Charlestown Township Board of Supervisors Business Meeting Minutes of December 7, 2015

The first business meeting for December was held December 7, 2015 in the Great Valley Library, 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 D. Willig.
Consultants:	Mark P. Thompson, Esq., Thomas Comitta, and Daniel Wright, P.E.
Staff:	Linda Csete, Manager, Jim Thompson, Public Works, Lisa Gardner, Recording Secretary, and Tim Hubbard, Property & Safety Coordinator.
Public:	See attached sign-in sheet

Call to Order:

7:38 p.m.

Announcements

Mr. Philips announced that there was an Executive Session following the November Board of Supervisors Meeting and before tonight’s meeting to discuss legal and real estate matters.

Mrs. Csete announced that the Charlestown Emergency Operations Center participated in the biennial Limerick Nuclear Power Station drill on November 17^th at the Township Office. EOC Coordinator Tim Hubbard led the operation with Supervisor Kevin Kuhn, Doug Leland, Chris Lawrence, Karen Schlichter, George Csete, and herself, as part of the EOC team. Mrs. Csete extended thanks on behalf of the Township, to Mr. Hubbard, for his time and effort to make the test go smoothly.

Citizens Forum

Mrs. Barbara DeWilde thanked Supervisors for their time and dedication to the Township and distributed 2016 Charlestown Township Historical Society calendars to them as gifts from the Society. She complimented the beautiful pictures for the calendar, many taken by George Csete.

She returned again tonight, to discuss the location of the parking lot that will be located near the Wisner-Rapp House on Yellow Springs Road for the proposed Brightside Farm Park trail. She asked for a meeting at the property, in response to the phone calls she is receiving from residents with different parking location ideas. The Board told Mrs. DeWilde the location of the trail was set, and the location of the lot was only flexible by 20 feet (between the barn and the Rapp house) on Yellow Springs Road. Mrs. Staas asked again, why Hollow Road was not considered, and the Board responded it does not want parking tucked away, and site distance is an additional concern.

Approvals

November 2, 2015 Business Meeting Minutes

Mr. Philips moved to approve the minutes for the November 2, 2015 Business Meeting and Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Treasurer’s Report November 1 - 30, 2015

Mr. Philips moved to approve the November 2015 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 7, 2015

Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the General Fund Accounts Payable Report for December 7, 2015 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 7, 2015

Mr. Philips asked Mrs. Csete about an invoice for $590 at Brightside Farm, and was told it was for season end clean-out services for the community gardens by David Ludwick.

Mr. Philips moved to approve the Open Space Fund Accounts Payable Report for December 7, 2015 and Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Reports

Mr. Philips asked if the Mill proposal had raised any questions. He added that the Mill’s landscape improvements should be completed by late spring. The interpretative signage project should be ready for an official opening on Charlestown Day 2016.

Mr. Philips moved to accept the November 2015 reports #1-14 as submitted and Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Hearing

Ordinance to Amend Subdivision & Land Development Ord. Part 4, Plan Requirements

Mr. Thompson introduced the amendment and stated that the Chester County Planning Commission had reviewed the proposal and commented that the changes were appropriate.

Mr. Comitta listed the updates as housekeeping or procedural items (such as replacing references to outdated technology) and increasing the number of Supervisors needed to sign approved plans to three. Two of the requirements that have been added are below.

• A copy of the as-built plan on a CD in PDF format is to be submitted.
• 3D depictions of the topography of the site, with the proposed buildings as seen from the perimeter roads, showing all proposed landscaping, are to be submitted to assess the impact of the submission.

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 Mr. Thompson Esq. to Chester County Planning Commission dated November 6, 2015
T-5	Review letter from Chester County Planning Commission dated December 1, 2015

Mr. Kuhn moved to adopt Ordinance #196 - 2015 amending Chapter 22, Part 4, Plan Requirements, and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Old Business

Charlestown Park Improvement Project

Mr. Bob Dettore gave an update on the improvements at Charlestown Park. All pavilions are in place and being roofed. They are ahead of schedule and are taking advantage of the mild weather. They are within $12,000 to $13,000 of the budget ($1,847,987.00).

Mr. Detorre said the play equipment will be safely stored on site, and will require pre- installation preparation and assembly. There is a very low risk of vandalism or theft due to the weight of the items and the packaging. It will either be stored in a trailer or the larger pieces will be skidded and crated, etc.

Mr. Kuhn added that Mr. Detorre and he had been meeting with the University about maintenance, electrical, and signage issues. The parking lot and the sidewalks along Academic Way may be finished this year. He and Mr. Detorre are investigating the possibility of relocating the electrical in that particular area, to underground. The electrical line there is owned by the University, but there is also a Comcast line. This could provide internet service to the Park, if it is active for future security systems. Once the research is finished, a proposal will be forthcoming. The suggestion to add speed bumps to Academic Way is being considered.

Mr. Detorre reviewed a number of items for consideration; the first one being the only unanticipated change order.

1. Approval of Change Order #1 to Out of Site Infrastructure, the General Contractor, for Unsuitable Soil Conditions and minor site work changes.
2. Approval to issue Purchase Orders based on COSTARS Quotations from Recreation Resource for the purchase of Burke Play Structures: One unit for ages 2-5 Years (Tot Lot), and one unit for ages 5-12.
3. Approval to issue Change Order #2 to Out of Site Infrastructure based on their Proposal to Install Play structures.
4. Approval to issue Purchase Orders based on COSTARS Quotation from Recreation Resource USA for Purchase of Benches, Picnic Tables, Waste Receptacles and Grills.
5. Authorize Advertisement for Hearing to 15 MPH Establish Speed Limit on Charlestown Park roads.

Mr. Kuhn moved to approve item #1 and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Mr. Rodgers moved to approve item #2 and Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Mr. Kuhn moved to approve item #3 and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Mr. Kuhn moved to approve item #4 and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Mr. Philips moved to approve item #5 and Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

New Business

Preliminary Subdivision Plan for Devault Village at Spring Oak

Mr. Jason Engelhart and Mr. John Mostoller were present to seek approval of the Preliminary Subdivision Plan for Devault Village at Spring Oak. The Planning Commission had previously reviewed the revised Plan and recommended approval subject to the consultants’ review comments. Two waivers had been requested, one regarding driveways and one for an above ground stormwater storage facility. Mr. Wright added that this final stormwater configuration works very well. Mr. Gary Wright of the East Whiteland Volunteer Fire Association said the turning radius within the development was acceptable.

Mr. Willig raised a question regarding the possibility of review by the Phoenixville Regional Planning Commission, since there were 78 units. Mrs. Csete will check on this. Mr. Philips made certain there were maintenance agreements for any basins. Mr. Kuhn would like a note on the Final Plan about an easement providing an option to lay a trail where the current construction entrance is at Rees Road. Road ownership, the open area, and the HOA document were also discussed.

Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the Preliminary Subdivision Plan for Devault Village at Spring Oak, last revised October 20, 2015, subject to the Advanced GeoServices and Thomas Comitta Associates, Inc. review letters, both dated November 4, 2015. Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

1766 Horseshoe Trail

Mr. Alan Greaves appeared before Supervisors tonight to request a variance due to building a house with a corner of the garage beyond the side setback by 1.4 feet. The former house on the site was about 15 feet beyond the line.

Mr. Willig moved to take a positive position toward variance approval for the new home built at 1766 Horseshoe Trail and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Mr. Wright suggested he also request a temporary Certificate of Occupancy since closing is only days away.

Mr. Philips moved to approve a temporary Certificate of Occupancy for the new home built at 1766 Horseshoe Trail and Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Whitehorse Estates Settlement Agreement

Mr. Thompson said that the Commonwealth of PA placed this case into mediation. He has been diligently working on the documents circulated to Supervisors but needs their approval of his and Mr. Wright’s efforts, to continue towards settlement.

Mr. Kuhn moved to approve Resolution #855-2015 authorizing execution of a Settlement Agreement for Whitehorse Estates and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

SPCA contract for 2016 - 2018

Mrs. Csete recommended the proposed full service contract, with a new three year term, for approval. Mr. Philips moved to approve the 2016 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.

Advertise Ordinance to Disband the Open Space Commission

Mr. Thompson gave a brief background of the reasoning to repeal the section of the ordinance originally establishing the Commission. The Supervisors acknowledged the important work done in the past by the group and were in agreement that, since so few open space parcels remain that are of interest for possible acquisition, they could handle outreach themselves.

Mr. Philips moved to approve advertising of an ordinance to disband the Open Space Commission, and Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Tax Levy Resolution for 2016

Supervisors noted the proposed real estate millage (.75 for the last eleven years), Local Services Tax, Real Estate Transfer Tax, and Earned Income Tax for 2016, remain the same as in 2015.

Mr. Philips moved to approve Resolution #856-2015 setting the taxes for 2016, and Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Budget Resolution to Adopt 2016 Budget

The Board reviewed the proposed budget materials at a meeting on October 26, 2015. Input had been received from the Chairs of the various boards, commissions and committees.

Mr. Philips moved to approve Resolution #857-2015 adopting the Budget for 2016 as drafted on October 27, 2015 and Mr. Rodgers 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 4, 2016, 7:30 p.m. at the Great Valley Middle School, room 154, 255 Phoenixville Pike, Malvern PA.

Village at General Warren Escrow Release #9 and the Ashford Subdivision Escrow Release #5

Mr. Wright gave his recommendations for approval of the Village at General Warren and the Ashford Subdivision escrow releases.

Mr. Kuhn moved to approve Escrow Release #9, in the amount of $388,385.07, for the Village at General Warren, and the Escrow Release #5, in the amount of $37,528.10, for the Ashford Subdivision. Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Other Business

Mr. Philips asked about adding the Route 29/Warner Lane/Yellow Springs Road intersection to the Township’s Act 209 plan. Mr. Wright said Mr. Comitta is checking with Mr. Heinrich, and it appears to be a relatively easy undertaking.

Mr. Philips said there is a meeting with PennDOT this Wednesday at the Township Office at 1:00 p.m. regarding the left turn yield on green for Charlestown Road and Phoenixville Pike.

Adjournment

Mr. Piliero adjourned the meeting at 8:40 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 4, 2016, 7:30 p.m. at the Great Valley Middle School, Room 154, 255 N. Phoenixville Pike, Malvern, PA 19355.