253 Municipal Drive Thorndale, PA 19372
June 11, 2020 Minutes
7:30 PM
Call to Order and Pledge Allegiance to the Flag
Commissioner Mullin called the Virtual Zoom meeting to order at 7:40 PM. He then called for the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
Attendance – Paul Mullin-President, Jane Kennedy-Vice President, Joshua Young-Commissioner, Lorraine Tindaro-Commissioner, Mark Evans-Commissioner, Kristen Denne-Township Manager/Secretary, Kevin Barron-Township Finance Director (Absent), Bryan Kulakowsky-Township Engineer (Absent), Kristin Camp-Township Solicitor (Absent), and Denise Miller-Assistant Township Secretary.
Commissioner Evans Updates
Happy Days – Commissioner Evans noted that Happy Days Restaurant was in the Philadelphia Inquirer regarding their 1950’s style drive-in service.
Yellow Phase – Commissioner Evans noted that Chester County entered the “yellow phase” on June 5. The “yellow phase” still restricts most public gatherings and most personal care services however, local restaurants with outdoor capacity are offering alfresco dining.
Commissioner Evans noted that Chester County currently is experiencing an average of thirty five new cases per day and has to reach fewer that nineteen cases for fourteen consecutive days, in order to reach the “green phase”. He also noted that Chester County has already reached the other three requirements. Contact tracing is in place, state requirement of hospital beds, and 2% of the population has been tested.
Commissioner Evans encouraged residents to continue wearing masks and social distancing, even when the “green phase” is reached.
Repealing the State of Emergency – Commissioner Evans noted that repealing the state of emergency does not push us into the “green phase” however, it does accomplish stopping Pennsylvania’s ability to receive federal emergency funds.
Lloyd Farm House – Commissioner Evans noted graffiti at the Farm House again. He noted that discussion will be held at the next Historical Commission meeting regarding a request to the owner to replace the fencing in order to keep vandals out.
“Coffee with the Commissioners” Town Hall – Commissioner Evans noted that the June 3 town hall was cancelled due to power outages. A new date to be determined.
Citizens to Be Heard
Cheryl Spaulding of 406 Lloyd Avenue asked the Board if they could revisit a “Citizen Commission” with the Board, in regards to working with Coatesville. She also mentioned their upcoming theatre.
Township Solicitor – Ms. Camp
N/A
Township Engineer – Mr. Kulakowsky
N/A
Township Manager – Ms. Denne
Roof Quotes for School House – For Board consideration, Ms. Denne offered one of the three phone bids in the amount of $4,750 from GP Martini. She noted phone bids are acceptable because the cost is under $18,500.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to accept the school house roof replacement bid from GP Martini in the amount of $4,750 with $1,583 to be paid with the agreement, and the remaining amount of $3,167 to be paid upon completion. Tony DiSario of 251 Loomis Avenue asked which school house the motion is referring to. Commissioner Mullin noted that it is in front of the township building. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. Vote passed 5-0.
Commissioner Kennedy asked for the status of the township sign. Ms. Denne noted that she will check with Ms. Swan.
Census Update – Ms. Denne noted Township Census participation has increased from 70% last month to currently 72% participation. She also noted that you can still participate online if you do not have your fourteen digit code, by entering your address.
June 25, 2020 public workshop – Ms. Denne noted a 6:30 PM workshop regarding The Hills at Thorndale Woods. She noted that Ms. Camp and Mr. Kulakowsky would like to discuss, in detail, the issues with the development.
MS4 Presentation – Ms. Denne noted that there will be a MS4 presentation at the June 25 meeting, by Andrew Tuleya, ARRO’s Engineer that handles the township permit processing.
Demolition Grant – For Board consideration, Ms. Denne requested approval to proceed with a Demolition Grant released through the Community and Economic Development, to be used on the house on the golf course property. She noted the grant is due July 31. She also noted that previous bids were from $50,000 - $75,000, to demolish the house.
Commissioner Evans asked if the house has any historical significance. Ms. Denne noted that she researched it and to her knowledge it does not however, she did find that the Buchanan House does. Commissioner Evans noted that he will discuss this further with the Old Caln Historic Society. Commissioner Mullin noted this will be further discussed at the next meeting.
Dog Park – Ms. Denne noted the dog park will open on June 12, and be limited to twenty-five people. She also noted that you have to maintain social distancing.
Downingtown/Thorndale Chamber – Ms. Denne noted that the Downingtown/Thorndale Chamber will have small business re-opening kits consisting of hand sanitizer, masks, gloves, and signage.
Ordinances and Resolutions for Consideration
Resolution 2020-21 A Resolution Appointing the Township Manager as the Official Appointed to execute all Documents on Behalf of the Township for the Lloyd Avenue Bridge Signalization Project – Cheryl Spaulding of 406 Lloyd Avenue asked the start time frame. Ms. Denne noted that she will have an answer for her at the next meeting. Ms. Spaulding also suggested “thirty minute limit” signage for the dog park, and she can put information on the “Caln Watch” page regarding the census. Ms. Denne noted that she can direct residents to Census.gov.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve Resolution 2020-21 appointing the Township Manager as the Official appointed to execute all documents on behalf of the Township for the Lloyd Avenue Bridge signalization project. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. Vote passed 5-0.
Resolution 2020-22 A Resolution Authorizing the Township Manager to Sign the Agreement with PennDot for the 2019 Automated Red Light Transportation for Lloyd Avenue – Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve Resolution 2020-22 authorizing the Township Manager to sign the agreement with PennDot for the 2019 automated red light transportation for Lloyd Avenue. Moved by Commissioner Tindaro and seconded by Commissioner Evans. Cheryl Spaulding of 406 Lloyd Avenue asked for clarification on the motion. Ms. Denne replied that this is for the Lloyd Bridge light. Vote passed 5-0.
Minutes to Approve/Acknowledge
Motion to Approve the March 28, 2020 Board of Commissioners Minutes – Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve the March 28, 2020 Board of Commissioners minutes. Moved by Commissioner Tindaro and seconded by Commissioner Young. Vote passed 5-0.
Finance Department
General Checks 45068-45109, and Manual General Check 130 – Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve general checks 45068 to 45109, and manual general check 130. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. Vote passed 5-0.
Boards and Commissions Updates – summary by Applicable Board Liaison
Parks and Recreation – Commissioner Young noted that they have not met however, it is not looking good for the summer events and they may be cancelled for the rest of the year. He also noted that the Borough of Downingtown has cancelled all their remaining events, for the year. Commissioner Evans suggested a “drive-in” movie night. Commissioner Young noted that they do not have the equipment or area to hold this kind of event. Ms. Denne noted that they have to follow the CDC guidelines.
COG – Commissioner Kennedy noted possible on-line sessions. She also commented on the remaining classes they need to take. Ms. Denne noted that she will check on those for her.
Municipal Authority – Commissioner Mullin noted that the pump station across from the township building is currently completing the restoration work. He also noted that in late August, early September they may start testing it, and will be doing the final punch list.
DARA – Commissioner Mullin noted that George Chambers will give a report next month.
Fire Board – Commissioner Young noted that the Fire Board has not met.
Historical Commission – Commissioner Tindaro noted that they had a Zoom meeting on May 20 where the Griffith/Spackman Farm repair was discussed. She noted that $50,000 to $80,000 is needed to fix the farm house, and they discussed a possible “Friends of Spackman Farm” group which would make it easier to receive funding.
Commissioner Evans noted that a vote was taken and the farm will now be called the Spackman Farm. Discussion was held on using the farmer’s rent on the barn roof, forming sub-committees, process of getting specs. getting together on the roof replacement with Paul Stevens outline, meeting remotely with the Old Caln Historic Society, and vandalism at Lloyd and Spackman Farm. Discussion was also held on making the farm house look like it is lived in to deter vandals.
Lincoln Highway – Commissioner Young noted that he will email Commissioner Evans to set a meeting date, and then send it to the rest of the Committee.
Cheryl Spaulding of 406 Lloyd Avenue asked if $50,000 was already approved, in the budget, for the Spackman Farm roof repair. Commissioner Young noted that he is not sure if it is already in the budget. He also noted that it still has to be put out to bid.
Tony DiSario of 251 Loomis Avenue stated that PAW is putting in a water line up the boulevard, regarding the pump station. Ms. Denne noted that it is new service that will go up through Bondsville Road.
Mark DeYoung of 20 Beaver Run asked about the August school taxes. Ms. Denne suggested visiting the school’s power point presentation on their website. Commissioner Evans noted they should start a marketing campaign for Coatesville Schools. Commissioner Kennedy noted their cyber school initiative program.
Tony DiSario of 251 asked how many Coatesville Residents go to Collegium. Commissioner Evans noted that he will get back to him on that. Ms. Denne noted 40% however, that is an old number.
Additional Business
Commissioner Evans noted that the directional sign at the intersection of Manor Avenue is damaged. Ms. Denne noted that this is a PennDot sign, and she will put in a request to them.
Commissioner Tindaro noted that the historic mile marker on Route 30, across from the state store has been damaged. Mike Bedrick of 1701 Olive Street suggested putting stones around it, and or rail road ties. Ms. Denne noted that this is a PennDot right of way however, she will contact the Old Caln Historic Society and get the proper channels to get PennDot approvals. Commissioner Young noted a backhoe was up righting it back into the proper position, this morning.
Public Comments
Commissioner Mullin called for public comment. There were none.
Adjournment
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to adjourn the June 11, 2020 meeting at 8:42 PM. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Evans. Vote passed 5-0.
Respectfully Submitted by,
Denise Miller
Assistant Township Secretary
commissioners_minutes_06.11.2020.pdf |