CHARLESTOWN TOWNSHIP
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The Charlestown Township Board of Supervisors held their regular monthly meeting on Monday, December 4, 1995 at the Charlestown Elementary School, Charlestown Road, Devault, Pa.
Present: |
John C. Martin, Jr., Chairman, John B. Sauser, Vice Chairman, Irene W. Ewald, Member, Surender S. Kohli, P.E., Linda M. Csete, Secretary and those on the attached attendee list. |
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 8:00 P.M.
Mrs. Ewald introduced students Tom and Neal Karrigan, township residents who attended the meeting as part of Tom’s efforts to win a Boy Scout merit badge for government.
Mr. Sauser moved to approve the October 2,1995 minutes. Mr. Martin seconded and all were in favor.
Mr. Sauser amended page 2, first paragraph, 9th line of the minutes for October 16, 1995 to be changed from “Mr. Sauser ... wished to make it clear to Realen that this is a definite ceiling that would not be raised in the future” to “Mr. Sauser wished to make it clear to Realen that a definite ceiling should be determined for the future.” Mr. Sauser moved to approve the October 16,1995 minutes as amended. Mrs. Ewald seconded and all were in favor.
Mrs. Ewald moved to approve the November 6,1995 minutes. Mr. Sauser seconded and all were in favor.
Mr. Martin moved to approve the November 1995 Treasurer’s Report. Mr. Sauser seconded and the motion carried.
Mrs. Ewald moved to approve the December 4, 1995 Accounts Payable Report. Mr. Sauser seconded and the motion carried.
Mr. Kohli stated that he has recently received a number of complaints from residents about people storing multiple cars that are untitled, in various states of disrepair or otherwise not in use and left sitting on their properties. While the township has an ordinance for junkyards or trash disposal sites, this situation is different and the supervisors may wish to consider an ordinance which would enable him to do something in these situations. Mrs. Ewald suggested that the Board review exactly what constitutes a junkyard or trash disposal site before discussing the matter further.
Mr. Martin announced that the Planning Commission and Supervisor-Elect Robin Kohn toured the Devault Crushed Stone site on Saturday. Mr. Kohn indicated that the management is still interested in purchasing a portion of the township property from which they recently removed an encroaching paved area He also said that they plan to alter the existing 20 foot buffer so that it parallels Route 29 and provides more screening from the parking lot. Mr. Kohli stated that he spoke with Mr. Oeste regarding the need for filing a conditional use along with the land development plan. Since there was a conditional use approval granted in the past with a number of conditions attached, Mr. Kohli suggested that the Board review it to determine if this prior approval would suffice or the new land development plan or whether a new conditional use application is needed.
Mr. Hiller reported that the majority of items remaining on the fall road tour list have been completed. He reviewed PennDOT’s addendum to the Snow and Ice Agreement adding Foster Road and found it to be in order. Mr. Hiller reported that he met with Delaware Valley Paving to review the winter road maintenance plan, and that they went to the barn fire on Pikeland Road where a back hoe was needed. He also met with Mr. Kohli and Delaware Valley Paving at the Revolutionary War Cemetery to inspect the area around the wall which needs to be re-graded and raised for improved water handling. They will also put modified stone down in the parking lot. Mrs. Ewald raised a concern over performing this part of the job until it is determined how to best protect the site. Mr. Hiller estimates the grading work at the wall to cost approximately $1,500.00.
Mr. Connolly was not in attendance.
Mr. Alston reported that there were five vehicle accidents, one wires fire, one barn fire, one QRS and two assist the police calls. He investigated one incident of open burning. Mr. Alston announced that the burning ban is lifted and that leaves and waste papers may be burned in containers only, according to the ordinance.
Mr. Winckelman reported that the VFSA is meeting all its parameters for 1995 and that the 1996 Budget has been approved. The VFSA has recently been the recipient of 4 industry awards.
John DiLello complained that during the barn fire, a pick up truck was driven across his property and damaged his lawn. While he understood the need to gain access through his property, he questioned the need to go so quickly as to cause this damage, particularly since it appeared that the driver, once parked, did not then rush into action. Mr. Alston addressed his comment by explaining that sometimes these problems are unavoidable as the fire official’s primary responsibility is to determine the exact nature of the emergency as quickly as possible in order to protect lives and property.
Mr. Sauser reported that the re-addressing committee met at Charlie Philips’ house on November 28th during which time a number of tasks were assigned to be completed before the next meeting on December 11th.
Andrew Walton, Regional Manager for Harron Communications, was present to discuss recent changes in cable service resulting from the addition of the History and E! channels. At the time these channels were added, narrow casting through newly implemented fiber optic technology was put in effect for high school programming so that both Conestoga High School and Great Valley High School could be transmitted on the same channel, with reception of one school or the other depending upon the receiver’s location. Unfortunately, in the southeastern section of Charlestown, residents are now receiving Conestoga programming instead of Great Valley High School due to problems in construction and design. He expects the problem to be corrected by March of 1996, with the exception of six homes on Warner Lane and Yellow Springs Road which cannot be reached. Mr. Walton then explained the notice going out to customers containing the annual increase mandated by the FCC for inflation and program expansion only. He then answered questions from the audience and the supervisors. Mr. Martin thanked Mr. Walton for his efforts.. Mrs. Ewald asked the Chairman to contact Suburban Cable TV Co. and request that they also provide Great Valley High School programming to their Charlestown subscribers.
Mrs. Ewald moved to schedule the Re-organization meeting for January 2, 1996 with a snow date of January 3, 1996 at 8:00 P.M. at the Charlestown Elementary School. Mr. Martin seconded and all were in favor.
Mr. Martin directed the Secretary to contact three salt suppliers to solicit bids from them for the 1995-1996 winter.
Mr. Martin announced that the Charlestown Historical Society has now taken title to the Stinson Markley property. He also announced that the PA Historical and Museum Commission has approved the feasibility study for the Stinson Markley Farm. Rep. Carole Rubley will present the $10,000.00 check to the Supervisors at the December 18, 1995 meeting. Mr. Sauser said that it must be determined which firms to consider for consultation in the areas of architectural and structural expertise and labor and industry standards for public use, all of which must be incorporated within a historical context. He further suggested speaking with contractors who would be able to estimate costs on the physical work involved. Mrs. Ewald proposed that the Board schedule a meeting with a consultant and include the Planning Commission Chairman and Township Secretary for their input. Mrs. Ewald moved to approve check #8266 to the Charlestown Historical Society in the amount of $10,000.00 from the Open Space Fund, which represents the approximate interest earned to date. Mr. Martin seconded and all were in favor.
Discussion on the correspondences between Mr. Oeste (Oct. 10 and Nov. 9) and Mr. Fury (Oct. 13) was tabled to the Dec. 18, 1995 meeting.
Mr. Martin moved to approve Resolution #502-95 authorizing the Chairman to sign the supplement to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Winter Traffic Services Supplemental Agreement #18-K-243. Mr. Sauser seconded and all were in favor.
Mr. Martin moved to approve Resolution #503-95 levying all real property within Charlestown Township subject to taxation for the fiscal year 1996 at 9.5 mils on each dollar of assessed valuation. Mr. Sauser seconded the motion. Two were in favor, and one opposed.
Mr. Martin moved to approve Resolution #504-95 appropriating moneys for the expenses for fiscal year 1996 from the revenues available as set forth in the Annual Budget Report for 1996. Mr. Sauser seconded the motion. Two were in favor, and one opposed.
Mr. Martin read aloud proposed Resolution #505-95 urging PennDOT and the State Transportation Commission to immediately undertake a complete traffic needs study in preparation for and in furtherance of road projects to relieve the sever traffic congestion existing on the road system in and around Phoenixville, Charlestown Township, East Pikeland Township, Schuykill Township and Valley Forge National Park. After some discussion, Mrs. Ewald moved to approve Resolution #505-95. Mr. Martin seconded, and all were in favor.
Mr. Martin stated that he has been in contact with the Sons of the American Revolution group, which referred him to Christiansen & Sons Inc. which submitted an estimate of $700.00 to clean and refinish the 64 year old monument with its two bronze plaques. Mrs. Ewald asked for more information on how the work is done, since simply power washing the monument wouldn’t be as costly. There was some discussion on how to best use Realen’s 1994 $10,000.00 contribution for the Cemetery, including the possible extension of the existing wall. Also, Mr. Martin and Mr. Connolly have spoken to the owner of Lord’s Tree Service, who recommended that the corner Oak Tree have lower limbs removed that are hanging down from a number of lateral branches. The tree itself is in bad shape and may not last more than a few years. It appears to have been hit by lightening in the past. The cost for this tree work, including limb removal from a hickory tree and several evergreens was estimated to take four men two full days for a cost of $2,250.00. After some discussion, Mrs. Ewald suggested that Lord’s Tree Service be told to proceed with the proviso that they be extremely careful working near the headstones and grave markers. Mr. Martin agreed to get more specifics on the restoration process, and the matter was tabled until the Dec. 18th meeting.
Mr. Martin moved to approve Devault Foods Escrow Release #2 in the amount of $21,038.52. Mrs. Ewald seconded and the motion carried.
Mr. Martin moved to approve Charlestown Hunt Escrow Release #6 for Phase I in the amount of $262,917.18.. Mr. Sauser seconded, and the motion carried. Mrs. Ewald did not vote.
Mr. Martin moved to approve Charlestown Brae Escrow Release #6 in the amount of $68,017.50. Mrs. Ewald seconded, and the motion carried.
Mr. Martin moved to approve Charlestown Brae Escrow Release #2 for Rees Road Improvements in the amount of $24,199.40. Mrs. Ewald seconded, and the motion carried.
Mr. Martin referred to a memo from the township Secretary relating a call from East Pikeland asking if Charlestown was interested in participating in a one day centralized collection of hazardous waste materials, which would be available to residents for a small fee. 50% matching funds are available for cooperative hazardous waste collection efforts, and since East Pikeland needs to submit the application now, they are asking neighboring townships to respond by December 15th. After some discussion, it was decided that the need is not great enough to warrant participation, as there are other locations available for disposal of these materials for a fee. The Secretary was directed to respond to East Pikeland Township.
After reviewing the proposed 1996 Boarding Agreement from the SPCA, the supervisors decided not to participate and will continue to rely on Mr. Hiller for Animal Control as he is able to do a good job at a much more reasonable cost to the Township.
Mrs. Ewald stated that she was in contact with Rita Jones, Superintendent of the Great Valley School District, who would like to set up a meeting with their facilities advisory committee and Charlestown Township residents to review the recommendations for expansion. The date of January 22, 1995 at the Charlestown Elementary School was selected, and the Board will so advise Dr. Jones so that the School District may send invitations to the township residents.
John Garvin’s letter of Oct. 27, 1995 regarding the unsightliness of junk autos and the partially collapsed roof on the house at the Millmore property was discussed. Mr. Kohli stated that the Zoning Ordinance does not address this situation. Mrs. Ewald asked that Mr. Kohli contact Mr. Millmore and see if he will take measures to improve the situation. She stated her concern that he be given the opportunity to seek assistance in this matter if he wishes to do so.
Mr. Martin described the agreement as specifying that East Whiteland Fire Co. will provide ambulance, rescue and fire suppression services in return for the payment of $24,700.00 which includes Charlestown’s share of Worker’s Compensation Insurance. As the 1996 Budget has allotted $25,000.00 for this purpose, Mrs. Ewald moved to sign the East Whiteland Volunteer Fire Association Agreement, changing the amount of $24,700.00 to $25,000.00 still to include Charlestown’s share of Worker’s Compensation Insurance. Mr. Martin seconded and all were in favor.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 P.M.