley website.
He is here tonight to answer question or concerns. Mr. O’Keefe went over the options prepared by Keystone. There is an option for 20% of the Township for fire fighting and an option for Keystone Valley to be primary fire and recue at a cost of $137,584 to be paid in 3 installments.
Mr. Moore had no questions, and Mr. O’Keefe opened it up for public comment, setting a limit of 2 minutes for each comment.
Tony Clark stated that he never heard of having to buy coverage. Volunteers are your neighbors coming to help.
Jane Heineman asked what the second option was on the coverage of Keystone Valley with the Township. Mr. O’Keefe stated the second option would be for Keystone Valley to be primary rescue with no fire contract at a cost of $40,000 a year, paid in three installments. Mr. Stackhouse stated that the cost is based on what other Townships pay.
Mr. MacCauley, owner of John Rock Pallet Company will donate $5,000 to Sadsburyville Fire Company.
Kelly Radcliff stated that being a volunteer is tough and she wants to have a fully staffed fire department ready to go in an emergency.
Elmer Pluck stated he thinks the underpass at Pomeroy will be a concern with fire trucks.
Simon Jessey stated that the new construction in Sadsbury Park needs a fire department.
Dana Williams stated that Sadsbury Township has a fire department and why is the Board not supporting it.
Mr. Stackhouse stated Keystone Valley has a fire company stationed in Sadsbury Township.
Duffy Pluck stated the Township survived with two fire companies. Somebody at Sadsbury got greedy and wanted the whole territory.
Don Roberts asked if this was for next year or this year. Mr. O’Keefe stated it is for this year.
Mr. Reynolds wanted to say as far as financial capacity, whatever contract is approved, the Board will find funding somewhere.
Mr. Stackhouse suggested to come to terms on the agreement for the ambulance now to get that past us.
Mr. Moore made a motion, seconded by Mr. Reynolds, to appoint Keystone Valley Fire Department to have the ambulance service contract for Sadsbury Township, and to have the attorney for Sadsbury Township and the attorned for Keystone Valley to negotiate the terms and payment considerations. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Moore will not motion to release any money at this time.
Eric Brecht stated Sadsbury Fire Company will take whatever money is left to have 100% of the fire contract in Sadsbury Township. The EMS should come first.
Mr. O’Keefe said, at this time we will resume the regular meeting.
Police Report: The Sadsbury Police Department patrolled 3,331 miles and answered 232 dispatched incidents during the month of April. The Pennsylvania State Police answered 43 incidents during the overnight hours from midnight to 8:00 a.m. The incidents for the month of April are as follows: 911 hang-up 1, hit and run crash 1, property damage crash 4, DOA actual or possible 1, alarm fire 1, alarm police 6, animal complaint 3, assault no injuries 1, assist from other police department 1, assist fire department 1, assist to other police Department 2, attempt to locate vehicle 1, DOA actual or possible 1, business check 64, civil dispute 1, credit card theft/fraud 1, criminal mischief/vandalism 1, disturbance 1, domestic disturbance 1, emotional disorder 1, erratic driver 4, for police department information 10, house/vacation check 13, medical emergency 19, miscellaneous police nature 2, missing person 1, Township park check 7, repossession 2, police report 18, suspicious condition 1, traffic general hazards 5, trespasser 1, traffic stop 10, and damage to vehicle 1. The Sadsbury Police Department received a letter for Pennsylvania State Police Captain Maurice Tomlinson for our cooperative participation in Operation Nighthawk. Throughout Chester County there were 1,285 traffic stops, 114 DUI arrests, 29 bar checks, 431 traffic citations, 1,506 warnings, 36 misdemeanor arrests, and 9 Felony arrests that occurred between March 23-25, 2018.
Sergeant Imhoff would like to hire Larry Sipple as a part-time police officer. Officer Sipple is retired from the United States Navy and retired from the Caln Police Department.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to hire Larry Sipple as a part-time police officer for Sadsbury Township, effective today. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Public Works Report: For the month of April, the Public Works Department prepared and responded to one winter weather event in which plowing operations were deployed and the treatment of roads with de-icing agents were used. The process of removing the winter equipment from trucks has been completed. All plows have been washed, inspected, maintenance and stored away, with the exception of one plow that is in the maintenance building parking lot. This plow will be painted sometime over the summer months. This month we have also had time to repair several street signs, mail boxes and yards damaged by plows and other unknow vehicles during the winter season. Storm drains have been inspected and cleared in preparation for our rainy season. All the equipment that requires a Pennsylvania State Inspection has been inspected. Sewer meter readings have been recorded for the first quarter of 2018. The water has been turned on at Bert Reel Park along with some minor plumbing work within the concession stand. All trash and other debris has been picked up at the park and mowing has begun. This month, the Public Works Department assisted with the implementation of the new fire, burglary and access system at the main Township Building. Lastly, all pot holes have been addressed with the exception of Limestone Road, which will be addressed within the next week. The equipment hours were 4.4 and the vehicle miles were 439.3. Mr. Reynolds asked how much equipment is stored at Martins Corner? Mr. Taylor stated there are 4 plows and maybe a truck. Mr. Reynolds asked if there was renters insurance and Mr. Taylor thinks there is insurance. PennDOT cleaned up Old Wilmington Road, and Mr. Taylor feels that with the big recycle bins the Township now uses, the debris on Old Wilmington Road should stop.
Emergency Management Coordinator Report: Mr. Taylor reported there have been several meetings at the 911 Center.
Keystone Valley Fire Department Report: Chief Cazillo reported that for the month of April, the Keystone Valley Fire Department responded to 21 calls for: fire5, rescue/medical assist 0, cover 4, fire police 1, good intent 7, and false 4. The response by municipality is as follows: West Sadsbury Township 1, Highland Township 2, Parkesburg Borough 8, Sadsbury Township OOD 0, and Out of District 10. There was an average of 7 personnel per call, with a total of 133 personnel for combined response hours 89.91 hours. The average response time dispatch to on-scene was 12.13 minutes. There were 3 in-house trainings with 49 members attending for 127.54 hours combined training hours. The Keystone Valley EMS Division responded to 95 calls for: treated/transported BLS 41, treated/transported ALS 22, no service required 8, patient refusal 14, recalled on route 7, and public assist 3. The municipal breakdown is as follows: Parkesburg Borough 29, Sadsbury Township 29, West Sadsbury Township 18, Highland Township 10, and Out of District 9.
Sadsburyville Fire Department: Chief Grossman reported that for the month of April, the Sadsburyville Fire Company responded to 20 calls for: 3 house fires, 3 auto accidents, 2 automatic fire alarms, 1 brush fire, 3 assist EMS, 6 relocate, 1 car fire, and 1 hazardous materials incident. The were 132 volunteer firefighters responding or an average of 6.6 firefighters per call. The average response time was 4.2 minutes, with an average of 7.1 minutes response time dispatched to on-scene. The response per municipality is as follows: Sadsbury Township 9, Valley Township 3, Coatesville 4, East Fallowfield Township 1, West Caln Township 2, and Caln Township 1. There were 210 combined training hours for the month of April. Supervisor Mr. Reynolds swore in two new fire police for Sadsburyville Fire Department.
Township Park Committee Report: Mr. Jessey reported the Park Committee met on April 23, 2018. Community Day was approved by the Board of Supervisors to be held on September 8, 2018. Mr. Jessey that the baseball field diamond would be getting a new layer of Diamond-Tex, and that baseball and softball games were well underway with no problems. Mr. Hensel reported the portable toilets need attention, and Mr. Jessey will contact the Public Works Department. The BBQ ticket sales are poor, but hopefully will pick up closer to the event. Mr. Jessey will be attending a upcoming meeting concerning seeking grants for improvements to Berk Reel Park. Mr. Jessey, and Supervisor Mr. Moore, will try to get things moving along to install security cameras at the Park. A new vendor form, with some changes to costs, will be prepared. After an open discussion on Community Day activities, the meeting was adjourned.
Township Engineer Report: Mr. MacCombie reported he has an Engineering Escrow release of funds for Aerzen USA Corporation for the Aerzen USA Expansion in the amount of $40, 322.12 for the Board’s approval.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to approve an Engineering Escrow release of funds for Aerzen USA Corporation for the Aerzen USA Expansion in the amount of $40,322.12 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 grading permit 58-17 for CTDI in the Bellaire Business Park in the amount of $292.50 for the Board’s approval.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to approve an Engineering Escrow release of funds for grading permit 58-17 for CTDI in the Bellaire Business Park in the amount of $292.50 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 Rock Holdings PA. LLC – Patriot Way in the amount of $1,735.00 for the Board’s approval.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to approve an Engineering Escrow release of funds roe Rock Holdings PA LLC – Patriot Way in the amount of $1,735 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 $13,550.62 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 $13,550.62 per Mr. MacCombie’s recommendation. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. MacCombie reported that he has a Letter of Credit reduction release of funds for Sadsbury Arcadia Associates, L.P. for Sadsbury Park, Phase 3B in the amount of $296,569.19 for the Board’s approval.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to approve a Letter of Credit reduction release of funds for Sadsbury Arcadia Associates, L.P. for Sadsbury Park, Phase 3B in the amount of $296,569.19 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 Mrs. Sellers from North Street came into the Township office and wanted to know when her road would be fixed. Mrs. Sellers has had an issue with drainage with water coming off Stove Pipe Hill Road. Last year the Township appropriated $18,000 to do improvements on Stove Pipe Hill Road to alleviate her drainage problem. Mr. Pompo drafted a letter of agreement for Mrs.Sellers to sign, and evidently no one could get in touch with her, and then it got too late to do paving. Mr. Taylor tried to get in touch with her son, but he did not. Mr. Walters was supposed to get the letter to Mrs. Sellers, but she said she never saw a letter. Mrs. Sellers stated that she never had a water problem until the Sanitary Sewer lines were put in. Her back door is level with the road and her garage is in or close to, the right-of-way. Water does go down her driveway, but she blocked her driveway, so a berm could not be put down. Stove Pipe Road will have to be paved on a curve, so the water is rerouted.
Mr. MacCombie stated that Chuck Dilabbio emailed him with additional equipment to be put in Eric’s Place at Bert Reel Park. He asked him to come and explain it to the Board. Mr. Dilabbio could not come to the meeting. Mr. Taylor thinks the Township should allow him to expand on Eric’s Place, because Mr. Dilabbio is going such a good thing.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to approve the installation of additional equipment at Eric’s Place at Bert Reel Park. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. MacCombie reported he received a letter from Melinda Williams regarding problems on Old Mill Road. Mr. MacCombie looked at Old Mill Road and determined the accumulation of sediment from road treating needs to be removed. The area between Octorara Road and Friendship Way has a speed limit of 35mph, Friendship Way to Business 30 is 25 mph. Mr. MacCombie feels both should be 25 mph. To install a 3 way stop, there has to be 5 or more crashes in the last 3 years, plus 300 cars traveling per day. Old Mill Road does not meet any of these criteria. Stop signs cannot be used for speed control. The police should show a presence there to slow traffic down.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to lower the speed limit, place speed limit signs, watch children signs, and reduce speed signs. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Taylor stated the Public Works will look at the sediment and see what can be done about it. He thinks it is a good idea to have police presence in the morning for the school busses.
Mr. MacCombie reported he received a request for CTDI for another 11 EDU’s for their expansion.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to approve the purchase of an additional eleven EDU’s by CDTI for the expansion. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. MacCombie stated the previously authorized video has been taken of the Sanitary Sewer lines within the Sadsbury Village Development in order to determine the cause of the roadway sinking in the vicinity of Fox Trail and Broad Meadow Drive. The video revealed failures to portions of pipe at this intersection that are in need of repair. Mr. MacCombie will bring a proposal to the next Board of Supervisors meeting.
Township Solicitor Report: Mr. O’Keefe stated he has an Asset Purchase Agreement for the sale of the Township Sewer System to Pennsylvania American Water Company. The purchase price of the Sewer System is nine million, two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($9,250, 000.00). This cost must be approved by the PUC.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to approve the Asset Purchase Agreement for the sale of the Township Sewer System to Pennsylvania American Water Company. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. O’Keefe stated, “Vehicle Pursuits” and “Use of Force” are police policies that need to be adopted into the Sadsbury Township Police Policy Manuel.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to approve the proposal to incorporate 2-03A, “Vehicle Pursuits and 2-05A, “Use of Force”, into the Sadsbury Township Police Department’s Policy Manual. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. O’Keefe reported that Eric Carlson of Arcadia Land Company contacted him in regard to approval of Arcadia PRD sewer dedications. He is not in attendance at tonight’s meeting.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to approve the PRD sewer dedications contingent on Mr. O’keefe’s determination. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. O’Keefe stated he received a Land Development extension letter from CTDI until June 30, 2018.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to accept the Land Development extension letter from CTDI until June 30, 2018. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. O’Keefe stated that representatives from Rock Holdings, PA LLC (John Rock Pallet Company) are coming before the Board to address the Landscaping fee-in-lieu-of, which the Township proposes in the Sub Division and Land Development Ordinance. Mr. McKenna is asking the Township for a waiver of the fee-in-lieu-of, as John Rock will have to pay a fee of $272,205 for plantings not provided. The fees become excessive. The property is sufficiently landscaped and the financial impact is crippling. There are at present 545 plantings and the Township requirement is 1,298 plantings.
Mr. Reynolds stated the Township has a landscape ordinance that no one can comply with, especially in industrial settings. We will have to confer with the Solicitor and Engineer to see if it can be fixed. Mr. O’Keefe asked if there will be more expansion on this property. Mr. MacCauley stated there is no further expansion. Patrick McKenna gave out meeting minutes from June 2, 2015 where a waiver was given to Greg Vietri for the Landscape Ordinance. Mr. O’Keefe stated he wants to insure that any relief does not land the Board in a troubling position. We will take a closer look at the Vietri plan and the John Rock plan to find similarities. Any relief granted here does not increase the precedent that has already been created. Mr. MacCombie stated that at some time the Board may take a look at the Ordinance. Mr. MacCauley stated they pay $80,000 in school taxes, $78,000 in Open Space plus a highway fee. Businesses have not come into the Township since the Landscaping Ordinance was adopted. He would just like to get the building built and create jobs. Mr. MacCombie stated he has no problem issuing the grading permit.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to issue the grading permit to the John Rock project. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Reynolds asked what is the procedure to amend the Landscape Ordinance? Mr. O’Keefe stated the Township needs to draft an Ordinance.
Ms. Russell will contact Mr. Grafton, the Township Planner, to change the Ordinance.
The plans for John Rock will be delivered to Mr. O’Keefe tomorrow for recording.
Vicky Horan stated there needs to be an analysis of what amount of plantings need to be planted. The land was fairly unscreened and the plantings would work as a buffer.
Mr. Reynolds stated we are definitely not going back to the way it was; just something that is attainable.
Mr. MacCombie told the applicant that the Board will consider their waiver request. They do not have to wait for a new ordinance.
Township Planning Commission Report: The Planning Commission did not hold a meeting in April.
Building/Zoning Report: Mr. Kirk did not attend the Board meeting, but his report states there were 25 permits issued in January to March 2018, and 22 permits issued in April 2018.
Chester County Airport update: Mr. Roberts reported the Authority met today. The new ownership of the restaurant is moving forward.
Treasurer’s Report: Ms. Russell reported the audit is underway and going well. She attended the PSATS Conference in Hershey and took classes and met people in government and saw some great equipment. The Township office, with the permission of the Supervisors, will not collect cash payments anymore, after a date to be determined by the Board. We have a staff meeting each month before the Board meeting. The offices at the end of the hall are cleaned out, giving one to the police. The new security system is not live yet, but it will be soon.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to stop accepting cash payments at the Township office on June 1, 2018. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “ay”, the motion passed unanimously.
Payment of Invoices:
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to pay the April General Fund invoices in the amount of $187,947.26. 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 pay the April Sanitary Sewer invoices in the amount of $23,859.41. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
New Business:
The Township received the Delaware Valley Regional Finance Authority disclosure agreement for the Township to sign and continue. Mr. O’Keefe would like to read through the agreement before the Board signs it.
Public Comment:
Mr. Jessey stated he is looking for sponsorships for Community Day.
Eric Brecht wants residents to come to the Sadsburyville station and see what your fire company can do for the Township.
Elmer Pluck wants to know who is responsible for cleaning the drains at Route 372 and Strasburg Road. Mr. MacCombie replied that these are state roads and that PennDOT would be responsible.
Michael Klingman said the median on Lincoln Highway looks awful; trucks are tearing them up. Mr. Reynolds stated the Road Crew will maintain the medians. Its dangerous to go out there to maintain them. Mr. Taylor stated they need police protection.
Tony Clark suggested to place speed bumps. Mr. MacCombie stated speed bumps are not acceptable, but speed humps are acceptable. Rumple strips on certain circumstances are acceptable. Whatever is done, will require a study.
Christine Moore asked what is required to drop the speed limit. Mr. MacCombie stated a traffic study is required, which could also raise a speed limit.
Mr. Jessey stated there will be a web-site meeting with Gail Pietrzyk, the Township web master on May 18th.
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