NEW LONDON TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
FEBRUARY 4, 2025
The New London Township Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting convened at 6:00 PM at the New London Township Building, New London, PA. The following Supervisors were present: Mary Anne Steel, Chairperson; Dale Lauver, Vice Chairman; and Dale Yates, Supervisor.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment.
Avon Grove Bulldogs Baseball Team
Terry Reisinger from the Avon Grove Bulldogs was present on behalf of the organization to discuss the use of the Township Baseball Field. It was agreed that the Avon Grove Bulldogs can use the field in exchange for maintaining the field. The Board of Supervisors did request that they refrain from practicing on the park trails for the safety of park users. Mr. Reisinger will forward the Township Secretary the practice and game schedules along with each team’s Certificate of Insurance.
West Grove Fire Company
Neil Vaughn, President of West Grove Fire Company and Erik Felker, Chief of the West Grove Fire Company addressed the Board of Supervisors regarding the Cooperative Partnership with the Avondale Fire Company and the West Grove Fire Company. They gave an overview of the possible partnership. The lack of volunteers and increased call volume contributes to this partnership. They asked for the Township’s support as the need for hiring paid career staff is necessary to provide safety, emergency preparedness, and well-being for our community.
A motion was made by Dale Lauver, seconded by Dale Yates, to support the Avondale Fire Company and the West Grove Fire Company Cooperative Partnership. The vote was unanimous.
Household Hazardous Waste Commitment Letter
The Chester County Solid Waste Authority leads the Household Hazardous Waste Program for the County. The Chester County Commissioners approved at their January meeting a new three (3) year contract for the program. The Chester County Solid Waste Authority is asking the Township to sign a Commitment Memo. The Board of Supervisors agreed to sign.
ECON Partners Agreement
Board of Supervisors Chairperson, Mary Anne Steel, announced that the Township met with grant writers. It was agreed to have them start working on some grants.
A motion was made by Dale Yates, seconded by Dale Lauver, to approve the ECON Partners Agreement. The vote was unanimous.
New London Township Comprehensive Plan
A motion was made by Dale Lauver, seconded by Dale Yates, to have the New London Township Planning Commission start the grant application process for a new comprehensive plan. The vote was unanimous.
Township Property Reviews
815 N Avondale Road – The Board of Supervisors agreed to have the house demolished. It was also agreed to allow the West Grove Fire Company access to the house before it is demolished for practice drills.
A motion was made by Dale Yates, seconded by Dale Lauver, to accept the demolition proposal from Geo Tech in the amount of $11,500.00. The vote was unanimous.
835 W Avondale Road – The discussion regarding the house was tabled until the Township Engineer, Ron Ragan, could provide a sketch plan subdividing the house and property.
Kirk Farm – Board of Supervisors Chairperson, Mary Anne Steel, advised the intent is to subdivide the house and barn with 1.8 acres and retain the remaining acreage for use with MS4 as a field and or stream restoration to get some pollutant load reduction credits.
A motion was made by Dale Yates, seconded by Dale Lauver, to move forward with the subdivision of the Kirk Farm. The vote was unanimous.
2025 Tree Lighting Celebration
A motion was made by Dale Yates, seconded by Dale Lauver, to set the New London Township Tree Lighting Celebration the first Saturday of December. The vote was unanimous.
Resolution No. 2025-2-1 Appointing a Professional Audit
A motion was made by Dale Lauver, seconded by Dale Yates, to approve Resolution No. 2025-2-1 appointing KC Business Books to perform the New London Township Audit for 2024. The vote was unanimous.
Resolution No. 2025-2-2 Disposition of Records
A motion was made by Dale Lauver, seconded by Dale Yates, to approve Resolution No. 2025-2-2 Disposition of Records. The vote was unanimous.
Resolution No. 2025-2-3 Barbara Lytle David Lytle Agricultural Security Area
It was agreed to have the Township Solicitor, Winnie Sebastian, review the application before approving the resolution.
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS
Secretary’s Report
A motion was made by Dale Yates, seconded by Mary Anne Steel, to approve the January 9, 2025 Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting Minutes. Dale Lauver abstained from voting.
Treasurer’s Report
A motion was made by Dale Yates, seconded by Dale Lauver, to approve the February 2025 bills for payment and financial reports were accepted. The vote was unanimous.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Engineer’s Report
The Township Engineer, Ron Ragan, will contact Marjorie Parris at Penn DOT, regarding the Pennock Bridge Road Bridge Turn Back Agreement since we have not heard from her.
Planning Commission
Planning Commission Chairman, Ron Ragan, advised that we are still waiting to hear from the Chester County Planning Commission regarding the Amended Zoning Map.
Road Master’s Report
The New London Township Road Master, Gerry Porter, reported the following:
Wheatland Drive – A stop sign replaced.
Locust Drive – There was a damaged mailbox by the plow replaced.
Saginaw Road – A ditch was repaired.
Thunder Hill Road – Resident states cars are speeding and he would like a speed bump. He said Pennsylvania State Police did come out one (1) time. Gerry told the resident he would have the Township office call the Pennsylvania State Police to ask them to patrol the road.
Camp Bonsul Bridge – Forms were built for the abutment and pouring will be started.
Conard Mill Road Bridge – The bridge was inspected by Penn DOT’s contractor. It is a priority one (1) repair. They recommend a liner installation that would be good for ten (10) years. As of now no weight restrictions. They will inspect again in August then in February. They are going to send Gerry a report.
Township resident, Steve Flegal, inquired about a culvert on Shady Lane. Gerry Porter will take a look at it.
Zoning Report
The Township Secretary, Maureen Zdun, reported thirteen (13) permits were issued in January. There were two (2) single family dwellings issued.
Emergency Management
Dave Flad, the Township Emergency Management Coordinator, advised the Board of Supervisors that the County is going to be updating the Hazard Mitigation Plan. He will send an email to the Board of Supervisors with the information they are requesting.
Property and Maintenance
It was agreed to purchase a new thermostat for the Township Building.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Maureen Zdun
Secretary