Tredyffrin Township Minutes – June 18, 2012

The regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of Tredyffrin Township was held on the above date at the Township Building. Board members present were Michelle Kichline, Chair; John DiBuonaventuro; Philip Donahue; Michael Heaberg; Kristen Mayock; Paul Olson; and Evelyn Richter. Also in attendance were Township Manager Mimi Gleason; Township Engineer Stephen Burgo; Director of Public Works Scott Cannon; Police Superintendent Anthony Giaimo; Director of Planning and Zoning Matt Baumann; Solicitor Vincent Donohue; and Recording Secretary Patricia Hoffman.

Call to Order Ms. Kichline called the meeting to order at 7:33 p.m.

Police Department Promotions Judge Thomas Tartaglio and Judge Analisa Sondergaard presided over the swearing in of the newly promoted police staff - Lieutenant Leon Jaskuta, Lieutenant Taro Landis, Sergeant Todd Bereda, Sergeant Michelle Major, and Sergeant Ryan Scott.

Announcements As part of the police learning series, the police department will host a senior crime prevention seminar on Thursday, June 28th at 7 p.m. at the Township Building. Dave Shallcross of the Office of Attorney General will share the latest tricks criminals are using to commit fraud and scams in our communities. To sign up, call Sharon Rose 610-408-3641 or send an email to [email protected].

The Summer Concert Series begins on Thursday, June 21st with the Janis Nowlan Band. The schedule also includes Chico’s Vibe June 28th, Deja Groove July 12th, Yosi & the Super Dads July 19th, and the O’Fenders July 26th. All events begin at 7 p.m. will be held at the Shire Pavilion in Wilson Farm Park. Ms. Kichline acknowledged Shire, Penn Medicine, Main Line Health Paoli Hospital, Pitcairn Properties, Rita’s Water Ice (Chesterbrook), The Hardware Center (Paoli), Recreation Resources, Matthews Ford (Paoli) and the Tredyffrin Township Foundation for Parks and Recreation for their support of the summer events.

The Annual Fourth of July Celebration starts with the Chester County Band at 7 p.m. followed by the fireworks.

The Cassatt Road Leaf Composting site will be open on Saturday, June 30th, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Minutes Motion made by Mr. Olson, seconded by Mrs. Richter, and passed unanimously to approve the minutes of the May 14, 2012 public meeting.

Police Department Report Superintendent Giaimo stressed participation in the crime prevention learning series session on June 28th. He also urged safety-first during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday and added that if residents are hosting events requiring temporary road closures, they need to go to the Township website and submit the permit form. He reported that Officer Meoli is recovering nicely and that Larry conveyed his thanks to everyone for their support and well wishes. He concluded by reporting that the Police Summer Kids Camp started this morning, that it is well- attended, and that there will be a community cookout on Friday, June 22nd. Mr. Donahue asked who was helping underwrite the camp and Supt. Giaimo responded: Penn Medicine of Valley Forge, Acme Markets, Tredyffrin Citizens and Police Association, and donations from anonymous Township citizens.

Fire Company Reports Dave Warlick, Berwyn Fire Company, reported that there were 49 fire calls, 39 fire police calls, 48 ALS calls, and 45 BLS calls for the month of May for Tredyffrin Township. He stated that the Company responded to 20 total emergency calls during the heavy rain storm on May 15th. He reported that Nam Truong and Patrick Boyle, two of Berwyn’s EMS providers, were recently recognized out of hundreds of EMS providers that serve Chester County at the 8th Annual Chester Count EMS Council Awards Banquet. He concluded by congratulating the recent promotions in the Tredyffrin Police Department.

Jim Curran, Paoli Fire Company, reported that there were 19 fire calls,15 fire police calls, 18 ALS calls and 28 BLS calls for the month of May for Tredyffrin Township. False alarms represented 48% of the calls last month. Membership response this month is encouraging at this point. The Company assisted with the accident involving Officer Meoli and they extend their best wishes for a full recovery. He concluded by congratulating firefighter and volunteer EMT Brian Katzer who passed firefighter and EMT, recently graduated from Conestoga and will remain in area while attending Montgomery County Community College; the recent promotions in the Tredyffrin Police Department; and to local graduate of volunteer associations.

Mr. DiBuonaventuro introduced John Statts as the new president of the Radnor Fire Company which is the primary and first due company of the Panhandle section of Tredyffrin Township. Firefighter Statts is a resident of Tredyffrin Township.

Engineering Report Mr. Burgo reported that the Paoli Transportation Center Road Improvement Feasibility Study project held a kick-off meeting on April 23rd. They collected traffic and pedestrian count data and are working on the analysis. The first public meeting/workshop is planned for October. The department continues to work through the permit process for the Valley Creek Trunk Sewer project. The NPDES MS4 Permit Annual Report was submitted to the PADEP on June 11th. He concluded by noting a non-agenda item included in the packet for the Amtrak Electrification Project along the R-5 line from the Zoo to Paoli and information for this can be found on the Township website.

Supervisor Liaison Reports Ms. Kichline reported that the Board met in Executive Session prior to this meeting to discuss legal and personnel matters.

Motion made by Ms. Mayock, seconded by Mr. DiBuonaventuro, and passed unanimously to appoint Denise Waite to the Park and Recreation Board of Tredyffrin Township.

Ms. Mayock reported that the Planning Commission met on May 17th and reviewed the plans for the Strafford Station Apartments and the Chesterfield Parkway Extension. At the June 21st meeting, they will review the Trout Creek Overlay District Ordinance.

Mr. DiBuonaventuro reported that Traffic and Emergency Services meet quarterly and both meetings are scheduled for Wednesday and he will provide reports for them next month.

Mr. Donahue reported that the Finance Committee met and discussed the potential to refinance the municipal bonds that may provide significant savings to the Township.

Mrs. Richter reported that 125 residents participated in the Tidy Up Tredyffrin event. She also reported that 300 trees were donated by Tree-Vitalized for the Tree Tredyffrin campaign. A planting day will be held on September 29th from 9 a.m. – Noon and 20-30 volunteers are needed with shovels to plant the trees in Wilson Farm Park.

Mr. Heaberg reported that the Park and Recreation Board met on June 13th and reviewed events and upgrades to the gardens in Wilson Farm Park at their last meeting. He also noted the Cassatt Road leaf site opening on June 30th and acknowledged that it is only open because of volunteers who agreed to man the site.

Business Development Advisory Committee Presentation Ms. Kichline introduced the Business Development Advisory Committee and thanked them for the work they did.

Stanford Nishikawa presented an overview of the report which included the process and interviews, a financial analysis, the “virtuous cycle”, advantages and disadvantages, context for their recommendations, the recommendations, followed by questions and comments. The full text of the report and the presentation is available on the Township website.

Motion made by Mr. Donahue, seconded by Ms. Kichline and passed unanimously to direct the Board of Supervisors, the staff, and the Committee to meet and develop the details for a plan to implement the recommendations and bring that plan back to the Board of Supervisors at the August 20th meeting.

Chester Valley Trail Presentation Sandy Martin from McCormick & Taylor and John Mikowychok from Chester County Park & Recreation provided an overview of the 2012-2013 construction on the Chester Valley Trail. They stressed that completion of this trail will positively affect the quality of life appeal to attract residents and businesses to Tredyffrin Township. A resident asked when the trail would be completed. Mr. Mikowychok responded that Phase 1 (Exton Park to Route 29 at Target parking area) is complete and is very popular (45,000/50,000 visits per month). Phase 2 (along Matthews Road through Uptown Worthington to Warner Road) started in March. Grants were just received for Phase 3 (small section in Exton). Phase 4 will go from Exton to Downingtown Borough and the Struble Trail. There is a portion in Montgomery County connecting to the Schuylkill River Trail.

Information is available on the Chester County website at www.chesco.org/ccparks or the Friends of the Chester Valley Trail website at www.chestervalleytrail.org.

Mr. Mikowychok added that the project is federally funded and that it is a very important regional project.

General Fund Services Review: Parks/Recreation/Leaf Compost Presentation Mr. Cannon, Public Works Director, provided the Parks/Recreation/Leaf Compost presentation as part of the year-long review of General Fund Services. He reviewed the number of recreation, parks and composting sites in the Township as well as the acreage for active parks. He highlighted the current recreation programs managed by the Township. He outlined the objectives and the proactive maintenance approach and plan for the Public Works department in regard to these areas. He also outlined the goals for park maintenance and for recreation and programming, the items that led to the decision making, and the labor costs. He concluded his presentation by acknowledging Shire, Penn Medicine, Main Line Health Paoli Hospital, Pitcairn Properties, Rita’s Water Ice (Chesterbrook), The Hardware Center (Paoli), Recreation Resources, Matthews Ford (Paoli), and the Tredyffrin Township Foundation for Parks and Recreation for their support and sponsorship of the summer events. He also acknowledged Naturescapes Landscaping in Paoli as the first group to adopt-a-bed at Wilson Farm Park. Other flower beds are available for adoption by local landscape companies and garden clubs and groups by contacting the Public Works Department.

Mr. Donahue asked whose responsibility it was to keep bridges like the ones at Richards Road clear. Ms. Gleason responded that it was homeowners’ responsibility to maintain up to the streams although DEP has regulatory authority over the streams; but Mr. Cannon added that the Public Works department maintains some of the areas because of safety reasons. A resident commented that it is difficult for residents to complete the appropriate remediation work done in the area because the regulations are complicated. Mr. Donahue also added that residents have reported to him that the DEP permitting fees are exorbitant and asked staff to review the regulations and permitting for stream bed remediation and report back to the Board. Another resident asked if the Township was responsible for common land along streams and stream beds, and Mr. Cannon responded not unless the land was specifically owned by the Township.

Mr. Donahue asked why the labor hours for parks were lower in 2011 and Mr. Cannon replied that it was due to injuries and two open spots on the department’s staff and added that these hours will improve in 2012 as those spots have been filled.

Mr. Olson asked if the volunteer hours provided to staff the compost sites was helpful and are more volunteers needed and Mr. Cannon replied that they were and that more volunteers would be helpful. He added that the help of volunteers allowed the Cassatt Road site to be open on Saturdays in June.

The full presentation can be found on the Township website.

Chesterfield Parkway Extension Request Motion made by Mr. DiBuonaventuro, seconded by Mr. Olson, and passed unanimously to approve the revised subdivision plan for Chesterfield Parkway Extension, Liberty Property Trust, dated 4/20/2012, last revised 5/31/2012.

Wellsprings Lane Revised Subdivision Plan Request Motion made by Mr. DiBuonaventuro, seconded by Mr. Olson, and passed unanimously to approve the revised subdivision plan for Jones Tract for Wellsprings Lane, dated 4/1/2000, last revised 4/19/2012.

St. David’s Sidewalk Update Ms. Gleason reported that the sidewalk project for St. David’s County Club is underway. They have reapplied to PennDOT to renew their highway occupancy permit and they have started to clear the area in preparation for the asphalt path.

Selection of Consultant for Police Department Staffing Study Mr. Heaberg reported that the Finance Committee began discussions in February to look at priorities going forward in preparation for the 2013 budget discussions, especially reviewing salaries and benefits, of which the police department is 63%. They interviewed several consultants who could conduct an evaluation of the police department. The study will include a review of operations, call data analysis, and assessment of workloads. Mr. Heaberg added that it would aid in understanding staffing requirements, provide objective data on the use of resources in the police department, provide data on how we meet coverage standards, provide advancement toward accreditation, and provide observations and recommendations.

Mr. Heaberg stated that the consulting group they were considering was International City and County Management Association (ICMA) to conduct the study.

Supt. Giaimo stated that he welcomed the oversight but asked for an expeditious review. He stated that he had reviewed the proposal and would ask for less than 125 days for them to render their decision. Mr. Heaberg conveyed the consultant’s commitment to be responsive and responsible. Mr. Donahue added that the Committee spent much time vetting the consultant candidates and want to use this study as a basis to assure the Superintendent and the police department that they will have the right tools and staffing to continue to do an excellent job on the health, safety and welfare of the community.

Mr. DiBuonaventuro asked the cost of the study and Mr. Heaberg responded $49,000. Mr. DiBuonaventuro expressed his non-support of moving forward with the study based on his sense that the money could be better spent on bringing the staffing level in the department up to the 47 projected that are needed (they are currently at 41) or for equipment. He also asked how the Board would respond and implement the recommendations, citing reports and recommendations in the past that were provided where follow up and implementation were never completed. Mr. Heaberg responded that the report will provide recommendations on what will be needed to meet the service level standards expected in Tredyffrin Township and that we do not have that data currently. Ms. Kichline added that the data in-hand is difficult to decipher and that the study would provide statistical information to make a better go-forward decision. Mr. Donahue added that as a Board, it needs to be determined what the level of service is expected and needed in Tredyffrin Township. Mrs. Richter added that the police department responds to all emergency calls and the number of false alarms creates cost of manpower and money. Ms. Kichline added that a study would allow the Board to make better informed decisions going forward. Mr. Olson stated that he would support the study.

Motion made by Mrs. Richter, seconded by Mr. DiBuonaventuro to table discussion and decision on appointing the consultant until the July 16th meeting, to allow more time for all of the supervisors to review the proposals. Mr. Heaberg added that the Superintendent has made clear the need to move forward expeditiously. Ms. Kichline asked the Supt. if, based on his review of the proposal, would he recommend moving forward now or table the decision until July and Supt. Giaimo responded that he would prefer to move the process along quickly. A roll call vote was taken to table discussion until July: Mr. Heaberg – No; Mrs. Richter – Yes; Mr. Donahue – No; Ms. Kichline – Yes; Mr. DiBuonaventuro – Yes; Mr. Olson – No; Ms. Mayock – Yes. The motion to table the discussion and decision to July carried.

Mr. Donahue made a motion to hold a special meeting of the Board next week, seconded by Mrs. Richter, and after discussion, Mr. Donahue withdrew his motion.

AFSCME Memorandum of Agreement Motion made by Ms. Mayock, seconded by Mr. DiBuonaventuro, and passed unanimously to approve the Collective Bargaining Agreement with AFSCME District Council 88, Local 317, which will expire June 30th, 2015.

Designation of Signatory Agent Motion made by Mr. Olson, seconded by Mrs. Richter, and passed unanimously to authorize Ms. Gleason to be the designated agent to execute all required forms and documents on behalf of Tredyffrin Township for the purpose of obtaining financial assistance from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

LeBoutellier Road Bridge Rehabilitation Project Motion made by Mr. DiBuonaventuro, seconded by Mr. Olson, and passed unanimously to allow Township Staff to advertise for bids for the LeBoutellier Road Bridge Rehabilitation project.

Liquor License Transfers A public hearing will be scheduled on July 16, 2012 to consider a liquor license transfer in the Township for Appetite’s Delight, Wayne, PA

A public hearing will be scheduled on July 16, 2012 to consider a liquor license transfer in the Township for Avero Devon, Devon, PA Bond Ordinance Discussion Discussion will be held July 16, 2012 to review the Bond ordinance to refund general obligation bonds.

Escrows Motion made by Mr. Olson, seconded by Mrs. Richter, and passed unanimously to approve release of $11,687.55 from Penn Liberty Bank to LaMarra Construction; balance remaining $9,441.70

Motion made by Ms. Mayock, seconded by Mr. DiBuonaventuro, and passed unanimously to approve release of $4,473.00 from Meridian Bank to Elie & Carol Caracand at the Devon Veterinary Hospital; balance remaining will be $00.00.

Motion made by Mr. Olson, seconded by Ms. Mayock, and passed unanimously to approve release of $21,211.00 from Bryn Mawr Trust Company to D’Agostino Builders, Inc. and The Woods at Yellow Springs, LLC; balance remaining $00.00

New Matters Ms. Kichline asked for an update regarding the Duffy site in Paoli and Mr. Baumann reported that the C1 Text Amendment proposed by Mr. Morris for an Assisted Care Facility will be reviewed by the Planning Commission at their July 19th meeting.

Mr. Donahue asked for a discussion at the August 20th Board of Supervisors’ meeting regarding a plan for a Stormwater Action Committee. Ms. Kichline asked if the Stormwater Action Committee would be limited to Trout Creek or would it be Township-wide, to which Mr. Donahue responded that they would initially focus on Trout Creek but would defer to make the consideration broader. Ms. Mayock stated that a Stormwater Committee already exists and that this discussion should be incorporated into the existing Stormwater Committee. Mr. Donahue agreed but still asked that the Board discuss stormwater more fully at the August meeting. Ms. Kichline requested that Mr. Donahue and Ms. Mayock work with the Stormwater Committee to create a concrete proposal to present at the August meeting.

Resident Steve Kline made a statement to the Board regarding Basin 2A that is part of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission’s 326-320 widening project through a portion of Tredyffrin Township. He expressed his opposition to the basin and his concerns about the review provided by EB Walsh. Ms. Kichline did state that there was a meeting scheduled next week regarding this issue with the Township and asked Mr. Kline to provide any documents for review prior to that meeting.

Resident Steve Dzury made a statement regarding his opposition to any zoning change for the Duffy site in Paoli and asked that the Supervisors oppose the change.

Adjournment of Public Meeting Meeting was adjourned at 10:33 p.m.

Public Hearing The public hearing from May 14, 2012 continued to consider an ordinance amending Chapter 208, Zoning, to add a new Article XXX entitled the Trout Creek Stormwater Overlay District, and creating permitted uses, area, bulk, height, buffer requirements and special development regulations for the district; and also amending Article II, Definitions, and Article XXVII, Conditional Uses, for related provisions and was continued to July 16, 2012.

Respectfully submitted,

Patricia Hoffman Recording Secretary