Caln Township Board of Commissioners
253 Municipal Drive
Thorndale, PA 19372
February 23, 2017 7:30 PM
Call to order and pledge of allegiance.
Attendance – Cynthia Eshleman, President; Jennifer Breton, Vice President; John Contento, Commissioner; Joshua Young, Commissioner; George Chambers, Commissioner; Ms. Kristen Denne, Township Manager; Chuck Wilson, Finance Manager; and Margaret Driller, Recording Secretary.
Moment of Silence – Commissioner Eshleman called for a moment of silence for all first responders and military, all over the world.
Executive Session
Commissioner Eshleman announced that prior to tonight’s meeting, an Executive Session was held to discuss legal and personnel matters.
Citizens to be heard
No citizens to be heard
Township Solicitor – Ms. Camp
Conditional Use Decision and Order – WAWA Reeceville
Solicitor Camp discussed the Wawa Reeceville Decision and Order for the development of a 5,051 square foot WAWA convenience store with a six multi-product dispensers for gasoline and diesel fuel. There are currently fifteen conditions that the applicant must agree to and she stated that it all was in order except for a needed edit to Condition #7 which would be the location of the sidewalk along the frontage of Reeceville Road in compliance with ADA. Mr. Michael Murray, Esquire and Mr. Joel Kepner, Principal of Brandywine Holdings, L.P. and their engineering department have concerns about the topography for the sidewalk for the entire length of the front of the property and want to do the sidewalks with ADA. There is a significant change in grade between the hospital property and the proposed convenient store which will make it difficult to install an ADA accessible sidewalk. The applicant proposes to install a retaining wall along the northern and eastern boundary of the proposed parking lot which will interfere with a sidewalk at this location.
Mr. Kepner stated that to put the sidewalks in correctly they would need to design staged ramps as the slope would change to an 8%-10% grade. The engineers wanted to make this technically compliant and a discussion was held to decide if the ramp method would be used at 80%, or if the sidewalk could be shortened on the one side and end in the driveway or to not do sidewalks and take money in lieu of the sidewalks from the developer. The developer would do whatever the Board of Commissioners recommended. Commissioner Contento stated that the Planning Commission stated that the sidewalks would not be necessary and it was detrimental to encourage people to walk on the sidewalk that connects to nothing at the hospital and that CVS and WAWA sidewalks would be to the front of the building. The Board of Commissioners wanted to have further dialogue with engineering about the sidewalks. Solicitor Camp would change Condition #7 so that the design of the sidewalks would be discussed and reviewed by our engineers and approved at a later time so that the Conditional Decision and Order could be granted at this time. Condition #11 was discussed of the facade and architectural rendering was discussed and the Board was content with the use of brick on the front. Commissioner Eshleman entertained a motion to approve the Conditional Use Application for WAWA Reeceville site with Solicitor Camp to make revisions to Condition #7. Moved by Commissioner Breton and seconded by Commissioner Chambers. Motion carried 5-0.
(Resolution 2017-07) Turkey Hill Transfer of Liquor License – 549 Bondsville Road
Turkey Hill is the applicant for the intermunicipal transfer of a liquor license into Caln Township for use at the Bondsville Road location. This must be approved by the governing body of the receiving municipality when the total number of existing restaurant liquor licenses has exceeded the quota. Turkey Hill agreed to not sell hard liquor and wine on-premises. Turkey Hill’s intention is to sell only malt or brewed beverages. Turkey Hill shall limit on-premises consumption of malt or brewed beverages to (1) beverage per patron. Carding policies will be put into place. Commissioner Eshleman entertained a motion to approve the transfer of a liquor license No. R-14141 into Caln Township with all the conditions are met as stated on the agreement, (Resolution 2017-07). Moved by Commissioner Contento and seconded by Commissioner Breton. Commissioner Chambers stated that this issue had more comments and feedback that were negative for safety, harm and private concerns, he talked to different people at different sites and the feedback was negative. Commissioner Young stated that there may be more sites that will be given a license to sell 6 packs of beer and our agreement restricts Turkey Hill for the safety of our township. Turkey Hill wants us to feel safe with the sales of liquor in our community and have agreed to the terms given for the site. Motion carried 4-1, Commission Chambers - Ney.
Police Chief Elias
New Police Chaplain Recognition
Police Elias talked about what a great pastor and friend of his and the police department and introduced our new Police Chaplain, Mr. Mark Moore. The Chaplain plays a great role in assisting victims in times of crisis, helping and consulting police officers and representing the police department at civil functions. He will be the first Chaplain for our Police Department and we are very pleased he has accepted this position. The Police Chaplain was sworn into office by the Judge Ron Nagle of the Court of Common Pleas for Chester County and Chaplain Moore was very happy to accept his position and responsibilities as a police officer and as a chaplain.
Officer Sean McGuire Formal Swearing In Ceremony
Police Elias wanted the family of Officer McGuire to come forward so that the swearing in could take place. Officer McGuire was chosen after successfully completing a rigorous training and education program, he is a graduate from Penn State and the Delaware Valley Police Academy. Judge Ron Nagle officially did the formal swearing in ceremony for Officer McGuire with his family present and citizens of our township. Officer McGuire was given his badge and it was presented by Police Elias to signify that Officer McGuire is a new officer for our township. The Board of Commissioners congratulated Officer McGuire and wished him success in the days ahead. Police Elias stated that the field training had to be revamped for Officer McGuire. Chief Elias wanted to thank his officers for helping to educate and train this new officer for Caln Township.
2016 Officer of the Year Award Presentation – Mrs. Laura Ashe
Officer Ashe and her family came forward for the presentation of the 2016 Officer of the Year Award. Officer Ashe shows excellent character; she has been in charge of our National Night Out receiving national recognition for our township. She has willingly helped children learn about law enforcement. Her communication skills are excellent and has been doing events in our community talking about crime prevention, fraud, burglary and motor vehicle theft. She has taken courses in accident reconstruction training as well as Prescription Drug Investigations & Trends training. Her positive posts on the Police Facebook page are insightful and she has been mentoring police interaction with minority families. Officer Ashe thanked the township for this award and Commissioner Eshleman stated that she could not think of a more deserving Police Officer then Officer Ashe, she is a friend who serves with a smile. She helps children learn how to be their best and our township appreciates all of her hard work for the community.
Township Manager – Ms. Kristen Denne
Township Manager Denne introduced Mr. Tom Wilkes, Professional Engineer who represents Cedarville Engineering; he will be our point of contact for the township.
Caln Delegates – Chester County Tax Collection Committee
Ms. Denne discussed that our township must have three Delegates for the Chester County Tax Collection. The Board of Commissioners voted to keep the three Delegates at the present time the delegates are Commissioner George Chambers, Mr. Charles Wilson, III and Ms. Bonnie Smith.
Planning Commission Vacancy
Ms. Denne is stating that we currently have a Planning Commission vacancy. At the meeting the other night they asked Mr. Robinson to be appointed as a formal member to the Planning Commission. Commissioner Eshleman asked what the term would be for his appointment to the Planning Commission, Ms. Denne would send a letter stating the term to Mr. Robinson. Commissioner Eshleman entertained a motion to approve Mr. Robinson to fill the vacancy on the Planning Commission, Moved by Commissioner Breton seconded by Commissioner Chambers, Motion carried 5-0.
Other Items Discussed
Ms. Denne discussed a new project in our township for It Takes a Village, will have a meeting at Caln Park, on Saturday. This committee will put boxes into the parks for children to take out snacks, hygiene items and other items of need. It Takes a Village Committee has a website and there will be a press release for this weekend’s project and donations are being accepted for this project.
The Comprehensive Plan was discussed at the meeting the other night; the draft approval was approved and a public information session will be held by the Planning Commission on March 21. The plan will then be subject to a 45 day review with the County Planning Commission, School District and neighboring municipalities. The Board of Commissioners will have a hearing to respond to the Comprehensive Plan considering all public comment and it must be adopted by June 2017.
The Recreation Board has received a letter that Mr. Francis Meade resigned from the Board.
Ms. Denne talked about the request made by the Rudy’s for relief from fees from a continuation of a conditional use hearing for Academy Sports. The township used $600.00 for court fees and advertising to comply with the needs of this extension. The Board of Commissioners discussed the two meetings and a decision was made to refund the difference of $400.00 to Mr. Rudy. Commissioner Eshleman entertained a motion to approve the refund $400.00 dollars back to Mr. Rudy from the expenses used for the continuation of the Conditional Use Hearing held meeting in January. Moved by Commissioner Chambers and seconded by Commissioner Breton. Motion carried 5-0.
Commissioner Young wanted to know when the Engineer will be on site here at the township on a regular basis. Ms. Denne stated that there will be scheduled meetings on Tuesday mornings from 9-12 with Mr. Tom Wilkes and Mr. Ray Stackhouse to cover all land development and civil responsibilities that may arise each week. Cedarville Engineering has agreed to other meetings if needed with Mr. Wilkes to provide a monthly report at the second meeting each month to the Board of Commissioners as well as attend the Planning Commission meetings.
Public Safety - Fire Chief Cordisco
The fire company report for January, responded to 36 alarms, 317 responders and dispatch time with 9 responders was 9.40 minutes. Staff put in 578.66 hours for the month with a large number of calls received. EMS responses were 49 for the month. Four Firefights attended Hazmat, OPS and one firefighter took EMT classes with training hours 890.91 for the month. Total hours for the month were 1469.57 hours. Fund drive received funds of $24,721.00 with the average donation of $53.74. Discussion was held as to the 14 missed calls during the month and it was stated that all calls are completed by Downingtown and Coatesville Ambulance Services which have staffing to respond to calls less than 10 minutes. Paramedic training is occurring at this time for one of their officers with three active EMT’s. There is a policy that the firefighters can take the squad car home and they can respond to calls from their location.
Police Chief Elias - (Resolution 2017-06) – Adopt revisions to the Police Department Operations Manual
Chief Elias stated that his monthly report was given and he reminded the Board that a resolution had to be approved to adopt revisions to the Police Department Operations Manual, (Resolution 2017-06) no substantial changes have been made. Commissioner Eshleman entertained a motion to approve (Resolution 2017-06) to adopt revisions to the Police Department Operations Manual. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Breton. Motion carried 5-0.
Building & Life Safety Director – Mr. Stackhouse
Mr. Stackhouse stated that 660 permits were received from 1/17/17 – 2/14/17. The Clarelyn development is preparing to close out all land development. All rental fees were sent out early with 75 still outstanding they were to be paid by the end of January but if not paid by March there will be a late fee. There were multiple fires and accidents with our police officers on the scene. House inspections have been going well throughout the township.
Ingleside Golf Course Manager – Mr. Ward
Mr. Ward is stating that they have had a busy winter, on Sunday they had 171 golfers which was great with no snow. They have been working on bunkers, tree removal and Spring Irrigation. They are working with a contractor to replace the front steps and to bring in supplies. Commissioner Contento wanted to know how they were planning to remove the geese off the fairways. Commissioner Contento wants to make sure those geese on the site does not hamper golfers in the days ahead. Mr. Ward is stating that he has dogs he can put around to scare the geese away and will look into other effective ways to remove the geese from the course.
Finance Report – Mr. Wilson - Monthly Report, Bill List for Check Numbers – General 39445-39515, Bond 1167 – Motion to Approve
Mr. Wilson read the monthly January 2017 report. Some negative balances will turn over as we move into the next few months. Expenditures are normal and no trends are showing. We still have outstanding bid obligations with one new lease added in February. Commissioner Contento asked Ms. Denne if we would have another bond issuance this year with interest rates going up. He also wanted to know if we have a list together of road projects needed and a list will be created for 2018. Commissioner Eshleman entertained a motion to approve Bill List – Check’s # 39445 - 39515, Bond 1167, Moved by Commissioner Contento, seconded by Commissioner Young. Motion Passed 5-0.
Approval of Minutes – January 12, 2017, January 26, 2017 and February 9, 2017
Commissioner Eshleman entertained a motion to approve the minutes for January 12, 2017. There was a correction to the notes which will be corrected before these are submitted to the township.
Moved by Commissioner Contento and seconded by Commissioner Young. Motion carried 5-0.
Commissioner Eshleman entertained a motion to approve the minutes for the January 26, 2017 meeting.
Moved by Commissioner Contento and seconded by Commissioner Young. Motion carried 5-0.
Commissioner Eshleman entertained a motion to approve the Board of Commissioners meeting notes for
February 9, 2017. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Chambers. Motion passed 4-1 with Commissioner Eshleman abstaining.
Additional Business
Approval of the board was needed to accept Chris and Angela Cordisco to the recreation board. Commissioner Eshleman entertained a motion to accept the nominations of Chris and Angela Cordisco to the recreation board. Motion carried 5-0.
Approval of the board was needed to accept Ms. Candice Monhollan to the Historical Commission. Was asked what term that would be for, Ms. Denne will state that in the letter sent to Ms. Monhollan. Commissioner Eshleman entertained a motion to approve Ms. Candice Monhollan to the Historical Commission. Moved by Commissioner Breton and seconded by Commissioner Chambers. Motion carried 5-0.
Discussion was held that the second meeting, June the 29th will need to be rescheduled as members of the Board will be in Calne England. It was requested we move it to the 22nd but we will hold off advertising this to see if we need a meeting to be held at that time.
Commissioner Contento stated that the Fire Board will meet next week and wanted to know the township status on reviewing the contract between the Fire Company and Caln Township. Solicitor has looked at the document and a copy was sent to the Board. This contract will be discussed at the Board of Commissioners meeting on March 9th.
Public Comments
Ms. Mari Gaskill, Edges Mill Road, stated that the street lights are out near our building and it was very dark walking up from the ballfield. She also stated that the street lights are out on the corner intersection of Municipal and Geo Carlson. Ms. Denne stated that we have had an inventory of our street lights and they are numbered on the pole so that our citizens can let us know when they need to be fixed. Ms. Denne will make sure that the lights are replaced.
Adjournment
Commissioner Eshleman entertained a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:05, moved by Commissioner Contento and seconded by Commissioner Chambers. Motion passed 5-0.
Respectfully submitted by,
Margaret Driller, Recording Secretary
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