253 Municipal Drive - Thorndale, PA 19372
January 16, 2020 Minutes
7:30 PM
Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
Attendance – Paul Mullin-President, Jane Kennedy-Vice President, Joshua Young-Commissioner, Lorraine Tindaro-Commissioner, Mark Evans-Commissioner, Kristen Denne-Township Manager/Secretary, Keven Barron-Township Finance Director (Absent), Bryan Kulakowsky-Township Engineer (Absent), Kristin Camp-Township Solicitor (Absent), and Denise Miller-Assistant Township Secretary.
Citizens to be Heard
George Chambers of 9 Parkside Drive asked the status of the $15,000 allocated for a sound and video system. Commissioner Evans noted that the equipment has to go out to bid, and he believes that they can come in under $15,000. Chuck Kramer of 2704 East Kings Highway and Cheryl Spaulding of 400 Lloyd Avenue made recommendations and comments regarding the equipment. Commissioner Evans also noted that he would prefer to not have the meetings live so it doesn’t defer residents from attending the meetings.
Commissioner Evans noted a few updates added to the agenda.
Coatesville School District Update - Commissioner Evans noted that the Board is aware of the emergency meeting. Mike Bedrick of 1701 Olive Street noted that the German Company Siemens is looking to partner with the local public schools.
Lloyd Farm Update – Commissioner Evans noted that the Concerned Citizens Group and the Township Manager contacted the Lloyd Farm property owner’s attorney, and requested that the hunting stop on Lloyd Farm. The property owner has agreed, in writing, to stop the hunting on Lloyd Farm.
Griffith Farm Update – Commissioner Evans noted that the Township has begun the removal of the over growth of the barn and out buildings. He noted that the next step will be to have the wiring inspected to see if it’s capable of handling enough power to run fans, sump pumps, and possibly a dehumidifier to reduce the moisture and degradation, without starting a fire, which would make all the other work mute. Commissioner Kennedy noted that she will contact Karen Marshall to inquire about initiating “Friends of Griffith Farm” and to set up a 501C in order to receive grant money for the renovation and for possible utilization by township residents and/or possible lease.
Revitalization of the Lincoln Highway Corridor – Commissioner Evans noted that Mr. Stackhouse has provided the Board with a list of vacant properties, to better assess where and how to begin the revitalization.
Commissioner Mullin noted that an Executive Session was held on January 2, 2020 regarding personnel and legal matters.
Township Solicitor – Ms. Camp
N/A
Township Engineer – Mr. Kulakowsky
Planning Commission Update – Mr. Kulakowsky was not in attendance.
Consideration to Approve a Professional Service Agreement for Phase I of the 2020 Road Program – For Board consideration, Ms. Denne offered a Professional Service Agreement for Phase I of the 2020 Road Program, which consist of 11 roads. Ms. Denne also noted that with the exception of the east Fisherville Road Bridge, all of the critical roads will be addressed. The next tier will be the “yellows”. Commissioner Mullin asked how long this would take. Ms. Denne noted they will be ready for bid in March or April, ideally accepting, reviewing, and awarding bids in April and paving in July or August. Commissioner Mullin also asked who the township’s designated representative is, for this agreement. Ms. Denne noted that it is Mike Fragale. She also noted an inspector is on the streets every day during construction. After Board discussion,
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve a Professional Service Agreement for Phase 1 of the 2020 Road Program. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. Vote passed 5-0.
Township Manager – Ms. Denne
Authorization to Sign all Documents for the 2020 GMC Canyon 4WD Crew Cab 128” SLE, and Authorization of $3,500 to Purchase a Radio and Lettering for Said Vehicle, to be Paid Out of the Equipment (34) Fund – For Board consideration, Ms. Denne noted that all the Departments make a contribution into the equipment fund. Mr. Stackhouse’s truck has over 100,000 miles, and there is more than enough cash in his department equipment fund to pay cash. Ms. Denne also noted this vehicle is not only for the Building and Life Safety Department, it is also for Emergency Operations. After Board discussion.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to authorize the expenditure of up to $41,500, and for the Township to sign all documents pertaining to a 2020 GMC Canyon Crew Cab SLE model. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. Vote 5-0.
Mr. Stackhouse noted that they have not evaluated whether the old vehicle could be used elsewhere or to see if they can put in on Municibid for sale, when there are enough vehicles to sell. Ms. Denne noted that they will get a quote to see if it’s worth using for picking trash up in the park.
Rescheduling of the February 13, 2020 Board of Commissioners Meeting – Discussion was held on the previous request to reschedule the February 13 Board meeting. Cheryl Spaulding of 406 Lloyd Avenue, Licia Evans of 103 Ayerwood Drive, Mike Bedrick of 1701 Olive Street, and Chuck Kramer of 2704 opposed to changing meeting dates, unless you do not have a quorum. Ms. Denne noted that the Calne quests will be in attendance at the February 27, 2020 meeting, which is usually kept as an abbreviated meeting. After Board discussion,
Board consensus was to keep the February 13, 2020 meeting as scheduled.
Census Champion Program – Ms. Denne noted that Caln Township is partnering with the Chester County Planning Commission to promote participation in the census. Herself and Mrs. Swan delivered brochures, in English and Spanish, to the Reserves and Fairways and next will be Church groups. She also noted a confidential post card will be sent to you, if that is not filled out you will get a full census packet, and if that is not completed, you will have someone come to your door. She then noted the census is how education funding is distributed and federal funding. Currently only Wedgewood and Margee Heights are eligible to receive the Community Development Grants. Chery Spaulding of 406 Lloyd Avenue, Mark DeYoung of 20 Beaver Run, Mike Bedrick of 1701 Olive Street, and Chuck Kramer of 2704 East Kings Highway made comments and suggestions on the discussion.
Ordinances and Resolutions for Consideration
Resolution 2020-03 A Resolution Adopting the Schedule of Fees for the Township’s Professional Consultants – After Board discussion,
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to adopt the schedule of fees for the Township’s Professional Consults. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. Cheryl Spaulding of 406 Lloyd Avenue had questions on the motion. Vote passed 5-0.
Commissioner Evans asked residents to not park on the street when it snows, because the plows and emergency vehicles cannot get through.
Resolution 2020-04 a Resolution Designating the 2020 Response Territories for Emergency Service in Caln Township – For Board consideration, Ms. Denne reviewed and offered a resolution designating the 2020 response territories for Emergency Service. After Board discussion,
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion designating the 2020 response territories for Emergency Service in Caln Township. Moved by Commission Young and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. Cheryl Spaulding of 406 Lloyd Avenue had a question on the motion. Vote passed 5-0.
Boards and Commissions – Expired 12/31/2019
Civil Service: Stephen Dintino – Reappointment until 12/31/2025 – Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to reappoint Stephen Dintino to the Civil Service to a term expiring 12/31/2025. Moved by Commissioner Kennedy and seconded by Commissioner Young. Commissioner Evans asked how an expiring seat becomes open, other than the person deciding they no longer want to be on the Board/Commission. Commissioner Mullin noted that the Board can reject a reappointment. Comments and questions on the motion made by Cheryl Spaulding of 406 Lloyd Avenue, Mark DeYoung 20 Beaver Run Road, Licia Evans of 103 Ayerwood Drive, and Chuck Kramer of 2704 East Kings Highway. Ms. Denne noted the terms for the Boards and Commissioners are by the Code of the First Class Township. Commissioner Evans noted that the Board will be paying close attention to all involvement in the commissions and if the members are not serving well at the end of the year, they will not be reappointed. Vote passed 5-0.
Historical Commission: Dawn Coughlan Reappointment until 12/31/2024 – Commissioner Evans noted that he would like to contact Mrs. Coughlan before the Board considers her reappointment. Historical Commission President, Cathy Callaghan noted that she will contact Mrs. Coughlan. After Board discussion,
Board consensus was to table Ms. Coughlan’s reappointment until she can be contacted.
Parks and Recreation Board: Angela Cordisco Reappointment until 12/31/2024 – Ms. Cordisco was in attendance at the meeting. After Board discussion,
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to reappointment Angela Cordisco to the Parks and Recreation Board for a term expiring 12/31/2024. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. Vote passed 5-0.
Zoning Hearing Board: Stephen DePedro Reappointment until 12/31/2022 – George Chambers of 9 Parkside Drive encouraged an appointment/reappointment interview process. Mr. Stackhouse noted the importance of reappointment/appointment because this is a legal board and could possibly affect the board quorum and in turn affect decisions. Ms. Denne noted there could be a deemed approval if a hearing is not held within so many days. Commissioner Evans noted that they will be moving quickly. Cheryl Spaulding of 406 Lloyd Avenue wanted clarification on the expiration of terms. After Board discussion,
Board consensus was to table the reappointment of Stephen DePedro until the Board can contact him.
Municipal Authority: William Schew Reappointment until 12/31/2024 – Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to reappoint William Schew to the Municipal Authority for a term expiring 12/31/2024. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Young. George Chambers of 9 Parkside Drive commented on the motion. Commissioner Mullin noted that Mr. Schew is an engineer and brings a lot of knowledge to the Municipal Authority. Vote passed 5-0.
James Mayrides – Motion to clarify Mr. Mayrides as an Alternate for the Zoning Hearing Board 2019-2021 Term – After Board discussion,
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion acknowledging the clarification of Mr. Mayrides as an Alternate for the Zoning Hearing Board term expiring 12/31/2021. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. Vote passed 5-0.
Commissioner Evans recommended having two Board or Commission Members attend the appointment or reappointment interviews. Ms. Denne suggested having the Board or Commission Liaison meet with 2 Members and then give a report to the Board of Commissioners.
Mike Noble – Motion to clarify Mr. Noble for the Zoning Hearing Board 2019-2021 Term – After Board discussion,
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion acknowledging the clarification of Mr. Nobel as the Zoning Hearing Board Alternate for the term expiring 12/31/2021. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Young. Vote passed 5-0.
Finance Department
General Checks 44339 to 44454 and Manual General Check 88 – After Board discussion,
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve general checks 44339 to 44454, and manual general check 88. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. Cheryl Spaulding of 406 Lloyd Avenue and Chuck Kramer of 2704 East Kings Highway had questions on the motion. Vote passed 5-0.
Minutes for Approval
December 19, 2019 Minutes – Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve the December 19, 2019 Board of Commissioners minutes. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. Vote passed 5-0.
Acknowledgement of the November 19, 2019 Planning Commission Minutes – On behalf of the Board, Commissioner Mullin acknowledged the receipt of the November 19, 2019 Planning Commission Minutes. Commissioner Evans requested to see all the documents on Dwell since the new Board Members were not appointed while it was going through the process. Ms. Denne noted a tentative presentation for Dwell on January 30, 2020.
Boards and Commissions Updates-Summary by Applicable Board Liaison
Park and Recreation – Commissioner Young noted that they did not have a December meeting.
COG – Commissioner Kennedy noted their first 2020 meeting will be held on January 22.
Municipal Authority – Commission Mullin noted the pump station is in process, and the willow trees were dying or were dead and had to be removed because the pump station pipe would have gone under them. They are looking into replanting another type of tree. Tony DiSario of 251 Loomis Avenue commented on the trees growing right at the cage. Ms. Denne and Mr. Stackhouse noted that they are private stormwater facilities and the responsibility of the Home Owners Association “HOA”. Commissioner Evans noted that if it is the HOA’s responsibility, they can contact them and ask them to do the right thing.
DARA – Commissioner Young noted that they did not have a December meeting.
Fire Board – Commissioner Young noted that they did not have a December meeting. He also noted that there will be an emergency meeting because people voted at the election who were not supposed to.
Historical Commission – Commissioner Tindaro noted that they are looking for new members. Commissioner Evans noted discussion held on signage, meeting attendance, school house roof inspection and lock change and Edges Mill properties going into the Natural Historic Registry. Cathy Callaghan commented on the homes to go into the Natural Historic Registry. Cheryl Spaulding of 406 Lloyd Avenue asked about the complete analysis of the Griffith Farm that was done. Ms. Denne noted that she has received it, and will be presenting it to the Board.
Lincoln Highway – Commissioner Young noted that they did not have a meeting in December or January. He also noted that he and Commissioner Evans are working on goals to work towards, and sending out a pool. Licia Evans of 103 Ayerwood Avenue asked if this will be turned into a formal commission. Commissioner Young noted that they will be discussing that further. Commissioner Kennedy noted that she will be discussing LERTA at the School Board meeting. Chuck Kramer of 2704 East Kings Highway also made comments on the discussion.
Additional Business
Public Comments
Cathy Callaghan of 931 Bondsville Road noted that she is opposed to the many signs in the township as well as the business lights. Ms. Denne noted the Board could do new sign regulations, if they wanted to.
Cheryl Spaulding of 406 Lloyd Avenue requested an update of the Lloyd Avenue traffic lights. Ms. Denne noted that the grant was awarded however, the township is waiting on the contract.
Commissioner Mullin noted that the Township will strive to have the agenda ready by the end of the day Tuesday, one day earlier. Ms. Spaulding asked if the agenda will be updated with additions after it is posted on Tuesday. Commissioner Mullin responded to Mrs. Spaulding that if something is added to the agenda and she already downloaded the agenda, she would be working off the wrong one, and that was her concern, so it might be best to have additions stated at the meeting, and have Commissioner Evans call her with any additions.
Commissioner Evans noted that the Historic Commission would like to join the Chester County Historical Committee at a cost of $85. Ms. Denne noted that she would need something sent to her.
Commissioner Mullin noted that when he previously spoke, to Ms. Spaulding, about resident notification when something affects residents or their neighborhood, he meant that the Township will let residents and neighborhoods know ahead of time when there will be a meeting held that affects them.
Cheryl Spaulding of 406 Lloyd Avenue noted as far as Wild Meadows is concerned “I checked and as far as I’m aware, you are not required to do anything at all, you don’t have to vote at all, it just dies.” Commissioner Evans noted “we do not have to vote on it, you’re absolutely right”.
A resident of Lloyd Avenue commented about the down wires on Amtrak property. Ms. Denne noted that a Federal Judge has advised them that this is Federal Property and the township has no jurisdiction. She suggested he contact the Government Affairs Department. Commissioner Young noted that the line is not live.
Commissioner Mullin noted that they have an Executive Meeting after their meeting tonight, regarding personnel matters.
Adjournment – Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to adjourn the January 16, 2020 meeting, at 9:25 PM. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. Vote passed 5-0.
Respectfully Submitted,
Denise Miller,
Assistant Township Secretary
commissioners_minutes_01.16.2020.pdf |