253 Municipal Drive
Thorndale, PA 19372
March 31, 2016 7:30 p.m.
Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance.
Moment of meditation.
Prior to the meeting, an Executive Session was held to discuss legal and personnel matters.
Attendance – Cynthia Eshleman, President; Jennifer Breton, Vice President; John Contento,
Commissioner; Joshua Young, Commissioner; George Chambers, Commissioner; Jeffrey
McClintock, PE, CFM, Township Engineer; Alex Trunzo, Esquire, Solicitor; and Colleen Lockwood, Recording Secretary.
Proclamation Presentation – A Proclamation was presented to the family of the late Barbara Carlson Travaglini for her years of public service to the Township. Barbara was a long time member of the Old Caln Historical Society and Caln Township Historical Commission. Her husband accepted the award on behalf of the family.
Citizens to be Heard – Brian Houck of Caln Little League regarding support building a pole barn; Karen Sefton, Carol Houck and Dana Jackson of Wedgwood Condominium Association about new signs and improvements to the community; and Lorraine Tindaro about polling locations being noted in the newsletter.
Ordinances and Resolutions for Consideration/Trash & Recycling Contract Renewal – The Board discussed the contract with Eagle Disposal of Pennsylvania, Inc. Mr. Marshall recommended extending the contract with Eagle for two years on the basis that they maintain their current prices on trash and recycling services. President Eshleman entertained a motion to approve Resolution 2016-06 to extend the contract with Eagle Disposal of Pennsylvania, Inc. for two years. Moved by Commissioner Contento and seconded by Vice President Breton. Vote passed 5-0.
Township Solicitor Alex Trunzo, Esquire
Caln-Horseshoe, L.P. (aka Royal Farms CU 2015) Conditional Use Decision and Order - Township Solicitor Alexandra Trunzo, Esquire, presented the Board with a Decision and Order for this project. The Applicant was represented by Lou Colagreco, Esquire. Ms. Trunzo reviewed the Order and noted the 11 conditions suggested by her office for a Royal Farms convenience store with gasoline pumps to be constructed on the property located at 100 Rock Raymond Rd & 5031 Horseshoe Pike. Mr. Colagreco requested that the word "will" be replaced with the word "may" for Condition #5 regarding the pedestrian walkway. President Eshleman entertained a motion to approve the Conditional Use Order described by Ms. Trunzo, as verbally amended by Mr. Colagreco. Moved by Vice President Breton and seconded by Commissioner Chambers. Vote passed 5-0.
Michael P. & Elizabeth H. Rudy (aka 3521 Lincoln Highway Rudy CU 2015) Conditional Use Decision and Order - Township Solicitor Alexandra Trunzo, Esquire, presented the Board with a Decision and Order for this project. The Applicant was represented by Lou Colagreco, Esquire. Ms. Trunzo reviewed the Order and noted the 12 conditions suggested by her office for a 36,300 square feet indoor sport training facility to be constructed on the property located at
3521 E. Lincoln HighwayPresident Eshleman entertained a motion to approve the Conditional Use Order described by Ms. Trunzo. Moved by Commissioner Contento and seconded by Commissioner Chambers. Vote passed 5-0.
Public Safety
Police Chief Elias - Chief Elias gave his report for the month of February. He noted that the DARE program commenced at Caln Elementary with Officer Sipple teaching it again this year. There was a recent Coffee with a Cop event at the Dunkin Donuts on Lincoln Highway attended by Caln and PA State Police officers.
During the month of February, there were 1,434 calls for service, 84 new criminal investigations, 13 new cases assigned to the Criminal Investigation Division, 215 business checks, 5 car seat checks, 110 bank checks, 113 park checks and 73 vacation checks. Kevin Pierce was appointed Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, Tom DeFroscia was appointed Vice Chairman, and Chuck Kramer was appointed Secretary. Sergeant Bernard was cleared to return to duty this past week and Sergeant Parkinson participated in the Read Across America Event at the high school.
Chief Elias met with District Attorney Tom Hogan, Coatesville School District Superintendent Dr. Cathy Taschner, and Representative Lewis to discuss security measures at the CASH campus, and also attended the first Key Communicator Group meeting for stakeholders across the school district.
Installation of a new security system will take place at the township admin building this month, and will include card access and CCTV cameras which will be monitored by the police department. The outside emergency phone is being replaced on the police department building, which will have a blue light on it for better visibility.
Fire Chief Cordisco – Chief Cordisco gave his report for the month of February. There were 35 calls for service with an average response time of 9 minutes and 7 responders per call. There were 196 hours of service for the month, an in-house first aid refresher, EMS chart training and portable light training. Four of the first responders completed Instructor I training and received national certification, and several others attended Incident Command 300 & 400 training. There were 221 training hours with 67 first responders participating for the month. Chief Cordisco reported that Commissioner Contento pointed out to him an error in the fireman's relief savings account numbers that were reported at a previous meeting. Chief is working with the Treasurer to resolve this.
As of February 10, 2016, 5,492 fundraising letters were sent out and the average contribution received per household was $51.87. As of February 10, 2016, $29,257.00 has been received. The former Codes Director's truck was previously donated to the Fire Department and Chief Cordisco reported a cap was purchased for the truck and the lettering was removed. Bids will be secured for new lettering and lights. The old fire engine has just been purchased, which will be discussed by Mr. Marshall. Chief Cordisco shared that Wills for Heroes will be held at the fire department building on April 9, 2016 and first responders are encouraged to take advantage of the free program to obtain estate planning documents.
Ray Stackhouse - Superintendent of Life Safety - Mr. Stackhouse reported that paperwork is being redone to apply for the FEMA relief available for Winter Storm Jonas, which cost the Township approximately $57,000. Two bids were obtained for eleven portable radios that will work on the county wide emergency system. One was much better than the other and Mr. Stackhouse placed the order with that company. The cost will be $18,000 and $20,000 had originally been allotted for the purchase. Rental Program matters will be discussed by the Township Manager.
Finance Report – None at this time.
Bill List - President Eshleman entertained a motion to approve general check numbers 37,583 through 37,694, with the exception of number 37,651, which is being withheld at this time pending a question that needs clarification; and Bond check numbers 1141 and 1142. Commissioner Young noted that he will abstain from voting on check number 37,646 since that check is payable to him. Moved by Commissioner Contento and seconded by Commissioner Young. Vote passed 5-0.
Township Engineer Jeffrey W. McClintock, PE, CFM
Land Development Items/Report Chart Review – Mr. McClintock and the Board discussed at length the Benne Norton project, which has gone on for a period of two and a half years. Mr.
McClintock presented to the Board a Motion to Deny the application for the following reason: Applicant has failed to satisfy the outstanding ordinance deficiencies as outlined in the attached review letters issued for the project: letters from Mr. McClintock, the Zoning officer, Mr. Gilmore and Mr. Becker. President Eshleman entertained a Motion to Deny the preliminary filing development plan application regarding Benne Norton Avenue, Ltd. 2013, regarding tax parcel 39-14-61.1. Moved by President Eshleman and seconded by Vice President Breton. Vote passed 4-1.
Engineering Items/253 Municipal Drive SD – Mr. McClintock stated that the land surveyor encountered problems finding recorded deeds showing property lines that go through the roadway and which include the Municipal Park and G.O. Carlson Boulevard. Mr. McClintock presented a revised proposal requesting to complete a boundary survey based on the Title Report at a cost of $3,900.00. President Eshleman entertained a motion to approve the revised proposal for the Municipal Drive Subdivision. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Chambers. Vote passed 5-0.
2016 Sylvan Drive Culvert Replacement Project – Mr. McClintock requested that the Board grant a Motion to Advertise for bids for replacement of the existing culvert on Sylvan Drive. President Eshleman entertained the Motion to Advertise for bids. Moved by Commissioner Contento and seconded by Commissioner Chambers. Vote passed 5-0.
2016 G.O. Carlson Boulevard East Paving Project – Mr. McClintock requested that the Board grant a Motion to Advertise for bids for the pavement overlay project from G.O. Carlson Blvd. to the Beaver Knoll portion of the township. President Eshleman entertained the Motion to Advertise for bids. Moved by Commissioner Chambers and seconded by Vice President Breton. Vote passed 5-0.
Route 30 Median Signage Item – Mr. Young discussed that the Lincoln Highway Committee is hoping to add Welcome to Caln Township signs on either end of the Township along Lincoln Highway. Mr. Young requested consensus approval from the Board so that Mr. McClintock can
move forward with contacting PennDOT and completing the necessary paperwork to begin the process. Board consensus was granted.
2016 PA American Waterline Replacement Project – Mr. McClintock discussed water lines that are being replaced in Barley Sheaf Farms and three fire hydrants that are to be placed in the subdivision during the project. He submitted an agreement for Board approval for placement of the fire hydrants. President Eshleman entertained a motion for fire hydrants to be placed at 2582 Clothier, 2541 Essex and 2576 Dupont Streets. Moved by Vice President Breton and seconded by Commissioner Chambers. Vote passed 5-0.
2015 Caln Township Generator Procurement and Installation Project – Mr. McClintock gave a status update on the function of the generators; he stated that they were serviced by the contractor and are running well.
Added to Agenda:
The Antonini hearing will be held before the next Zoning Hearing Board meeting on April 7, 2016. Mr. McClintock requested that Solicitor Camp be able to attend the hearing. The Board granted consensus approval for Ms. Camp to attend the April 7, 2016 Zoning Hearing Board meeting.
Mr. McClintock gave clarification using a map on the screen to show the area of grass that Hurricane Hill is cutting. He asked that Hurricane Hill be asked to cut a narrow strip that used to be done by one of the township employees. The Board asked for clarification on some details and said it will be discussed at a meeting in the near future.
Interim Township Manager - Mr. Peter Marshall
Rental Property Enforcement – Mr. Marshall discussed how township ordinance requires that properties occupied by anyone other than the owner are subject to the Township's rental property ordinance and that they must obtain a permit. He noted that the process has started to identify the properties in the Township which appear to be rentals. Mr. Stackhouse stated that just over 180 letters have been sent out and less than 10 have been received back so far.
Chipping Program - Prices were received from three companies and compared to the costs of having chipping done by the Township's Public Works Department. Mr. Marshall stated that the costs of the Township doing the work are most effective. After discussion by the Board it was decided by board consensus to do the chipping one full day each month using Township staff and equipment. Mr. McClintock also discussed a gentleman that was at the last meeting who offered $3.00 per yard of mulch, which can be worked out in an agreement with him.
Sale of Fire Engine – Mr. Marshall discussed the sale of the out of service fire engine to Hunterdon County, NJ. Mr. Stackhouse noted that the company that advertised charged $2,450.00 for all of the services. President Eshleman entertained a motion to approve the sale of the $35,000.00 to Hunterdon County, New Jersey. Moved by Commissioner Chambers and seconded by Commissioner Contento. Vote passed 5-0.
Donation/Transfer of Vehicle to Thorndale Fire Company – Mr. Marshall recommended that the Board approve the transfer of the pickup truck to Thorndale Fire Relief Association. President Eshleman entertained a motion to approve transfer of the vehicle to Thorndale Fire Relief Association. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Chambers. Vote passed 5-0.
Approval of Minutes of February 25, 2016 and March 10, 2016 – President Eshleman entertained a motion to approve the meeting minutes from February 25, 2016 and March 10, 2016, with a clerical revision noted by Commissioner Chambers. Moved by Commissioner Chambers and seconded by Commissioner Young. Vote passed 5-0.
Additional Business - Police Chief Elias discussed that a candidate was recommended to the Civil Service Board last evening for employment as a full-time Police Officer with the Township. President Eshleman entertained a motion for a Conditional Offer of Employment for Michael Thomas Kopil, pending results of medical and psychological testing. Moved by Commissioner Chambers and seconded by Vice President Breton. Vote passed 5-0.
Mr. Stackhouse discussed the third party contract with Keystone Municipal Services. He said they were unable to comply with the requirements of their contract and requests made to remedy the situation were not complied with. Other contractors that had previously been interviewed were contacted and were interviewed a second time. A decision will be made on a new contractor at a future meeting. President Eshleman entertained a motion to give ten days’ notice to terminate services with Keystone Municipal Services. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Chambers. Vote passed 4-1.
Cedarville, Building Inspection Underwriters, and Castle Valley are the companies being considered for municipal services. Mr. Stackhouse said he and Mr. McClintock's recommendation is for Cedarville as they can provide all of the required services, which the other two options could not fully do. President Eshleman entertained a motion to approve a contract with Cedarville, pending Solicitor Camp’s review and approval. Moved by Vice President Breton and seconded by Commissioner Chambers. Vote passed 5-0.
President Eshleman entertained a motion to approve Becker for zoning review for land development purposes. Moved by Vice President Breton and seconded by Commissioner Chambers. Vote passed 5-0.
Public Comments – None.
Adjournment – President Eshleman entertained a motion to adjourn the March 31, 2016 meeting at 9:50 p.m. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Chambers.
Respectfully Submitted,
Colleen Lockwood
Recording Secretary
In Remembrance of Robert R. Reymos
Bob Reymos, a lifelong resident and active member of our community who attended the evening board meetings and advocated for improvements and advancements in Caln Township, died on March 17, 2016 at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in Philadelphia.
Tonight the Board of Commissioners members, Township Engineer, Chief of Police, Fire Chief, and community members read tributes, told stories and recalled the kindness of both Bob and his wife Jean Reymos, who survives him.
caln_township_boc_minutes_3_31_16__approved_.pdf |