CHARLESTOWN TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
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Present: |
Hugh Willig, Chairman (arrived at 8:20), Paul Hogan, Vice Chairman, Kevin Kuhn, Mike Rodgers, Irene Ewald, Surender Kohli, P.E., Tom Oeste, Solicitor, Tom Comitta, Planner (arrived 8:45), Jan Bird, Assistant Township Secretary, Leah Campion, Planning Commission Secretary, and those on the attached attendee list |
Mr. Hogan would preside over the meeting since Mr. Willig would not be present for its commencement. Mr. Hogan called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
Mr. Hogan noted an ongoing dog problem, a pack of loose Dobermans in the neighborhoods around Benburb and Marian Roads. Animal control officer Mark Cabot told him that the dogs could be reported if they are seen running free and do not have licenses, they do not have to be captured. The dogs’ owner has stated the dogs have licenses, so he suggested Mrs. Csete write a letter to the owner asking him to produce the license numbers, then follow the necessary procedure to have him cited if he can not do so.
There were none at this time
Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the minutes, Mr. Hogan seconded, then called for comment. Mr. Rodgers had two corrections. First page under announcements, “$9.7 billion of which $1 million is lost” should read “9.7 billion gallons per day, of which 1 billion is lost per day”. Last page, it states “Mr. Rodgers left the meeting at this time” and should read “Mr. Rodgers left the meeting at this time, then returned”.
Mr. Kuhn amended the motion to include corrections, and Mr. Hogan seconded. He called the vote, and all were in favor.
Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the minutes, and Mr. Hogan seconded. There being no comment, he called the vote, and all were in favor.
Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the minutes, and Mr. Rodgers seconded. There being no comment, Mr. Hogan called the vote, and all were in favor.
A court reporter was present to take minutes. The applicant previously requested a continuance, so the hearing was continued until the July 1 meeting.
A court reporter was present to take minutes. The hearing was closed, and a decision would be made at the July 1 meeting.
There were general questions as to whether or not the Board had seen the draft and if it had been sent to the County for review. Mrs. Ewald moved to table the ordinance. Mr. Oeste stated the draft had been sent to the County, but the Board could not act on it until after July 5. Mrs. Ewald moved to act on the ordinance at the July 15 meeting. Mr. Rodgers seconded. There being no comment, Mr. Hogan called the vote, and all were in favor.
Mrs. Ewald suggested reviewing the options for traffic calming. Mr. Kohli said Union Hill Road is steeply graded but could benefit from a hump or bump between Tinker Hill Lane and the railroad underpass. Mr. Kuhn asked if the speed bump could be located on a straight stretch of the road. Mr. Kohli said that could cause traction problems in bad weather. Mr. Kuhn said he would be in favor of striping both sides of the road and a double yellow line down the center as Mr. Kohli recommended in his letter. Mr. Kuhn asked what could cause the Township to lose its liquid fuel funds reimbursement. Mr. Kohli said if the Township goes beyond painting the road, the State would refuse to provide the funds because there is an extensive application process that must be completed to install those kinds of devices.
Mr. Kuhn asked what neighbors would have to be notified of any actions taken by the Township. Mr. Kohli said public notification is required for residents of the immediate road, and any subdivisions or private lanes. He would research the requirements further. Mr. Kuhn asked if anything other than a traffic study is needed for a public meeting. Mr. Kohli said a detailed study is required for implementation, but the Township could ask for public input before that. Mrs. Ewald agreed that striping and a double yellow line is needed on Rees and Union Hill Roads.
Saul Kun, Whitehorse Road, asked since Union Hill and Rees Roads are Township roads, doesn’t the Township have a right to place stops signs or speed bumps anywhere they feel is necessary. Mr. Kohli said because the Township receives liquid fuel funds for these roads, they must go by the standards set forth by the State. Mr. Kun said these roads as well as Whitehorse Road have serious pedestrian safety concerns. Mrs. Ewald commented pedestrian safety is an entirely different issue than slowing speed. Mr. Kuhn commented they are guaranteed to lose funds if they try to limit access to the roads.
Mrs. Ewald moved to commence striping the sides of Rees and Union Hill Roads with white paint and painting the middle with a double yellow line. Mr. Kohli would advise if any of the curves were too tight to paint. Mr. Kuhn seconded, and Mr. Hogan called for comment. Bill Stewart, Union Hill Road, asked for clarification on the speed bump issue. Mrs. Ewald said the Township would need to commission further studies to install speed bumps. Pete Bunten, Union Hill Road, asked what percentage of funding is lost if procedure is not followed. Mr. Kuhn said those roads where the rules are not followed, the allotted money for each road is lost. Mrs. Ewald said $60,000-70,000 a year is received in liquid fuel funds. It is a small amount, but the money is helpful when repairs are needed. Mrs. Ewald said another stop sign enforcement call to the state police could be made for the area. She asked the neighbors to notify the Township Office when they see a patrol car providing enforcement. There being no more comment, Mr. Hogan called the vote, and all were in favor.
Mrs. Long reviewed the planned addition to her home in the Historic Village for her mother, Janet Baldwin. Frens and Frens drew up the plan, and it was approved unanimously by the Historical Commission.
The Board had some general discussion on the new changes to the house and the new driveway cut. Mr. Kuhn had no problem with the proposal subject to conditions stated in the letter. Mr. Kuhn moved to grant the certificate, and Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Hogan called for comment. Mrs. Ewald asked it be noted for the record that while she has confidence in Frens and Frens, she is concerned that Mr. Frens is both the consultant to the H.A.R.B and the architect for this project. To her, this represents conflict. Mr. Kuhn commented that Mr. Frens recused himself from the vote on the H.A.R.B. There being no more comment, Mr. Hogan called the vote, and all were in favor.
| • Glasgow, Inc. - | $7,847.50 FOB |
| $10,528.75 Delivered |
| • Independence Construction Materials - | $8,800.00 FOB |
| $10,915.75 Delivered |
| • Glasgow, Inc. - | $50,600.00 FOB |
| $59,420.00 Delivered |
| • Independence Construction Materials - | $50,675.00 FOB |
| $56,975.00 Delivered |
| • Highway Materials - $65,420.00 total | Mr. Kuhn stated the bid only included one price. |
| • Melchiorre Construction - $263,100.00 | Mr. Rodgers stated the contractor did not bid two items |
| • Delaware Valley Paving - $320,050.00 |
All bids were passed on to Mr. Kohli for review. Ellen Behrle, Delaware Valley Paving, asked the Board’s policy on incomplete bids. Mr. Kuhn said they reserve the right to take any and all bids.
Mr. Kohli stated everything is in order for dedication except for the traffic study to establish speed limits in the development. The interior roads of the development were completed last year.
The only other outstanding issues are two traffic light studies for Buckwalter Road/Route 29 and Charlestown Hunt Drive/Route 29.
Mr. Kuhn asked how long the studies would take to complete. Mr. Kohli said they are being worked on right now. Mr. Kuhn asked if there is any incentive to not dedicate the roads at this time. Mr. Kohli said as long as the roads are acceptable, they can be taken. Escrow funds for the traffic lights would be held until the studies are complete. Mr. Willig commented the homeowners association is anxious to have the roads dedicated. Mr. Kohli said any outstanding landscaping issues have been resolved as well. Mrs. Ewald said the Hunt should wait until September to do the traffic study since that would be during the school year. Mr. Kohli said they could do the interior speed study now.
Mr. Kuhn moved to accept dedication subject to the stated conditions. Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mrs. Ewald said she would like to meet Mr. Kohli for a drive through of the development. Mr. Oeste said he would like to look at the deeds before any decision is made on dedication. Mrs. Ewald suggested placing the matter on the July 15 agenda, and Mr. Kuhn rescinded his motion.
Mr. Oeste read the seven conditions of approval. Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the conditional use. Mrs. Ewald asked based on a previous discussion, shouldn’t wording for State and Federal Government and the INS be included in the statement of agencies by which the developer must abide. Mr. Oeste said he would amend the decision to include those titles. Mr. Kuhn amended his motion to include the three agencies stated above, and Mrs. Ewald seconded. There being no further comment, Mr. Hogan called the vote, and all were in favor.
Mr. Willig stated this release concerns the phase developed by Sal Lapio Homes. Mr. Kuhn moved to release escrow totaling $248,418.00. Mr. Hogan seconded. There being no comment, he called the vote, and all were in favor.
Bill Fell, 114 Brandywine Road, said the homeowners association is currently in good relations with Sal Lapio homes and thanked the Board for releasing the funds. Mr. Fell said the homeowners association recently informed various neighbors on what to do if there are any noise violations by contractors or sub-contractors. Mrs. Ewald suggested posting a sign at the entrances to the development stating construction hours. Mr. Kuhn said the request could be made of the developer. Mr. Fell pointed out on a development plan suggested sign locations. Mr. Willig said the problem is a construction control issue. Mr. Kohli said it could be worked out with the developer. Mrs. Behrle asked if the Township is specifying that the developer put up signs, and Mr. Rodgers said no. Sue Staas, 4 Hana Lane, asked for what the escrow funds were released. Mr. Kohli said earth moving for the detention basins.
Stephanie Delomba, 110 Forge Court, said on May 3-4 a large hole was dug in front of her home, and the workers severed her cable line. The cable line was in the wrong place to begin with and Comcast should move the line, but the hole is still there and it is a month and a half later. She is concerned for the children living in the neighborhood. Mr. Kuhn asked why the hole was dug. Ms. Delomba said a manhole was buried and needed to be raised. Mrs. Ewald asked if the contractor returns her calls, and Mrs. Delomba said no. Mr. Kohli said he would look into it. Mr. Kuhn asked who is responsible to fill in the hole, and Mr. Kohli said Iacobucci Homes because Ms. Delomba’s home is in Phase I.
Mr. Fell passed out to the Board a list of questions posed by the homeowners association. Mr. Kuhn asked if the association could become a party to the escrow releases, and Mr. Oeste said no. Mr. Willig said they are welcome to appear at any meeting when a release is on the agenda to offer their opinions.
Mr. Fell reviewed the list of questions. Item four regarded standing water in the storm basins and the potential for a mosquito problem. Mr. Kohli said construction in those areas is not finished, and there would not be water present after construction. He would make temporary arrangements to reduce the standing water. Any basin should be dry within 24 hours.
Item five concerned basin inlets that have no grates. Mr. Kohli said he would look into cages for the openings, but they were not in place to begin with because they trap debris and could trap a child. Mrs. Ewald asked if the basins should be fenced. Mr. Kohli said they could be, but a fence was not required on the landscape plan. The homeowners association would be responsible for building a fence. Mrs. Ewald asked if pricker bushes could be planted around the basins. Mr. Comitta suggested Madieland Rose, a very beautiful, effective plant that takes 2-3 years to grow up.
Mr. Fell noted item six, an uneven storm drain cover, and Mr. Kohli said he would look into it.
Item seven, the developments new trees should have their stakes and wires removed to prevent stunted growth. Mr. Comitta said that should have occurred a year after they were planted, and he would follow up.
Item nine, Mr. Fell would like the cul-de-sac islands approved to be painted as fire lanes. Mr. Willig said the fire marshal could ticket anyone who parks there. Mr. Kuhn said the homeowners association could go ahead and paint the islands. Mr. Kohli said not until after the paving is complete. Mrs. Ewald suggested Mr. Fell talk to the fire marshal. Mr. Oeste said the islands might need signage.
Item 10, Mr. Fell asked how to enforce the speed limit. Mr. Kohli said it could be difficult since the roads are private. Mr. Kuhn said the State Police are not obligated to come out for speeders on private roads. Mr. Fell said the State Police would give warnings. Mr. Kuhn suggested if the speeders are kids, the homeowners association should send letters to their parents.
Mr. Comitta said he called the County to find out the status of the grant application for ordinance amendments. The Commissioners recommended acceptance of the grant and would ratify the week of June 24. Mr. Comitta said Dave Word and Carol Stauffer from the County would like to have a meeting on July 2 at 9 a.m. with he, Mrs. Csete, the Board liaison to the Planning Commission, and Commission Chair Bill Davison.
Mr. Hogan said clean up at the farm is going a little slower than planned because Mark Jones has been busy mowing a great amount of grass. Mr. Hogan stated he would like to rent a stone hound in the next month to assist with the clean up.
Mr. Rodgers moved to adjourn, and Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Hogan adjourned the meeting at 9:15 p.m.