Charlestown Township Board of Supervisors Business Meeting Minutes of December 1, 2014

The first business meeting for December was held December 1, 2014 at the Great Valley Middle School, Room 154, 255 N. Phoenixville Pike, in Malvern, PA.

Present:

Supervisors:	Frank A. Piliero, Chairman, Michael J. Rodgers, Vice Chairman, Kevin R. Kuhn, Charlie A. Philips, and Hugh Willig.
Consultants:	Dan Wright, P.E., Mark P. Thompson, Esq., and Thomas Comitta
Staff:	Linda Csete, Manager, Tim Hubbard, Property & Safety Coordinator, and Lisa Gardner, Recording Secretary.
Public:	See attached sign-in sheet

Call to Order:

7:30 p.m.

Announcements

Mr. Rodgers announced that the Tredyffrin Township Municipal Authority met with the Valley Forge Sewer Authority to discuss alternatives to sewer line repairs. Mr. Rodgers is concerned about the lack of integrity and line testing for the sewer that has already had three failures, and the potential for at least 2 more.

Mr. Philips said there was a brief Executive Session, to discuss real estate matters, prior to tonight’s meeting.

Citizens Forum

Mrs. Barbara DeWilde, of the Charlestown Historical Society, thanked the Board and the Roadmaster for the work done to improve Parcel C of the Markley property.

Approvals

November 3, 2014 Business Meeting Minutes

Mr. Philips moved to approve the minutes for the November 3, 2014 Business Meeting and Mr. Kuhn seconded. All were in favor.

Treasurer’s Report November 1- 30, 2014

Mr. Philips moved to approve the November 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 December 1, 2014

Mr. Rodgers moved to approve the General Fund Accounts Payable Report for December 1, 2014 and Mr. Philips 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 December 1, 2014

Mr. Philips moved to approve the Open Space Fund Accounts Payable Report for December 1, 2014 and Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Reports

Mr. Kuhn asked about the Stonorov houses, stored at the Brightside Farm. There is a potential buyer according to Mr. Philips.

Mrs. Csete clarified that the Historical Commission will be meeting once every other month starting in 2015.

Mr. Kuhn moved to accept the November 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

Old Business - none

New Business

Zoning Hearing Board Overview - Scott Faulkingham

Scott Faulkingham, Jr., of 91 Sagewood Drive, in Charlestown Meadows was absent again tonight for an overview of his Zoning Hearing Board Application. He is requesting a variance to permit a deck extension from his existing deck. Mr. John Martin, of the Zoning Hearing Board, was present and stated he had visited the site. The Board opted to take no position.

Appointment of Site/Civil Engineer for Charlestown Park Improvement Project Phase I

Mr. Piliero stated there were interviews conducted as part of the selection process for a site/civil engineer to work with J.D. Bravo Company on the first phase of the Charlestown Park Improvement Project. Mr. Piliero was present, along with Mr. Philips, Mrs. Csete and Mr. Dettore of J.D. Bravo. Local firms were invited to submit proposals, Chester Valley Engineers, Momenee and Associates, Hunt Engineering, and E. B. Walsh, and Associates, Inc.

Mr. Willig voiced his hesitation about E. B. Walsh being the selection, however the group unanimously concurred to recommend to the Board to retain E. B. Walsh. Mr. Wright stated that the firm was the engineer/surveyor for the Marriot and the Tyler Griffin projects. Mr. Dettore assured the Board that he will make sure parameters are kept in place as the project moves through steps A and B with E. B. Walsh.

Mr. Kuhn moved to accept the proposal from E. B. Walsh and Associates, Inc., and Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Appointment for Landscape Architecture Services for Charlestown Park Improvement Project Phase I

Mr. Kuhn moved to accept the proposal from Theurkauf Design and Planning for landscape architecture services for the first phase of the Charlestown Park Improvement Project, and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Charlestown Park – Removal of Fencing

Mr. Kuhn said the question of whether to remove the chain link fence surrounding Charlestown Park had been discussed at the October 27th Budget Meeting. There was a question of whether it could be re-used temporarily to close off one of the proposed fields being developed. Mr. Rodgers said the Charlestown Historical Society may also have a use for it, if the Township wants to dispose of it. Mrs. DeWilde said it may be useful for Parcel C.

Mr. Kuhn moved to remove the fence and Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

The Board directed Jim Thompson to remove, or arrange for a contractor to remove, the fence and store it for the time being. There will also be a “No Crossing” sign installed at Maryhill Road and the Roadmaster will check to make sure there is a “No Parking” sign on Maryhill Road.

Mr. Chris Lawrence mentioned the need for a barrier along certain spots of the park’s perimeter (along the state road). Mrs. DeWilde asked about the original cost of the fence, its removal, and a new guardrail. Mr. Willig suggested the rails be installed before the fence comes down, Mr. Hubbard was asked to contact PennDOT.

Mr. Kuhn moved to amend the motion. The fence is to be removed after a report and installation of guardrails/barriers by PennDOT. Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Brightside Farm – Theurkauf Design and Planning Recommendation for Trail Material

Mr. Edward Theurkauf presented his recommendations for trail routes and surfaces for the Brightside Farm trail improvements planned for 2015. He stated “to have a successful trail system it is important to have destinations and connections”. He portrayed two concepts found in his letter dated December 1, 2014. Each trail route attempted to follow existing hedgerows. Mr. Theurkauf said it was important to stay with one access point, the current driveway.

Concept 1 Attributes	Concept 2 Attributes
1 mile 8-foot wide paved trail(5250 lf)	Longer trail (7800 lf)
A 10-foot wide unimproved trail (4000 lf)	Trail includes farm cluster & gardens (4800 lf)
Improved parking (15 cars)	Relocates parking
Route takes Horse-shoe Trail though farm	Horse-shoe Trail has different alignment
Horse-shoe Trail south exit to Deerfield	South exit off of farm onto Muldoon easement
Horse-shoe Trail west exit to Deerfield	West exit toward Auchincloss
	Better potential to tie in regional trails
	Uses old farm lane, not existing driveway

He did not discuss the grass surface option because it has a history of infrequent use, has the highest maintenance cost, is not handicap accessible, and has low visibility. He described the pros and cons of asphalt and gravel. Below is a brief list of items discussed:

Asphalt	Gravel
Broadest user accommodation	Equestrian friendly
Not for equestrian users	Subject to weather instability
Highest construction cost	Marginally usable for strollers/handicap
Lowest maintenance cost	Considered impervious

The Supervisors and audience commented on each concept with a majority favoring Concept 1. Mr. Kuhn suggested placing the parking lot near the border in the mid-south section. He stated that the Township did not want anything in the picnic area due to enforcement issues, and all the Supervisors were in agreement regarding no trail in front of the Rapp House. Mrs. Alix Coleman stated her concern for enforcement, and advised controlling access. Mr. Theurkauf was firm in his suggestion to stay with one pronounced entrance in response. Mrs. Staas said it was important to accommodate horses with either trail. She also gave some route feedback. Mrs. Kuhn asked about parking off of Hollow Road. Mrs. DeWilde said she like the current grass trail and she sees people using it when at the Rapp house. She is concerned about motorized vehicle usage if the trail is paved.

Mr. Theurkauf is to return to the Board with a new concept that blends the two presented tonight. He will attempt to incorporate the following suggestions:

• Handicapped access
• Equestrian access
• Research new surface materials such as crushed rubber
• Consider 2 parking areas

Mr. Hubbard will be sending Mr. Theurkauf a list of contacts for crushed rubber information.

Devault Village at Spring Oak Preliminary Subdivision Plan

This item was removed from the agenda.

Resolution to Approve Bartholdson Planning Module

Mr. Wright told Supervisors that the new system, for an addition on the home, needed a planning module. The module was in need of Board approval to transmit it to the DEP. Mrs. Csete indicated that it was not a subdivision and that everything was in order. Mr. Philips moved to adopt Resolution #835-2014 approving the revision to the Sewer Planning Module, and Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Traffic Signal Maintenance Contract for 2/1/2015 – 1/31/2016

The Supervisors indicated they plan to continue with Armour & Sons for an additional year under the current contract’s automatic renewal clause. They do not want to request new proposals primarily due to the fact that the majority of signals in the Township are part of the new system located along the Route 29 corridor. They were installed by Armour and are under warranty for most of this contract period.

Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the continuation of Armour & Sons for an additional year of traffic signal maintenance and Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

2015 Township Real Estate Tax Collection Proposal (By Resolution)

Mrs. Csete said the Township has had a contract with the County since the 2013 tax year, and the low fees, customer service, and collection results have been excellent. The County sent a renewal contract proposing the same fee for 2015.

Mr. Kuhn moved to adopt Resolution #836-2015 appointing the Chester County Treasurer as the Charlestown Township Real Estate Tax Collector for 2015 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.

SPCA contract for 2015

The proposed contract was recommended for approval. Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the 2015 S.P.C.A. Animal Control Contract, and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Tax Levy Resolution for 2015

Supervisors noted the proposed real estate millage (.75 last ten years), Local Services Tax, Real Estate Transfer Tax and Earned Income Tax for 2015 remain the same as in 2014.

Mr. Kuhn moved to approve Resolution #837-2014 setting the taxes for 2015, and Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Budget Resolution to Adopt 2015 Budget

The Board reviewed the proposed budget materials at a meeting on October 27, 2014. Input had been received from the Chairs of the various boards, commissions and committees.

Mr. Philips moved to approve Resolution #838-2014 adopting the Budget for 2015 as drafted on October 29, 2014 and Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Mrs. Csete proposed increasing the carryover amounts in the budget due to the Township receiving money for both the General Fund and Open Space Fund, earlier than expected. The Township was reimbursed for the decorative poles by J. Loew in this fiscal year rather than next. Also, an invoice for the Rail-Trail study is being paid tonight, so there will be less expense for 2015. She suggested amending the budget and revising the motion to account for these 4 changes to the General and Open Space Funds.

Mr. Kuhn moved to amend the township budget as requested by Mrs. Csete and Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, 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 5, 2015, 7:30 p.m. at the Great Valley Middle School, room 154, 255 Phoenixville Pike, Malvern PA.

Schedule and Authorize Advertisement for Hearing to Adopt Ordinance Authorizing Participation in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Pension Trust and Health Insurance Cooperative Trust

Mr. Piliero stated the Board needed to authorize Mrs. Csete to advertise a hearing to consider adoption of an ordinance authorizing participation in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Pension Trust and Health Insurance Cooperative Trust. This will be done well before the deadline of January 31, 2014.

Mr. Philips moved to authorize Mrs. Csete to advertise the hearing for January 5, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. at the Great Valley Middle School, Room 154, 255 Phoenixville Pike, Malvern PA. Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Comcast Cable Franchise Agreement Ordinance

Mrs. Csete stated the Township had received the signed agreement from Comcast to renew the franchise agreement.

Mr. Rodgers moved to authorize Mrs. Csete to adverise the hearing to consider the renewed franchise agreement with Comcast Cable TV for January 5, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. at the Great Valley Middle School, Room 154, 255 Phoenixville Pike, Malvern PA, and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Pickering Crossing Escrow Release #14

Mr. Wright told the Supervisors everything was in order for release #14.

Mr. Kuhn moved to approve Escrow Release #14 for Pickering Crossing in the amount of $236,069.71 and Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Other Business - none

Hearing

Paul Marshall Conditional Use Hearing – continued from November 3, 2014

Mr. Thompson opened the Hearing that had been continued from November 3, 2014 for the Conditional Use Application for Paul Marshall of 2226 Charlestown Road. The proceedings were recorded by Mark Hagerty, Court Reporter, continuing with testimony from Mr. Murray’s witness, real estate appraiser Mr. John Strickland II. Mr. Bender, counsel for the Township also called a witness, Mr. Fred DeLong, Director of the Community Farm Program for the Willistown Conservation Trust.

Added into testimony for Cameron Cloeter, see below.

•

C-21

John Strickland II Appraiser License

Added into testimony for Charlestown, see below.

•	PC-1	Thomas Comitta Associates review letter dated 12/3/13
•	PC-2	Advanced GeoServices review letter dated 12/3/13
•	PC-3	Collection of four submissions by Paul Marshall between 4/8/13 and 7/18/13.

Mr. Thompson continued the hearing to January 5, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. at the Great Valley Middle School, Room 154, 255 N. Phoenixville Pike, in Malvern, PA. Mr. Thompson told the audience that the January meeting will be for public comment and comments by those who have identified themselves as having party status.

Mr. Nesspor asked Mr. Thompson if there will be guidelines for public comment. Mr. Findlay asked about availability of the hearing transcripts.

Adjournment

Mr. Piliero adjourned the meeting at 10:30 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 5, 2015, 7:30 p.m. at the Great Valley Middle School, Room 154, 255 North Phoenixville Pike, in Malvern, PA.