At its two-hour meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 16, Kennett Square Borough Council handled a far-reaching agenda, figuratively traveling back in time as well as across the border.

The topics included snow-removal complaints, a possible partnership with a region in Mexico, the borough’s gateway role in the  Brandywine Battlefield, and ways to improve communication with residents.

The first order of business involved the swearing-in of two new full-time police officers. Mark Todd, a 2005 graduate of Oxford Area High School and 2009 graduate of Cecil College, comes to the borough after working in the West Nottingham, West Fallowfield, and Oxford police departments.

George Carlson, who graduated from Octorara Senior High School in 2002, earned his Act 120 certification in 2007 after taking courses at West Chester and Penn State universities. He worked previously in West Grove and Coatesville.

Mayor Matt Fetick said both officers completed their Civil Service applications more than two years ago and remained on the borough’s list of eligible candidates. He said the borough was fortunate they were still available when positions became available.

He noted that the vacancies existed because two of the borough’s officers left to take prestigious positions with the Chester County Detectives. “That says a lot about our police department,” he said.

Jeannine Speirs, a planner with the Chester County Planning Commission who chairs the Brandywine Battlefield Task Force, gave an enthusiastic presentation about the borough’s importance in tracking the history of the battle.

Calling Kennett Square Borough one of the gateways for interpreting the battlefield, she explained that research conducted through the first phase of a grant shows troop movement and encampment around the borough.

She said the county has received another two-year grant to continue the analysis aimed at pinpointing the troops’ activities and whereabouts. Identifying significant, historic locations will assist municipalities with land planning and conservation efforts, she said.

Speirs stressed that the county is not seeking funds from the borough, just two volunteers who share “the enthusiasm to figure out what happened here.”

Several council members applauded the idea. “I think it’s a great plan,” said Ethan Cramer, adding, “I’m sorry we lost the battle.”

Speirs responded that some historians now feel that it might have been a draw since the British failed in their goal, which was to get Washington.

Resident John Thomas also endorsed participating in the research. “I will put my hat in the ring,” he said. “I think it’s a great project.”

In other business, Fetick said the borough had been approached by representatives from Moroleon, a region in Guanajuato, Mexico, about a “twinning arrangement.” He explained that a number of residents travel back and forth between there and Kennett Square.

Fetick said the goal would be a cultural, collaborative exchange. Council unanimously voted to extend an invitation for a group to visit on April 29. A formal agreement could be memorialized after that visit.

“I’m here to support the twinning arrangement,” said Teno Zurita, a borough resident who also lives about five miles from Moroleon.

Council also heard from attorney William J. Shehwen III. He represents Mike Scali, who is under contract to purchase 120 E. State St. Shehwen explained that Scali, who wants to put a restaurant in the building, needs a resolution from the borough so that he can apply for an economic development liquor license, which would be non-transferable.

“This would go a long way to developing that property,” Shehwen said. The building has been vacant since Jack McFadden purchased the building in late 2006, and his plans for a restaurant failed to materialize. The resolution will be discussed further at the next council meeting on March 7.

Councilman Wayne Braffman reported on a “slow but steady approach” to improve communication with residents and create a more collaborative government. Among the ideas under consideration are upgrades to the website that would give residents financial updates, background on agenda items in advance of meetings, and detailed descriptions of boards and commissions to help residents select areas for volunteering.

Also under consideration is the creation of a form that could be used to solicit suggestions, “a pathway to allow any resident with an idea to bring it forward to us,” Braffman said. That suggestion sparked discussion about who would receive the form and who would be responsible for follow-up, details that are still in flux.

Continuing the theme of residents’ feedback, Fetick responded to earlier complaints from a handful of residents about inadequate snow-removal and failure to tow illegally parked cars during the blizzard. He said that mistakes were made and that efforts were underway to ensure they wouldn’t occur again.

He also reminded residents about the Town Hall meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 24, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the lower level of the Genesis HealthCare building, 101 E. State St. He urged residents to take advantage of the chance to discuss topics of interest with borough officials.

In his report, Council President Danilo Maffei said numerous vacancies exist on borough boards and commissions, including the Landfill Authority, the Shade Tree Commission, the Zoning Hearing Board, and the Property Maintenance Appeals Board. Anyone interested in serving should send a letter of interest to Borough Manager Joseph Scalise, he said.