CHARLESTOWN TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
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The first regular meeting for December was held December 6, 1999 at the Charlestown Elementary School, 2060 Charlestown Road, Devault. John B. Sauser, Robert C. Wert (arrived later), Irene W. Ewald, Surender S. Kohli, P.E., Thomas F. Oeste, Esq. , Bob Adams, Esq., Thomas J. Comitta, Ed Theurkauf, Linda M. Csete, Secretary, and those on the attached attendee list were present.
The meeting was called to order at 7:45 P.M. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Mr. Sauser announced that the Solicitor has advised that the Altemose Case in Third Circuit Court will be submitted on Briefs, which means there will be no oral argument.
Mrs. Ewald announced that she attended in the Pa. State Legislature’s ceremony honoring Eleanor Morris as Pennsylvania Woman of the Year for Historic Preservation, adding that her work for Charlestown Township has been greatly appreciated. Priscilla Crowell, Aileen Whitman and other Charlestown residents were also in attendance.
Mrs. Ewald announced that she attended the Chester County Association of Township Officials’ Fall Convention and was pleased that the members passed a resolution proposed by Charlestown Township to require that public hearings be required of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission prior to the development of new interchanges, including “slip ramps”. This Resolution will be passed on to the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Officials for consideration at the Annual State Convention.
Reports from the Zoning Officer, Planning Commission, Historical Commission, Roadmaster and Fire Marshal are on file. Minutes from the last meeting of the Valley Forge Sewer Authority are on file. Due to the length of the agenda, it was agreed that oral reports would not be given this evening.
Mr. Sauser asked for comment on items not relating to the hearings scheduled for this evening, as opportunity to speak would be provided during the course of each proceeding. (Mr. Wert arrived at this time.)
Mrs. Baldwin asked the Fire Marshal if the County has caught up on rainfall since the summer drought, and Mr. Alston responded that although 18 month figures are still down, figures have rebounded for the year.
Mrs. Ewald moved to approve the Accounts Payable Report for December 6, 1999 as presented, but noted her objection to check #2442. Mr. Wert seconded and all were in favor.
The proceedings were recorded by a court reporter and the record then closed. Mr. Sauser moved to approve Ordinance #83-99 “An Ordinance Amending the Charlestown Township Zoning Ordinance of 1979, as Amended, by Revising Article XV – Open Space Provisions” with the addition of language as recommended by the Chester County Planning Commission with regard to impervious surface coverage in their review letter dated December 3, 1999. Mr. Wert seconded. Mr. Sauser called for discussion; there being none, called the vote. Mr. Sauser and Mr. Wert voted “aye” and Mrs. Ewald did not vote.
Hearing: Proposed Amendment to Ordinance #80-99 to Include FR Properties over 25 Acres with Historical Resources
The proceedings were recorded by a court reporter and the record then continued to February 7, 2000. Mr. Sauser moved to reject the proposed amendment. Mrs. Ewald moved to obtain further information and continue the hearing. Mr. Wert amended Mrs. Ewald’s motion to ensure that all affected property owners and those adjacent to affected properties be notified of the proposal under consideration. Mrs. Ewald accepted the amendment, and Mr. Wert seconded. The Secretary was instructed to work with Mr. Philips on a cover letter to the property owners. The hearing was continued to February 7, 2000.
The proceedings were recorded by a court reporter and the record then closed. Mr. Wert moved to reject the Historic Resources Protection Ordinance, Twelfth Draft last revised 10/26/99 and Mr. Sauser seconded. Mr. Sauser and Mr. Wert voted “aye” and Mrs. Ewald did not vote.
Mr. Oeste re-opened the hearing for the Deerfield Conditional Use application and the proceedings were recorded by a court reporter. The hearing was recessed at 11:40 P.M.
Mr. Sauser moved to approve the revised draft decision, dated 12/6/99 for the Brooklands Conditional Use Application with the correction of one typographical error. Mr. Wert seconded. Mr. Sauser called for discussion. Mr. Wert asked Mr. Kohli if he was satisfied with the language of the draft decision, and Mr. Kohli responded yes. Mrs. Ewald asked Mr. Comitta if he was satisfied with the language with regard to trees, and there was some discussion that language needed to be added.
Mr. Sauser amended his motion to include language requiring tree protection and replacement to the maximum extent possible. Mr. Wert seconded. Mr. Sauser and Mr. Wert were in favor, and Mrs. Ewald did not vote.
Mr. Oeste opened the hearing and the proceedings were recorded by a court reporter. The hearing was then continued to January 17, 2000 at 7:30 P.M. at the Charlestown Elementary School.
The following items were scheduled for upcoming meetings:
Reorganization Meeting
Opening of the Conditional Use Hearing for Christin Kurtz
Continuation of the Curative Amendment Hearing for Altemose: January 17, 2000
Continuation of the Conditional Use Hearing for Christin Kurtz
Opening of the Conditional Use Hearing for Douglas Miles: February 7, 2000 (tentative)
Continuation of the Zoning Hearing to consider an Amendment to Ordinance #80-99 “Open Space Option Ordinance” to Include 25+ Acre Historic Properties
Mr. Sauser moved to approve the minutes of November 1, 1999, November 8, 1999 and November 15, 1999 and Mr. Wert seconded. Mr. Sauser and Mr. Wert were in favor. Mrs. Ewald was opposed.
Mrs. Ewald moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report for November 1 - 30, 1999 and Mr. Wert seconded. All were in favor.
Mr. Oeste re-opened the hearing for the Deerfield Conditional Use application at 12:05 A.M. and the proceedings were recorded by a court reporter. The hearing was then continued to December 20, 1999 at 7:30 P.M. at the Charlestown Elementary School.
No items were brought forward.
Mr. Wert moved to adjourn at 12:20 A.M. and Mr. Sauser seconded. All were in favor.