Cove Gap public meetings in 2024

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will review a sketch for a proposed subdivision and hold a work session on the Comprehensive Plan. The body will also consider a recommendation to fill a vacant seat.

• Sketch review of proposed 3 lot subdivision at 130 South Lloyd Ave
• Recommendation to appoint Caroline O’Connor to vacant seat
• Comprehensive Plan work session
• Review of Planning Commission Bylaws

The Planning Commission unanimously recommended that Borough Council grant an easement access from Prospect Road for a proposed 3-lot subdivision at 130 S. Lloyd Ave, contingent on stormwater management, deed restrictions against future subdivision, and protection of older structures. The commission also unanimously recommended Caroline O'Connor to fill a vacant seat, and discussed priorities for the Comprehensive Plan, including Complete Streets, Official Maps, and Streetscaping.

• Recommended easement access from Prospect Road for 130 S. Lloyd Ave subdivision (unanimous)
• Recommended Caroline O'Connor to vacant Planning Commission seat (unanimous)
• Approved October 21, 2024 minutes (unanimous)
• Identified top 3 Comprehensive Plan focus areas: Complete Streets, Official Maps, Streetscaping

Flood Advisory Committee

The committee will discuss updates on the PEMA Buy Out Program, Downingtown Strong, and the Downingtown Resilience Fund. They will also review grant applications, including CDBG, and the status of a non-USGS monitoring station. Minutes and deferred business like the Emergency Response Plan review will be addressed.

• Emergency Response Plan review pending completion
• PEMA Buy Out Program update
• Update on Downingtown Strong and Downingtown Resilience Fund
• Review of general and borough grant applications, including CDBG
• Status update on non-USGS monitoring station

Borough Council

The Borough Council will meet to consider the adoption of the 2025 budget and a real estate tax for Fire and EMS. The body will also review a proposed single-use plastic ordinance and a demolition bid for the FEMA Voluntary Buyback Program.

• Ordinance 2024-07 levying a Fire and EMS Real Estate Tax
• Adoption of the 2025 Borough of Downingtown Budget
• Bid award for demolition under the FEMA Voluntary Buyback Program
• Proposed Single Use Plastic Ordinance
• Amendments to the Police Chief's contract

Shade Tree Commission

The Downingtown Shade Tree Commission will hold a regular meeting to review recent planting efforts, discuss the Armor Alley Pocket Park, and update the Shade Tree logo. New business includes a Borough Street Tree update, DCNR grant opportunities, and a proposed Shade Tree Ordinance. The commission will also set 2025 goals and hear from Restore Our Roots.

• Recap of Kerr/Tabas/Johnsontown planting on November 2
• Armor Alley Pocket Park update
• DCNR Community Conservation Partnerships discussion
• Shade Tree Ordinance review
• Master Landscape Plan update

Borough Council

The Borough Council will vote on the 2025 preliminary budget and consider an ordinance setting the fire, EMS, and general purpose millage rate for 2025. Other business includes a resolution for the Mission Church subdivision application, a letter of support for a resilience fund grant, and a temporary pause in parking fees for the holiday season.

• 2025 preliminary budget adoption
• Ordinance setting 2025 fire, EMS, and general purpose millage rate
• Resolution 2024-21 for Mission Church subdivision
• Ordinance 2024-06 amending property maintenance and housing standards
• Fourth Amendment Sewer Conveyance Agreement with East Caln Township

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will meet to discuss a lot line change and shared parking application for Mission Community Church. The body will also review a Comprehensive Plan update and tobacco/vape retailers.

• Mission Community Church, 216 E. Lancaster Avenue lot line change and shared parking application
• Comprehensive Plan update
• Tobacco/Vape retailers

Borough Council

The borough council will discuss the 2025 preliminary budget and consider authorizing a Phase 2 agreement for a regional streetlight procurement program with Keystone Lighting Solutions. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes and a public comment period.

• Authorize agreement for Phase 2 of Regional Streetlight Procurement Program with Keystone Lighting Solutions
• 2025 Preliminary Budget Presentation and Discussion

Flood Advisory Committee

The Flood Advisory Committee will review updates on the PEMA Buy Out Program, grant applications (including CDBG and Borough grants), and the Downingtown Strong and Resilience Fund initiatives. They will also discuss citizen-led projects such as stream clean scouting, non-USGS monitoring stations, and a River Walk infographic. The meeting includes time for citizens to speak and approval of previous minutes.

• PEMA Buy Out Program update
• Downingtown Strong and Downingtown Resilience Fund updates
• Grant funding updates including CDBG and general applications
• RFP discussion and status of non-USGS monitoring station
• Development of River Walk infographic and stream clean action items

Historic Commission

The Cove Gap, PA Historic Commission will review old business including a letter to the Planning Commission about paint updates and a tabled Santa banner decision. New items include planning for a CCHPN workshop, Log House openings, Santa supplies, and waterproofing the Log House.

• Approval of letter for Planning Commission regarding paint updates
• Santa banner decision tabled
• Log House opening scheduled for first Sunday in November
• Waterproofing the Log House assigned to Barry Cassidy

Borough Council

This meeting includes approval of expenditures and minutes, a library update, and several new business items. Council will consider awarding a refuse/recycling contract for 2025-2028 and authorizing advertisement of an ordinance amending property maintenance and housing standards. Also on the agenda are police department policy updates, a police vehicle sale via Municibid, and an agreement with Chester County Water Resources Authority for surface water monitoring in Beaver Creek.

• Bid award for refuse/recycling contract 2025-2028 (no dollar amount listed)
• Authorize advertisement of ordinance amending Article III, Chapter 222 (Property Maintenance and Housing Standards)
• Appointment to the UCC Board of Appeals
• Police department policy updates and municibid vehicle sale
• Agreement with Chester County Water Resources Authority for Beaver Creek surface water monitoring

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission will discuss updates on the Restore Our Roots project and disc golf, and plan the upcoming Boo Bash event scheduled for October 19, 2024. The meeting includes approval of prior minutes and any deferred business. No detailed packet information is provided.

• Restore Our Roots (ROR) project updates
• Disc golf updates
• Boo Bash planning for October 19, 2024

Flood Advisory Committee

The Flood Advisory Committee will discuss updates on the PEMA Buy Out Program, grant applications including CDBG, and citizen-led projects such as stream cleanup and a River Walk infographic. The meeting includes approval of previous minutes and a status report on non-USGS monitoring stations.

• Update on PEMA Buy Out Program
• Grant funding discussion: general applications, Borough grant, CDBG, and RFP
• Recap of heavy duty stream clean event and action items
• Status of non-USGS monitoring station
• Develop infographic for River Walk project

Historic Commission

The Downingtown Historic Commission will review old business including a letter for updating the paint chart, a meeting with an architect, a report on mitigation, and a decision on a new Santa banner. New business includes outhouse placement, the Boo Bash event on October 19th, and an open house at the Log House on November 3rd. The meeting will also approve minutes from July and handle other items.

• Letter for updating the paint chart
• Meeting with architect – Jess/Joe
• Report on Mitigation
• Decide on new Santa banner
• Outhouse placement

The Downingtown Historic Commission met and decided to send a letter to the Planning Commission regarding changes to the Historic Overlay paint chart. They also discussed the final mitigation with PennDOT on the Yerkes House, including input on lighting, shrubs, and fencing, and agreed to document the property with photos. The commission confirmed the Santa banner design and the December 7th Santa event date, but decided not to participate in Boo Bash this year.

• Letter to Planning Commission on Historic Overlay paint chart approved
• Yerkes House mitigation with PennDOT discussed; input on lighting, shrubs, fencing
• Agreed to photograph and document Yerkes property exterior
• Santa banner design approved
• Santa event date set for December 7, 10 AM-2 PM
• Not participating in Boo Bash this year
• Log House October opening cancelled due to Fall Fest conflict

Borough Council

The Borough Council will hold a public hearing on the 2024 Comprehensive Plan and consider a resolution to adopt it. Other actions include resolutions for a VPP grant submission and a land development plan for Saint John Vianney, as well as authorization to bid on a demolition project under a FEMA/PEMA hazard mitigation grant. The agenda also features personnel matters, a right-of-entry agreement for Tabas Park, and a letter of support for a county food composting program.

• Public hearing on the 2024 Borough Comprehensive Plan
• Resolution 2024-16 adopting the 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update
• Resolution 2024-17 for VPP Grant Submission
• Resolution 2024-18 for Saint John Vianney Land Development
• Authorization for bid – Demolition for FEMA/PEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Project

The Downingtown Borough Council unanimously adopted the updated 2024 Comprehensive Plan (Resolution 2024-16) after a public hearing with no comments. They also approved the final land development plan for the St. John Vianney Expansion (Resolution 2024-18), authorized a grant application, and approved several other items including the sale of a police vehicle and employment offers.

• Approved expenditures for period ending August 30, 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of August 7, 2024 (unanimous)
• Awarded bid for 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe to Municibid for $15,900 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2024-16 for the 2024 Comprehensive Plan (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2024-18 for St. John Vianney land development (unanimous)
• Authorized application for Vision Partnership Program Grant (unanimous)
• Authorized bids for demolition of FEMA/PEMA hazard mitigation homes (unanimous)
• Ratified conditional offer for Codes Enforcement Manager Phillip Borawski (unanimous)

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Commission will discuss updates for the Restore Our Roots project and disc golf. Members will debrief on Downingtown Live & Local and Picnic in the Park, and plan for the Boo Bash event on October 19, 2024.

• Restore Our Roots (ROR) project updates
• Disc Golf updates
• Downingtown Live & Local debrief
• Picnic in the Park debrief
• Boo Bash planning for 10/19/24

Shade Tree Commission

The Downingtown Shade Tree Commission will discuss old business including a possible CCCD grant for the Lawn to Meadow Project, tree issues at Saint John Vianney, and upcoming fall festivals. New business includes a tree planting at Kerr Park and updates from Restore Our Roots. No votes or dollar amounts are specified in the agenda.

• Lawn to Meadow Project – possible CCCD grant
• Trees at Saint John Vianney
• Kerr Park tree planting
• Logo update
• Fall Fest events (October 6 and October 12)

The Shade Tree Commission discussed upcoming activities, including a tentative date for Michael Dunn's presentation to the Planning Commission and plans for a tree planting at Kerr Park in November. No formal decisions were made; items were discussed and updates provided.

• Discussed possible November dates for Kerr Park tree planting, with purchase in October
• Noted tentative August 19 date for Michael Dunn's presentation to Planning Commission
• No update on Lawn to Meadow Project at Tabas Park
• Planned Restore Our Roots table at Downingtown and Friends Fall Festival

Planning Commission

The Cove Gap Planning Commission will consider approval of meeting minutes from June 24 and July 1, receive a Street Tree Report from Brandywine Urban Forest, and discuss the Comprehensive Plan. They will also review a VPP Rolling Mini-Grant, hold a work session, and receive updates from Engineering & Code and the Borough Council.

• Street Tree Report presentation by Michael Dunn of Brandywine Urban Forest
• Comprehensive Plan Discussion
• VPP Rolling Mini-Grant review
• Approval of June 24 and July 1 Planning Commission meeting minutes
• Engineering & Code Department Update

Flood Advisory Committee

The Flood Advisory Committee will discuss updates on the Downingtown Strong and Downingtown Resilience Fund programs, as well as grant funding opportunities including CDBG and general applications. They will also review progress on the PEMA Buy Out Program, an Emergency Response Plan, and citizen-led projects such as heavy-duty stream cleanup and the River Walk infographic.

• Update on Downingtown Strong program
• Update on Downingtown Resilience Fund
• CDBG grant funding discussion
• PEMA Buy Out Program update
• Review of stream cleanup action items and River Walk infographic

Borough Council

The Cove Gap Borough Council will hold a regular meeting on August 7, 2024, starting with an executive session at 6:30 p.m. The agenda includes approval of expenditures and minutes, followed by several new business items: resolutions for the Borough Emergency Operations Plan and designation of an Open Records Officer, an appointment of a Conflict Solicitor, a third amendment to a Sewer Conveyance Agreement with East Caln Township, ratification of letters of support for William Penn Foundation grants, a request to advertise retired police vehicles for sale on Municibid, purchase of capital equipment for Public Works, and a mass gathering application for D-town Brew Down. No supporting documents were included in the packet.

• Resolution 2024-14: Borough Emergency Operations Plan
• Resolution 2024-15: Designating Open Records Officer/Recording Secretary
• Third Amendment Sewer Conveyance Agreement with East Caln Township
• Request to advertise retired police vehicles for sale on Municibid
• Purchase of capital equipment for Public Works Department

Parks and Recreation Commission

The commission is meeting to receive updates on the Restore Our Roots project and disc golf. Members will also plan for the Picnic in the Park and Boo Bash events.

• Restore Our Roots (ROR) project updates
• Disc Golf updates
• Downingtown Live & Local updates
• Picnic in the Park planning (8/17/2024)
• Boo Bash planning (10/19/24)

Historic Commission

The Downingtown Borough Historic Commission will discuss old business including the Yerkes Property update, overlay approved colors, and reports on the Marinelli service, Duck Race, and tours. New business includes reviewing commission rules and responsibilities, a new office space, and financials. The agenda is largely procedural with routine updates and no major decisions or public hearings.

• Yerkes Property Update
• Overlay Approved Colors
• Marinelli Service Report
• Duck Race Report
• New Office Space discussion

Shade Tree Commission

The Downingtown Shade Tree Commission is meeting to discuss old business including a logo update and an ordinance, as well as new business such as trees at Saint John Vianney, a possible CCCD grant for a Lawn to Meadow Project, and the Beaver Creek Tree Care Guide. They will also hear updates on upcoming events like Native Plant Night and Fall Fest, and a presentation from Michael Dunn to the Planning Commission.

• Ordinance – discussion or update on a tree-related ordinance
• Lawn to Meadow Project – possible Chester County Conservation District (CCCD) grant
• Trees at Saint John Vianney – new business item
• Beaver Creek Tree Care Guide – new business item
• Native Plant Night on the East Branch Roof – Thursday, August 22nd

The Shade Tree Commission met and discussed several ongoing and new projects, including a logo update, a tree walk map update, and a lawn-to-meadow project at Tabas Park. No formal decisions or votes were recorded; the meeting was primarily informational and planning-focused.

• Discussed logo update with several versions created on Canva
• Discussed ordinance update versions placed on Drive
• Discussed updating tree walk map at Saint John Vianney to show newly located John W. Hershey Trees
• Discussed Tabas Park as an option for Lawn to Meadow Project
• Discussed creating a tree care guide for Beaver Creek Elementary School
• Discussed helping with Native Plant Night on the Roof of East Branch on August 27th
• Discussed moving forward with shared space at Downingtown and Friends Meeting Fall Festivals

Flood Advisory Committee

The committee will discuss the status of the Emergency Response Plan and the PEMA Buy Out Program. Members will also review grant opportunities, including selecting a project for CDBG funding. Additionally, updates will be provided on stream cleaning efforts and the Reverse 911 program for flood zones.

• Emergency Response Plan status check
• PEMA Buy Out Program Update
• CDBG grant project selection
• Reverse 911 program update for flood zones
• Status of non-USGS monitoring station

Borough Council

The Council will review proposed amendments to noise and industrial waste discharge ordinances. The meeting also includes discussions on road resurfacing bids and the release of the draft Comprehensive Plan for public comment.

• Ordinance 2024-03: Industrial Waste Discharge Standards
• Ordinance 2024-04: Noise amendments
• Resolution 2024-12: PennDOT Winter Maintenance Services Agreement
• Bid Award for Road Resurfacing
• Release of the draft Comprehensive Plan for public comment

Parks and Recreation Commission

The commission will discuss updates for the Restore Our Roots project, disc golf, and Downingtown Live & Local. Planning for Picnic in the Park and Boo Bash is also on the agenda. No additional information was included in the meeting packet.

• Restore Our Roots (ROR) project updates
• Disc Golf updates
• Downingtown Live & Local updates
• Picnic in the Park planning (8/17/2024)
• Boo Bash planning (10/19/24)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will discuss a land development application for St John Vianney and a sketch plan for 181 St Joseph Lane. The meeting also includes a review of the Comprehensive Plan Draft.

• St John Vianney land development application
• 181 St Joseph Lane sketch plan discussion
• Comprehensive Plan Draft Review
• Engineering & Code Department Update

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will review the final draft of the Comprehensive Plan. The agenda also includes updates from the Engineering & Code Department and Council.

• Comprehensive Plan final draft review
• Approval of February 5 and June 3 meeting minutes
• Engineering & Code Department update
• Council update

Borough Council

The Cove Gap Borough Council will hold a work session to discuss facility enhancement bids and several ordinance updates. The agenda also includes an audit presentation and sewer agreement amendments. No additional information was included in the meeting packet.

• Bids for facilities at 4 W. Lancaster Ave., 126 Wallace Ave., and 260 Norwood Rd.
• Ordinance accepting dedication of Keene Lane and Talucci Drive
• Amendment to Industrial Waste Discharge Standards (Chapter 235, Article IV)
• Amendment to Noise Ordinance (Chapter 182)
• Second Amendment to Sewer Conveyance Agreement with East Caln Twp.

Flood Advisory Committee

The committee will review updates on grant funding, including the selection of a CDBG project. Members will also discuss the PEMA Buy Out Program and the status of the Emergency Response Plan. The agenda includes progress on Reverse 911 notifications for residents in flood zones and stream cleaning action items.

• PEMA Buy Out Program update
• CDBG project selection
• Reverse 911 program for 100 and 500 year flood zones
• Emergency Response Plan status check
• Setup of non-USGS monitoring stations

Shade Tree Commission

The commission will discuss several upcoming community programs, including Fall Fest and Summer Sips and Strolls for Plants. The meeting also includes updates on wildlife habitat certification and tree planting maintenance.

• Community Wildlife Habitat Certification recommendation
• Fall Fest Application (October 6th)
• "Summer Sips and Strolls for Plants" (July 20)
• Tree Planting Maintenance
• Michael Dunn presentation reschedule

Borough Council

The Cove Gap Borough Council will consider several resolutions, including CDBG and Growing Greener grant submissions. The agenda also includes a conditional use hearing for signage at 520 E. Lancaster Ave. and the renewal of the Verizon Cable franchise.

• Conditional Use Hearing for signage at 520 E. Lancaster Ave.
• Resolution 2024-08 CDBG Block Grant Submission
• Resolution 2024-09 Growing Greener Grant Submission
• Verizon Cable Franchise Renewal
• Resolution 2024-11 regarding conveyance of Master Unit III of UPI No. 11-8-47.5

Planning Commission

The Cove Gap Planning Commission is meeting to consider a conditional use request for up to 22 signs at 520 East Lancaster Avenue. The agenda also includes updates from the Engineering & Code Department and Council, plus general discussion items.

• Conditional use request for up to 22 signs at 520 East Lancaster Avenue
• Engineering & Code Department update
• Council update
• Public comment period (For The Good of the Order)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is meeting to discuss the borough's final 537 Plan update, a draft Comprehensive Plan update, and a report on the Downingtown Urban Forest. The agenda also includes updates from the Engineering & Code Department and Borough Council, followed by public comment.

• Borough final 537 Plan update
• Downingtown Urban Forest Report presentation by Michael Dunn, RCA
• Draft Comprehensive Plan update presentation
• Engineering & Code Department update
• Council update

Borough Council

The Borough Council will meet to approve expenditures and minutes. The body is scheduled to discuss an appointment for Assistant Borough Manager/Emergency Management Coordinator and agreements regarding Delio Lane and River Bank LLC.

• Appointment of Assistant Borough Manager/Emergency Management Coordinator
• Memorandum of Understanding for Delio Lane
• Corrective Deed and Easement Agreement with River Bank LLC
• Shade Tree Commission update on Community Wildlife Habitat Certification
• Approval of expenditures for the period ending April 30, 2024

Historic Commission

The Downingtown Borough Historic Commission is meeting to handle routine business, including approving minutes and discussing old and new business. Key items include updates on the Santa Banner, the Yerkes Property/Train Station (tabled to May), and a proposal to purchase a PA system with wireless microphones. The commission will also discuss cashless payment options, the borough email account, and scheduling for First Sunday events.

• Purchase approval for PA system with wireless microphones
• Discussion of cashless payment / Venmo
• Update on Yerkes Property/Train Station (tabled until May)
• First Sunday schedule for May through October, including July 4th holiday staffing
• Duck ticket layout, counting, and sales discussion

Borough Council

The Borough Council will conduct public hearings regarding notice procedures for the Zoning Hearing Board and amendments to floodplain management. The body will also consider appointments to the Flood Advisory, Shade Tree, and Historic commissions.

• Public Hearing: Ordinance 2024-01 Zoning Hearing Board Notice Procedures
• Public Hearing: Ordinance 2024-02 Amending Chapter 150 Floodplain Management
• Resolution 2024-04 Flood Advisory Committee
• Zoning Hearing Board Application for 121 Manor Ave.
• Lease Agreement East Caln Twp. (126 Wallace Ave.)

Historic Commission

The Downingtown Borough Historic Commission is meeting to handle routine business: approving minutes, electing officers, and reviewing past events. They will also discuss the upcoming April First Sunday event, including guide needs, and receive an update on the Yerkes Property. The agenda is largely procedural and planning-focused.

• Election of officers
• April First Sunday event planning (four guides needed)
• Santa event review and 2024 banner discussion
• Yerkes Property update
• Printer discussion

Borough Council

The Borough Council will meet to approve expenditures and minutes. The body will consider a land development plan, a lease agreement, and a police software upgrade.

• Resolution 2024-05 Preliminary/Final Land Development Plan Brandywine Station, LP
• Lease Agreement East Caln Twp. (126 Wallace Ave.)
• Authorization of advertisement for Road Resurfacing/ADA Ramps bid
• Police Software Upgrade Record Management System

Shade Tree Commission

The Downingtown Shade Tree Commission is holding its regular monthly meeting. The agenda includes public comment, old and new business, and reports from Brandywine Urban Forest Consulting and Restore Our Roots. The commission will discuss projects for 2024 and other updates.

• Report from Brandywine Urban Forest Consulting presented by Michael Dunn
• Discussion of projects for 2024
• Updates from Restore Our Roots

Flood Advisory Committee

This meeting has no published agenda. The only guidance is to review the minutes, so no specific decisions or discussions are listed for this session.

• No agenda items listed

Flood Advisory Committee

There is no agenda provided for this Flood Advisory Committee meeting. Residents are directed to review the meeting minutes instead.