CHARLESTOWN TOWNSHIP
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The Board of Supervisors held a second meeting of the month on Monday, December 19, 1994, at the Charlestown Elementary School, Charlestown Road, Devault.
| Present: | John C. Martin, Jr., Chairman; John B. Sauser, Vice Chairman; Irene W. Ewald, Member; Thomas F. Oeste, Esq.; Surender S. Kohli, P.E.; Ruth W. Buckwalter, Secretary; those on the list of attendees and others. |
The Chairman opened the meeting at 8:00pm.
The first item of business was Charlestown Hunt. Marc Kaplin stated that the Planning Commission had approved items 1,2,3 and 5 (see minutes of Dec. 5). The Planning Commission objected to the proposed electric line placement and Mr. Kaplin showed prints of the preferred placement. Mr. Kohli stated that it is his understanding that the applicant will revise all the plans to which Mr. Kaplin agreed. The proposed site for the sales trailer is on the PENNDOT right-of-way. Mrs. Ewald expressed the opinion that the trailer could be a distraction to drivers and therefore a safety concern. Mr. Kaplin said this would be more than compensated for by fixing Rt #29 in that area. Mr. Oeste will look into the matter of whether or not Mr. Kohli needs to issue a building permit.
The Chairman announced that the LauraBrooke Curative Amendment Hearing was last Wednesday. He spoke to Gary Bender, Esq., who described the proceedings as being favorable to the Township and expects the Judge to issue a decision rapidly, perhaps in 2 weeks
The next item was the 1995 Budget. The Supervisors discussed the additional $3,000 requested by the Kimberton Fire Company and Workmen’s Comp. requested by the East Whiteland Fire Company. The consensus of the Board was to keep to the $22,000 per fire Company for 1995. Mrs. Ewald suggested the Secretary write to adjoining townships asking for a copy of their 1995 budget and, specifically, to itemize any and all contributions for emergency services. The Chairman proposed to reduce the Township tax by one mill. Mr. Sauser agreed that this was appropriate. Mr. Martin moved to approve Resolution #492-94, real property tax – 10.5 mills, per capita - $10 per person, occupational privilege tax – $10 per person and real estate transfer tax – 1/2 of 1%. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Ewald and carried unanimously. Mr. Martin moved to approve Resolution #493-94 (1995 Budget). The motion was seconded by Mrs. Ewald and carried unanimously.
John Fetterman’s storm water drainage problem was the next item for discussion and the Chairman questioned how far the Township’s responsibility goes on this matter. Mr. Kohli had submitted a cost estimate. Mrs. Ewald reported other residents in this same development have complained of the same problem. After reviewing the subject, it was decided further work will wait until spring.
Altemose Curative Amendment: the firm of Lamb,Windle and McErlane will represent the Board and Gary Bender, Esq., was designated to represent the Planning Commission. Mr. Martin will notify Mr. Bender. January 9 and January 16 were set to hear the Altemose case. Mrs. Ewald stated that she believes Carol Altemose should recuse herself from any and all participation in Planning Commission matters until this issue is resolved. Mr. Sauser stated that he believed Mrs. Altemose should recuse herself from the Altemose case but not on other Planning Commission business.
The Chairman moved on to the Rosewood Subdivision. Mr. Kohli and Mr. Oeste reported the paper work was not ready and so it was deferred to January 3, 1995. It was decided that during the winter months the snow removal would be done by the Township, to be reimbursed in the spring.
The Mary Hill Road Speed Study: Mr. Kohli had submitted his study which was reviewed and discussed. Mr. Martin moved to install humps in the spring and reduce the speed limit from 35mph to 25mph. The motion was seconded by Mr. Sauser and carried unanimously.
Dr. Moskowitz had written a letter requesting his “Conditional Use” approval be extended for another year. Since he was not present, Mrs. Ewald suggested sending a letter granting a one year extension.
Utilization of sewage sludge: The Chairman reported receiving a letter and supporting documents from Tina Daly against the use of sludge. Mrs. Ewald stated she felt Mrs. Daly’s concerns are valid and that adjoining townships have had very serious problems with land application of sludge because of heavy metals contained in the sludge. Mr. Martin questioned if the Supervisors had the authority to ban the use of sludge in the Township. Mr. Oeste will check the legality of the matter.
The Valley Hill Road and Rt. 401 signal was deferred until the next meeting. Mr. Martin wrote to West Pikeland about sharing the costs and is awaiting a response. Mrs. Ewald noted that she would like to see the signals for Valley Hill Road and Rt. 401 and also for Valley Hill Road and Newcomen Road installed as soon as possible. Mr. Kohli reported that he is preparing a condition diagram on the Newcomen Road intersection.
The next item on the agenda was Robert Berry’s driveway on lot 7 of the Eastwick Plan. Mr. Martin asked Mr. Kohli if he had written to the DER regarding this matter.
Mr. Kohli said he would do this tomorrow.
The Chairman called on Dan Stoudt to present his plan for a proposed driveway for lot #1, Wells Road of the Merriwether plan. Mr. Kohli reviewed the original plan and showed where Mr. Stoudt would like his driveway relocated. Mrs. Ewald said the Board would like to walk the site. Mr. Martin recommended Mr. Stoudt go to the Planning Commission with his plan.
The Chairman brought up the letter received from Thomas McQuilkin which stated that the homeowners of lots 11 and 12 of the Charlestown Meade subdivision would like to rename the private driveway “Lindsay Lane” rather than “Reservoir Road”. No action was taken at this time.
Mr. Sauser reported that he had received a complaint from the resident of 2 Charlestown Road, across from the VFCC, regarding excavating. Mr. Kohli will check into the matter.
Mr. Martin stated that Representative Carole Rubley had notified him she will have WRAM money available. Mr. Sauser reported that he had received a proposal for a feasibility study on converting the old General Store in the village for Township use. The cost was $11,000+.
All business completed, Mr. Martin moved to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Ewald and so carried. The meeting adjourned at 10:37pm.