Charlestown Township
Board of Supervisors Business Meeting
Minutes of February 2, 2009

The first business meeting for February was held February 2, 2009 at the Great Valley Middle School, 255 N. Phoenixville Pike, Malvern PA, Room 154.

Present:

Supervisors: Paul Hogan, Mike Rodgers, Hugh Willig
Township Administrator: Linda Csete
Open Space Director: Aliena Gerhard
Public Works Superintendent: Fred Alston
Members of the Public: Barbara Cohen

Call to Order:

7:30 P.M.

Temporary Chairman

Due to the absence of the Chairman and Vice Chairman, Mr. Thompson called for nominations for a temporary Chairman for this evening’s meeting. Mr. Hogan nominated Mr. Willig to act as Temporary Chairman, and Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Willig called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Announcements

Frens & Frens

Mr. Rodgers announced and recognized Dale Frens and his firm who were recently honored for work done on Christ Church in Old City Philadelphia. Three distinguished historical preservation awards were given to the firm of Frens and Frens for its work done on the historic 1690 Christ Church where George Washington, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin once worshipped. This was a large project involving a fire protection system, upgraded lighting and various interior and exterior projects. For their participation, Frens and Frens were awarded the following:

Mr. Rodgers said the Board of Supervisors would like to congratulate the firm of Frens and Frens for these awards.

Penn State Brandywine Program

Mrs. Csete announced a program being held on Sunday, February 8th at Penn State Brandywine from 2 PM to 3:30 PM entitled “Creating a Sanctuary for Wildlife in Your Garden.” The nationally acclaimed speaker, Douglas Tallamy will also present creative ways for homeowners to use native plants to control stormwater on their properties. Flyers were available for those present.

Citizens’ Forum for Non-Agenda Items

No matters were brought forward.

Approvals

Minutes of Reorganization Meeting January 5, 2009

Mr. Hogan moved to approve the minutes of the reorganization meeting held January 5, 2009, and Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Willig called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Minutes of Business Meeting January 5, 2009

Mr. Rodgers moved to approve the minutes of the business meeting held January 5, 2009, and Mr. Hogan seconded. Mr. Willig called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Treasurer’s Report January 1 - 31, 2009

Mr. Hogan moved to approve the January 2009 Treasurer’s Report and Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Willig called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Accounts Payable Report – Operating Fund February 2, 2009

Mr. Rodgers moved to approve the February 2, 2009 Operating Fund Accounts Payable Report and Mr. Hogan seconded. Mr. Willig called for discussion and there being none, called the vote, and all were in favor.

Accounts Payable Report – Open Space Fund February 2, 2009

Mr. Hogan moved to approve the February 2, 2009 Open Space Fund Accounts Payable Report and Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Willig called for discussion and there being none, called the vote, and all were in favor.

Accounts Payable Report – Liquid Fuel Tax Fund February 2, 2009

Mr. Hogan moved to approve the February 2, 2009 Liquid Fuel Tax Fund Accounts Payable Report and Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Willig called for discussion and there being none, called the vote, and all were in favor.

Reports

Mr. Hogan moved to accept the January monthly reports and Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Willig called for discussion.

Mr. Alston noted that he hasn’t received the monthly report from the East Whiteland Volunteer Fire Association yet, and only received an abbreviated report from the Kimberton Fire Company. He said he’ll include information on the Bodine Road house fire in next month’s report.

Mr. Willig said the Phoenixville Regional Planning Commission did not meet due to weather conditions on January 28th. The next meeting will be held on February 25th.

Mr. Willig called the vote and all were in favor.

Hearings

Robal Associates Curative Amendment Application

Mr. Thompson opened the hearing for Robal Associates and said the applicant has requested a continuance of two months. After some discussion, Mr. Rodger moved to continue the hearing to May 4, 2009, 7:30 P.M. at the Great Valley Middle School, Room 154. No testimony was heard this evening.

Old Business

Update on the Phoenixville Ferris Wheel Project

Barbara Cohen, President of the Schuylkill River Heritage Center, thanked the Board for their support of the Asbury Park Phoenix Wheel project. Charlestown had pledged its support in the amount of $2,500 for 2009, provided Phoenixville Borough participated in the project. She distributed a report and said that since it was prepared, two more donations of $5,000 were received from individual donors from Schuylkill Township, and another $5,000 was donated by New Century Bank. Phoenixville Borough also accepted an anonymous donation of $5,000 to provide its match.

Mrs. Cohen said they’ve now raised $47,500 of the $60,000 needed for their grant match, and they hope to have participation from East Pikeland, West Vincent and East Vincent Townships. She asked when Charlestown would like to remit its commitment of $2,500 for 2009 and also to let the SRHC know where the Board would like its basket to be placed. The Board determined that the payment would be listed on the March 2, 2009 Accounts Payable Report for approval, and they would place the question of location of the basket on the March 2nd agenda.

New Business

Engineer’s Annual MS4 Report for Year 6

Mr. Kohli explained the stormwater management regulations requiring all municipalities to apply for an NPDES permit began in 2003. The DEP outlined a protocol for all municipalities to follow to meet compliance within five years, following the six elements of the protocol numbered MS1 through MS6. Two additional years were added to the program, the current year 6 ending March 9, 2009.

To meet Protocols #1 and #2, the Township continued to implement education and public participation elements of the program during Year 6. The Secretary worked with the Chester-Ridley-Crum Watershed Association (CRC) which assists Charlestown and neighboring municipalities with the education and public participation requirements. Mrs. Csete said local educational programs and informational literature are promoted through announcements at the township’s public meetings, by posting on the citizens’ website, placement in the township office lobby, and in the quarterly newsletters.

For Protocol #3, Mr. Kohli said he is in the process of re-testing the 89 mapped outfalls, using a testing kit as well as some testing in the lab. The new Stormwater Management Ordinance has been implemented, which prohibits discharge of non-stormwater to the Township’s stormwater system. If any is found, testing for contamination follows. He’s presently awaiting some test results.

For Protocols #4 & #5, Mr. Kohli is reviewing all construction for compliance to the ordinance, as well as inspecting post-construction development, redevelopment and new development.

Mr. Kohli said MS-6 is the protocol addressed by the Public Works Superintendent, generally referred to as “good housekeeping” practices. He said the DEP was satisfied with the Operations and Maintenance Manual drafted by Mrs. Csete in 2007 that addresses this protocol.

The annual report for Year 6 is due June 1, 2009. There have been no comments from the DEP yet on the previous report for Year 5 submitted June 1, 2008.

Advertise Tree Work Bids

Mrs. Csete said the tree work bid document was circulated to the Board, Parks & Rec Chairman Bob Jones and Public Works Superintendent Mr. Alston last month for comments. Mr. Alston said his only concern was whether a clause was needed with regard to response time and emergency situations. Mr. Thompson said in the event of an emergency, another tree company may be called out if the contracted company is unavailable. No special clause is needed. Mr. Rodgers moved to direct the Administrator to advertise for tree work bids to be opened at the March 2, 2009 Board of Supervisors meeting, and Mr. Hogan seconded. Mr. Willig called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Muldoon Conservation Easement Compliance Agreement

Mrs. Gerhard said the Chester County Conservation District has finished its nutrient management plan for Reinbow’s End Farm and the Muldoons are beginning compliance. Per the Township’s agreement with them, there was originally $100,000 placed in escrow with the French & Pickering Creeks Trust to pay for items needed for compliance, and about $40,000 remains in the fund. The FPCCT requires Board approval prior to the release of any funds and has now received invoices for $980.00 from the Muldoons requesting reimbursement for development of the conservation plan. She said this does fall under the agreement as a reimbursable item, as well as closing costs, surveys, fencing, the horse crossing over the stream, and manure containment.

Mrs. Gerhard said there may be funding available from Rep. Milne or Sen. Dinniman’s office to get reimbursed for the plan costs. Mr. Willig asked who will be responsible for costs if the escrow fund is used up. Mrs. Gerhard said the Muldoons are.

Mr. Rodgers moved to approve the reimbursement to the Muldoons for the $980.00 in costs relating to the preparation of the conservation plan. Mr. Willig seconded and called for discussion.

Mr. Willig asked if there are any concerns over compliance with the nutrient management plan. Mrs. Gerhard said based on the CCCD estimates there should be sufficient funds to cover everything. The trust monitor met with the CCCD recently and the Muldoons received a letter listing compliance items to be addressed.

Mr. Willig called the vote, and all were in favor.

Open Space Commission Request for Amendment to By-Laws

Mrs. Gerhard said the Open Space Commission met on January 30th and voted to change their by-laws conditioned on the Supervisors amending the Ordinance creating the Open Space Commission. Items they wished to change included:

  1. Decreasing the number of members to seven;
  2. Eliminating the requirement for representatives from various other Township boards and Commissions;
  3. Changing the number needed for a quorum to four;
  4. Changing meetings from monthly to quarterly;
  5. All membership terms to be five years;
  6. Merge the positions of Secretary and Treasurer.

After some discussion, the Board discussed the process needed to amend the ordinance. Mr. Thompson said it only requires one advertisement and can be scheduled as soon as the next meeting if the Board wishes to do so.

Mr. Willig moved to direct the Solicitor to draft the amendment to the ordinance forming the Open Space Commission with the changes outlined by Mrs. Gerhard, and Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Willig called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Mrs. Gerhard indicated that the seven remaining members will be David Greer, Chairman, John Pickering, Secretary-Treasurer, Carolyn Casswell, Sue Staas, Andy Motel, and Bill Andersen. Members Bob Jones, Alix Coleman and Marcia Solda agreed to step down due to other time commitments.

Historical Signage – Approval of Sample Panel

Mrs. Csete said she received a letter from Peter Dajevskis of Interpretative Solutions enclosing a sample signage panel and requesting color approval before fabrication of the historical signs. She brought the panel for the supervisors to review, and noted she agrees with Mr. Dajevskis’ assessment that the color is very close to the original specification but should be adjusted slightly. The Board agreed and Mrs. Csete will respond to Mr. Dajevskis.

Authorization to Close Money Market Account for Stevens Project

Mrs. Csete said that now the Stevens acquisition of open space has taken place, the Township is no longer required to hold the DCNR funds in a separate account. Since this amount, $19,775.65 plus interest accruing since 12/31/08, has already been included in the payment to the Stevens, the account may now be closed and the balance transferred back to the Open Space Account held by PLGIT.

Mr. Rodgers moved to authorize Mrs. Csete and Mr. Kuhn to sign a letter to the Phoenixville Federal Bank & Trust requesting the account be closed. Mr. Hogan seconded. Mr. Willig called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

VFSA Request for Letter of Support for Grant Application

Mrs. Csete indicated that the Valley Forge Sewer Authority has requested the Township’s support for their application to the H2O PA program offered by the State to cover part of the cost of the plant’s wastewater treatment capacity to meet the member municipalities’ sewerage needs assessment.

Mr. Rodgers moved to authorize the letter of support for the H2O PA program grant application, and Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Willig called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Other Business

PA Turnpike Correspondence

Mr. Willig asked about the 1/22/09 letter from Whitney, Bailey, Cox & Magnani on behalf of the Turnpike Commission asking for the Township’s concurrence on their stormwater consistency plan. Mr. Kohli said he will review the information and respond as requested in the letter within 30 days.

Adjournment

Mr. Rodgers moved to adjourn the meeting and Mr. Hogan seconded. All were in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 P.M. The next business meeting is scheduled for March 2, 2009, 7:30 P.M. in Room 154 of the Great Valley Middle School.

Respectfully submitted,


Linda M. Csete
Township Secretary