Charlestown Township
Board of Supervisors Business Meeting
Minutes of December 2, 2013

The first business meeting for December was held December 2, 2013 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, and Charles A. Philips. Hugh D. Willig was absent.
Consultants: Dan Wright, P.E., Thomas Comitta, Dale Frens, and Mark P. Thompson, Esq.
Staff: Linda Csete, Manager, Tim Hubbard, Fire Marshal and Lisa Gardner, Recording Secretary.
Public: See attached sign-in sheet

Call to Order:

7:41 p.m.

Announcements

Mr. Kuhn announced that the Board met in an Executive Session prior to this evening’s meeting to discuss real estate matters.

Mrs. Csete announced that the Fire Marshal and Emergency Operations Coordinator Tim Hubbard set up the semi-annual countywide Emergency Management Drill for Charlestown Township’s Emergency Operations. Supervisor Kevin Kuhn, Parks & Recreation Board member Bob Jones, Robin and Linda Kohn and Mrs. Csete participated along with two ham radio operators. There was a PEMA representative monitoring the exercise.

Citizens’ Forum

There were no items mentioned.

Approvals

November 4, 2013 Business Meeting Minutes

Mr. Philips moved to approve the minutes of the November 4, 2013 Business Meeting and Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for further discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Treasurer’s Report November 1 - 30, 2013

Mr. Rodgers moved to approve the November 2013 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 December 2, 2013 Operating Fund

Mr. Rodgers moved to approve the December 2, 2013 General Fund Accounts Payable Report and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Accounts Payable Report December 31, 2013 Operating Fund Payroll

Mr. Philips moved to approve the December 31, 2013 General Fund Accounts Payable for Year End Payroll and Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Accounts Payable Report December 2, 2013 Open Space Fund

Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the December 2, 2013 Open Space Fund Accounts Payable Report and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote, all were in favor.

Reports

Mr. Rodgers moved to accept the November 2013 reports #1-14 as submitted. Mr. Kuhn questioned the East Whiteland Fire Emergency expenses and discussed reimbursement issues with Mr. Hubbard. Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for further discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Mr. Philips reported discussion at the December DRC Meeting being centered on the property across from The Office Bar and Grill. Also, Mr. Philips announced that the Historical Commission files had been moved from the Rapp House to the Township office.

Hearing for Stormwater Management Ordinance

Mr. Thompson introduced the Hearing to amend the Charlestown Code of Ordinances, Chapter 22 and enact a new Chapter 23. The proceedings were taken by Mr. Thomas Cocoran, Court Reporter. Mr. Thompson stated the exhibits as follows.

• T-1 Public Notice
• T-2 Proof of Publication from the Daily Local News
• T-3 Letter dated 11-15-13 from Mr. Thompson to the Chester County Law Library
• T-4 Letter dated 11-21-13 from The Chester County Planning Commission
• T-5 The Stormwater Ordinance

Testimony was given by Dan Wright, P.E. Mr. Thompson asked if there were any questions from those present. No individuals came forward.

Following the Hearing, the record was closed. Mr. Philips moved to adopt Ordinance #183-2013 amending Chapter 22 of the Charlestown Township Code of Ordinances and enacting Chapter 23, and Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor. Mrs. Csete requested a final version from Mr. Wright.

Old Business

Cornog-Supplee (Volpi) House

Dale Frens provided an update on the Cornog-Supplee property located at Phoenixville Pike and Yellow Springs Roads. He distributed a GPS site plan showing a 7.9 acre tract to be considered for possible subdivision from the 55 acre property to be put up for sale to any individual interested in preserving the historic homestead. He pointed out to Supervisors the large buffer to be provided around the house. He noted the driveway must be from Phoenixville Pike due to steep slopes on Yellow Springs Road. Also mentioned, the southern point dips into East Whiteland Township, but this area is less than an acre. They discussed whether to exclude this portion from the subdivision but decided to leave it as part of the smaller homestead parcel.

He suggested a Request for a Proposal bid style be used for the next step towards preservation, because the project includes a creative aspect that still allows Supervisors to cover costs. Supervisors discussed issues including the marketing of the tract, current proposed configuration vs. creating a smaller parcel of 5 acres, façade easements for the house and spring house, preservation of the barn foundation, and whether to increase the setbacks. Mr. Frens suggested a website where Supervisors may find information at The Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia.

Motion

Mr. Piliero made a motion to have Mr. Wright of Advanced GeoServices compose a subdivision plan, with (a) appropriate setbacks, (b) an easement for a driveway onto Phoenixville Pike but exiting into Charlestown Township, and (c) yet subject to topographical restrictions. Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Motion

Mr. Philips made a motion to have Mr. Thompson create a Facade Easement for the Cornog-Supplee house and springhouse, and Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor. Mrs. Csete is to discuss tarping the roof and covering the house’s doorways with Jim Thompson.

Woolen Mill

Mr. Frens reported to Supervisors that the contractor, Richard Frunzie will be on site at the end of December to move the original mill equipment back into the building. Mr. Kuhn warned Mr. Frens that there is debris on the third floor.

Brightside Farmhouse

Mr. Frens discussed the 4 bids for window replacement (approximately 50 units to be done room by room). The Base Bid is just for the replacements to be slid into the existing untouched sills and frames. The Alternative Bid would be for restoration of sills and frames while the window was out. The bid turnout was low, even though historical experience requirement was purposely left out of the package. The lowest bidder, C.R.J. Construction has worked in the Township before, and would have 90 days to complete the work if contracted. There would be a 30 day extension if contracted for the Alternative option.

Mr. Philips made a motion to accept the bid by C.R.J. Construction for a Base Bid of $66,700 and the Alternative #1 bid for $14,800. Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Alix Coleman is considered to be the contact for the tenant and will be kept up to date.

Mr. Thompson is to verify there are no prevailing wage limitations, and he is also to find out about any dollar limit on Change Orders, in regards to wall stabilization during the renovation.

New Business

Eagle Scout Projects for Troop 67

Mitchell Warner provided an overview of his current project now halfway completed. He is building 22 steps, to replace a rope handrail on a steep slope, at the Charlestown Road entrance to the Pickering Trail. Supervisors thanked him for choosing such a logical project.

Andy Hunt provided an overview of his project, now underway, for five benches along Pickering Trail. Mr. Philips offered to be a contact for future projects. Mr. Piliero asked Andy and Mitchell to return with pictures of the finished projects for the Township‘s website and newsletter. Supervisors thanked the three young men for useful and practical Eagle Scout Service Projects.

Jack Stillwell described his completed project, a footbridge over a flood-prone area on the Pickering Trail. The site was suggested by Susanna Staas, Chairman of the Trails Committee, and visited by both her and Jack prior to its selection. The Board of Supervisors thanked him for his hard work and offered congratulations along with a Youth Leadership Award. Township Manager Linda Csete presented him with a plaque for placement on the bridge, commemorating him and Troop 67.

Adoption of Act 209 Transportation Land Use Assumptions Report

Mr. Comitta provided a summary of the Act 209 Transportation Land Use Assumptions Report that had been recommended for approval by the Planning Commission at their November Meeting. He distributed a final version tonight with a Final Draft Date of November 14th 2013 and an Adoption Date of December 2, 2013.

The new version had three changes from the September version as follows.

Mr. Comitta said the Report was distributed as required, and that East Pikeland, the Great Valley School District, and the other municipalities provided no comments. The Phoenixville Regional Planning Commission was interested in comparing their demographic data against Charlestown’s. The Township’s figures were higher since the Report reflected projects not yet known to the PRPC. Mr. Comitta is confident that after taking easements, right of ways, and environmental restraints into consideration, the data provided is verified and true. For the next 18 months the $1,000 figure is an appropriate legal charge for transportation improvements. This dollar amount may be adjusted after Andy Heinrich, of Heinrich and Klein, completes his analysis.

Mr. Philips motioned to approve the Act 209 Transportation Land Use Assumptions Report (with minor housekeeping corrections) and Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor. This Report will be posted to the Township’s website.

Atlas Transportation – Brad Torabi use request for 3317 Phoenixville Pike

Brad Torabi, owner of Atlas Transportation, asked the Board for a letter of dealership permission by the Township. Mr. Torabi wants to purchase autos from Pennsylvania auctions, but must have the letter for the necessary dealership license required by the auctions. However, the property is not zoned for this use. Mr. Torabi told the Supervisors he does not want or intend to sell cars from that location, but to simply turn them into limos. The vehicles then stay off lot at the drivers’ residences. Any and all limitations the Supervisors and Mr. Wright thought might be appropriate were immediately agreed upon by Mr. Torabi. His current license is for an address out of the Township, so the letter is technically declaring him a wholesale dealer at 3317 Phoenixville Pike in Charlestown Township.

Mr. Wright indicated that this use is not permitted in the Neighborhood Commercial 1 (NC-1) zoning district, or TND, and that a variance would have to be sought from the Zoning Hearing Board. The Conditional Use approach was also discussed as was an Accessory Use designation along with a list of conditions or specific circumstances. Mr. Wright will look into the possibilities of drafting something that would not follow or transfer to a new owner of the property. Mr. Rodgers and Mr. Philips were concerned about setting a precedent for the future.

Traffic Signal Maintenance Contract for 2/1/2014 – 1/31/2015

Mrs. Csete said the current contract with Armour & Sons expires 2/1/2014 but has an automatic renewal clause if the Board decides to retain their services for an additional year. The annual cost of signal maintenance has been well below the threshold requiring the solicitation of bids or quotes.

She reported that Jim Thompson indicated he’s been very satisfied with Armour and recommends extending the contract, as did Michael Allen, stating that since Armour is already contracted with PennDOT for the Route 29 signal improvements; continuity through 2014 would be advisable. Armour is also installing the tunnel lights under the bridge at no cost to the Township.

Mr. Rodgers moved to extend the Armour & Sons signal maintenance contract to 2/1/2015 and Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

2014 Township Real Estate Tax Collection Proposal

Mrs. Csete said the township first contracted with the County for the 2013 tax year, and the results were very satisfactory compared to previous years for amount of taxes collected, customer service, and low fees. The fees for 2014 would not be changed from 2013.

Mr. Kuhn moved to adopt Resolution #818-2013 appointing the Chester County Treasurer as the Charlestown Township Real Estate Tax Collector for 2014 and authorizing the Manager to execute the proposed contract. Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Contract with Anthony Merklinger for Inspection Services

Mr. Kuhn moved to accept the Inspection Services Agreement with Cornerstone Inspections, LLC through the end of the year, then revisit the renewal of services in 2014. Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor. The Supervisors want to include a Customer Satisfaction Survey with the inspection documents in 2014.

Schedule Conditional Use Hearings

A Conditional Use Hearing for the Charlestown Playhouse will be held January 6, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. at the Great Valley Middle School. The Conditional Use Hearing for the Paul Marshall Application originally set for January 6, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. at the Great Valley Middle School may be moved to January 7th. Further updates will forthcoming from Mr. Thompson and will also be advertised by Mrs. Csete.

2014 SPCA Contract

Mrs. Csete provided some details on the proposed contract and recommended its approval. Mr. Philips moved to approve the 2014 S.P.C.A. Animal Control Contract, and Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Escrow Release Request #2 – Pickering Crossing

This item was removed from the Agenda.

Tax Levy Resolution

Mrs. Csete noted that the proposed real estate millage, Local Services Tax, Real Estate Transfer Tax and Earned Income Tax for 2014 remain the same as in 2013.

Mr. Rodgers moved to approve Resolution #819-2013 setting the taxes for 2014, and Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Budget Resolution to Adopt 2013 Budget

Mrs. Csete said the Board reviewed the proposed budget materials at a meeting on October 28, 2013. Input had been received from the Chairs of the various boards, commissions and committees.

Mr. Kuhn moved to approve Resolution #820-2013 adopting the Budget for 2014 as drafted 11/28/13 and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Schedule and Authorize Advertisement for Reorganization Meeting

Mrs. Csete was authorized to advertise the Reorganization Meeting and first business meeting for January to be held Monday, January 6, 2014, 7:30 p.m. at the Great Valley Middle School, room 154, 255 Phoenixville Pike, Malvern PA.

Other Business

Mr. Philips told Supervisors about an excellent surface he had seen on a trail at Chanticleer that was made of crushed rubber tires. He’ll set up a time interested Board members can make a site visit to see the trail, which might be considered for the Brightside Farm.

Mrs. Csete is to discuss the problem of an estimated 28 dead sycamore trees along the Sycamore Lane right of way with the Roadmaster. The Roadmaster should have Davey Tree quote a price for simply taking down the targeted trees, and also a price for completely removing the trees from the site. The property owners would have to share in the cost if the tree is completely removed.

Mr. Wright told the Supervisors there will only be three more blasts at the Quarry, in regards to the complaint by a resident.

Adjournment

Mr. Piliero adjourned the meeting 9:47 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 6, 2014, 7:30 p.m. at the Great Valley Middle School, Room 154, 255 North Phoenixville Pike, Malvern, PA.

Respectfully submitted,


Lisa K. Gardner
Recording Secretary
Sign-in sheet, 12/2/2013