Charlestown Township Board of Supervisors Business Meeting Minutes of May 24, 2012

The second business meeting for May was held May 24, 2012 at the Township Office, 4030 Whitehorse Road, Devault, PA 19432.

Present:

Supervisors: Kevin R. Kuhn, Charles A. Philips, Hugh D. Willig
Consultants: Surender Kohli, P.E., Dan Wright, P.E., Mark P. Thompson, Esq.
Staff: Linda Csete, Manager
Public: None

Call to Order:

9:15 a.m.

Announcements

 – There were no announcements.

Citizens’ Forum

 – No matters were brought forward.

Old Business

 – None

New Business

Thompson Property Acquisition

Mr. Thompson reviewed the latest draft Trail Map dated 5/11/2012 with the Board and discussed phases and linkages. All connecting trails in Charlestown Township are in Phase I of the plan. A Portion of a loop trail that is partially in Charlestown and partially in Schuylkill Township will be in Phase 2.

Mr. Thompson reviewed the Conservation Easement document and noted that the Thompsons will have five years to complete the plan under existing ordinances following the approval of the resolution under consideration this morning. The Resolution also approves the Trail Easement document and the Phasing Notes.

Mr. Thompson noted that the Resolution to expend funding for the acquisition of open space interests and placement of a conservation easement on the Thompson parcels in an amount not to exceed $3,100,000 was adopted on June 6, 2010 in Resolution #736-2010.

At this time, due to the current unavailability of both Chairman Piliero and Vice Chairman Rodgers, Mr. Philips moved to appoint Kevin Kuhn as temporary Chairman of the Board of Supervisors for today’s meeting, the June 4, 2012 business meeting, and to authorize Mr. Kuhn to execute the Thompson documents at closing scheduled for May 31, 2012. Mr. Willig seconded the motion. Mr. Thompson called the vote, and all were in favor.

Mr. Kuhn moved to appoint Charlie Philips as temporary Vice Chairman of the Board of Supervisors for today’s meeting and the June 4, 2012 business meeting, and Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Kuhn called the vote and all were in favor.

Mr. Kuhn moved to adopt Resolution #779-2012 approving the Conservation Easement and Declaration of Restrictions & Covenants for the Thompson Property, the Trail Easement Document and the Phasing Notes. Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Kuhn called the vote, and all were in favor.

Mr. Philips moved to approve the expenditure of funds not to exceed $3.2 million for the Thompson Acquisition, and Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Kuhn called the vote and all were in favor.

Accounts Payable Report May 30, 2012 Open Space Fund

Mr. Philips moved to approve the May 30, 2012 Open Space Fund Accounts Payable Report consisting of check #1947 to the Whitford Land Transfer Company for the Conservation Easement on the Hevner Property in the amount of $352,148.75. Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Kuhn called the vote, and all were in favor.

Other Business

Letter to the PA DEP requesting extension to public comment period for Transco Stream Encroachment Permit

Mr. Philips moved to approve the letter prepared by Mrs. Csete dated 5/24/12 addressed to the DEP requesting an extension to the public comment period for Transco’s amended permit application and Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Kuhn called the vote, and all were in favor.

Fadness Property

The Board requested that Mr. Thompson re-initiate the enforcement notice for the preservation of the hedgerow on the Fadness property.

Adjournment

Mr. Kuhn adjourned the meeting at 10:00 a.m. The next business meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 4, 2012, 7:30 p.m. at the Great Valley Middle School, Room 154, 255 North Phoenixville Pike, Malvern, PA.