In order to comply with the Stay at Home Order issued by Governor Wolf, minimizing public exposure to COVID-19 and maintain social distancing, the Sadsbury Township Board of Supervisors is conducting the October meeting remotely via ZOOM. Chairman Dave Reynolds called the meeting to order. Present was Supervisor John Moore and Supervisor Earl Taylor. Township Solicitor Mr. O’Keefe and Township Engineer/Zoning Officer, Mr. MacCombie. There were several members of the public attending.
Mr. O’Keefe announced that prior to the meeting, the Board met in Executive Session concerning land acquisition.
The moment of silence and Pledge of Allegiance was waived.
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.
Police Report: Chief Hawley reported there were 353 calls for service for the month of September. There were 32 State Police responses, mostly self-initiated. 6 of the calls were for police information. So, the State Police responses are on a decline. The Township police are a visible presence and making sure they are seen in the Township being proactive. The busiest hour is 4pm to 5pm and the busiest day is Tuesday followed closely by Saturday. There have been 81 domestic calls for the year to date.
Chief Hawley stated the contractor that was hired to do the renovations for the Township building bailed out of the project. Sergeant Imhoff will make inquiries for a new contractor. Chief Hawley will have his recommendation for 2 part-time officers at next month’s Board meeting. Chief Hawley is concerned that motorcycle accidents are up in every county, some ending in fatalities. Serious car and truck accidents are on the rise, also. We will be making more traffic stops and giving citations to try to alleviate accidents and people being seriously hurt. Chief Hawley reported there is activity at 7 Middle Street. The front door was found standing open, but the house was unoccupied. There was electrical service, but no meter. Someone on a ladder, which was still in place, was playing with PECO service line and ran that line to the house for service. PECO has ceased the power to the house. Chief Hawley stated that in the early part of the year, he discussed the framework for an Abandoned Car Ordinance. The Chief would like to place a sticker on an abandoned car and if no action, have it towed. Flings Towing is doing the primary towing for the Township. Mr. O’Keefe will look at and edit the Ordinance the Chief has in mind and will have a draft ordinance for next month’s meeting for the Board to review. Chief Hawley will have a copy of the report available on request.
Mr. Reynolds stated we will put out to bid for the Township renovations.
Public Works Report: For the month of September, the Public Works Department maintained Township owned property, equipment, vehicles, roadways, signs, traffic lights and the storm drain system. The department has started preparing for the winter road maintenance by inspecting trucks and plows and making minor repairs if needed. The Department has also inspected emergency equipment to ensure it is ready in the event of an emergency. The Department has continued to inspect signs and repair, straighten and reface if needed along with clearing vegetation around signs for better observation for motorists. Select roads were inspected and pot holes were filled prior to the annual road resurfacing that took place this month. The Department has also built a much needed work shop table. This month we received our new 2021 Freightliner Dump Truck. This truck was inspected by us and found to have a minor paint issue from the factory. This truck was delivered back to Freightliner for the correction of paint and we should have it back in our fleet with 15 days. The equipment hours were 9.7 and the vehicle miles were 557.9.
Mr. Moore indicated that there were two applicants for the positon of winter snow removal only. Both have CDL licenses and passed a back-ground check done by Sergeant Imhoff.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to hire Ryan Dennis and Robert Jenkins for winter snow plow removal only. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Emergency Management Report: Mr. Taylor stated the County is gearing up for the second wave of the COVID-19 virus. They are getting more supplies, such as masks and other paraphernalia. Kurt Wise is running motorcycles in Delaware and said he could come up with a plan to run at Piston Poppers. The Board does not feel that Piston Poppers should be opened.
Keystone Valley Fire Department: The Keystone Valley EMS Division for the month of September handled 98 calls for service: treated/transported BLS 26, treated/transported ALS 37, No services required 12, patient refusal 17, public service 1, dead at scene 1, recalled 3, and transferred/other EMS 1. The calls per municipality is as follows: Parkesburg Borough 45, West Sadsbury Township 17, Highland Township 3, Sadsbury Township 27, Christiana Borough, Lancaster County 4, East Fallowfield Township 1, and West Fallowfield Township 1.
Sadsbury Fire Company Report:
Engineer Report: Mr. MacCombie stated the islands on Route 30 will be planted on October 23 and October 26.
An extension letter was received from D.L. Howe for John Rock until January 12, 2021.
Mr. MacCombie stated he has a 2020 Resurfacing and Street Improvements release to Advanced Pavement Group Corporation in the amount of $257,490.36 for the Board’s approval.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to approve a 2020 Resurfacing and Street Improvements release to Advanced Pavement Group Corporation in the amount of $257,490.36 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 Certificate of Completion release for Lafayette Square Partners, LP for Lafayette Square Phase II and III in the amount of $41,078.02 for the Board’s approval.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to approve a Letter of Credit Certificate of Completion release for Lafayette Square Partners, LP for Lafayette Square Phase II and III in the amount of $41,075.02 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 for Lafayette Square Partners L.P. for Lafayette Square Phase II and III in the amount of $4,214.37 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 and III in the amount of $4,214.37 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 for Sadsbury Arcadia Associates, L.P. for Sadsbury Park Phase 3A in the amount of $8,119.37 for the Board’s approval.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to approve an Engineering Escrow release for Sadsbury Arcadia Associated, L.P. for Sadsbury Park Phase 3A in the amount of $8,119.37 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 for Sadsbury Arcadia Associates, L.P. for Sadsbury Park Phase 3B in the amount of $180.00 for the Board’s approval.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to approve an Engineering Escrow release for Sadsbury Arcadia Associates, L.P. for Sadsbury Park Phase 3B in the amount of $180.00 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 for Sadsbury Commons L.P. for the Sadsbury Commons Connector Road Site Work in the amount of $5,303.12 for the Board’s approval.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to approve an Engineering Escrow release for Sadsbury Commons L.P. for the Sadsbury Commons Connector Road Site Work in the amount of $5,303.12 per Mr. MacCombie’s recommendation. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. MacCombie reported that Sadsbury Commons will be working 9pm to 4am to put pipe under the Bypass.
Solicitor Report: Mr. O’Keefe reported that years ago the Lincoln Crest Expansion was approved by the Board of Supervisors with conditions. The Conditions were a Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions and a Wetlands Conservation Easement. Mr. O’Keefe has documents for both conditions and unless the Board has any questions, he would like to have approval.
Mr. Taylor made a motion, seconded by Mr. Reynolds to approve the Lincoln Crest Declarations of Covenants and Restrictions and Lincoln Crest Wetlands Conservations Easement. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Planning Commission Report: Mr. Jessey reported there was no meeting in September, but will meet tomorrow night at the Township Building, where masks and distancing will be observed. Mr. Jessey also reported the Zoning Update committee is coming along.
Chester County Airport Update: Mr. Roberts stated the Authority met last Tuesday virtually. The fencing is coming along to keep the deer off the runway. The restaurant offer was refused, so still looking. The next meeting is November 10, 2020 and looking to do Valley Days in 2021. Since there was a change in air space, it is very difficult to do an air show.
Zoning Report: Mr. MacCombie Stated that Mr. Biloon reviewed many fence installations. Working on the Boyce Street violation where a resident received the okay from his HOA, but did not apply for a permit from the Township. There is a problem with the placement of the fence.
Payment of Invoices:
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore to pay the September 2020 General Fund invoices in the amount of $272,744.65. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
New Business:
The date for Trick or Treat in the Township will be Saturday October 31, 2020 for those who want to safely participate. The time is 6pm to 8 pm. 12 years old and under. Please respect the wishes of people who do not wish to participate in Halloween in these days of COVID 19.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to approve the Storm Water Maintenance Agreement for Christian Freeberg at 439 S. Bonsall Road to construct a garage on condition of approval by Mr. O’Keefe. 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 renew the contract with Signal Service for maintenance of the Township traffic signals. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
A complaint was received about 18 wheeler trucks and dump truck traffic on Washington Lane and Lincoln Avenue. Mr. MacCombie stated there are weight restrictions on the road that could be enforced by the police. There should be signs there, if not they got knocked down. Mr. Reynolds will drive by and check this out. Vince Pompo should know the weight restrictions. Chief Hawley stated it is typically a new driver that misses a turn on Washington Lane and Lincoln Avenue.
Public Comment
Marie Falcone asked why we did not discuss the John Rock Building project. Mr. MacCombie explained they would have to go before the Planning Commission and work out issues before the Planning Commission would make a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors. At this time John Rock presented revised plans and he has concerns about the closeness to residents. Mr. Jessey stated the Planning Commission refused the last minute request to be on the meeting this Wednesday. They will come before the Planning Commission on Wednesday, November 18th at 7pm at the Township building.
Vicky Horan asked why the Planning Commission meeting minutes were not on the web page. The Secretary will make sure the minutes are on the web page.
Mr. MacCombie asked the Board if they are interested in the Vietri property for a garage for the Public Works Department. Mr. Reynolds stated we have a tight budget and cannot afford $17,000 a month rent. Mr. Reynolds instructed Mr. MacCombie to tell Mr. Vietri we will not take the garage.
Mr. Roberts asked if the agenda could be placed on the web-page before the meeting. Mr. Reynolds would like the agenda be finalized and placed on the web-page Tuesday morning of meeting days. All items should be turned in close of business day Monday.
Vicky Horan asked what is going on at Sadsbury Commons. Mr. MacCombie stated they are putting in the loop road.
Vicky Horan asked what is the status of the off ramp. Mr. MacCombie stated it is on the 12 year plan from PennDOT.
David McCoy stated go to US30Chesco.com for all the information for US 30 interchange.
Vicky Horan asked about trees in the islands. Mr. MacCombie stated on the 23rd there will be 4 trees and on the 26th all the islands will be landscaped. There will be another street light at the crosswalk at the Township Building. The Township will maintain the islands.
Donn Roberts stated he is happy with the street lights. They are not intrusive.
Michelle Falcone asked will there be landscaping done at the properties at Lafayette Square. She stated that trucks are backing up at 5am and is there a noise Ordinance.
Simon Jessey stated he will say something to Mr. Lymberis about the noise.
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