CHARLESTOWN TOWNSHIP
|
The second business meeting for July was held July 17, 2000 at the Valley Forge Christian College, Building #11. Irene W. Ewald, Chairman, Hugh D. Willig, Vice-Chairman, Michael J. Rodgers, Paul J. Hogan, Thomas F. Oeste, Esq., Surender S. Kohli, P.E., Edward Theurkauf, Planner, Leah J. Campion, Assistant Township Secretary, and those on the attached attendee list were present.
Kevin R. Kuhn was out of town.
The meeting was called to order at 7:45 p.m.
Mr. Rodgers wanted to alert residents to State Troopers patrolling the area enforcing stop signs and speed limits. He was aware of three residents who had already received tickets.
Mr. Kohli reported he received a call from PennDOT regarding the traffic lights at Newcomen Road/Route 401 and Valley Hill Road/Route 401. A meeting would be held at his office on July 25, 2000 at 11:30 a.m. with PennDOT consultants and the design group. Ms. Patricia Morrison, West Pikeland Secretary, informed him she would arrange for a West Pikeland Supervisor to be at the meeting. Mr. Kohli asked the Supervisors to discuss who would represent this board.
In regards to the breakdown of the paving bid for Newcomen Road, Mr. Kohli noted five items that were not covered in the breakdown. Ms. Morrison said West Pikeland would like to proceed with awarding the bid but wondered about the extra cost, if any, the five items would incur.
Mr. Rodgers asked if West Pikeland were investigating competitive bids. Mr. Kohli responded the Township was satisfied with the first bid, but needed a response on the five items to determine any extra cost beyond the approved amount. Mrs. Ewald said the Board would meet in executive session after tonight’s meeting to discuss a recommendation.
Ms. Leslie and Mr. Wulk were present to give an update of their situation to the Board. Ms. Leslie said she hired a dowser at the Board’s suggestion. She called the American Society of Dowsers and hired Mr. Allan Harrison. Ms. Leslie stated that Mr. Harrison was unable to locate water using the dowsing method. Ms. Leslie said she called more than one dowser, and a second individual investigated the site. Ms. Leslie said this dowser held the opinion that no area of the parcel could supply sufficient potable water. She noted she has two letters documenting these findings.
Mr. Hogan said he would have liked an opportunity to see the dowser work. Mr. Rodgers said he was familiar with dowsers. In two places on his property, he was told by a dowser that water was present. He drilled and found no water. He had to use a geology map to find the underground water fissures. Mr. Hogan informed Ms. Leslie that the suggestion of hiring a dowser was not a complete solution to the problem.
Mr. Oeste reminded Ms. Leslie that the Board had denied her request for public water and had directed her to drill another well. Ms. Leslie asked how many more wells she would have to drill. Mr. Wulk asked where he could find an underground geologist’s map for the area. Mr. Rodgers suggested the University of Pennsylvania. Ms. Leslie responded the Township holds responsibility for her problem. Mr. Oeste informed her that statement was incorrect. Ms. Leslie said she is trying to avoid a legal dispute.
Mrs. Ewald asked for any other non-agenda items. There being none, the meeting continued with the scheduled hearing.
Court reporter Jane Opie was present to take official minutes for the hearing. Testimony was presented for the Toll Bros. Tentative Plan/Conditional Use hearing for Charlestown Meadows. The hearing was continued to July 24, 2000.
Mr. Hogan moved to approve the minutes of July 10, 2000. Mr. Willig seconded the motion, and Mrs. Ewald called for discussion from the Board and public. There being none, she called the vote, and all were in favor.
Mr. Rodgers moved to advertise the ordinance, and Mr. Hogan seconded. Mrs. Ewald noted that Tredyffrin Township had been responsive and passed an ordinance to allow a four-way stop at Rees and Howells Roads and their Green Lane. Mrs. Ewald called for discussion from the Board and public. There being none, she called the vote, and all were in favor. Mr. Oeste would advertise the ordinance for the August 7 meeting.
The Board members agreed they would have to refresh their memories on the request before making a decision. Mrs. Ewald tabled the endorsement until the August 7 meeting.
Mr. Rodgers moved to adjourn the meeting, and Mrs. Ewald seconded. The meeting adjourned at 10:35 p.m., and the Board adjourned to executive session.