Charlestown Township
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The second business meeting for September was held September 20, 2004, at the Great Valley Middle School, Room 154. Kevin R. Kuhn, Chairman, Mike Rodgers, Vice Chairman, Paul Hogan, Hugh Willig, Surender Kohli, P.E., Tom Oeste, Esq., Tom Comitta, Tom Corcoran, Court Reporter, 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 7:32 P.M.
Mr. Kuhn announced an Executive Session was held on September 13, 2004 to discuss legal matters.
Mr. Hogan said Animal Control Officer Mark Cabot shot two rabid raccoons near Sidley Hill and Yellow Springs Roads and said there are many more in that area.
Mr. Hogan announced that about 90% of the Woolen Mill windows are now in place.
Mr. Kuhn announced the Historical Society dinner was a rousing success, but that members were saddened to hear of the passing of Pricilla Crowell a few days before the event. Mrs. Crowell was a long time resident of Charlestown who was very active in the Society.
Mr. Hogan moved to approve the September 13, 2004 meeting minutes, and Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Mr. Oeste noted one issue with regard to the subject Agreement. He said he, at the request of Mr. Kohli, has requested a change to Exhibit C to contain verbiage forbidding pumping sewage into the pressure lines. Mr. Oeste recommended that if the Board were to approve the Agreement tonight, they do so subject to this change request.
Mr. Rodgers moved to approve the Charlestown Meadows Pump & Haul Agreement subject to the addition of verbiage to Exhibit C that forbids the pumping of sewage into the pressures lines, and Mr. Hogan seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Mr. Oeste summarized the purpose of this ordinance amendment, stating it was to add three parcels to the Official Map for future use as open space.
Mr. Hogan moved to approve the Official Map ordinance amendment, and Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor. Mr. Oeste pointed out this approval also includes the adoption of Ordinance #123-2004.
Mr. Oeste, at the request of the applicant, opened and continued this hearing to October 18, 2004 at 7:30 P.M. in Room 154 of the Great Valley Middle School.
Mr. Oeste, at the request of Gary Bender, Esq., continued this hearing to October 18, 2004 at 7:30 P.M. in Room 154 of the Great Valley Middle School. He added that this continuance has also been approved by the applicant’s counsel.
Mr. Oeste, at the request of the applicant, continued this hearing to October 18, 2004 at 7:30 P.M. in Room 154 of the Great Valley Middle School.
Mr. Oeste confirmed that Mr. Tupitza would allow Gary Bender, Esq., to cross-examine Mr. Adam Brauer of Edward B. Walsh & Associates at a later date.
The following exhibits were brought into evidence:
Mr. Tupitza closed, stating he would continue with this witness at the next hearing. Mr. Oeste continued this hearing to October 18, 2004 at 7:30 P.M. in Room 154 of the Great Valley Middle School.
Mr. Kuhn suggested the draft be started and that whatever is to be advertised should go to Glenn Diehl, Esq. Mr. Allen asked that the Board request Comitta and Associates to modify the ordinance to agree with the changes of the 45-foot height restriction with the exception of the three acres to one acre issue keeping it at three acres for now. Mr. Oeste said they also have to notify the affected property owners. Mr. Comitta recapped the changes to be made, and Mr. Oeste said the Board has to enact a resolution setting a hearing date for the proposed ordinance, stating the hearing cannot be any sooner than 30 days from when the affected property owners are notified. A Resolution was scheduled to be passed at the October 4th meeting, and the advertising of it will take place within 30 days thereafter. Mrs. Csete asked for a list of parcels, what the zoning was for each, and what is proposed. Mr. Comitta said he would provide that information. Mrs. Csete will draft the resolution.
Mr. Kuhn wanted to talk about what should be asked of the commissions/boards with regard to budgeting. Mrs. Csete provided handouts outlining the budgeting guidelines. She said most breakdowns occur at #1 of the Purchasing Policy. Mr. Kuhn said her document was very helpful and said all department heads should be asked to have a 5-year plan within six months. He said he would also like to talk to them about getting written reports to Mrs. Csete before the Board meetings. He added that the Open Space Committee plans to meet quarterly rather than monthly.
Mr. Hogan said, since the Township just acquired the Longwood School, he would like to get it cleaned up and put a fence around it. Mr. Kuhn questioned who should be responsible for the Longwood School; The HARB or Parks and Recreation? There was talk about a possible Property Committee. Mr. Kuhn said the Woolen Mill might be an appropriate place for the Historical Society to move to from the Rapp House. Dale said the PHMC has no restrictions on what the Township does on the inside of the building.
There was some discussion of public works needs, and how to direct public works employees. Mr. Comitta mentioned that over the last 20-25 years, a lot of public works and Parks & Recreation departments in PA have looked at what is the annual maintenance cost to keep and enhance an asset. Based on some studies done, people have been using between 4-11% of the capital improvement costs, excluding land costs. He suggested that range be used when budgeting. Mr. Kuhn asked if monies should be accrued each year to cover those expenses, and Mr. Oeste said they could create a capital improvements fund. Mr. Kuhn said the system in place now is insufficient if the Board wants to provide somewhat higher level services than what has taken place for the last 20+ years. Mr. Kuhn asked everyone to give some thought to that for discussion at the next budget meeting.
Mr. Hogan asked if anyone objects to having Oswaldo Juarez and Augustin Ramos at the Longwood School to clean it out? Mr. Kuhn objected, saying the pile of stones could remain there for now. Mr. Willig said the Board talked about securing the area to prevent the dumping/stealing of stones, etc. Mr. Willig said he would like to do something to give that corner the respect it deserves. He suggested installing a fence, taking a few trees down and putting up a sign. Mrs. Csete suggested having Mark Cabot stop by the Longwood School weekly or so to clean up. Mr. Willig suggesting having volunteers (girl scouts) clean it up initially.
Mr. Willig moved to ask the Girl Scouts to clean up the School, and Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:54 P.M. The next business meeting is scheduled to be held October 4, 2004, at 7:30 P.M. in Room 154 of the Great Valley Middle School.