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Charlestown Township
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The first business meeting for April was held April 7, 2014 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, Charlie A. Philips and Hugh D. Willig. |
| Consultants: | Daniel Wright, P.E. and Mark P. Thompson, Esq. |
| Staff: | Linda Csete, Manager, Jim Thompson, Roadmaster, Tim Hubbard, Fire Marshal and Lisa Gardner, Recording Secretary. |
| Public: | See attached sign-in sheet |
Call to Order:
7:35 p.m.Announcements
Mr. Kuhn announced that an Executive Session was held just prior to this evening’s meeting to discuss real estate and legal matters.
Mr. Philips announced that April 26th is Earth Day; please participate in spring cleaning and improving the Township.
Citizens’ Forum
Corporal John Biever told Supervisors there were 66 calls in the Township for March, made up of 14 (false) burglar alarms, 8 automobile crashes, 2 disorderly conducts, and various other minor occurrences.
Students from the Kids Leadership Academy came to tonight’s meeting to propose to legally name the stream that runs through the Great Valley Nature Center property. Students told Supervisors that the community is more likely to care for and bond with this valuable resource if it has an identity.
The students presented the Board of Supervisors with 5 suggested names. Mr. Piliero was in favor of naming the stream, and was inspired by the presentation. The Chairman thanked the students for their hard work. The students of the KEEL Crew (Kids Enabling Environmental Leadership), and Jolie Chylack, their teacher, were urged to decide on the name instead of the Supervisors. Mushpekat was chosen because the Lenape name translates to Clear Water Run. Mr. Philips moved to name the stream along Hollow Road Mushpekat Run. Mr. Rodgers seconded the motion. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there was none. Mr. Piliero called the vote, all were in favor. There was a round of applause for the effort made by these young leaders.
| Kaylah Andrews Ethan Bilson Samuel Dooling Piper Gotshall Nikki Groce Julianna Escobar Katy Guevin Daniel Guevin |
Avi Ganguly Jalen Lee Makenna Lurie Aliyah Quill Alex Viola Catherine Wenger Jeremy Wenger |
Approvals
March 3, 2014 Business Meeting Minutes
Mr. Rodgers moved to approve the minutes of the March 3, 2014 Business Meeting and Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Piliero called for further discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Treasurer’s Report March 1 - 31, 2014
Mr. Philips moved to approve the March 2014 Treasurer’s Report and Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Accounts Payable Reports for Operating Fund for April 7, 2014
Mr. Rodgers moved to approve the General Fund Accounts Payable Report for April 7, 2014 and Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Accounts Payable Report for Open Space Fund for April 7, 2014
Mr. Philips moved to approve the Open Space Fund Accounts Payable Report for April 7 2014 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 March 2014 reports #1-14 as submitted and Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
The Board of Supervisors accepted the letter of resignation of Bob Jones from the Parks & Recreation Board.
Mr. Philips told Members, as the contact person for Charlestown Day, he was concerned about some issues, for example, managing the funds for the event and keeping them separate from the 5K Run fundraiser. He verified with Board Members that mentioning Charlestown Day sponsors for the 5K in the next Township newsletter is permitted.
Hearings
Marshall Conditional Use Application
Mr. Thompson opened the Hearing to consider the Conditional Use Application for Paul Marshall. The proceedings were recorded by William Handy, Court Reporter. Mr. Thompson said that the Applicant will be reminded to notify surrounding residents within 10 days of the next Hearing.
Mr. Rodgers moved to continue the Hearing to May 5, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. at the Great Valley Middle School, Room 154, 255 N. Phoenixville Pike, Malvern, PA. Mr. Willig seconded, and Mr. Piliero called for discussion. There being none, he called the vote and all were in favor.
Devault Village at Spring Oak Conditional Use Application
Mr. Thompson opened the Hearing with the proceedings recorded by William Handy, Court Reporter. Mr. Thompson entered the following exhibits into the record:
| • | T-1 | Public Notice |
| • | T-2 | Proof of Publication from the Daily Local News, March 24 and March 31, 2014 |
Mr. Philips moved to continue the Hearing to May 5, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. at the Great Valley Middle School, Room 154, 255 N. Phoenixville Pike, Malvern, PA. Mr. Kuhn seconded, and Mr. Piliero called for discussion. There being none, he called the vote and all were in favor.
Old Business - None
New Business
Valley Creek Trunk Sewer Update – Martin Goldberg
Valley Forge Sewer Authority Operations Manager Martin Goldberg was present to give an update on the two Valley Creek Trunk Sewer force main breaks that occurred in February and March of this year.
He explained that the force main is located in Tredyffrin Township; but that the main itself is owned by the Valley Creek Trunk Sewer (VCTS). The VCTS is comprised of Easttown Township, East Whiteland Township, Malvern Borough, Tredyffrin Township, Willistown Township, and the Valley Forge Sewer Authority, of which Charlestown Township is a member.
Mr. Goldberg began by giving the Supervisors some background. When the sewer was initially put in, the federal government offered incentives to use innovative technologies or materials. A 35 foot pipe was installed of a non-standard new material. In 2012 there was a partial break under the Turnpike (near King of Prussia Mall) that was quickly repaired. Due to the pipe being under continual service even during the break, it was not able to be further inspected.
In February of 2014 a complete break took 37 hours to halt. This was due to the difficulty of getting the aforementioned materials to the site to complete the repair. In this time, an estimated 50 million gallons of raw sewage leaked into the stream. Inspections revealed that the pipe was being compromised from the outside, by electrical currents, acidic soil, or ground water corrosion, etc. During the six weeks of studying the inspection data, a third complete break happened, in March. Both break repairs were expedited due to the VCTS immediately noticing there was no sewage being received. The second repair was quickly completed because materials were now in stock locally. Consultants (Lewis Environmental, Inc. and Gannett Fleming, Inc.) surveyed the magnitude of the force main problems. The VCTS and consultants are currently working closely with the DEP. Both breaks happened at the same basic spot (intersections of Routes 252 & 23) near Valley Forge Park. Samples of the pipe from different spots along its route are being evaluated for integrity.
The estimated cost for repair in 2012 was at least $19 million. The VFSA would be responsible for approximately $1 million of this figure. The cost will be reassessed due to newer technology and drilling techniques. Mr. Goldberg distributed notes from a March 26th, 2014 meeting called On Activities Relating to the Valley Creek Trunk Sewer Force Main. Last, Mr. Goldberg mentioned the need to consider the installation of parallel force mains.
Mr. Philips asked why there was no capability for a quick shut off at a pump station. Mr. Goldberg said there is no storage tank of that size at a station. Mr. Kuhn asked who was assessing the damage to the stream at Valley Forge, Mr. Goldberg said the DEP.
Annual MS-4 Report
Mr. Wright provided an overview of the MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm System) Engineer’s Report for the 11th year, ending March 9, 2014. Supervisors were told that the largest potential impact on the Township, due to changes from the DEP, was regarding the waterways. An eMap on the DEP website identifies most of Charlestown Township’s waterways. If DEP analysis reflects that a stream has failed testing in 4 categories, then the stream earns an “Impaired” status.
Currently new developments are required to maintain a 150 foot buffer along a stream. But if labeled “Impaired”, the new buffer must be forested and would receive additional evaluation in regards to stormwater management. If any Township stream receives this official label, the Supervisors would need to amend the SWM Ordinance.
Open Road Labor & Equipment Contract
One bid was received by the Township Office for Road Labor and Equipment Rental for the period of May 1, 2014 – March 31, 2015. Melchiorre Construction submitted a bid of $468,860. The bid was turned over to Mr. Wright for review and recommendation so the contract may be considered for award at the May meeting.
Road Improvement Schedule for 2014
The Board discussed the proposed road improvements listed in Mr. Wright’s distribution entitled Charlestown Township 2014 Road Improvement Project. Mr. Wright and Jim Thompson, the Roadmaster, initially had decided to focus on Pine Drive, Maryhill Road, part of Valley Hill Road, and Blackberry Lane. But, they decided since Valley Hill Road is so heavily traveled, that it should be done in entirety. Pine Drive and Maryhill Road will be scheduled for next year.
Mr. Wright and Mr. Rodgers will research the possibility of separating the projects. The estimated costs of improvements are:
| Valley Hill Road | $100,687 |
| Blackberry Lane | $106,772 |
| Yellow Springs Road | $ 18,054 |
| Buckwalter Road | $ 71,250 |
Mr. Rodgers questioned whether it would be cost effective to bid the roads separately and wanted to have additional time to do research. Mr. Piliero tabled the discussed to the May 5th meeting.
Act 209 Land Use Assumptions Report
Mrs. Csete said that the Act 209 Hearing was formally held on March 25, 2014 and that the Transportation Impact Fee Study was recommended for approval by the Act 209 Committee.
Mr. Philips moved to ratify the Board’s approval of the Pennsylvania Act 209 Transportation Impact Fee Study consisting of a Roadway Sufficiency Analysis and Transportation Capital Improvements Plan dated February 2014, and Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Mr. Rodgers moved to schedule the Hearing and authorize advertising for the Transportation Impact Fee (Act 209) Ordinance for June 2, 2014 and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Charlestown Playhouse Conditional Use Approval
Mr. Piliero signed the final conditional use decision document prepared by the Township Solicitor.
Blue Howell Planning Module – Request for Approval of Revised Narrative
Mr. Wright explained that the Blue Howell subdivision revised its Planning Module narrative which requires approval from both the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors. Mr. Wright described the technicality and recommended Board approval of the revised Planning Module.
Mr. Kuhn moved to authorize Mrs. Csete to transmit the revised Blue Howell Planning Module to the DEP subject to approval by the Planning Commission, and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Pickering Crossing Escrow Release #6
Mr. Rodgers moved to approve Escrow Release #6 for Southdown Homes’ Pickering Crossing project in the amount of $77,953.10 and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Other Business
Charlestown Park
The Supervisors asked Mr. Thompson the Roadmaster if he would temporarily oversee the maintenance at Charlestown Park and he agreed. Mrs. Csete was directed to place an article in the next newsletter to fill the vacancy left by Mr. Jones’ resignation.
There is 1.1 acres of land adjacent to Charlestown Park that the Valley Forge Army Hospital transferred to Charlestown Township in the 1970’s. The Valley Forge Christian College is disputing these findings. Since the parking situation is dictating the next steps of the Park Improvement project, the issue needs to be resolved.
The project management contract with J.D. Bravo was discussed. Mr. Rodgers expressed dissatisfaction with the report and stated he would like to review other options for the Park improvement project. Mr. Kuhn reminded Mr. Rodgers that they have a contract with J.D. Bravo as the project manager only. Mr. Willig told Mr. Rodgers that J.D. Bravo had (1) confirmed that the Township owned a piece of property that the Township had actually been trying to buy and (2) had a complete understanding of all the components of the project. (3) the Township would have to pay a different company to repeat the extensive research that J.D. Bravo had already done. Mr. Piliero offered to ask Bob Jones to email a report regarding any specific complaints he may have had with J.D. Bravo.
The Board was in agreement that they need to get started on the site plan now, and the J.D. Bravo discussion can be continued at the May 5th meeting. Mr. Piliero said Bob Jones should send an email in advance of that meeting. Mr. Kuhn said a representative of J.D. Bravo should attend the June meeting and the Board will decide in July if they want to move forward with them at the July meeting.
1111 Rees Road
The basin will be inspected by Mr. Wright; it appears to be unmaintained.
In Community Magazine
Mrs. Leland introduced the proposition to the Supervisors as a possible replacement for the Township Newsletter. She told Members there was no cost to the Township. It is assembled in Pittsburgh, but compiled by local high school students as far as subject matter or articles, photographs, etc. It would cover the municipalities included in the Great Valley School District. A special green tabbed section of the magazine is specifically set aside for the Townships within the school district to use. In this green section, there would be no advertisements. Mr. Dollard, the president for the quarterly magazine, hopes to have the first issue out for fall 2014.
Miscellaneous Items
Mr. Wright will check on permit needs for the structure and stormwater management of the Muldoon barn.
Mr. Kuhn verified with Mrs. Csete that C.M. Jones is only contracted to mow at the Park. The Roadmaster will inspect the Park in regards to a November bill received by the Township. In order to process the invoice for payment, a work order must reflect an authorized Township signature.
Adjournment
Mr. Piliero adjourned the meeting at 10:05 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 5, 2014, 7:30 p.m. at the Great Valley Middle School, Room 154, 255 North Phoenixville Pike, Malvern, PA.
Lisa K. Gardner
Recording Secretary
