Charlestown Township
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The second business meeting for March was held March 15, 2004, at the Great Valley Middle School, Room 154. Kevin R. Kuhn, Chairman, Michael Rodgers, Vice Chairman, Paul Hogan, Charle Philips, Hugh Willig, Surender Kohli, P.E., Tom Oeste, Esq., Tom Comitta, Linda M. Csete, Township Administrator, Melanie M. Lammers, Recording Secretary, and those on the attached list were present.
The meeting was called to order at 7:34 P.M.
Mr. Kuhn announced an Executive Session was held on March 1, 2004.
Mr. Hogan announced that an orientation meeting for repairs on the Woolen Mill took place. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the scope of work with the masons and make sure they understand what is needed. He said the work is scheduled to begin tomorrow.
There were no Citizen’s Forum/Non-Agenda items discussed.
Mr. Willig moved to approve the March 1, 2004 minutes as written, and Mr. Hogan seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in order.
Mr. Oeste indicated that settlement on the Jenkins property took place this past Thursday. He said everything went smoothly, and the only thing left to do is to get keys to the property.
The following transactions took place:
| 03/09/04 |
Transfer of $185,351.39 from the Obligation Note Fund Series 2000 to the Open Space Acquisition Fund, closing the Obligation Note Fund account. |
| 03/10/04 |
Transfer of $200,000 from the Municipal Building Fund to the Open Space Acquisition Fund, with funds to be replaced by the Acquisition Fund to the Building Fund prior to 12/31/04. |
| 03/10/04 |
Wire for $857,000 from the Open Space Acquisition Fund to Trident Land Transfer Company for settlement on the Jenkins property. |
Mr. Philips moved to ratify the above transactions, and Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Mr. Kuhn asked Mrs. Csete to summarize the Amendment changes. She said Tree Protection Details, Traffic Calming, Greenway Guides, and Key Design Elements were added to the index.
Mr. Oeste added that these changes are recommendations for development. He suggested that the current section 1.G. be renumbered 1.H. and that section 1.G. be changed to read, “All subdivisions and land developments shall comply with the Tree Protection Details and demonstration careful site planning, design, and proposed construction that is responsive to the Greenway Guidelines, Traffic Calming, and Key Design Elements, as shown in the Appendix, as applicable to a specific subdivision and land development area.” That way the Tree Protection Details would be required, not optional.
Mr. Philips moved to approve the Subdivision & Land Development Ordinance subject to above-mentioned, recommended change, and Mr. Hogan seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
After a short discussion, the Board agreed to have the Planning Commission table the Transfer of Development Rights topic until such time as it may be needed.
Mr. Oeste said a meeting is planned with Mr. Kohli, Mr. Comitta, and he to review this ordinance. Mr. Oeste said the ordinance is scheduled for a hearing before the Supervisors April 19th and should be ready to go then. Mr. Allen said the only issue with that is that the funding stops after March 31st. He does not want it to drag out any longer, as it will just cost the Township money. Mrs. Csete said she needs an ordinance in hand in order to advertise it. Mr. Oeste said he will have it to her in time to advertise it.
Mr. Oeste opened the record and marked the following exhibits:
The following became parties to the proceedings:
Mr. Oeste explained that he represents the Board in its decision-making capacity and also represents the Township. Mr. Lillmars agreed to waive the conflict of interest.
Mr. Oeste suggested this hearing be continued to the April 19 meeting and asked Mr. Lillmars to get revised plans to Mrs. Csete by April 1, 2004. If it is not possible to get the revised plans to Mrs. Csete by April 1, 2004, the hearing will be continued to the first meeting in May.
On Mr. Lillmars’ subdivision application, a decision was required by today. Mr. Lillmars signed a letter granting the Township an extension.
The parties to the proceedings were instructed to contact Mrs. Csete for confirmation on when the hearing will be held.
This hearing was opened and testimony recorded by Tom Corcoran, Court Reporter. The hearing was continued to April 19, 2004.
There were no Old Business topics discussed.
Mr. Willig indicated that a request was received from the Charlestown Playschool to use the Pyle Farm dairy barn as a temporary storage facility. There was some concern voiced over who would have access, how long the barn would be needed, and liability issues. After some discussion, it was decided the Playschool would be given a one-year lease, would be required to sign a ‘hold harmless’ clause, and to put in writing the terms regarding security, access, and term.
Mr. Kuhn moved to give the Playschool a one-year lease subject to the above-mentioned requirements, and Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Mr. Comitta said he received six replies to his requests for townhome examples from his listserv. He will share them with Eli Kahn and Tim Townes. Mr. Willig asked Mr. Comitta to give him the data on the Atlanta examples he received, as he will be in Atlanta on several occasions in the near future and may be able to take a look at them.
Mr. Comitta said Mr. Townes mentioned to him last Thursday that J. Loew could go down to 100-110 units if the Township would be willing to allow the first bank of buildings to have storefront offices. This type of building is where a lawyer or doctor, etc. would live and have their business. It could also involve 1,000 square feet of retail.
The Board discussed general Devault planning issues.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:12 P.M. The next meeting will be held on April 5, 2004, 7:30 P.M. at the Great Valley Middle School, Room 154.