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Charlestown Township
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The first business meeting for October was held October 1, 2012 at the Great Valley Middle School, Room 154, 255 N. Phoenixville Pike, Malvern, PA.
Present:
| Supervisors: | Frank A. Piliero, Chairman, Michael J. Rodgers, Vice Chairman, Kevin R. Kuhn, Charles A. Philips, Hugh D. Willig |
| Consultants: | Surender Kohli, P.E., Dan Wright, P.E., Mark P. Thompson, Esq., Tom Comitta |
| Staff: | Linda Csete, Manager, Jim Thompson, Roadmaster, Tim Hubbard, Fire Marshal, Lisa Gardner, Recording Secretary |
| Public: | See attached sign-in sheet |
Call to Order:
7:35 p.m.Announcements
Mr. Kuhn announced that the Board held an executive session prior to tonight’s meeting starting at 6:30.
Mr. Philips said the township residents are invited to attend the Great Valley Nature Center Annual Dinner and Silent Auction on December 1st 2012.
Mrs. Csete made the following announcements:
For those with a volunteer spirit, the Trail Committee is looking for helpers on two Trail Work Days. The first is at the Brightside Farm Trail on Tuesday, October 2, 10:00 a.m., meet near the gardens. The second is along the Pickering Trail, Saturday, October 6, 9:00 a.m. to pull the invasive Mile a Minute Vine. Wear gloves and bring hand clippers. Soft gloves will do as the vine is not prickly. Parking is available at the Brightside Farm.
There is a Pickering Trail Hike Saturday October 13, 9:00 a.m. sponsored and led by the Trail Committee. Parking is at the Woolen Mill. A birder will join the group, so bring your binoculars and your bird books.
There’s a Shred Event this Saturday the 6th at CAT Pickering VoTech from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. where residents of Charlestown, Schuylkill, East Pikeland and Phoenixville can bring up to 4 boxes or bags of papers to be shredded. Mrs. Csete thanked Bob Jones and Mike Rodgers, who volunteered to cover the event for Charlestown.
Flyers with this information are available here tonight.
Citizens’ Forum
– No matters were brought forward.Approvals
Minutes of Sept. 4, 2012 Business Meeting
Mr. Rodgers moved to approve the minutes of the September 4, 2012 business meeting and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for further discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Treasurer’s Report September 1 – 30, 2012
Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the September 2012 Treasurer’s Report and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Accounts Payable Report October 1, 2012 Operating Fund
Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the October 1, 2012 General Fund Accounts Payable Report and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote, and all were in favor.
Accounts Payable Report October 1, 2012 Open Space Fund
Mr. Philips moved to approve the October 1, 2012 Open Space Fund Accounts Payable Report and Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote, all were in favor.
Reports
Mr. Rodgers moved to accept the September reports #1-13 as submitted, and Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for further discussion. Mr. Piliero called the vote. All were in favor.
President of the Charlestown Historical Society, Mr. Pittock, thanked the Board of Supervisors for their continued support. He was present to voice his concern regarding the security of the Rapp house. Mr. Kuhn mentioned an email from Jacob Merriwether requesting a chain barrier be hung from the wooden posts at the beginning of the hedge rows on the upper farm lane and at each entrance to the grove. This should prevent vehicles from driving into the picnic area of Brightside Farm. Farm Manager Alix Coleman added she would like a “No Vehicle Access” reflective sign hung on the chain to prevent injuries. This minor barrier was seen as a good balance between wanting residents to feel welcomed but not to enter the grove with vehicles. Alix Coleman and Jim Thompson are going to work on this together. Alix also suggested a walkway or stepping stones and will give a recommendation to the Board at a future follow-up.
Old Business - None
New Business
Tom Fillippo – Update on TND Plan
Mr. Joseph Gambone spoke on behalf of Tom Fillippo in an attempt to discern favorable bearing from the Board on the development of the Fillippo parcel. Mr. Gambone said the plan’s features would be within Charlestown ordinance compliance, benefit the Township, and incorporate the commercial and retail aspect sought after by the family. Mr. Gambone distributed a two-page handout of maps and goals. He pointed out the jug handle for the PA Turnpike on the sketch, and showed where the main thoroughfare was set up to go past the Spring Oak clubhouse into the Fillippo tract. A Spring Oak lot ties into the Recreation Area which in turn ties into the Fillippo tract.
The central location of this tract can act as a hub for movement by the narrow residential streets connecting to a retail center. If they can obtain tenants that will not compete with neighboring developments, this hub could benefit Charlestown also as an interested party. Another reason Mr. Gambone wanted to address the members was because the Township uses Fillippo land and vice versa.
Mr. Willig questioned how Mr. Gambone was going to address this residential neighborhood after talk centered on the commercial and retail issues. Mr. Philips suggested Mr. Gambone work with the Township’s Design Review Committee (DRC). The Subdivision & Land Development Ordinance (SLDO) would help narrow down suitable businesses and provide direction for marketing the property to suitable tenants. At that point, it was suggested he return to the Township with a preliminary plan.
Mr. Comitta said Mr. Perry’s Exhibit D was a drawing previously folded into the SLDO Ordinance, and that the Fillippos needed to review the drawing again and see if they wanted to modify it. The land swap had exhibit D in the ordinance when first considered. The Board would need to be petitioned to include Devault Foods into a TND District and then they needed to choose which TND was the best fit. At this point they can begin working with the DRC.
Final Presentation of Parks & Recreation Plan Update and Presentation of Plans for the Pavilion Area at Charlestown Park – Tom Comitta
Tom Comitta presented the draft Parks & Recreation Plan Update and introduced plans for rehabbing the pavilion area at Charlestown Park.
Mr. Comitta asked for 3 areas of feedback as he handed out a 12 exhibit Plan Packet. The points to be discussed included Charlestown Park, Cost Estimates, and the Adoption Schedule.
The first map discussed was the Trails Map, regarding proposed bike paths by Sue Staas and Bob Jones of the Trail Committee and Park and Recreation Commission. Mr. Kuhn wanted to know if it was necessary to designate official trails for bikes. Sue Staas stated that for future PennDOT concerns it may be good to have them designated. Mr. Comitta stated Chester County didn’t promote this part of the county for biking since the absence of shoulders was locally characteristic, but Mr. Thompson declared no liability issue in including a proposed bike path. Mr. Willig said that many Charlestown local hills are “destination” roads for bicyclists and at Mr. Comitta’s urging, highlighted the Trails Map for him to update.
The survey regarding paving Brightside trail has had approximately 40 respondents, so a reminder will go onto the website. Mrs. Csete was asked to post a reminder on the website to residents to return their questionnaires. Results will go to Mr. Comitta on Friday, October 12, 2012 so he can update the Master Plan for Brightside Farm.
The Jenkins map needs an update, which will be inserted in the Parks & Rec Plan.
For the Charlestown Park Master Plan Phase 2, cost estimates including sewered restrooms can be found on the handout dated October 1, 2012. Mr. Jones will be forwarding updated costs to revise Mr. Comitta’s version. Two new fields are shown along with two new picnic pavilions, one of which has a restroom. Mr. Comitta said the sewerage service must be worked out.
There was discussion on whether to conduct a more formal review process, which would be eligible for additional grant funding, but would require more compensation to Thomas Comitta Associates as the Plan would be sent to neighboring municipalities, the Great Valley School District, Charlestown’s Planning Commission, and the County and Regional Planning Commissions. This would then be considered the 2013 update to the Comprehensive Plan. The Board of Supervisors were in agreement to follow this path.
Mr. Comitta stated that he was advised by Carol Stauffer of the County Parks & Recreation Department that the Plan should be adopted as an addendum to the existing Comprehensive Plan, in order to be eligible for more grant funding in the future.
Tom Comitta said the Planning Commission believes the Comprehensive Plan should include an Act 209 Transportation Plan. Steps to proceed with an Act 209 Plan will be placed on the Supervisors’ November 5, 2012 agenda, which is eligible for County grant funding. Mr. Comitta said they could investigate the possibility of teaming with East Whiteland and Tredyffrin Townships and developing a regional grant application. Mr. Kuhn asked if the boulevard on Whitehorse Road would be included, and Mr. Comitta said yes. Mr. Kuhn asked who would prepare the Act 209 report, and Mr. Comitta said a professional traffic engineering firm would be needed, taking about 6 months and costing approximately $50,000. The grant cycle requires grants to be submitted between March 1-15, 2013, with a decision by the County on June 1, 2013. The Board asked Mr. Comitta to prepare a Request for Proposal.
East Whiteland Fire Company
Gary Sheridan addressed the Board requesting help in funding a $26,000 pumper truck repair. Mr. Kuhn moved to financially assist the fire company by $10,000 in November 2012 and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion. Mr. Philips said they will look for additional funds in the budget. Mr. Piliero called the vote, all were in favor.
Phoenixville Area Soccer Club Contract
Ray Foerster, Vice President of the Phoenixville Area Soccer Club was present to discuss the contract for a seven year term beginning 11/1/12 through 10/31/19. Mr. Foerster and Mr. Thompson will meet to discuss dual indemnification and other issues such as traveling teams at township fields vs. liability. Once this contract is in final form Mr. Foerster will return for Board approval.
Progressive Insurance Agreements
Mrs. Csete referred to several executed agreements submitted by attorney Gregg Adelman on behalf of Progressive Insurance, and indicated they were in order and may be considered for approval.
Mr. Kuhn moved to approve and execute the Financial Security Agreement, the Subdivision & Land Development Agreement, and Stormwater Management Agreement for Progressive Insurance, and Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Raven Hill Roadside Parking
Mr. Willig discussed with Mr. Foerster the danger of soccer field destined pedestrians crossing Coldstream Road. Mrs. Csete confirmed that this week she had a call from a Raven Hill resident complaining because of parking on the road and unsafe sight lines. Mr. Foerster will reemphasize to all club members via email that they are not to park on Raven Hill Road. Roadmaster Thompson will post “No Crosswalk” signs. If this does not improve the situation, a No Parking/Towing Ordinance will be the next step.
Open Salt Bids
The following bids for 700 tons of road salt were opened and read aloud:
Cargill Salt: $61.50/ton FOB plant; $63.99 delivered
North American Salt Co. – Letter of “No Bid”.
International Salt: $87/ton FOB Plant; $87.55 delivered
Oceanport Industries: $57/ton FOB plant, $57.95 Delivered
The bid documents were turned over to Mr. Wright for review and recommendation.
Application to PUC to Suspend Rail Crossing at Warner Lane
Mrs. Csete said she was able to complete the application started by Fred Alston last year now that Traffic Planning & Design has forwarded their traffic study of Warner Lane. She asked the Board to approve the application so she can submit it to the PUC. The School District has been particularly interested in the suspension of this rail crossing so the buses don’t have to stop.
Mr. Rodgers moved to approve the PUC application to suspend the Rail Crossing at Warner Lane, for submission to the PUC, and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote, all were in favor.
Resolution to Designate Liaison with Berkheimer Tax Administrator
Mr. Philips moved to adopt Resolution #788-2012 appointing the Township Manager as the liaison with Berkheimer Tax Collector and Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote, all were in favor.
Website Design and Maintenance Agreement 11/1/2012 – 11/1/2013
Mrs. Csete said she spoke to Allen Underkofler about renewing his website maintenance agreement with the Township, and was pleased to report he was willing to continue at the same hourly rate. It was unanimously agreed that the website has an easily navigable, attractive design that receives many compliments.
Mr. Kuhn moved to execute the Website Design and Maintenance Agreement with Allen P. Underkofler for the period of November 1, 2012 to November 1, 2013. Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote, all were in favor.
CCATO Convention Nov. 8th
Mrs. Csete asked if any of the Supervisors were planning to attend the annual Chester County Association of Township Officials convention on November 8th, 2012 so she can register them for the event. The deadline to register is October 31st. Mr. Kuhn, Mr. Rodgers and Mr. Philips indicated they will attend.
Schedule Whitehorse Estates Conditional Use Hearing
Mr. Kuhn moved to schedule the Whitehorse Estates Conditional Use Hearing to open on Monday, November 5, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. at the Great Valley Middle School, 255 N. Phoenixville, Pike, Malvern, PA, Room 154 and Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote, all were in favor.
Schedule Budget Work Session
A public meeting was scheduled for Monday October 22nd, 2012, 7:00 p.m. at the Township Office, 4030 Whitehorse Road, Devault, PA, to review and finalize the draft of the 2013 budget.
Other Business - none
Adjournment
Mr. Piliero adjourned the meeting at 9:54 p.m. The budget meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 22, 2012, 7:30 p.m. at the Township Office, 4030 Whitehorse Road, Devault, PA, and the following business meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 5, 2012, 7:30 p.m. at the Great Valley Middle School, Room 154, 255 North Phoenixville Pike, Malvern, PA.
Lisa Gardner
Recording Secretary
