A regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors was conducted on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 commencing at 7:00 p.m. Chairman, Mr. Hensel called the meeting to order. Present was Supervisor Anthony Schuibbeo, Township Solicitor, Mr. O’Keefe, Township Engineer, Mr. MacCombie, Township Zoning/Building Officer, Mr. Lowry, and members of the community. Supervisor Earl Taylor was absent.
A moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance were observed.
Mr. Hensel announced the Board met in Executive Session on August 17, 2016 and August 23, 2016 to discuss personnel matters.
Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schuibbeo, 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. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schuibbeo, to adopt the minutes of the previous meeting. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schuibbeo, to close the regular Board of Supervisors meeting for a Conditional Use Hearing for the proposed Town Center Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance and the Towns Center Zoning Ordinance. With there being no question from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schuibbeo, to resume the regular Board of Supervisors meeting. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. O’Keefe stated the Conditional Use Hearing will be continued at the next Board of Supervisors meeting on October 4, 2016.
Township Police Report: Chief Ranck reported the police patrolled 4,005 miles during the month of August and answered 322 calls for service as follows: 911 hang-up 2, accident involving entrapment 1, vehicle crash with injuries 1, property damage crash 6, alarm carbon monoxide 1, alarm police 11, animal complaint 3, assist to other police department 3, unknown nature EMS call 1, shrubbery fire 1, Township business check 94, criminal mischief/vandalism 4, disabled vehicle 1, disturbance 1, domestic disturbance 8, public intoxication (alcohol/drugs) 1, illegal dumping 1, erratic driver 8, escort person or money 1, fingerprinting 1, for police information 4, foot patrol 1, harassment 2, harassing phone calls 1, residential house check 26, keys locked 2, live scan processing 1, medical emergency 33, miscellaneous police nature 35, missing domesticated animal 2, noise complaint 2, Township park check 11, parking violation 1, service of PFA Order 1, repossession 2, report only (NIP incident) 4, shots heard or shooting (no injuries) 1, smoke odor investigation 1, stabbing (with injuries) 1, suspicious conditions 4, suspicious person 1, suspicious vehicle 1, theft 6, traffic general hazards 8, traffic detail 1, trespasser 4, traffic stop 11, and 3 well-being checks. The August 2016 criminal arrests are as follows: 1 possession with intent to deliver controlled substances, 1 public drunk, 1 theft, 1 receiving stolen property, 1 simple assault, 2 harassment, 1 unsworn falsification to Law Enforcement (Fire Arms Act). These arrests do not include any pending investigations. Chief Ranck stated that Community Day was well put together and was a great success.
Township Public Works Report: For the month of August the Public Works Department spent the majority of its time maintaining Township properties, such as Bert Reel Park, Sadsbury Park, the Pumping Station, Greenbelt Drive (part of the Bert Reel Park), maintenance Building and The Township Office Building by mowing, weed trimming, cutting tree limbs, cleaning up trash and woody debris and weeding flower beds. Maintenance checks were also performed on Public Works Department vehicles and equipment. The majority of the storm drains, inlets, outlets and pipes have een checked and cleared if needed. Hot patch material was placed on Ramsey Alley where it connects with Old Wilmington Road. Voids along the road edge were filled with rocks to support the road edge on Skiles Road. Vegetation was removed around signs, guild rails, bridges and road edges on Octorara Road, Sadsbury Road, Lieke Road, Quaker Road, Compass Road, Beacon Light Road, Skiles Road, Old Mill Road, Washington Lane, Railroad Alley Chestnut Street, Quarry Road, and Greenbelt Lane. The Public Works Department prepared for and cleaned up after the Sadsbury Township Community Day which was held on August 20th. The buildings and tables were power washed, tree limbs were removed at the new play-ground area, scheduling the delivery and placement of trash cans and portable toilets, getting straw bales, mowing, cleaning up trash and assisting the Park Committee. The Public Works Department is involved with picking up unwanted totters and delivering wanted totters to residents who did not initially receive them. The equipment hours are 14 and there was 333 vehicle miles.
Emergency Management Report: No report
Keystone Valley Fire Department: For the month of August the Keystone Valley Fire Department responded to 15 calls for: fire 5, rescue/medical assist 5, false alarm 3, and gas leaks/carbon monoxide incident 2. The response by Municipality was as follows: Sadsbury Township 3, West Sadsbury Township 5, Highland Township 1, Parkesburg Borough 3, and 3 out of district. The response by personnel was average 8 per call with a total of 110 personnel for combined 119.86 response hours. The average response time was 5:40 in-district and 6:00 out of district. There were 5 trainings with 55 members attending for 196 hours combined training hours. The Keystone Valley EMS Division handled 96 calls for August for: treated/transported BLS 37, treated/transported ALS 35, no service required 10, patient refusal 8, recalled on route 1, recalled on-scene 1, treated and released 1, treated, transferred to Air Medical 1, Lift assist-public assist 1, and dead at scene 1. The Municipal break-down is as follows: Parkesburg Borough 29, Sadsbury Township 36, West Sadsbury Township 17, Highland Township 5, Christiana Borough 2, Sadsbury Township Lancaster County 1, West Fallowfield Township 3, Atglen Borough 2, and East Fallowfield Township 1.
Sadsburyville Fire Company Report: Dave Reynolds reported that for the month of August the Sadsburyville Fire Company responded to 13 calls for: 1 CO investigation, 1 brush, 1 house, 2 ambulance assist, 1 agricultural rescue, 1 auto accident, 1 furnance, 2 automatic alarms, 1 vehicle fire, and 2 cardiac arrests. There were 93 firefighters responding with an average of 7.2 firefighters per call. In district (Sadsbury North) the average response time (dispatched to on-scene) was 6.1 minutes. The responses per Municipality are as follows: Sadsbury Township North 7, Sadsbury Township South 0, Valley Township 4, East Fallowfield Township 1, and West Caln Township 1. There was 162 combined firefighter training hours and 88 combined personnel fundraising hours. The training topics for August were rapid intervention, saws, vehicle stabilization, hydraulic tools, and equipment maintenance.
Sadsbury Park Committee Report: The Sadsbury Park Committee met on August 22, 2016 to discuss the success of Community Day. The event drew a crowd of approximately 600 people. The feedback from vendors and on inflatable rides was positive. There were two medical emergencies which were handled effectively. There was an arrest for drunk and disorderly conduct after the event closed. The recommendations for next year are to advertise no pets/ no alcohol, instead of just relying on the park rules. There is a need to seek a solution to the generator problem, clearer designation of handicap parking, and more shaded seating. Officer Barr recommended, and the Committee agrees to contact the Sadsbury Police Department to discuss the possibility of the police locking Eric’s Place each night and unlocking the playground area in the morning as a preventive measure against crime. The need for security cameras was stressed. The Committee discussed the need to address repairs and renovations to the baseball field fencing and repairs to the walking trail. The costs for the two areas of repair are to begin at the Township’s budget meeting. Account balance from the Township Treasurer: pre-event Community Day income realized from sponsorships and vendors was $4,265.00. Event expenditures as of 8/22/16 totaled $1,380.98. The net income as of 8/22/16 was $2,884.02. With the sale of $227.00 from the Snack Shack and monetary donations of $10.00, the Park and Recreation account net income is now $3,121.02.
Mr. Hensel stated the Board does not have to approve to have Eric’s Place locked at night and to be opened in the morning as that would be a Park Committee matter. Chief Ranck stated he will agree to have his Department open and close the playground area.
Mr. Jesse thanked the Fire Departments, the Police and the Road Department for the work they did at Community Day.
Mr. Hensel thanked the Park Committee and the volunteers for making Community Day a success.
Engineer Report: Mr. MacCombie reported the patch repair done on Stovepipe Hill Road several years ago by Pennsylvania American has begun to crack and need to be repaired. Mr. MacCombie wrote a letter to PAWC and they will repair the road. Mrs. Sellers water problems will be handled with this project. Mr. MacCombie reported he has received complaints about sunken sewer manholes on Old Wilmington Road just north of Lincoln Highway. Mr. MacCombie stated that typically when Penn DOT resurfaces a road, they typically adjust or raise the manhole cover. Penn DOT placed cast iron riser rings on the manhole covers and over the years it has cracked. The Township is responsible to make the repairs since there is nowhere to be found a casting agreement from Penn DOT. Mr. Hensel stated this will be a topic of discussion at the budget meeting. Mr. MacCombie reported the Sadsbury Village Enhancement Project will start tomorrow with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday. The finish date for the project is October 31, 2016. Mr. MacCombie stated the Township is obligated to adopt a Flood Plane Ordinance. Mr. O’Keefe and Mr. MacCombie were asked by the Board of Supervisors to work on the Ordinance. Mr. O’Keefe has started to work on it and will touch base with Mr. MacCombie. The Ordinance needs to be written and approved by the state before it can be adopted by the Township. The Ordinance must be adopted by June 2017. There needs to be a Flood Plain Administrator appointed from the Township. This needs to be done in order to prepare for the flood insurance program.
Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schuibbeo, to appoint Tammy Russell to the position of Sadsbury Township Flood Plain Administrator. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
Township Solicitor Report: Mr. O’Keefe stated there is an Ordinance creating the position of Township Manager on the agenda for this evenings meeting. The Ordinance was advertised for adoption this evening. Mr. Hensel stated he does not want to vote on the Ordinance this evening since Mr. Taylor is not present. Mr. O’Keefe will re-advertise the Ordinance for adoption at the October Board of Supervisors meeting. Mr. O’Keefe stated that before the Board this evening is a Resolution concerning the Police Firearms Policy. This resolution will update how firearms should be maintained and the main component will be that the firearms will belong to the Township with all having the same make and model with interchangeable ammunition. The long guns and tasers also will all be owned by the Township.
Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schuibbeo, to adopt Resolution 2016-08, a Resolution adopting Police Policy 2-10; Firearms, Weapons, and Ammunition. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
Planning Commission Report: No August Meeting
Township Zoning Report: Mr. Lowry reported there were 40 inspections performed in the month of August. Fifty- seven inquiries have been received. Eleven permits were issued in August: one porch, one job trailer, one fire alarm, two solar arrays, one addition, one barn addition, two demolitions, and two alterations. The property owner at 107 Quaker Road was granted approval for a Special Exception and variance from the Zoning Hearing Board to construct a garage addition on a non-conforming lot. The Aerzen USA project has begun.
Chester County Airport Update: The Flying Festival will be held October 1, 2016 with a rain-date of October 8th.
Payment of Invoices:
Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schuibbeo, to pay the August General Fund invoices in the amount of $130,972.50. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schuibbeo, to pay the August Sanitary Sewer invoices in the amount of $43,712.75. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
Old Business:
New Business:
Mr. Hensel stated the Treasurer’s pay rate evaluation will be continued to the October meeting in the absence of Mr. Taylor. The rate will be retroactive to the end of August.
Brenda Wilson, with PRINT, appeared before the Board with brochures and booklets outlining a concept helping Municipalities to produce a Municipal Directory and map at no cost to the Township, solely based on advertisements. This is not a newsletter and this is only done every couple of years. Ms. Wilson stated this will be compliment to the web page. Inside the brochure is a map of the Township and outside is Township information and news. The Township must provide a list of business within the Township and they will do the rest. There is a choice between a larger style brochure and a smaller size. Each group or committee can submit information to the Township to be passed to PRINT. It usually takes 6 months from start to finish. The advertising cost would depend on the number of copies desired. For 2,000 to 2,500 copies, a business card size ad would cost between $275.00 and $295.00. The consensus of the public at the meeting was the smaller size. The next step is to fill out the agreement form and provide the information needed on the form.
Mr. Hensel stated a budget meeting will be scheduled for Friday, September 23, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. and needs to be advertised.
Public Comment:
Mr. Schuibbeo thanked Ms. Maurio and Mr. Jesse for the excellent job they did coordinating Community Day and there are more things in store.
Ms. Russell reminded the public that Saturday September 24th is the community shred day for residents of Sadsbury Township from 9am to 12 pm.
Some residents of the Township request to opt out of using the large trash totters and the recycle totters because they are hard to store or they are too large for a one- person house hold. Mr. Hensel stated the idea is to pick up trash by the arms on the truck. Eagle does not have smaller cans.
Mr. Hensel told the residents that opting out of the totters will not change their trash billing. It is up to the trash company how long they pick up regular trash or bagged trash, but eventually it will all be picked up by the arm. At that time, you will have to get your own totter.
The Road Department will schedule pick-ups of unwanted totters and also deliver totters to residents who did not receive but want them.
Ms. Horan stated she likes the idea of the lid on the recycle container because it prevents it from blowing all over the Township. The more you recycle, the less the tipping fees are at the landfill.
Mr. Jessey stated he bought a smaller trash totter form Amazon.
Ms. Maurio wants to know more information on Sadsbury Township becoming a First Class Township. Mr. O’Keefe stated that Sadsbury Township does not have the qualifications to become a First Class Township. For a First Class Township the density would be 300 inhabitants to a square mile. Sadsbury Township would never qualify.
Ms. Diane Burford stated that she first called the Township to be placed on the agenda to complain about her 40 foot pine tree that was taken down to the trunk because there were branches hanging on the road. Mr. Simmons came to her house today and agreed to take the tree down for her and they reached an amical conclusion. She is very pleased that Mr. Simmons came to her home and she would like to thank the Board for their cooperation. Mr. Hensel stated he will pass the message on to Mr. Simmons.
A resident of Sadsbury Village complained about a neighbor who parks two cars in their drive-way and the cars stick out 4 or 5 feet into the street. Chief Ranck stated he will check it out and they will be ticketed.
A resident of Sadsbury Village told the Board that between 411 Fox Trail and Blackberry Lane, kids have taken the “no parking” and “no solicitors” signs and they are laying on the side of the road. They are pulling the signs out of the dirt.
A resident wanted to know why there was no parking in Sadsbury Village and they are allowed to park their cars in Sadsbury Park.
Mr. O’Keefe explained that the roads in Sadsbury Village are ordained roads and the Township takes care of them. The roads in Sadsbury Park are private property and the streets have not been ordained by the Township.
Chief Rank asked if the trash trucks are fully with arms.
Mr. Hensel stated that eventually all the trucks will have arms to pick up the trash totters. It cuts man power.
Ms. Russell stated that the Township has a 5 year contract with Eagle Disposal and in 2 or 3 years the residents who gave up their trash cans will have to get their own cans with bars for the arms to pick up.
With there being no further business, Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schuibbeo, to adjourn the meeting. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed.
Respectfully Submitted
Linda Shank
Secretary