NEW LONDON TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
May 7, 2020
The New London Township Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting convened at 7:00 PM via Zoom. The following Supervisors were present: Gerard Porter, Chairman; Dale Lauver, Vice Chairman; and Supervisor, Mary Anne Steel.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment on Agenda items.
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-5-1
A Motion was made by Mary Anne Steel, and seconded by Dale Lauver, to approve Resolution No. 2020-5-1 to extend the face payment date for the 2020 real estate taxes to December 31, 2020 in response to the Covid-19 Pandemic. The vote was unanimous.
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-5-2
A Motion was made by Gerry Porter, and seconded by Mary Anne Steel, to approve Resolution No. 2020-5-2 to authorize the Township Treasurer to pay out certain operating disbursements that may become due and payable prior to the Board of Supervisor’s official review. The vote was unanimous.
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-5-3
A Motion was made by Gerry Porter, and seconded by Dale Lauver, to approve Resolution No. 2020-5-3 expressing serious and immediate concerns about proposed actions regarding Chester Water Authority in light of Governor Wolf’s declaration of fiscal emergency for the city of Chester. The vote was unanimous.
SECRETARY’S REPORT
Treasurer’s Report
On a motion by Gerry Porter, and seconded by Mary Anne Steel, the May bills were approved for payment and the financial reports were approved as presented. The vote was unanimous.
STAFF REPORTS
Planning Commission
Planning Commission Chairman, Ron Ragan, explained that the Planning Commission would like to hire the Brandywine Conservancy to help with the Township Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Ragan explained the process of the Brandywine Conservancy’s Sustainable Communities Assessment tool that would be used. The program would take about three (3) months to complete. The cost of the program is $8,000.00. The Board of Supervisors agreed to this program but would like to have a formal proposal to act on at the next meeting.
Engineer’s Report
MS4 – Township Engineer, Ron Ragan, reviewed the load summary. There was some discussion on BMP’s to achieve the reduction goal. The Board of Supervisors agreed to have Ron submit a map to the DEP for comments.
Wheatland Farms Waste Water Treatment Plant – Ron reported that Spence Andress sent an email to the Board of Supervisors outlining his meeting with Aqua. He stated that Aqua is not interested in purchasing the waste water treatment plant right now. However, he feels that Aqua may be more interested if the sewer lines were rnn to the village and more customers were connected. The Board of Supervisors agreed to have a meeting with Brian Campbell, Township Solicitor, Sam McMichael, and Spence Andress to discuss strategies of moving forward towards a sale of the waste water treatment plant.
New London Township Park – Ron Ragan advised that constrnction on the Township Park has resumed. The Board of Supervisors agreed not to install the pilings and the Gazebo at this time. Mr. Ragan will reach out to Brian about the pedestrian bridge. Tom Lechmanik estimates that most of Phase I should be completed by August. Dale Lauver suggested the Township should look in to installing a fountain in the pond to help with surface algae or possibly an aerator may be better for fish life by keeping the pond oxygenated. Ron will look into a fountain or aerator.
Buildings and Property
Gerry Porter advised that he made the Township Park basketball courts inoperable to maintain the social distancing regulations during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Dale Lauver will contact Tom Altman to have the furnace serviced.
The Board of Supervisors agreed to close the baseball field to the public due to Governor Wolf’s social distancing directive. It was agreed to offer the current leagues who have paid for field rentals this year either a refund or dates for next year.
Emergency Management
Township Emergency Management Coordinator, Dave Flad, updated the Board on the Covid-19 Virus situation. He explained how the testing sites in Chester County will operate. He also advised that when the Township building opens to the public we will need to meet the new covid free environment standards. This includes disposable masks, gloves, and hand sanitizing stations at each entrance. Mr. Flad recommends in keeping with Governor Wolf’s directives not to rent the Township building out at this time. He advised that if a meeting was held at the Township then we would have to have a company come in to disinfect the entire Township Building.
Zoning Report
Zoning Officer, Trish Fagan, reported zero (0) building permits were issued in April due to Governor Wolfs Covid-19 directive. There were no Use and Occupancy Permits issued.
OLD/NEW BUSINESS
Gerry Porter advised that he spoke with Mike Harlan of Harlan Construction and they will start road work on several Township roads.
The meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Maureen Zdun Assistant Secretary