Board of Commissioners Minutes
February 10, 2022 7:30 PM
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/Finance Director, and Abbey Swan-Community Outreach Specialist.
Professionals Present: N/A
Special Guest: N/A
The Board of Commissioners’ February 10, 2022 agenda was posted on the Township website, and at the Township building, on February 9, 2022. Copies were also made available to the public.
The 2022 Township Board of Commissioners meetings were published in the Daily Local News, on December 28, 2021.
Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag: Commissioner Mullin called the Hybrid Board of Commissioners meeting to order at 7:30 PM. He then called for the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
Commissioner Evans Township Update
Commissioner Evans would like to welcome and thank everyone for joining tonight. Thank you to all who have shared and continue to share their thoughts and feelings about their Township, its issues, and governance. Commissioner Evans also noted that the Township Board of Commissioner (Board) meetings are “Neutral Ground”, a place to hear and be heard. The Board is here to represent everyone in Caln, and we strive to be sure our decisions address the needs of all. We appreciate your interest, patience, and willingness to roll up your sleeves to be a part of the solution. We’re all in this together.
Commissioner Evans noted that who knew in January 2020, when we set out to upgrade our meeting room audio/video technology, that COVID-19 (COVID) was about to make our plans obsolete before we even started. It has taken longer than anyone would have expected, but that’s what it’s like living in pandemic times. So, in the end, we got more than we ever hoped for, and thanks to federal COVID funds, the Township did not have to pay for it out of their own pocket. I call that a win.
Commissioner Evans noted that the Township was planning on discussing a commercial vacancy ordinance tonight, however, the Township has tabled this until the Solicitor is present.
Commissioner Evans noted that there is a resolution on the agenda to back the ongoing lawsuit against the PA state legislature requiring the state to properly and proportionately fund our public schools, especially those school districts in need, like Coatesville Area School District.
Commissioner Evans noted that COVID cases in the area are rapidly declining, but hospitalizations remain high, and COVID related deaths are on par with the highest point of the Delta spike. Omicron can still be a death sentence for our immunocompromised neighbors. They need all of us to put the common good before our own desires. If you’re not yet fully vaccinated and boosted, do it now. COVID cannot mutate without an unvaccinated host, and none of us want to go through another variant. Remember: Don’t Act Out - Mask Up!
Commissioner Evans noted that Punxsutawney Phil said six more weeks of winter, and given the beautiful weather we have been enjoying the last couple of days, Commissioner Evans noted that he was beginning to think Punxsutawney Phil is about as accurate as some meteorologists! But there’s a chance he will redeem himself as things promise to take a sharp dip on Sunday, with yes, the possibility of more snow. If that pans out, please help our Public Works Department, Police, Fire, and EMS keep you safe. Those who live on Snow Emergency Routes are asked to move their cars off the street before any storm starts, and stay off the roads unless you absolutely need to be out.
Township Solicitor – Ms. Camp
N/A
Township Engineer
Spackman Farm Barn Re-roofing – ARRO Payment Recommendation #1, in the amount of $138,234.70 payable to Kupex Exteriors, LLC – For Board consideration, Ms. Denne offered ARRO’s recommendation #1 in the amount of $138,234.70 payable to Kupex Exteriors LLC, for the Spackman Farm Barn Re-roofing. Ms. Denne also noted that the farmer’ss rent money will pay for this so the Township does not have to pay any funds.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve ARRO’s payment recommendation #1 in the amount of $138,234.70 payable to Kupex Exteriors, LLC. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro.
Commissioner Mullin called for Board and public comments.
Mark DeYoung of 20 Beaver Run Road noted that this money will go into the General Fund so the Township is just repurposing it. He noted that he would like the Board to recognize that the statement of the Township not spending any money, is false.
Commissioner Evans clarified that approximately 1 to 1½ years ago, this Board voted to earmark money from the farmer to Spackman Farm maintenance. Commissioner Evans also noted that when the Township says that the money is not coming from the General Fund, it is because it is really not making it there.
Commissioner Mullin acknowledged that the farmer’s rent money is being used directly to maintain the Spackman Farm.
Vote passed 5-0.
ARRO PSA 1221-PC01 – PADEP Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Status Report – For Board consideration, Ms. Denne offered ARRO’s PSA 1221-PS01 for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Status report.
Ms. Denne noted that the Township has to do a status report on an annual basis to submit to the DEP in order to continue the progress, and permitting in the MS4 Program.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve ARRO’s PSA 1221-PC01 for the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System MS4 Status report. Moved by Commissioner Kennedy and seconded by Commissioner Young.
Commissioner Mullin called for Board and public comments. There were none.
Vote passed 5-0.
ARRO PSA 0222-PT01 – 2022 Road Program – For Board consideration, Ms. Denne offered ARRO’s PSA 0222-PT01 for the 2022 Road Program. Ms. Denne noted that this is to continue the design and exploration on preparing the bid documents.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve ARRO’s PSA 0222-PT01 for the 2022 Road Program. Moved by Commissioner Tindaro and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy.
Commissioner Mullin called for Board and public comments.
Commissioner Young asked Ms. Denne if she could identify the roads that will be done. Ms. Denne noted that the roads listed on the PSA need to be evaluated and then determined if they fit within the budget.
Vote passed 5-0.
Citizens to be heard
Commissioner Mullin called for citizens to be heard. There were none.
Township Manager – Ms. Denne
N/A
Ordinances and Resolutions for Consideration
Resolution 2022-10 A Resolution Authorizing the Disposition of Township Records – For Board consideration, Ms. Denne offered Resolution 2022-10 for the disposition of Township records.
Ms. Denne noted that Mrs. Miller determines the retention of Township documents according to the State Law. Mrs. Miller then presents a resolution to the Board for authorization to dispose of those records.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion approving Resolution 2022-10 for the disposition of Township records. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro.
Commissioner Mullin called for Board and public comments.
Commissioner Mullin asked if these documents are electronically filed. Ms. Denne noted that some are, and some can be destroyed because they are not required to be kept.
Commissioner Kennedy asked if the documents are shredded. Ms. Denne verified that they are shredded.
Vote passed 5-0.
Resolution 2022-11 A Resolution in Support of the Litigation before the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court about the Failure to Properly Enforce Pennsylvania’s Constitutional Guarantee in Article III, Section 14, of a Thorough & Efficient System of Public Education and Urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to Create and Maintain a Fair, Adequate, and Predictable Funding System that Enables all Children to Meet State Academic Standards & Does Not discriminate Against Low-Wealth School Districts – Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion approving Resolution 2022-11 for the support of the litigation before the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court about the failure to properly enforce Pennsylvania’s Constitutional Guarantee in Article III, Section 14, of the Thorough and Efficient System of Public Education and urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to create and maintain a fair, adequate, and predictable funding system that enables all children to meet state academic standards and does not discriminate against low-wealth school districts. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro.
Commissioner Mullin called for Board and public comments
Coatesville City Activist Laurie Shannon-Bailey thanked the Board for their dedication to the Township, and passing this resolution. Ms. Shannon-Bailey noted that they will present a resolution to the City of Coatesville on February 14, and Valley Township on February 15. Ms. Shannon-Bailey also noted that the Coatesville School Board gave a positive vote.
Commissioner Kennedy noted that the governor has allocated a substantial amount of money for public schools in this proposed budget.
Vote passed 5-0.
Resolution 2022-12 A Resolution Authorizing the Township Manager to sign Any Documents Necessary to Purchase 2 Police Vehicles from Hondru Ford with Additional Safety Upfitting Provided by 10-8 Emergency Vehicle Outfitters and Financing Provided by Santander Bank – For Board consideration, Ms. Denne offered Resolution 2022-12 authorizing the Township Manager to sign any documents necessary to purchase two police vehicles.
Ms. Denne noted that she has authorized the Police Chief to purchase these two vehicles back in August, from Hondru Ford with the understanding that we would not be paying for them until January 2022. This was done because of the shortage of F-550 trucks.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion authorizing Resolution 2022-12 for the Township Manager to sign any documents necessary to purchase two police vehicles from Hondru Ford with additional safety upfitting provided by 10-8 Emergency Vehicle Outfitters and Financing provided by Santander Bank. Moved by Commissioner Tindaro and seconded by Commissioner Young.
Commissioner Mullin called for Board and resident comments.
Commissioner Evans asked Ms. Denne what the date of arrival is for these two vehicles. Ms. Denne noted that they will be delivered next week.
Vote passed 5-0.
Resolution 2022-04 A Resolution Designating the 2022 Response Territories for Emergency Service in Caln Township (Tabled 01/13/2022, 01/27/2022, 02/10/2022)
Minutes to Approve
Motion to Approve the January 27, 2022 Board of Commissioners Minutes – Commissioner Mullin noted to change a comment on page 4 of the minutes to “Board consensus had interest in the plans presented by Mr. Kahn”. Mrs. Miller acknowledged the change to be made.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve the January 27, 2022 Board of Commissioners minutes with said change. Moved by Commissioner Tindaro and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy.
Commissioner Mullin called for Board comments. There were no further comments.
Vote passed 5-0.
Finance Department – Ms. Swan
Motion to Approve General Checks 47747 to 47797 – Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve general checks 47747 to 47797. Moved by Commissioner Tindaro and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy.
Commissioner Mullin called for Board and public comments. There were none.
Vote passed 5-0.
Boards and Commissions Updates – Summary by Applicable Board Liaison
Parks and Recreation – Commissioner Kennedy noted that they discussed 2022 events as well as other prior discussions were revisited. Commissioner Kennedy also noted that they have one vacant position on the Board.
COG – Commissioner Kennedy noted they discussed the SPCA changes, growing their membership as well as other prior discussions were revisited.
Commissioner Kennedy noted that there was quite a bit of funding available for the Chester County Hospital enabling them to add on additional space for emergency care. Commissioner Kennedy also noted that they are opening and reconstructing the closed areas of the hospital enabling them to take in more patients.
Municipal Authority – Commissioner Mullin noted the approval of their enrollment in a program funded by the PA Department of Health and Human Services to assist low income families to pay their water or waste water existing delinquent bills, due to COVID-19. Commissioner Mullin also noted that they approved the sewer capacity reallocation extension needed for the Aldi/Lomax project.
DARA – N/A
Fire Board – Commissioner Mullin noted that he attended his first meeting, which was an introductory meeting.
Historical Commission – Commissioner Evans noted that they had their reorganization meeting and appointed the following.
Paul Stevens – Chair
Lorraine Tindaro – Vice Chair
Mark Evans – Secretary
Dawn Coughlan – Liaison to the Old Caln Historical Society (New Position)
Commissioner Evans noted that they approved comments to submit to PennDOT about their proposed exchange updates because Route 340 and Route 322 has some plans that will be impacting Historical Properties.
Commissioner Evans noted that they reviewed and voted to obtain a license for PA Share. Commissioner Evans also noted that they approved the final draft of the Historical Preservation ordinance to be sent to the Zoning update Task Force, and the Township Solicitor.
Lincoln Highway – Commissioner Young noted that he has been meeting with Commissioner Evans, and they are in the process of scheduling another LERTA meeting with the Coatesville School Board, for this spring.
Commissioner Young noted that they reached out to Senator Katie Muth for additional funding for redevelopment, and some possible businesses that they have been discussing relocating to Caln Township.
Additional Business
Consideration to appoint Anne Duzan to the Parks and Recreation Board for a five year term ending December 31, 2026 – Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to appoint Anne Duzan to the Parks and Recreation Board for a five year term ending December 31, 2026. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro.
Commissioner Mullin called for Board and resident comments. There were none.
Vote passed 5-0.
Consideration to appoint Isabel Clark to the Parks and Recreation Board for the remainder of a five year term ending December 31, 2023 – Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to appoint Isabel Clark to the Parks and Recreation Board for the remainder of a five year term ending December 31, 2023. Moved by Commissioner Kennedy and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro.
Commissioner Mullin called for Board and public comments. There were none.
Vote passed 5-0.
Commissioner Mullin noted that there was an Executive Session prior to tonight’s meeting, regarding legal matters.
Commissioner Mullin asked Ms. Swan to give an update on the upcoming Township events.
Ms. Swan noted that Cleanup Day will be held on March 19, 2022 at 10:00 AM, and a Tree Planting on April 2, 2022 at 12:00 PM. Ms. Swan also noted that there is a signup genius on the website.
Commissioner Young asked where the trees will be planted. Ms. Swan noted that they will be planted at the Municipal Park primarily along Valley Run and the tributary that goes up to the church, and the Municipal Complex along the streams that go up between public works and the police garages.
Public Comments
Adjournment – Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to adjourn the February 10, 2022 Board of Commissioners meeting at 8:19 PM. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Young.
Respectfully Submitted,
Denise Miller,
Assistant Township Secretary
commissioners_minutes_02.10.2022.pdf |