Charlestown Township Board of Supervisors Business Meeting Minutes of September 2, 2014

The first business meeting for September was held September 2, 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, Charles A. Philips and Hugh Willig.
Consultants:	Daniel Wright, P.E., Thomas Comitta, 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:

7:30 p.m.

Announcements

Mrs. Csete announced there was an Executive Session on August 20th at 7:00 p.m. to discuss personnel and real estate matters.

Mrs. Csete announced that the Township has been awarded the PECO Green Region Open Space Program Grant for the Devault Branch Rails to Trails Feasibility Study. Added to the $25,000 Visions Partnership Grant awarded for this study last year, the two grants cover all but $5,000 of the cost for this study.

Citizens’ Forum

Mrs. Sue Staas asked Supervisors to contact her with suggestions for the Community Day Township exhibit.

Mrs. Barbara DeWilde of the Charlestown Historical Society stated the Charlestown Historical Society’s Patron’s Dinner was going to be on Saturday, September 20th at the Gill Farm. They will begin the tradition of honoring community residents, this year 8 have been selected because of their contributions. Also, the Memorial Day Ceremony was a success and will happen again next year. Lastly, she wanted to tell the Board she was very interested in decisions regarding Brightside Farm.

John Pittock, also with the Charlestown Historical Society, told Supervisors he had expected some feedback regarding the email he had sent about the chemical spill at Brightside Farm. Mr. Kuhn suggested posting a sign so that gardeners know it is to be an organic garden. He also wanted the Board to know he was interested in Brightside Farm decisions.

Mrs. Ellen Behrle stated the Great Valley Nature Center Fundraiser is on Friday, January 30th, 2015.

Approvals

August 4, 2014 Business Meeting Minutes

Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the minutes of the August 4, 2014 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 August 1 - 31, 2014

Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the August 2014 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 Reports for Operating Fund for September 2, 2014

Mr. Rodgers moved to approve the General Fund Accounts Payable Report for September 2, 2014 and Mr. Kuhn 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 September 2, 2014

Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the Open Space Fund Accounts Payable Report for September 2, 2014 and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Reports

Mr. Kuhn moved to accept the August 2014 reports #1-14 as submitted and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor

Presentation – Eagle Scout Project

Proposed Project: Michael Miller

Michael Miller of Troop 167 gave a presentation of his proposed Eagle Scout Project for the Board’s consideration. He gave Supervisors a handout detailing the 30” x 12’ secured boardwalk he plans to build and install on Pickering Trail for less than $275. Mr. Wright asked Michael to meet with him to work out any DEP/wetlands issues. The Supervisors thanked Mr. Miller for his proposal and volunteer efforts.

General Warren Village Preliminary/Final Land Development Plan

Mr. Tim Townes was present from J. Loew & Associates to review the Preliminary/Final Plan submission for the Village at General Warren. He told Supervisors that there were only two issues left unresolved.

The first issue was the Traffic Impact Study. He told Supervisors it had just been completed, and the figure of $126,000 was the calculated amount for the project.

Second was the yet unannounced Fee-in-Lieu decision. Mr. Townes stated they did not want to pay the fee, but had chosen the alternative option of meeting the recreational requirement of Section 22-513 of the Ordinance. In lieu of the fee, Mr. Townes offered to

• Increase the sidewalk around the perimeter, and include first phase completion of a section of sidewalk to connect with the retail area of the Commons.
• Add a section along General Warren Boulevard to complete the loop around the perimeter of the property (for pedestrian traffic and a passive or active walking/ jogging trail) of 2,000 linear feet in length.
• Lastly he offered the .51 acres of abandoned railroad right of way, as shown on an exhibit, to link Charlestown’s Trail network.

Mr. Townes felt that the 10,000 sq. feet of sidewalk went beyond the Ordinance requirements of 8,500 sq. feet for recreational area. Mr. Kuhn and Mr. Philips argued that most of the sidewalks were already in the plan. The developer was simply linking them, taking what had to be there and just adding a small sum to the offer.

Mr. Wright deferred any comments to Thomas Comitta Associates, Inc. Mr. Daniel Mallach was asked by the Board if this was feasible. He said for the recreation vs. sidewalk issue, the sidewalk was not recreational or park use, but yes it was a public use. Mr. Townes added 315 linear feet at an estimated cost of $8,000-$9,000, and the consultant’s office was expecting a figure closer to $106,000. He suggested getting an appraisal of the land offer, before further consideration. Mr. Mallach was unsure at the time, if the .51 acres was critical for the Rails to Trails project.

Mr. Kuhn told Mr. Townes he was also hoping for a sizable contribution to East Whiteland’s Fire House Building fund, and would get back to Mr. Townes with a dollar figure. Mr. Willig reminded everyone that the Rails to Trails project was only in a feasibility study stage.

Mr. Townes told the Board that the project needed three waivers for:

1. Rain gardens - since all stormwater management systems are to be installed underground (Item#13 Advanced GeoServices letter dated 8/22/14).
2. Parking stalls are 9’ x 18’ - since all parking stalls are to be 10’ x 20’ (Item#2)
3. Number of stalls - 25% of the stalls are to be placed in reserve for the future (Item#3)

Mr. Thompson suggested the Supervisors get back to Mr. Townes with a recreation calculation/suggestion. Mr. Thompson also reminded Mr. Townes that he still needed the final development documents prior to plan approval.

Mr. Philips reminded Mr. Townes that the safety and policing issue still needed to be discussed. Mr. Kuhn agreed, stating that documents for future arrangements need to be drawn up, enabling the Township to make arrangements at their discretion. An ordinance will need to be drafted for this type of issue occurring within a certain area. This will be discussed further at a future public meeting.

Hearing

Marshall Conditional Use Application

Mr. Thompson opened the Hearing that had been continued from August 4, 2014 for the Conditional Use Application for Paul Marshall of 2226 Charlestown Road. The proceedings were recorded by Mark Hagerty, Court Reporter. Mr. Murray, counsel for the Cloeters, called Mr. Thomas Smith, of Bercek and Smith Engineering, Inc. as a witness, and he displayed a Charlestown Woods Subdivision map and circulated a set of exhibit documents.

Mr. Thompson continued the Hearing to October 6, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. at the Great Valley Middle School, Room 154, 255 N. Phoenixville Pike, Malvern, PA.

Old Business

Brightside Farm Trail

Mr. Kuhn read a document aloud, describing the County restrictions for different parts of the 55 total acres of the Brightside Farm. This would include the 20.6 acres that are behind the Rapp House. It also described the Declarations and Covenants and conditions for acquisition from the County by the Township as a park. It includes a high protection area near the springhouse. Mrs. Staas said it was valuable to the Township because of the view, and it was the last working farm in Charlestown Township. The Board and Mrs. Staas agreed that it was important to get residents of the roads and onto the trails, and if possible to link the trails.

The Board discussed Mr. Willig’s idea to ask Mr. Theurkauf to review earlier envisioning ideas and documents, research surfaces, and submit a proposal including a description of his analysis, for a recommendation of a Trail improvement at Brightside Farm.

Mr. Philips moved to appoint Mr. Theurkauf to research trail surfaces to increase public usage of the property. Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor. Mr. Willig offered to contact Mr. Theurkauf

Devault Village at Spring Oak Conditional Use Decision

Mr. Wright reviewed the previously circulated draft decision for Devault Village at Spring Oak. Mr. Thompson and Mr. Wright will review the open basin clarification at Mr. Philips’ request.

Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the Conditional Use Application for Devault Village at Spring Oak with the conditions as presented, and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Appointment of Part-Time Property Manager

Mr. Piliero said the Board had been considering creating a new position for a part-time property manager to oversee management at the various park and open space properties and to act as liaison to the Parks & Recreation Board and Brightside Farm Manager.

Mr. Kuhn moved to appoint Tim Hubbard as Part-time Property Manager, and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor. The Board noted that Roadmaster Jim Thompson would take on project management duties for larger improvements.

Parks and Recreation Board Appointment to unexpired term ending 12/31/18

Mr. Kuhn moved to appoint Chris Lawrence to the Parks and Recreation Board to fill the unexpired term ending 12/31/18, and Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Mr. Kuhn asked Mrs. Staas to please ask the group to reorganize, take regular meeting minutes, and forward them to the Board. Mr. Hubbard is to be given the meeting schedule and will attend the meetings. Meetings are to be held on the third Thursday of the month, unless there is a pressing reason to cancel.

Zoning Hearing Board Application Overview – Dharam Sachar

Mr. Dharam Sachar did not attend to present his application for extension of his deck at 39 Sagewood Drive.

Charlestown Hunt – Bow & Arrow Hunting

This item was removed from the agenda.

Minimum Municipal Obligation 2015 – Pension Plan

This item was removed from the agenda.

Authorize advertising for Road Salt Bids

Mr. Philips moved to authorize Mrs. Csete to advertise the Road Salt Bid for 2014-2015 for opening on October 6, 2014. Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote, and all were in favor.

Pickering Crossing Escrow Release #11

Mr. Philips moved to approve a revised amount for Escrow Release #11 for Pickering Crossing, and Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Spring Oak Escrow Releases #3 & #4

Mr. Philips moved to approve Escrow Release #3, and a revised amount for #4, for Spring Oak, and Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Other Business

Paving

Mrs. Csete said that tonight PennDOT should finish the paving at Charlestown Road and Route 29 by the end of the week.

Atlas Transportation

Mr. Kuhn said Brad Torabi had emailed him and asked about the status of Atlas Transportation’s Letter of Dealership Permission. In December 2013, Mr. Wright was to look into the possibilities of drafting something that would not follow or transfer to a new owner. But Mr. Rodgers and Mr. Philips were concerned about setting a precedent. The Board decided not to pursue this item further. Mr. Kuhn offered to email Mr. Torabi with the response.

Mrs. Csete has begun to list unfinished items at the end of the Managers Report. Mr. Kuhn requested she add responsible names to the information.

The Friday meeting at the Mill regarding signage needs to be rescheduled.

A Hollow Road resident has been contacted by Mr. Wright; the resident will be relocating construction equipment that is currently being kept at the home.

Adjournment

Mr. Piliero adjourned the meeting at 10:47 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 6, 2014 7:30 p.m. at the Great Valley Middle School, Room 154, 255 North Phoenixville Pike, Malvern, PA.