253 Municipal Drive Thorndale, PA 19372
November 29, 2018 7:33 PM
Commissioner Breton noted that there was not an executive meeting prior to tonight’s meeting however, there was one after the October 25, 2018 meeting.
Call to order and pledge of allegiance.
Attendance – Jennifer Breton-President, George Chambers-Vice President, John Contento-Commissioner, Joshua Young-Commissioner, Lorraine Tindaro-Commissioner, Kristen Denne-Township Manager/Secretary, Chuck Wilson-Township Treasurer, Kristin Camp-Township Solicitor, Bryan Kulakowsky-Township Engineer, and Denise Miller-Assistant Township Secretary.
Citizens to Be Heard
Doctor Donna DiPrinzio of 211 Garden View Drive requested additional ordinances if they are not in place regarding her concerns with 117 Oakmont Drive. Mr. Stackhouse directed her to report her concerns to the codes department where they will be handled.
Tony DiSario of 251 Loomis Avenue had questions about Ingleside’s retention pond. Mr. Fragale noted that the Ingleside HOA is responsible for the retention pond. He also noted that they are working on cleaning their side pipes. Mr. Stackhouse explained that this retention pond is very old and does not dissipate like the current ones do.
Township Solicitor – Ms. Camp
Hearing for Massage Parlor Ordinance – Ms. Camp noted that this Ordinance would amend the Zoning Ordinance because it’s zoning, and there are many procedural requirements that the Township must meet. Ms. Camp also gave a summary of the ordinance.
1. Tonight’s hearing was advertised on November 14, 2018 and November 24, 2018.
2. The ordinance was sent to the Law Library and the Daily Local News, because it was only a summary ad.
3. The ordinance was sent to the Chester County Planning Commission (CCPC). Their first letter was received on September 4, 2018 with a suggestion that the matrix charts be amended, which addressed the uses that are permitted in the various districts. Once that was done, it was sent back to the CCPC in which they responded on November 1, 2018 indicating no further comments on the ordinance.
4. The ordinance was sent to the Township Planning Commission and reviewed at their October 16, 2018 meeting with a majority of the Board recommending to pass the ordinance.
Commissioner Breton entertained a motion to adopt Ordinance 2018-10 an ordinance for massage businesses. Moved by Commissioner Chambers and seconded by Commissioner Young. With Commissioner Contento voting nae, Vote passed 4-1.
Christian Faith Fellowship request to amend condition of Land Development approval – Mr. Jaros representing Pastor Wilson on 23 acres on Kings Highway and south of route 30 bypass, owned by Christian Faith Fellowship. Mr. Jaros gave a brief overview of the project. He noted that the Fellowship is requesting to phase the development, first proposing a 20,000 square foot facility rather than an 80,000 square foot facility and with that phasing they would agree that at such time as the second phase of the remainder of the building would be implemented and used, they would tie into public water. He noted they are here tonight requesting, from the Board, to amend the original condition of preliminary plan approval to provide a public water source. He noted they think they can implement an onsite source without negatively impacting the surrounding properties and believe that a fire suppression system can cost effectively be implement with a tank for the first phase, and as previously stated, the Fellowship is willing to amend that condition to say that once the second phase for over 20,000 square feet would be utilized they would tie into public water. Ms. Camp asked Mr. Stackhouse if he received information from Mr. Jaros, in terms of demonstrating if he believed that it could meet the building code requirements with just phase I. Mr. Stackhouse noted they had discussion with the architect about him acknowledging as well that potentially the 20,000 square feet would be handled in a couple ways. Either broken into smaller fire areas, if the building code at the time they made the application, required it or they could do the fire protection system through a tank system. Ms. Camp pointed out that even if the Board agrees to amend this condition of plan approval, they have to demonstrate to Mr. Stackhouse that they meet the building and fire code requirements. After Board discussion,
Commissioner Breton entertained a motion to amend the condition of the Christian Faith Fellowship Land Development project to say that on site public water is not required for the first 20,000 square feet, Phase 1 of the project. Moved by Commissioner Chambers and seconded by Commissioner Contento. Commissioner Young recused himself because if public water were to come, it would come past his house. Commissioner Tindaro has concern with the residents in the neighborhood with the water issue. Mr. Jaros noted that is why they had the hydrogeological study performed to determine whether or not the proposed usage by the church, especially with the smaller building at first, would have a negative impact and that study clearly indicates it would not have a negative impact on the surrounding property owners. Ms. Camp asked Mr. Jaros if the study was done as if they did the full 80,000 square foot building. Mr. Jaros replied “yes”. Mr. DiSario asked if it improves the water from the sewer system. Mr. Jaros replied “yes it does”. Vote passed 3-1, with one abstention.
4060 Edge’s Mill Road Antonini Project – Ms. Camp noted that the Board needs to give comment on the architecture information that she previously presented the Board. From D.L. Howell, Mr. Chris Daly noted that his client is willing to help screen the property by adding additional vegetation to the front of the property. He also noted they are proposing a beige color for the vertical siding of the building and about three foot high sand stone veneer for the base which is being proposed around the entire structure, on every single side. Commissioner Tindaro noted that she would like something that looks more like wood. Commissioner Young noted he would like it to look like large plank board. Mike Bedrick stated that at one of the Historical Commission meetings they stated that they would like the look and feel of an old barn. Ms. Camp asked the Board if they feel that the location of the building and what’s around it, warrants having different treatment on the façade. Board consensus was they feel it is.
Ms. Camp asked the Board if they would like sidewalks at this location. After Board discussion on the fee in lieu of versus sidewalks, consensus was for no sidewalks.
Motion of the Board for 3925 Hazelwood Avenue Self Storage Preliminary/Final approval – For Board consideration, Ms. Camp presented a draft motion, with assistance from Mr. Kulakowsky, which would grant approval of the Preliminary/Final Land Development Plan for Storage First located at 3925 Hazelwood Avenue. She also noted that the applicant is proposing to pay $15,475.50 fee in lieu of open space, and $12,766.00 in lieu of sidewalks.
Commissioner Breton entertained a motion to adopt the 3925 Hazelwood Avenue Self Storage Preliminary/Final Land Development final approval. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. Commissioner Young asked if the condition to use energy efficient lighting was added. Mr. Daly replied that it’s all LED lighting. Vote passed 5-0.
Township Manager MOU renewal – For Board consideration, Ms. Camp presented the Township Manager Memorandum of Understanding for renewal, from October 11, 2018 to December 31, 2019.
Commissioner Breton entertained a motion to adopt the Memorandum of Understanding for Township Manager Kristen Denne. Moved by Commissioner Chambers and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. Vote 5-0.
Township Manager-Kristen Denne
SPCA 2019-2023 Contract – For Board consideration Ms. Denne presented the SPCA contract for 2019-2023.
Commissioner Breton entertained a motion to approve the 2019-2023 SPCA contract. Moved by Commissioner Tindaro and seconded by Commissioner Chambers. Vote passed 5-0
Written and verbal comments are being accepted tonight for the Pollutant Reduction Plan for the West Branch Brandywine Creek – Ms. Denne noted that the Pollutant Reduction Plan is on the township website and available in the township building. She also noted that written and verbal comments will be accepted at this time.
MS4 Services 2019 – For Board consideration, Ms. Denne noted proposals were received from ARRO Consulting Inc. and Cedarville Engineering Group, LLC for the 2019 administration of the MS4 program. Ms. Denne recommended ARRO, because they are more cost effective. Tony DiSario had questions on the contract work performed. Ms. Denne explained that it is administration work that needs to be performed for the MS4 program.
Commissioner Breton entertained a motion to adopt the proposal from ARRO Consulting in the amount of $50,000 for the MS4 services for 2019. Moved by Commissioner Chambers and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. Vote passed 5-0.
Phone System Upgrade – For Board consideration, Ms. Denne recommended, to the Board, $18,426.00 for replacing the township phone system and public communication system within the township. Ms. Denne noted $20,000 was budgeted as part of the capital program this year and a cost of $18,426 has been received from a Costars Vendor. Commissioner Chambers asked the recent phone and computer outage. Ms. Denne noted that the sensor going to the pole was bad and has since been fixed. Commissioner Chambers also asked about the prices of Comcast versus Verizon. Mr. Wilson noted he spoke with the township IT Vendor and they reported that the prices are about equal, and the customer service is better with Comcast.
Commissioner Breton entertained a motion to adopt Resolution 2018-52 regarding a public communication system for the township, in the amount of $18,426. Vote passed 5-0.
2019 Budget Presentation – Ms. Denne provided a presentation on a proposed 2019 balanced budget which includes no tax increase or sewer fee increase however, there will be an increase of $12 per year in the trash, to offset the cost of recyclables brought on by changes in the market for recyclables. A detailed slide presentation was given covering anticipated revenues of roughly 10.7 million and expenses of 11.7 million. Ms. Denne also noted that she is working on a zoning ordinance review and update in order for the township to be more business friendly.
Ms. Denne noted that if the Board approves the 2019 proposed budget tonight, it will be advertised for public inspection for a minimum of twenty days, and it can still be amended and changed before the December 13 meeting. After the December 13 meeting, the second advertisement for the ten days process will be advertised, and then the budget will be adopted at the December 27, 2018 meeting.
Commissioner Breton entertained a motion to approve advertising for the 2019 budget, as presented. Moved by Commissioner Chambers and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. Vote passed 5-0.
Township Engineer-Mr. Kulakowsky
Planning Commission Update – Mr. Kulakowsky presented items from their November 20 meeting.
1) 301 Bondsville Road – Mr. Kulakowsky noted the Planning Commission discussed and reviewed the application and voted to approve the application. He also noted that he supports the twelve waivers. One for a fee in lieu of open space, and one for fee in lieu of sidewalks. Mr. Kulakowsky noted the other waivers requested, and also noted that the Developer needs to finalize their agreement with the Municipal Authority before they can be placed on the Commissioners agenda for the Board’s recommendation of approval.
2) Age Qualified Zoning Ordinance – Mr. Kulakowsky noted the Planning Commission suggested moving Pad 1 as far from the residential homes as possible.
3) Massage Businesses Ordinance – Mr. Kulakowsky noted the Planning Commission had discussion on the ordinance and recommended that it be passed.
Motion of the Board for 3925 Hazelwood Avenue Self Storage Preliminary/Final approval – Approved under “Township Solicitor – Ms. Camp”.
Ordinances and Resolutions for Consideration
Resolution 2018-48 Designating Emergency Service Providers for Caln Township – Commissioner Breton entertained a motion to adopt Resolution 2018-48 designating emergency service providers for Caln Township. Moved by Commissioner Young, and seconded by Commissioner Chambers. Vote passed 5-0.
Resolution 2018-49 Disposition of Township Records – Commissioner Breton entertained a motion to adopt Resolution 2018-49 for the disposition of township records. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Chambers. Vote passed 5-0.
Resolution 2018-50 Expanding the membership of the Western Chester County Regional Uniform Commercial Board of Appeals to include the City of Coatesville – Commissioner Breton entertained a motion to adopt Resolution 2018-50 expanding the membership of the Western Chester County Regional Uniform Commercial Board of Appeals to include the City of Coatesville. Mr. DiSario asked what this Board is about. Commissioner Young noted that it is a multi-municipal Board of Appeals and when a Municipality wants to join, a resolution needs to be approved for their acceptance. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. Vote passed 5-0.
Resolution 2018-51 To accept the Pollutant Reduction Plan – Commissioner Breton entertained a motion to adopt Resolution 2018-51 to accept the Pollutant Reduction Plan. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Chambers. Vote passed 5-0.
Resolution 2018-52 Phone System Upgrade – Adopted under Township Manager.
Ordinance 2018-10 Massage Businesses – Adopted under Township Solicitor.
Finance Department Report-Mr. Wilson
Finance Monthly Report – Mr. Wilson noted a few highlights from his October report, which was previously provided to the Board. Commissioner Young asked the anticipated amount for the real estate tax. Mr. Wilson noted $425,000.
Bill List for Approval – General Manual Checks 27-31 and General Checks 42468-42566
Commissioner Breton entertained a motion to approve general manual checks 27-31 and general checks 42468-42566. Moved by Commissioner Chambers and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. Vote passed 5-0.
Acknowledgement of October 16, 2018 Planning Commission Minutes – Commissioner Breton entertained a motion acknowledging the October 16, 2018 minutes. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. Vote passed 5-0.
October 25, 2018 Minutes for Approval– Commissioner Breton entertained a motion to accept the October 25, 2018 minutes. Moved by Commissioner Chambers and seconded by Commissioner Young. Vote passed 5-0.
Directors Reports
Police Department-Chief Elias – Chief Elias noted a few highlights from his October report, which was previously provided to the Board. Chief Elias also noted that the interviews are completed, and the civil service meets on December 10 to certify the results. He also noted that Chairman March will be present on December 13, for Board approval.
Thorndale Fire Department-Chief Cordisco – Chief Cordisco noted a few highlights from his October report, which was previously provided to the Board. Chief Cordisco also noted that Santa will be in the township on December 8 and December 15 if the weather is bad.
Director of Buildings and Life Safety-Mr. Stackhouse – Mr. Stackhouse noted a few highlights from his October report, which was previously provided to the Board.
Director of Public Works-Mr. Fragale – Mr. Fragale noted a few highlights from his October report, which was previously provided to the Board. Commissioner Young noted a couple of potholes on Barley Sheaf Road that need attention.
Ingleside Golf – Presenting for Golf Manager Mr. Ward, Mr. Holsman noted a few highlights from their October report, which was previously provided to the Board.
Additional Business
Commissioner Young made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Tindaro, to accept the resignation from seventeen year Planning Commission Member Jill Hammond. Vote passed 5-0.
Commissioner Young noted the December 2 children’s holiday party at 4:00 PM and tree lighting at 5:00 PM.
Ron Miller suggested a capital reserve for when the township is in need of additional funds
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Public Comments
Commissioner Breton called for public comments. There were none.
Adjournment
Commissioner Breton entertained a motion to adjourn the October 25, 2018 meeting at 9:25 PM. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Chambers. Vote passed 5-0.
Respectfully Submitted by,
Denise Miller
Assistant Township Secretary