253 Municipal Drive Thorndale, PA 19372
January 25, 2018 7:31 PM
Call to order and pledge of allegiance.
Attendance – Jennifer Breton-President, George Chambers-Vice President, John Contento-Commissioner, Joshua Young-Commissioner, Lorraine Tindaro-Commissioner, Kristen Denne-Township Manager, Kristin Camp-Township Solicitor, Township Engineer-Bryan D. Kulakowsky, Township Treasurer-Chuck Wilson and Jennifer Schwed-Recording Secretary.
Commissioner Breton noted prior to the meeting an Executive Session was held to discuss legal and personnel matters.
Mitchell J. Rock was sworn in as Deputy Chief of Police by the honorable Judge Anthony Sarcione of the Chester County Court of Common Pleas.
Police Department Awards Ceremony
Police Chief Elias awarded the following Caln Township Police Officers:
Civilian Life Saving Award-Michael “Mikey” Oxford
2017 Officer of the Year and Merit Award-Investigator Steven Parkinson
Merit Award-Sergeant Christine Cusick
Life Saving Award-Investigator Jonathon Regan, Officer Michael Kopil, Officer Joseph Tomasovich, Officer Joshua Whisler, and Officer Kevin Coyle (Downingtown Police Department)
Distinguished Service Award-Officer Nathan Miller
Distinguished Unit Citation-Officer Nathan Miller, Officer Timothy Pohlig, and, Officer Kevin Coyle (Downingtown Police Department)
Letter of Commendation-Officer Laura Ashe, Timothy Pohlig, Administrative Assistant Lori Daniels
At 8:00 p.m. Commissioner Breton called for a recess and the meeting was called back to order at 8:11 p.m.
Citizens to Be Heard
Commissioner Breton called for any citizens to be heard.
Township resident Tony DiSario requested an update on the status of a stop sign request at Lewis and Miller Avenue. Township Manager Denne stated the township is still in the process of evaluating the stop sign and will have an update soon.
Township Resident Carol Houck from the Wedgewood Estates HOA asked how much money has been spent so far on the sidewalk project that would include Wedgewood Estates. Township Manager Denne stated approximately $24,000 has been spent on design and permitting with PennDOT. She also stated the township is considering alternative projects for the sidewalk grant money due to resistance from some affected by the project location.
Township Solicitor-Kristin Camp
Solicitor Camp presented the proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment to Chapter 134-16 “Application for Permit” (Road Opening). She requested a motion to advertise the ordinance. Commissioner Breton entertained a motion to advertise the ordinance. The motion was moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Chambers. Approved, 5-0.
Solicitor Camp presented an update to the proposed I-2 Zoning District. An amended matrix chart was added containing the Contractor’s Establishment use and regulations. A public hearing is scheduled for February 22nd.
Solicitor Camp reminded the Board of the conditional use hearing to be held on January 31st for the Antonini application.
Solicitor Camp introduced representatives for NTB (National Tire and Battery) who are seeking approval of several modifications in order to proceed with the proposed land development at 3453 Lincoln Highway. Attorney for the applicant, Debra Shulski, provided some data on parking at other NTB location per a prior request from the Board. After a discussion of the proposed waivers, Commissioner Breton entertained a motion to approve the modification request.
Commissioner Breton entertained a motion to approve the Modification Request from NTB. The motion was made by Commissioner Contento and seconded by Commissioner Young. Approved, 5-0.
Ordinances and Resolutions for Consideration
Solicitor Camp presented an Ordinance Establishing a Stop Sign on Barley Sheaf Road. The ordinance was advertised on January 17th in the Daily Local News.
Commissioner Breton entertained a motion to adopt the resolution for the Barley Sheaf Road Stop Sign. The motion was made by Commissioner Chambers and seconded by Commissioner Contento. Approved, 5-0.
Township Manager-Kristen Denne
Township Manager Denne and Township Treasurer Chuck Wilson presented the Auditor RFP information for consideration and approval. The Board held a discussion about the results of the request for proposal.
Commissioner Breton entertained a motion to approve the firm Maillie LLP for Township Auditor with fees for service annually not to exceed $30,000. The motion was made by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Contento. Approved, 5-0.
Township Manager Denne presented the invoice to be paid for new flooring installed in the Township Building by M&M Fashions in Flooring.
Commissioner Breton entertained a motion to pay the invoice in the amount of $15,859.47. The motion was made by Commissioner Contento and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. Approved, 5-0.
Manager Denne discussed the Griffith Farm South 30 Lease. The prospective tenant, Premier Pipeline, has not moved forward with the lease. Another party (Otis Eastern) has expressed interest in a lease for the property. Ms. Denne has sent a lease to Otis Eastern’s legal department for review.
Manager Denne introduced the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, George March. Mr. March discussed the outcome of the tests for new police officers for the township. A list of eligible candidates was provided to the Board for the 2 open positions. Mr. March petitioned the Board to move forward with the top 4 most eligible candidates for background checks and polygraph testing.
Mr. March announced and formally certified that the top 4 candidates are Joseph Moore, Marion Inderhouse, Joshua Fox, and Michael Raith.
Commissioner Breton entertained a motion to accept the Civil Service eligibility list and to move forward with the top 4 candidates. Motion made by Commissioner Chambers and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. Approved, 5-0.
Township Engineer-Bryan Kulakowsky
Township Engineer Bryan Kulakowsky informed the Board that he expects to hear, in the next two weeks, about the permits requested for the Fisherville Road Bridge.
Directors Reports
Caln Township Police Dept.-Police Chief Elias
Chief Elias noted the Board is in receipt of his annual report. He also noted a memorial that has been placed in front of the location that NTB is seeking to develop and requested the Board notify the family of the work to begin sometime in the future. Commissioner Young will add the topic to his agenda for the Lincoln Highway Committee. Chief Elias explained the process and timeframe for hiring new officers.
Thorndale Fire Dept.-Fire Chief Cordisco
Fire Chief Cordisco noted that the Board is in receipt of his annual report. Chief Cordisco stated the new fund drive has begun for 2018.
Director of Buildings and Life Safety-Ray Stackhouse
Mr. Stackhouse noted the Board is in receipt of his annual report and provided some updates on projects in process in the township. Mr. Stackhouse noted he has had staffing changes and changes in land planning after working with Manager Denne to streamline some permit application processes.
Director of Public Works-Mr. Fragale
Mr. Fragale noted the Board is in receipt of his annual report. He also noted the success of the Christmas tree pick up program and the leaf pick up program. A discussion was held surrounding collection of litter on the sides of township roads. Many suggestions were made to assist in the effort including from George March the Civil Service Commission who is the President of the Chester County Trail Club and from Carol Houck of the Wedgewood Estates HOA.
Ingleside Golf Manager-Mr. Ward
Mr. Ward noted that the Board is in receipt of his annual report and his plans to improve business in 2018. Commissioner Contento held a discussion about property damage occurring by golfers and the possible modification of hole #4 to help reduce instances of damage.
Finance Report-Mr. Wilson
Treasurer Chuck Wilson noted that the Board is in receipt of his annual report. He discussed the surplus at year end. Revenue from EIT, LST and 4th quarter cable franchise fees are expected to come in soon to improve the negative variances on the budgeted projected revenue. Mr. Wilson noted the township is nearing the budgeted amount for winter weather allocations (road salt and plowing) for 2018. Mr. Wilson also noted positive personnel changes within the finance department that have recently taken place.
Bill List – Checks 41069-41125 and Bond 1181
Commissioner Breton entertained a motion to approve general checks 41069 through 41125 and Bond check 1181. Motion made by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Chambers. Approved, 5-0.
Commissioner Breton made a motion to acknowledge receipt of the Planning Commission Minutes from December 12, 2017. Motion made by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Contento. Approved, 5-0.
Approval of Minutes from January 2, 2018 and January 11, 2018
Commissioner Breton entertained a motion to approve the Minutes from the BOC Meeting on January 2, 2018 and January 11, 2018. Motion made by Commissioner Chambers and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. Approved, 5-0.
Additional Business
Nominations for Appointment to the Planning Commission
Main Representative-John Caporale with a term to expire 12/31/21 receiving the majority of votes at roll call nominations.
Ex Officio Representative-John Adam Thomas with a term to expire 12/31/19 receiving 4 ayes from Commissioners Young, Breton, Contento and Chambers and 1 nay from Commissioner Tindaro.
Public Comments
Commissioner Breton called for public comments.
George March of the Civil Service Commission commended the Public Works Dept. on keeping the roads clear and safe in the Township during the recent winter storms.
Adjournment
Commissioner Breton entertained a motion to adjourn the January 25th meeting at 9:28 PM. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Contento. Vote passed 5-0.
Respectfully Submitted by,
Jennifer Schwed,
Recording Secretary

commissioners_january_25_2018_minutes.pdf |