May 26, 2022, 7:30 PM
Call to Order: Commissioner Kennedy called the Board of Commissioners meeting to order at 7:30 PM. Commissioner Mullin then called for the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
Board Members Present: Paul Mullin-President, Jane Kennedy-Vice President, Joshua Young- Commissioner, Lorraine Tindaro-Commissioner, Mark Evans-Commissioner.
Staff Members Present: Kristen Denne-Township Manager/Secretary, Denise Miller-Assistant Township Secretary, Lisa Swan-Township Treasurer, Ray Stackhouse-Director of Building and Life Safety and Interim Public Works Director, Police Chief Elias, Chris Ward-Thorndale Golf Course Manager, Patrick Taylor-Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company Chief, and Scot Gill-Director of the Municipal Authority.
Professionals Present: ARRO Assistant Vice President Casey LaLonde.
Special Guest: N/A
The Board of Commissioners May 28, 2022, agenda was posted on the Township website, and at the Township building on May 27, 2022. Agendas were made available at the meeting for the public.
The 2022 Township Board of Commissioners meetings were published in the Daily Local News, on December 28, 2021.
Commissioner Evans Township Update
Welcome everyone, thank you for joining us. Our meetings are “Neutral Ground”, a place to hear and be heard. The Board of Commissioners are here to represent everyone in Caln Township, and we strive to be sure our decisions address the needs of all. We’re all in this together.
- Just a reminder: Questions or statements regarding an agenda item will be entertained under “Citizens to be Heard” at the top of the meeting. All other matters will be recognized during “Public Comment” at the end of the meeting.
- Lincoln Highway: Lincoln Highway continues to be reimagined. Jefferis Family Farm Market has opened on the south side of Lincoln Highway, between Copa 82 and Midas, across from Caln Village Shopping Center. Call it coincidence or synchronicity, they’re right next door to the future home of Farmhouse Bakery and Coffee Bar. This is how it starts – a couple of strong, community oriented new small businesses take root, and an abandoned stretch of road becomes the place to be.
- More good news: The Lloyd Avenue Bridge lights are fully functioning! There was no such thing as “traffic” when the Lloyd Avenue Bridge was constructed. As the area became overdeveloped, crossing this historic one-lane bridge became a nightmare for commuters and nearby residents. Blaring horns, engines being revved, and obscenities being shouted became the soundtrack of
rush hour and weekend mornings. Thanks to the bridge, the sounds of anger have been replaced with the peace and calm of silence, and the sounds of birds singing.
- LERTA Update: LERTA is not only still being considered by the CASD, but it will be on the Finance Committee and Board Agendas for their June 14th meeting. We’re sooo close!
- Reminder: May 31, 2021 Golf Committee meeting.
- COVID-19 (COVID) UPDATE: With a 23% increase in positive test results and an 8% rise in hospitalizations over the last seven days, Chester County has once again reached “High Level of Community Spread” status. 80% of us in Chester County are fully vaccinated, 20% are not, and that’s what’s keeping us on this deadly ride. COVID is still a death threat to the immunocompromised, please do the right things and get the shot.
- THESE TROUBLED TIMES: Tuesday May 24, 2022 was an awful day. In Texas, nineteen children and two adults were murdered in yet another mass shooting at an elementary school. Right here in our own backyard, there was a stabbing at Coatesville Area Senior High School (CASH) that left one teen hospitalized, and another teen in jail facing attempted murder changes as an adult. What started as a schoolground fight turned deadline as soon as a weapon was involved. Sadly, we again have to thank the teachers, administrators, law enforcement, and local authorities for managing this crisis in a calm and professional manner, rather than thanking them for their skills in the classroom. It doesn’t have to be this way folks. It’s up to all of us to work to turn the tide of hatred and violence and bring this world back to a place of peace, love, and understanding.
- CLEAN UP TIME: There were allegations of malfeasance being spread on Social Media about the May 12,2022 Board of Commissioners (BOC) meeting with a resident claiming they were “blocked” from joining via zoom.
- On the night of May 12, 2022 6:00 PM there was public Conditional Use Hearing in-person and on zoom. When the hearing ended at 6:30 PM, Zoom attendees were informed that the zoom room would be closed until the 7:30 PM meeting. One resident did not leave the meeting and was signed out from our end.
- After the start of the 7:30 PM BOC meeting, that resident sent an email to say they couldn’t get back into the zoom. The meeting was paused to troubleshoot, and the issue was quickly corrected. The individual was then able to rejoin the meeting but signed off long before our Public Comment segment.
- The BOC then received correspondence from their attorney, which we took very seriously. The facts were explained in our response, and the attorney notified us that they and their client felt their concerns were addressed sufficiently, and that they considered the matter closed.
There was never any intent or attempt to block anyone from joining the meeting.
- CALN TOWNSHIP IS “OPEN FOR BUSINESS”: Nothing is ever perfect, but It is our Township, community, home. We can all be a part of the solution by eagerly spreading the good news about where we live.
Citizens to be Heard
Commissioner Mullin called for citizens to be heard. There were none.
Township Solicitor – Ms. Camp
Consideration for Approval of a Conditional Use Order for MBID Delaware for the Willows Apartments on Lincoln Highway – For Board consideration, Ms. Camp offered a Decision and Order for MBID of Delaware, LLC, for the “The Willows at Valley Run” property located in the north side of Lincoln Highway between Seltzer Avenue and North Caln Road. The developer and equitable owner of three parcels of property located on the north side of Lincoln Highway.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve a Conditional Use Order for MBID Delaware for the “Willows at Valley Run” located on Lincoln Highway. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy.
Commissioner Mullin called for Board and public comments. There were none. Vote 5-0.
Township Engineer
Consideration of PSA 0522-PC05 to Complete a Stormwater Facilities Inventory Plan in the Amount of $4,389.00 – For Board consideration, Mr. LaLonde presented PSA 0522-PC05 in the amount of
$4,389.00. Mr. LaLonde noted that this will look at the base map of MS4 stormwater facilities and verify their locations.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve PSA 0522-PC05 to complete a stormwater facilities inventory plan in the amount of $4,389.00 to be paid to ARRO. Moved by Commissioner Tindaro and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy.
Commissioner Mullin called for Board and resident comments.
Commissioner Young asked if this was GIS mapping. Mr. LaLonde replied it is based on the GIS map that ARRO has for the Township.
Commissioner Young asked if ARRO is looking at the condition or just looking at the location. Mr. LaLonde replied that if they will submit anything that obviously needs to be repaired or immediate or long-term fixes.
Commissioner Young asked if the Township is going to use this plan to make a ranking list like they did with the road program. Ms. Denne replied that they have to identify the stormwater facilities and then the Township will do a ranking list. Mr. LaLonde also replied that this GIS mapping will also be reported on the Township’s annual MS4 permit report.
Commissioner Mullin asked if this would show the stormwater pipe that a resident was explaining at the last meeting goes through her yard. Ms. Denne replied that it would not because it is private infrastructure, and this pertains to publicly owned infrastructure.
Commissioner Mullin asked if the old pipe by the public works building is also mapped. Mr. Stackhouse replied that if it is not an active stormwater system then they would not map it, however, they will evaluate it and state if it is attached to anything, and is it needed or does it need repair.
Vote passed 5-0.
Consideration of PSA 0821-PT01 an Amendment to the Original PSA for Project Bidding and Construction Services for the Bridge at G.O. Carlson Bridge Repair Project in the Amount of
$29,210.00 – For Board consideration, Mr. LaLonde offered PSA 0821-PT01 in the amount of
$29,210.00.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve PSA 0821-PT01 an amendment to the original PSA for project bidding and construction services for the G.O. Carlson Bridge Repair Project, in the amount of $29,210.00. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro.
Commissioner Mullin called for Board and public comments.
Commissioner Evans asked if this is the bridge that was damaged in the first storm. Mr. Stackhouse replied that it is from the original storm identified by the State Inspectors.
Commissioner Mullin asked if this is for the east or west side of G.O. Carlson. Mr. Stackhouse and Ms. Denne replied that it is the west side, and it is also known as the “Bridge to Nowhere”.
Commissioner Mullin asked Mr. Stackhouse to check and see if the dishwasher was still at this location. Mr. Stackhouse replied that he will check.
Vote passed 5-0.
Consideration to Advertise for Bids to Complete the Demolition Project at 258 Horseshoe Drive – For Board consideration, Mr. LaLonde requested authorization to advertise bids to complete the demolition project at 258 Horseshoe Drive. Mr. LaLonde noted that this project is for the existing structure located at the Golf Course. He also noted that they would like to publish the first and second week of June and award the bid at the June 30 Board meeting.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to authorize for bids to complete the demolition project at 258 Horseshoe Drive. Moved by Commissioner Kennedy and seconded by Commissioner Evans.
Commissioner Mullin called for Board and public comments.
Mark DeYoung of 20 Beaver Run Road asked if the road will be closed during this time. Ms. Denne replied that they have not had their pre-construction meeting yet to even know what parameters they will have to work with.
Commissioner Kennedy asked Ms. Denne if the Township has received a grant for this. Ms. Denne replied that the Township has received a substantial grant for this, however, the Township does have a match.
Vote passed 5-0.
Consideration of Approval for Lowest Responsible Bidder for the East Fisherville Road Bridge Project
– For Board consideration, Mr. LaLonde offered Lycoming Supply, Inc. as the lowest bidder to demolish the bridge on East Fisherville Road, in the amount of $71,888.00.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve the lowest responsible bidder for the East Fisherville Road Bridge Project in the amount of $71,888.00. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro.
Commissioner Mullin called for Board and public comments. There were none. Vote passed 5-0.
Consideration of PSA 0522-PW03 for Biding, Construction Management, Administration and Contract Management of the Golf Course Pump Station Project in the Amount of $10,234.00 – For Board consideration, Mr. LaLonde offered PSA 0522-PW03, in the amount of $10,234.00. Mr. LaLonde noted that their certified building inspector inspected the building and determined that it would be astronomical to fix it, and it is also in a flood plain.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve PSA 0522-PW03 for biding, construction Management, administration, and contract management of the Golf Course Pump Station Project, in the amount of $10,234.00. Moved by Commissioner Tindaro and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy.
Commissioner Mullin called for Board and public comments.
Mr. Stackhouse noted that this is a FEMA project. Mr. Stackhouse also noted that he submitted this to the Township insurance company, and they have a site meeting tomorrow at 11:00 AM.
Commissioner Young asked Mr. Stackhouse what happens to the pumps that are inside. Mr. Stackhouse noted that part of this PSA is to see what exactly is needed there, and they will relocate the electric and possibly elevate the pump out of the base flood plain elevation.
Ms. Denne noted that FEMA is a reimbursement agency. Vote passed 5-0.
Consideration of PSA 1121-PC08 for a Bog Turtle Study Phase I for the South Lloyd Avenue Streambank Stabilization Project in the Amount of $4,025.00 – For Board consideration, Mr. LaLonde offered PSA 1121-PC08. Mr. LaLonde noted that this study has to be done before they can move forward.
Ms. Denne shared a picture of a bog turtle on the screen.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve PSA 1121-PC08 for a Bog Turtle Study Phase I for the South Lloyd Avenue Streambank Stabilization Project in the amount of
$4,025.00. Moved by Commissioner Tindaro and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. Commissioner Mullin called for Board and public comments. There were none.
Vote passed 5-0.
Municipal Drive Bridge Project – Mr. LaLonde noted that the bridge design is 50% completed. He also noted that there is incredibly poor soil at the site, and it is along a creek bed and not suitable to have a traditional bridge put in, so they are looking at pilings or other alternate methods to essentially build the bridge. Anticipated to be completed by the end of 2022.
2022 Road Paving Project – Mr. LaLonde noted that this project should be starting in early to mid- June.
Lloyd Avenue Signalization Project – Mr. LaLonde noted that the signals are functioning. He also noted that there were a couple vehicles that did not understand that they had to stop when the light turned red. ARRO will continue to monitor and finish the ARLE grant so the Township can get reimbursed as soon as the ARLE people can get it to them.
Reed Street Stormwater Project – Mr. LaLonde noted that they received their survey information back and they will be back to the Board for a full schematic design.
Caln Park West Bioswale Project – Mr. LaLonde noted that they started to receive submittals from Contractor DiRocco therefore construction will be starting momentarily. He also noted that this project will be completed by the end of September 2022, however, they may ask for a six-month extension to make sure that the vegetation takes.
Township Manager – Ms. Denne
Stormwater Model Ordinance Update – Ms. Denne noted that this is year five for the stormwater model ordinance. She noted that she attended training with Ms. Camp and she will be bringing that to the Board in the next two months. She also noted that this is a Chester County requirement. Ms. Denne noted that the changes are not brutal, however, they are changes such as a lot about MS4 and tree plantings and the effect that they have.
Fisherville Road Streambank Restoration – Ms. Denne shared before and after project pictures.
Commissioner Young asked if this completes the amount of money that the Township needs to spend on this project. Ms. Denne replied that this portion is complete.
Mr. Stackhouse replied that there are still invoices to be paid and there is a contingency that would not be released until there is a little more stabilization. He also noted that the streambank and road is complete. They also installed an inlet on the upper side of the street.
Authorization for Payment to Hondru Ford, in the amount of $31.775.00, from the equipment fund, for the Purchase of a 2022 Chevy Colorado – For Board consideration, Ms. Denne offered payment
authorization to Hondru, in the amount of $31,775.00. Ms. Denne also noted that her 2017 Ford Edge will be turned over to Code Enforcement.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to authorize payment to Hondru Ford, in the amount of $31,775.00 paid from the equipment fund for the purchase of a 2022 Chevy Colorado. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro.
Commissioner Mullin called for Board and public comments. There were none. Vote passed 5-0.
Ordinances and Resolutions for Consideration
Resolution 2022-04 A Resolution Designating the 2022 Response Territories for Emergency Service in Caln Township (Tabled 01/13/2022) – Commissioner Young asked Mr. Taylor when does their donation mailing go out. Mr. Taylor replied that the fire departments usually send the initial donation mailing out and then a reminder towards tax season. Commissioner Young noted that he would like to make a change before the mailings go out. Commissioner Young suggested a discussion with all the ambulance services in August or September.
Commissioner Mullin suggested finishing this year with splitting the Township down the middle to un- table and approve this resolution with the idea of going with AVL next year.
Board consensus was to make sure this resolution has the proper language and discuss further at the June 9, 2022, Board meeting.
Resolution 2022-20 A Resolution of Caln Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania Authorizing the Township Manager and President of the Board of Commissioners to Apply for and Sign All Documents Necessary for Funding Through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to Obtain Funds for the Beaver Creek Trail – For Board consideration, Ms. Denne offered Resolution 2022-20. Ms. Denne noted that the Township applied for this grant last year, however, the Township did not get the award. Ms. Denne also noted that Abbey Swan has re-applied for the DCNR grant again this year for the design services.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion authorizing Resolution 2022-20 authorizing the Township Manager and President of the Board of Commissioners to apply for and sign all documents necessary for funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to obtain funds for the Beaver Creek Trail. Moved by Commissioner Kennedy and seconded by Commissioner Evans.
Commissioner Mullin called for Board and public comments. There were none. Vote passed 5-0.
Minutes to Approve
Approval of Meeting Minutes from April 28, 2022 – Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve the April 28, 2022, Board of Commissioners Minutes. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Evans with Commissioner Mullin abstaining because he was not in attendance of the meeting.
Commissioner Mullin called for Board additions or corrections. There were none. Vote passed 5-0.
Approval of Meeting Minutes from May 12, 2022 – Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve the May 12, 2022, Board of Commissioners Minutes. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro.
Commissioner Mullin called for Board comments. There were none. Vote passed 5-0.
Acknowledgement of Planning Commission Approved Minutes
Acknowledgement of Meeting Minutes from March 15, 2022 – Commissioner Mullin acknowledged Board receipt of the approved March 15, 2022, planning commission minutes. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro.
Commissioner Mullin called for questions from the Board. There were none. Vote passed 5-0.
Finance Department – Ms. Swan
Financial Report – Ms. Swan noted that 55% of revenue has been collected for the year with 94% of it from real estate tax bills. Ms. Swan noted that the last day for face value payments is June 30 before a late fee is accessed.
Motion to Approve General Checks 48238 to 48305, Check 48280 Voided, and Manual Checks 259 to 263 – Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve general checks 48238 to 48305, check 48280, and manual checks 259 to 263. Moved by Commissioner Tindaro and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy with Commissioner Evans recusing himself from check 48297.
Commissioner Mullin called for Board and public comments. Vote passed 5-0.
Directors Reports
Police Chief Elias – Chief Elias noted a few highlights from his department’s April 2022 report, which was previously provided to the Board.
Speed Study of Brandywine Homes Community – Chief Elias noted that upon resident concern with the speed limits and direction from the Board, the police did a speed study for the roads in Brandywine Homes Subdivision. Johnson Avenue and Quarry Street should be reduced to 15 MPH and Toth Avenue and Fox Avenue should stay at 25 MPH.
Commissioner Kennedy asked Chief Elias if it would be difficult to make the whole development the same speed limit. Chief Elias replied that the police must use the 85% speed in their study in increasing or decreasing speed limits.
Ms. Denne noted that this change requires an ordinance amendment, if the Board chooses to take the police recommendation.
Ms. Denne noted that there is a problem with residents bringing home commercial vehicles, and the Township needs to discuss in their parking ordinance whether the roads are made for commercial vehicles.
Board consensus was for Ms. Denne to draw up a draft ordinance for a future meeting.
Chief Elias noted a bomb threat on April 25 at the Chester County Public Assistance office with the responsible party in custody within a couple of hours.
Chief Elias noted a bomb and shooting threat at the Coatesville Area Senior High School (CASH) with the responsible party being an Intermediate Unit student. Chief Elias also noted that there was a stabbing incident on May 24 at CASH. The responsible party peacefully surrendered to police. Commissioner Young asked if the school police were called first when the stabbing happened. Chief Elias noted that the call came through 911 dispatch, and all responding departments were called simultaneously. Commissioner Young asked the Chief who is in command of the incident and is it in the memorandum. Chief Elias replied that Caln police are in command, and it is in the memorandum, which is updated every two years
Chief Elias noted the Texas school shooting on May 24. Chief Elias also noted that after the Columbine School shooting in 1999, response has change where the first officer on scene is to enter without waiting for two or three other officers. He also noted that if it happened around here that the first officer would go in.
Fire Department Chief Taylor – Chief Taylor noted a few highlights from his department’s April 2022 report, which was previously provided to the Board.
Mr. Taylor asked for volunteers for the Strawberry Festival.
Replacement of Incident Command Vehicle in the Amount of $89,300.00 – For Board consideration, Mr. Taylor offered the purchase of a replacement incident command vehicle, in the amount of
$83,300.00.
Mr. Taylor noted that the purchase price will be from the Fire Fund and purchased through COSTARS as well as all the upfitting. One of the former police Crown Victoria cars was returned in 2015 and placed out of service due to too many needed repairs. They currently operate a F-150 that is assigned to the Chief.
Mr. Taylor noted that the 2011 former Police Crown Victoria that the Deputy Chief used will become one of the two vehicles used if one of the vehicles have to go into maintenance, or a line officer needs it. The F-150 will go to the Deputy Chief and the proposed Incident Command will be stored at the Fire House and the two other vehicles will be stored at their houses, so they are able to respond directly to the incident.
Mr. Taylor noted that there is a study with cancer in Fire Fighting and other emergency services so you will start seeing vehicles like this proposed vehicle as well as fire trucks that are going to what is called a “Clean Cab” initiative. Mr. Taylor noted that after they return from a fire, their structurally turnout gear will be outside the cab area. The reason for the pickup vehicles is they can separate their dirty gear until they can get back to the fire house to wash them, and not expose crew members or others to any carcinogens.
Commissioner Mullin called for Board and public comments. Mr. Taylor answered all Board questions in his proposal.
Ms. Denne asked the Board if the funds will be transferred from the Equipment Fund over to the Fire Fund. Commissioner Mullin replied that he believes so.
Ms. Denne asked Mr. Taylor if the fire department will register the vehicle and insurance it. Mr. Taylor replied that they will do that.
Commissioner Young made a motion to authorize the transfer of $89,300.00 from the Fire Equipment Fund to the fire department so they can purchase this vehicle and seconded by Commissioner Evans.
Vote passed 5-0.
Director of Building & Life Safety/Interim Public Works Director Mr. Stackhouse – Mr. Stackhouse noted a few highlights from his department’s April 2022 report, which was previously provided to the Board. Mr. Stackhouse gave a brief update on his department projects.
Mr. Stackhouse noted that his department has advertised for a full time Fire Marshall/Inspector.
Mr. Stackhouse noted that the roadside cutting has started, and the stormwater work and street sweeping continues.
Commissioner Mullin called for resident comments.
Tom Parr of 582 Lloyd Avenue thanked public works for cutting Lloyd Avenue today.
Ingleside Golf Manager Mr. Ward – Mr. Ward noted a few highlights from his department’s April 2022 report, which was previously provided to the Board.
Rounds
2022
2021
April
2,500
2,935
Revenue
2022
2021
Average Percentage
April
$91,142
$93,592
$59,947
-3%
YTD
$159,212
$171,662
$ 171,662
-8%
Commissioner Tindaro noted the 5:30 PM May 31, 2022, meeting will be held at the pavilion.
Commissioner Mullin called for Board and public comments. There were none.
Additional Business
Commissioner Mullin asked noted that he would like to archive the Township meeting recordings for a longer time. Ms. Denne replied that she will add this to the June Board agenda for further discussion. Ms. Denne noted that the cheapest and most effective way to do this is put a link to YouTube.
Commissioner Mullin noted that he would like to further discuss an ordinance for the Township to stop using plastic bags. Ms. Denne noted that she will recirculate the previous example that she sent to the Board and put this also on the agenda for further discussion.
Commissioner Young noted that the Township should discuss this further and ask the three main retailers to meet with the Township.
Public Comments
Commissioner Mullin called for public comments. There were none.
Adjournment
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to adjourn the May 26, 2022, Board of Commissioners minutes at 9:16 PM. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Evans.
Vote passed 5-0. Respectfully Submitted,
Denise Miller
Assistant Township Secretary
commissioners_minutes_05.26.2022.pdf |