Board of Commissioners July 11, 2024
7:30 PM Hybrid Business Meeting Minutes
Board Members Present: Paul Mullin-President, Joshua B. Young-Vice President, Jane Kennedy-Commissioner, Lorraine Tindaro-Commissioner, and Mark Evans-Commissioner.
Staff Members Present: Don Vymazal-Township Manager and Township Secretary, Denise Miller-Assistant Township Secretary and Administrative Assistant, Lisa Swan-Finance Director and Treasurer, and Abbey Swan-Director of Community Enhancement.
Professionals Present: P.E. Ross Bickhart Senior Project Manager-Gilmore & Associates (Gilmore).
Special Guest: N/A
The Board of Commissioners’ (BOC) July 11, 2024, agenda was posted on the Township website, at the Township building on July 10, 2024, and agendas were made available for the public, at the meeting. The 2024 Township BOC meetings were published in the Daily Local Newspaper, on December 27, 2023.
Commissioner Mullin called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM and Salute to the Flag.
Citizens to be Heard – There were none.
1. Engineering
1.2 2024 Road Program Bid Award
For Board consideration, Mr. Bickhart offered Long’s Asphalt as the lowest responsible bidder for the 2024 Road Program. Mr. Bickhart also noted that their bid of $345,905,35 is under what was allocated for the project. The whole project including add-alternate #1 for Suzanne Drive can be funded with Liquid Fuel Funds available without using the General Fund.
Commissioner Mullin asked Mr. Bickhart to name the list of roads to be paved. Mr. Bickhart replied that the roads include Ridgeview Drive, Longview Drive, Morgan Drive, and add-alternate #1 for Suzanne Drive.
Commissioner Young asked if it is correct that half of Longview Drive will be paved. Mr. Bickhart replied that the Longview Drive portion is from the intersection of North Longview Drive to the cul-de-sac since the western portion of the road is in good condition.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve the base bid amount of $294,451.30 and add-alternate #1 of $51,454.05 for a total bid of $345,905.35 awarded to Long’s Asphalt for the 2024 Road Program. Moved by Commissioner Tindaro and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. The vote passed 5-0.
2. Township Manager
2.1 Medical Marijuana Ordinance
Mr. Vymazal noted a potential ordinance and zoning change regarding Medical Marijuana, Vape Shops, and the like. Mr. Vymazal also noted that Ms. Camp indicated that she is having a discussion in another Chester County community, and she asked to table further discussion until the next meeting where she will have a draft language to present to the Board for review.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to table further discussion until the July 25, 2024, Board meeting. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. The vote passed 5-0.
2.2 Multimodal Transportation Fund Grant
Mr. Vymazal noted that the Multimodal Transportation Fund Grant and 2.3 Change order to ARLE Grant PSA are related to funding opportunities associated with Lincoln Highway Improvements as discussed at prior meetings. He was able to successfully submit an ARLE Grant application for the Red-Light Enforcement Funding opportunity dedicated to the Eastern and Western ends of Lincoln Highway where there is limited lighting, and significant pedestrian movement in those areas. Mr. Vymazal also noted that the Township would find out if the State approved the approximate $1.5 million grant funds by the end of the year. Chief Elias also submitted his support for the grant application.
Mr. Vymazal noted that he is submitting a Multimodal Grant application to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). This grant would go towards sidewalks, decorative lighting and significant permanent safety features along intersections and crosswalks. Mr. Vymazal also noted that Gilmore and Associates will do the cost estimates associated with that fund and it is due by the end of July 2024.
2.3 Change Order to ARLE Grant PSA
Mr. Vymazal proposed a change order to support the necessary engineering work for the Multimodal Grant. They are recommending amending the ARLE Grant PSA to incorporate the Multimodal Grant as well. The change order would be for not more than $3,000.00 for meetings and work associated with developing the cost estimates, for a total of $6,000.00
Commissioner Mullin asked what the advantage is of amending the ARLE Grant PSA to incorporate the Multimodal Grant. Mr. Vymazal replied that it may be administratively easier from a billing perspective.
Commissioner Kennedy asked if the $6,000.00 payable to Gilmore is for specifications and design. Mr. Vymazal replied yes, correct, it is for Gilmore’s time for two meetings previously held for the ARLE Grant and Gilmores’ work on the requirements and specifications.
Commissioner Kennedy asked the status of her previous question about Amtrak making a local stop in Caln. Mr. Vymazal replied that he had a conversation with the county, and he believes that work such as this will go a long way towards making an Amtrak stop possible. One of the challenges currently is they want to have walkability and in many sections of the roadway you are walking on the shoulder. If Caln is able to demonstrate safe and successful movement for bicycles and pedestrians, not just vehicles parking in the lot, that would help attract an Amtrak stop.
Commissioner Mullin asked if the City of Coatesville will accept Amtrak. Commissioner Kennedy and Mr. Vymazal replied that they already have Amtrak.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve Project #2400538 change order #1 for an increase of $3,000.00 for Gilmore and Associates to provide general assistance for the Multimodal Transportation Fund Program. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Evans. The vote passed 5-0.
3. Board Minute to Approve
3.1 May 30, 2024
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve the May 30, 2024, Board minutes. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. The vote passed 5-0.
3.2 June 27, 2024
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve the June 27, 2024, Board minutes. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Evans. The vote passed 5-0.
4. Finance Department
4.1 Check Approval
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve check 52318 to 52397. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. The vote passed 5-0.
5. Summary by Applicable Board Liaison
5.1 Parks and Recreation
Commissioner Kennedy noted the 16th Annual Community Day on September 7, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM and National Night Out on August 6, 2024, from 6:00 PM to Dusk.
5.2 COG
Commissioner Kennedy noted trash pickup options, animal control options, and inviting additional
Municipalities to join the COG were discussed at the June meeting.
5.3 Municipal Authority
Commissioner Mullin noted that he has no report to present.
5.4 DARA – Commissioner Mullin
Commissioner Mullin noted that two Townships have not submitted their Act 537 Plans to DARA.
5.5 Fire Board
Commissioner Mullin noted that they are getting ready to start their 2025 budget process. They would like to add two career firefighters to their 2025 budget.
5.6 Historical Commission
Commissioner Evans noted that the American250 picnic was a success with over 108 people attending. Representative Danielle Friel-Otten, Representative Dan Williams, State Senator Katie Muth, and Chester County Commissioner Marian Moskowitz read the Declaration of Independence. Tours of the hexagonal schoolhouse are the first Sunday of the month, and the Chester County Planning Commission is in review of the draft Historical Preservation Ordinance.
5.7 Lincoln Highway
Commissioner Young noted that he spoke with Commissioner Moskowitz, and she stated that she appreciates that the Township passed the Chester County Complete Streets Policy. Commissioner Young also noted that they discussed the Multimodal and ARLE grants and inviting a couple of developers to their meeting.
5.8 Ingleside Golf Course
Commissioner Tindaro noted that Golf Pro J.T. Holsman’s last day of employment is July 15, 2024. Their next meeting will be held on July 29, 2024, at 12:00 PM.
6. Additional Business – There was none.
7. Public Comment Malik and Telisha Feamster of 3201 Edge Lane both stated that they have not heard word from the Township regarding their concern expressed at the April 2024 meeting. Since the April meeting, they have had two windshields replaced, one windshield fixed, a car dent, and a vehicle driver’s side window shattered by golf balls. They also cannot sit outside for concern of being hit by golf balls.
Mr. Vymazal noted that he met with golf course Supervisor Nicole Shannon, and they are relocating the hole behind the existing trees, which may not eliminate the golf balls traveling onto their property; however, it may stop some of them. Mr. Vymazal asked the Feamsters to schedule a day and time during the, week of July 15 to meet with him and Ms. Shannon.
Commissioner Mullin asked Mr. and Mrs. Feamster how often golf balls go onto to their property. Mr. and Mrs. Feamster replied that it is every day.
8. Adjournment:
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to adjourn the July 11, 2024 Board meeting at 8:20 PM. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. The vote passed 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Miller,
Assist. Township Secretary