Charlestown Township
Board of Supervisors Business Meeting
Minutes of October 5, 2015

The first business meeting for October was held October 5, 2015 in the Great Valley Middle School Library, 255 N. Phoenixville Pike, Malvern, PA.

Present

Supervisors: Frank A. Piliero, Chairman, Kevin R. Kuhn, Charles A. Philips and Hugh D. Willig. Vice Chairman, Michael J. Rodgers was absent.
Consultants: Mark P. Thompson, Esq., and Daniel Wright, P.E.
Staff: Linda Csete, Manager, Jim Thompson, Public Works, and Lisa Gardner, Recording Secretary. Tim Hubbard, Property & Safety Coordinator was absent.
Public: See attached sign-in sheets

Call to Order:

7:33 p.m.

Announcements

The Mill welcomed visitors at its open house on October 3rd. Approximately 35 visitors were enthralled with the new equipment and renovations. Supervisors also received many positive comments regarding the Township stance on Open Space preservation.

Mrs. Csete announced that the next Household Hazardous Waste Collection event, sponsored by the County, would take place at the Government Services Center on October 10th from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Flyers were available with additional information.

Mrs. Csete announced the winner of the $150 gift certificate for the Office Bar and Grille. Mr. and Mrs. Jim and Melissa Boukalik won by returning their survey soliciting feedback on the Township Comprehensive Plan to be revised in 2016. There were 114 surveys returned.

Citizens Forum

Mr. Brian O’Connell was present to discuss the proposed location of the Brightside Trail Parking lot. He owns the property previously known as the Pyle farm, across the street, and was concerned about the viewshed, stormwater runoff, and the lack of any buffer.

Mr. Kuhn told Mr. O’Connell that the Township originally had the lot very close to the Wisner-Rapp House, but the Historical Society had requested it farther away. Since the best sight distance was close to Mr. O’Connell’s house, the lot was moved toward that direction. This kept the driveway within optimal sight distance. In addition, there is a conservation easement to contend with, traffic concerns from the Deerfield development and Hollow Road, plus Supervisors want parking visible for security, and to attract visitors.

Mrs. DeWilde said the Historical Society had wanted parking farther from the house. However, she was willing to address any suggestions the Board had with the Historical Society Board.

Mrs. DeWilde then stated

Lieutenant Magee from the Embreeville State Police Barracks updated the Board on year-to-date figures. There were 26 false alarms in the last 90 days, 198 minor incidents of which half were canceled before a trooper arrived. The occurrences were minor and represent only 7.9% of the calls for the State Police at that Barracks.

He added that information is still incoming regarding the Spring Oak construction vandalism. Also, it was noted that information on accidents is purged after 5 years. There are no records available regarding a 2007 fatal one vehicle accident requested by Mr. Anthony Blewitt.

Approvals

September 1, 2015 Business Meeting Minutes

Mr. Philips moved to approve the minutes for the September 1, 2015 Business Meeting and Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Treasurer’s Report September 1 - 30, 2015

Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the September 2015 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 October 5, 2015

Mr. Philips moved to approve the General Fund Accounts Payable Report for October 5, 2015 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 October 5, 2015

Mr. Philips moved to approve the Open Space Fund Accounts Payable Report for October 5, 2015 and Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Reports

Mr. Philips announced that the signage for the Mill project was progressing; there would be an Open House when finished.

Mr. Kuhn moved to accept the September 2015 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.

Hearings

Zoning Ordinance Amendment to Chapter 27, Part 4 and Part 16

Changes were proposed related to noise, conditional Uses, and private clubs in the FR District.

The proceedings were taken by Mr. Mark Hagerty, Court Reporter. Mr. Thompson entered the following into the record:

T-1 Draft Ordinance
T-2 Public Notice
T-3 Proof of Publication
T-4 Letter from M. Thompson Esq. to Chester County Planning Commission, dated September 4, 2015
T-5 Review letter from Chester County Planning Commission dated September 23, 2015

Mr. Kuhn moved to adopt Ordinance #193 - 2015 amending certain provisions of Chapter 27, Part 4, Section 402.C and Part 16, Section 1617.4. Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Zoning Ordinance Amendment to Chapter 27, Part 4 and Part 16

Changes were proposed tonight related to TND in-law suites and building heights.

The proceedings were taken by Mr. Mark Hagerty, Court Reporter. Mr. Thompson entered the following into the record:

T-1 Draft Ordinance
T-2 Public Notice
T-3 Proof of Publication
T-4 Letter from M. Thompson Esq. to Chester County Planning Commission dated September 4, 2015
T-5 Review letter from Chester County Planning Commission dated September 23, 2015

Mr. Philips moved to adopt Ordinance #194 - 2015 amending Chapter 27, Part 22, Sections 2204 and 2206 governing Traditional Neighborhood Development. Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Old Business

Update on Charlestown Park Improvement Project

Mr. Bob Dettore provided a report on the improvements underway at Charlestown Park and future timeline, assuming the weather stays reasonable.

  1. The old pavilions have been demolished, new building pads are going in, and the new pavilion columns should be on site soon.
  2. The cuts and fills have started; he estimates this taking about a month.
  3. The fence is down.
  4. The erosion control measures are working well, proof being the excessive rainfall this past week.
  5. Budget is on target.
  6. Only very minor change orders coming through, which were foreseen.
  7. Excavation is progressing without any surprise delays.
  8. Receiving positive feedback from Park visitors.
  9. Landscaping and plants are expected to go in spring 2016.

Deerfield Dedication of Improvements

Mr. Thompson stated he had reviewed the first draft from the developer, regarding an agreement reserving escrow funds for mitigation of stormwater management. This agreement would bring Pulte Homes closer to a position to request acceptance of the improvements at Deerfield.

Previous discussions were held on how to correct water running off the Deerfield property onto the Coyle and Brown properties along Valley Hill Road, opposite the site. The Board requested that a separate agreement, specifically allowing the performance bond to be used for this purpose, be put in place prior to dedication.

Mr. Wright stated Ingram Engineering of West Chester has visited the locations and talked with the affected parties. Testing is to be done to see how much silt is actually from Deerfield. Mr. Thompson said it was important to have an engineer that both parties find acceptable. Mr. Wright said Mr. Ingram had expertise in construction, and engineering, and that both the developer and residents were considering using Ingram Engineering. Mr. Thompson said they will move forward now that all are in agreement.

New Business

Charlestown Day Recap

Mrs. Karen Schlichter gave a report on the cancellation of Charlestown Day, October 2nd. Unfortunately due to the severe weather, the Committee was unable to set up Friday. So the Committee, in conjunction with the Fire Marshal and Supervisors, decided to cancel all events. However, the Great Valley Nature Center still received a little over $5,000 from those who had signed up for 5K event (a sizable increase from the prior year’s amount). Forty runners/walkers signed up before the event. The date will probably change next year due to other local events competing. The Mill was still open that day for its Open House.

Joos Minor Subdivision Plan

Mr. John J. Mullin, P.E. of Mullin Engineering LLC was present on behalf of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Joos to present the Joos’ Preliminary Plan for a lot line revision of two parcels (36.6 acres) on Tiptonbrook Lane. Telephone lines show a natural delineation where the proposed lot is to be divided, and there is also a spot for a potential, but not expected driveway. No construction is planned.

Five waivers were requested for the following:

  1. Wetlands to be located on the plan
  2. Wetland buffers to located on the plan
  3. A grading plan
  4. A soil, erosion and sedimentation control plan
  5. A Planning Module

Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the lot line revision plan dated December 20, 2014 (sheet 1) and April, 23, 2015 (Sheets 2 and 3), with five waivers and conditions described by Mr. Wright along with a provision that there be a shared access to the two lots. Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Application for Certificate of Appropriateness - 2100 Foster Road

Historical & Architectural Review Board Co-Chair Mrs. Rosemary Philips provided background on the demolition and improvements proposed by Mr. & Mrs. Larry Feiner. Demolition included the removal of a screened porch and bay window that were newer, non-historic structures. The Feiner property, the former Gill property, is located at 2100 Foster Road. Mrs. Philips said she recommended acceptance since the changes fit so well with the historical nature of the home. A draft Certificate of Appropriateness has been prepared for the Board’s consideration.

Mr. Philips moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for 2100 Foster Road and Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Update on Property Appraisals

Mr. Thompson provided an update on the appraisals in progress for the Volpi, Auchincloss and Jenkins properties.

Volpi – Mr. Marty Carmody, of Carmody and Associates, needed more information about the buyers/sellers intentions, to help determine if the building is structurally sound for different uses. Most potential buyers must consider land values that change with limitations like the limitations on this property, and most are also aware that the cost will be higher to refurbish than demolish and rebuild. But, Mr. Carmody said he was not qualified to decide what needs to be done; different uses would delegate the different structural improvements, etc.

Mr. Willig suggested getting one appraisal for the value of the land, and then a separate one for the cost of the house renovation.

Mr. Wright suggested Rob Gallant as a contact that the Township could use. He is an experienced structural engineer and was engaged earlier for Township projects.

Mr. O’Connell suggested the Supervisors sell for the potential dollar value.

Mr. Piliero and Mr. Kuhn also suggested getting the land appraised separately.

Mr. Philips reminded the Board that Mr. Frens had already drafted a conceptual building estimate.

Jenkins – Comps are coming in, further updates will be coming.

Auchincloss – Mr. Thompson said he had not requested this appraisal yet. The draft conservation easement must be approved by the Board first.

Request for Waiver of Sign Permit Fee - East Whiteland Volunteer Fire Association

Mr. Kuhn said the East Whiteland Volunteer Fire Association (EWVFA) has requested a waiver of the $50.00 sign permit fee for the posting of their temporary signs advertising the October 17, 2015 Open House of the new fire station.

Mr. Kuhn moved to approve waiving the sign permit fee for the EWVFA and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Authorize Investment of Open Space Funds in First Resource Bank CDARS Program

Mrs. Csete asked the Supervisors for the next approval needed as she completes the 2015 plan to stagger investments into the CDARS program.

Mr. Philips moved to authorize the Treasurer to wire $1.25 million from the Open Space Account to First Resources Bank for the purchase of Certificates of Deposit through their CDARs program. Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Open Road Salt Bids

The following bids for 700 tons of road salt were opened and read aloud:

  1. Oceanport Industries: $69.50 per ton FOB Charlestown Township yard, $65.00 to supplier.
  2. Morton Salt: $88.46 per ton FOB Charlestown Township yard, $88.00 to supplier.
  3. Eastern Salt Co. - no bid
  4. Cargill Deicing Technologies Inc. - no bid
  5. Compass Minerals - no bid

The bid documents were turned over to Mr. Wright for review and recommendation, so the contract can be awarded at the November meeting.

Schedule Budget Work Session

Mrs. Csete will email Supervisors this week, to schedule the Budget Work Session for October. The meeting will be at the Township Office, 4030 Whitehorse Road, Devault, PA. Budget presentation will be at the November 2, 2015 meeting.

Minimum Municipal Obligation 2016 - Pension Plan

Mrs. Csete said the Township is required to vote each year to provide for the Minimum Pension Plan Obligation in the next year’s budget. She indicated that the state grant for 2016 is $3,921 leaving a cost of $4,671 for the Township. This is an increase of $91.00 in cost from last year.

Mr. Kuhn moved to authorize funding the Employee Pension Plan for 2016 in the amount of the Minimum Municipal Obligation provided by Trustees Insurance of $8,592.00, and to include this amount in the budget for 2016. Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote, and all were in favor.

Pickering Crossing Escrow Release #24, Village at General Warren Escrow Release #7, and the Progressive Casualty Insurance Company Escrow Release #1

Mr. Wright stated that he had reviewed the Pickering Crossing and Village at General Warren Releases and recommended them in full. Also, the third release for Progressive Insurance, can now be fully released after inspection of the infiltration bed which is now operating properly.

Mr. Philips moved to approve Escrow Release #24 in the amount of $76,239.44 for Pickering Crossing, Escrow Release #7 in the amount of $223,499.97 for the Village at General Warren, and Escrow Release #1 in the amount of $524,333.67 for Progressive Casualty Insurance Company. Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Other Business

There will be an Executive Session after tonight’s meeting to discuss legal matters.

Adjournment

Mr. Piliero adjourned the meeting at 9:33 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 2, 2015, 7:30 p.m. at the Great Valley Middle School, Room 154, 255 N. Phoenixville Pike, Malvern, PA 19355.

Respectfully submitted,


Lisa K. Gardner
Recording Secretary