253 Municipal Drive - Thorndale, PA 19372
December 19, 2019 Minutes 7:30 PM
Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
Attendance – Jennifer Breton-President, George Chambers-Commissioner, Joshua Young-Commissioner, Lorraine Tindaro-Commissioner, Chuck Kramer-Commissioner, Kristen Denne-Township Manager/Secretary, Keven Barron-Township Finance Director, Kristin Camp-Township Solicitor, and Denise Miller-Assistant Township Secretary.
Citizens to be Heard
Commissioner Breton called for Citizens to be Heard. There were none.
Commissioner Young presented Commissioner Kramer, Commissioner Chambers, and Commissioner Breton with flowers and plaques. He also thanked them for all their service during their terms. .
Township Solicitor – Ms. Camp
Moles Yard LLC Stormwater BMP’s and Conveyances O&M Agreement – For Board consideration, Ms. Camp offered a Stormwater BMP’s and Conveyances O&M Agreement for a proposed storage area for a contractor’s establishment, located at 180 Gallagherville Road.
Commissioner Breton entertained a motion to authorize the President to sign the Moles Yard LLC Stormwater Best Management Practices and Conveyances Operation and Maintenance Agreement. Moved by Commissioner Chambers and seconded by Commissioner Young. Vote passed 5-0.
Hillview Conditional Use Extension Request until June 30, 2020 – For Board consideration, Ms. Camp offered an extension request for Hillview Conditional Use until June 30, 2020, in order to obtain a building permit.
Commissioner Breton entertained a motion to authorize a Hillview Conditional Use until June 30, 2020. Moved by Commissioner Tindaro and seconded by Commissioner Kramer. Vote passed 5-0.
Taco Bell Request to Extend Conditional Use Approval and Approval of all Developer Agreements – For Board consideration, Ms. Camp offered an extension request for the Taco Bell commercial drive thru component of the restaurant, through May 13, 2020. She also noted the Land Development, Financial Security, Stormwater BMP’s and Conveyances O&M Agreements to be signed. The adoption of the Right of Way Deed Resolution, and The Letter of Credit in the amount of $693,265.04, was also submitted to the Township.
Commissioner Breton entertained a motion to authorize the Taco Bell extension request through May 13, 2020. Moved by Commissioner Chambers and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. Vote passed 5-0.
Commissioner Breton entertained a motion to authorize the President to sign the Financial Security, Land Development, and the Stormwater Best Management Practices and Conveyances Operation and Maintenance Agreement. Moved by Commissioner Kramer and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. Vote passed 5-0.
Commissioner Breton entertained a motion to authorize a Resolution to accept the Deed of Dedication for the Taco Bell property. Moved by Commissioner Chambers and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. Commissioner Kramer asked if Downingtown Investors LLC the owner for every aspect of this. Ms. Camp noted “yes”. Vote passed 5-0.
Christian Faith Fellowship Extension Agreement with the Township for Review of SALD Application and Plans until April 13, 2020 – For Board consideration, Ms. Camp offered an extension of time for the Christian Faith Fellowship until April 13, 2020, for time to work through the outside agency permits.
Commissioner Breton entertained a motion to accept the extension for the Christian Faith Fellowship through April 13, 2020. Moved by Commissioner Kramer and seconded by Commissioner Chambers. Vote passed 5-0.
Ms. Camp noted that the Young Lungs at Play Ordinance was advertised, sent to the Law Library, and the Daily Local News Paper.
Township Engineer – Mr. Kulakowsky
N/A
Township Manager – Ms. Denne
Griffith Farm Lease – For Board consideration, Ms. Denne offered a 2020 contract lease extension for the Griffith Farm. She noted that at the November 14, 2019 meeting it was asked what type of chemicals are used and a motion was made to approve the contract and then a motion was made to table the vote until this information could be obtained. She then read the type of chemicals, used by Cochranville Ag.
Commissioner Breton called for a vote on the motion to extend the Griffith Farm 2020 lease in the amount of $31,356.00. This motion was moved by Commissioner Chambers and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. Vote passed 5-0.
Ordinances and Resolutions for Consideration
Resolution 2019-36 A Resolution Adopting the 2020 Township Fee Schedule – Commissioner Breton entertained a motion to adopt Resolution 2019-36 for the 2020 Township Fee Schedule. Moved by Commissioner Tindaro and seconded by Commissioner Chambers. Vote passed 5-0.
Ordinance 2019-07 An Ordinance Setting the Real Estate Tax Rate for 2020 to 3.458 Mills – Commissioner Breton entertained a motion to adopt Resolution 2019-07 setting the real estate tax rate for 2020 as 3.458 mills. She noted there has been no increase for 2020. Moved by Commissioner Chambers and seconded by Commissioner Kramer. Vote passed 5-0.
Ordinance 2019-08 An Ordinance Imposing an Annual Fire Protection Tax of .6 Mills – Commissioner Breton entertained a motion to adopt Resolution 2019-08 An Ordinance imposing an Annual Fire Protection Tax of .6 Mills. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. Vote passed 5-0.
Ordinance 2019-09 An Ordinance Adopting the Final 2020 Municipal Budget – Commissioner Breton entertained a motion to adopt Ordinance 2019-09 adopting the 2020 municipal budget. Moved by Commissioner Kramer and seconded by Commissioner Chambers. Mark DeYoung of 20 Beaver Run Road had several questions and comments. He also noted that the golf course is losing $100,000 per year. Commissioner Young noted that this is what they received from the golf course. He also noted that the new Board will look into the golf course losses, and the Board’s job is to pass a balanced budget, and that is what they did. Vote passed 5-0.
Ordinance 2019-10 An Ordinance Adopting Young Lungs at Play – Commissioner Breton entertained a motion to adopt Ordinance 2019-10 adopting Young Lungs at Play Ordinance. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Chambers. Commissioner Young noted that it also includes vacant properties. Ms. Denne noted that the state will provide signs. Mark DeYoung of 20 Beaver Run Road asked if the golf course is included. Commissioner Young noted that it is, because it is owned by Caln Township and it is park land. Mr. DeYoung noted that they will need to stop selling cigars at the golf course, once the ordinance is passed. Mark Evans of 103 Ayerwood asked the fine amount. Ms. Denne noted that it would be under municipal violations and assigned by the Magistrate. Vote passed 5-0.
Finance Department – Mr. Barron
Finance Report – Mr. Barron gave a brief update on the finance report, which was previously provided to the Board.
General Checks 44199 to 44338 and Manual General Checks 79 to 87 – Commissioner Breton entertained a motion to approve general checks 44199 to 44338 and manual general checks 79 to 87. Moved by Commissioner Chambers and seconded by Commissioner Kramer. Commissioner Chambers abstained from check #44232 and Commissioner Young abstained from check #44244. Vote passed 5-0.
Minutes for Approval
November 12, 2019 Wild Meadows Hearing Minutes to Consider Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment – Commissioner Breton entertained a motion to approve the November 12, 2019 Wild Meadows Hearing Minutes to Consider Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Kramer. Vote passed 5-0.
November 14, 2019 Board of Commissioners Minutes – Commissioner Breton entertained a motion to approve the November 14, 2019 Board of Commissioners minutes. Moved by Commissioner Chambers and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. Vote passed 5-0.
November 20, 2019 Special Budget Presentation Minutes – Commissioner Breton entertained a motion to approve the November 20, 2019 Special Budget Presentation minutes. Moved by Commissioner Kramer and seconded by Commissioner Chambers. Commissioner Tindaro abstained. Vote passed 4-0.
Acknowledge October 15, 2019 Planning Commission Minutes – Commissioner Breton acknowledged the October 15, 2019 Planning Commission Minutes.
Boards and Commissions Updates-Summary by Applicable Board Liaison
Park and Recreation –Commissioner Young noted the annual children’s holiday party, tree lighting, and New York bus trip were a success. Ms. Swan is tabulating surveys that were mailed to see what other bus trips people are interested in.
COG – Commissioner Kramer noted that there was no meeting held.
Municipal Authority – Commissioner Chambers noted they continue to work on the development of the pump station, and applying for a grant to get additional sewage capacity for the Township.
DARA – Commissioner Young noted that there was no meeting held.
Fire Board – Commissioner Young noted he informed the Fire Board that more information and more structure is needed before a full time fire fighter can be hired. The Fire Board agreed to meet in the New Year to begin those items that were outstanding, so maybe in the 2021 budget they could hire a full time fire fighter.
Historical Commission – Commissioner Tindaro noted the meeting was cancelled however, they are in the process of reorganizing.
Lincoln Highway – Commissioner Young noted that there was no meeting held.
Additional Business
Ms. Denne offered a proposal from Denron Signs for an outside electric Township sign. Ms. Denne noted that the sign will run from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Commissioner Breton entertained a motion to approve the Denron sign proposal in the amount of $17,316. Moved by Commissioner Kramer and seconded by Commissioner Chambers. Vote passed 5-0.
All the Board Members thanked their colleagues, staff, and welcomed the new Board Members.
Commissioner Kramer noted that the Township Police Department currently has a full police department.
Public Comments
Commissioners Elect Paul Mullin, Jane Kennedy, and Mark Evans noted they look forward to serving the Community.
Adjournment – Commissioner Breton entertained a motion to adjourn the December 19, 2019 meeting, at 8:23 PM. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Kramer. Vote passed 5-0.
Respectfully Submitted,
Denise Miller,
Assistant Township Secretary

commissioners_minutes_12.19.2019.pdf |