Charlestown Township
Board of Supervisors Business Meeting
Minutes of January 4, 2016

The first business meeting for January was held January 4, 2016 at the Great Valley Middle School in Room 154, 255 N. Phoenixville Pike, in Malvern, PA.

Present

Supervisors: Frank A. Piliero, Chairman, Charles A. Philips, Vice Chairman, Kevin R. Kuhn, Michael J. Rodgers, and Hugh D. Willig.
Consultants: Mark P. Thompson, Esq. and Daniel Wright, P.E.
Staff: Linda Csete, Manager, Jim Thompson, Public Works, and Lisa Gardner, Recording Secretary.
Public: Chris Lawrence, Chairman of Parks and Recreation Board

Call to Order:

7:40 p.m.

Announcements

Mrs. Csete announced that the Township took 2nd place in the PA State Association of Township Supervisors 48th Annual Communication Contest for the 2014 Annual Report. This was the Township’s first submittal.

Mr. Philips announced that there was a brief Executive Session before tonight’s Reorganization Meeting.

Mr. Lawrence stated that the Parks and Recreation Board’s Facebook page has received positive feedback since it has transitioned from the original Charlestown Day format. He also stated that the Board did not meet in December. Mrs. Csete stated that the Township’s Facebook policy will be on next month’s agenda for approval.

Citizens Forum

No matters were brought forward at this time.

Approvals

December 7, 2015 Business Meeting Minutes

Mr. Rodgers moved to approve the minutes for the December 7, 2015 Business Meeting and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Treasurer’s Report December 1 - 31, 2015

Mr. Philips moved to approve the December 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 December 1-31, 2015 Operating Fund Year End Payroll

Mr. Rodgers moved to approve the December 1-31, 2015 Operating Fund Year End Payroll and Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Accounts Payable Reports for Operating Fund for January 4, 2016

Mr. Rodgers moved to approve the General Fund Accounts Payable Report for January 4, 2016 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 January 4, 2016

Mr. Rodgers moved to approve the Open Space Fund Accounts Payable Report for January 4, 2016 and Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Reports

Mr. Philips asked Mr. Wright if there are property line markers at the Mill. There is tree work going on, and before removing any of them, a boundary line needs to be established. Mr. Kuhn also wondered if there were markers for the home’s footprint. Mr. Wright said pins will be placed within the next 10 days. He will verify that the red banded trees belong to the Township.

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

Old Business

Charlestown Park Improvement Project

Mr. Robert Dettore gave an update on the improvements at Charlestown Park. Overall progress from a billing standpoint is 40-45% complete. However, the winter has moved in and progress will be slower if the nights continue to dip below freezing.

The change orders discussed were in relation to additional work for adjustments to the project plan.

  1. Relocating the flagpole to a place where it can be easier and less expensive to illuminate. A location has been chosen that is more accessible for memorial or ceremonial services.
  2. Removal of overhead utility lines on Academic Way to make it more aesthetically pleasing.
  3. Recommendation of engaging EB Walsh to complete the design and engineering for the South Parking Lot along Southwest Avenue. Estimated time of preparing design is about two months.
    1. This work could be completed by authorization of a Change Order to their current contract.
    2. This engineering work would remain valid if for some reason the Township decides not to construct this portion of the project now.
    3. There is no financial risk to have this engineering done now.

The likely scope of work and cost to complete stormwater, pedestrian and paving improvements to the South lot will require a change order for $27,000. This would provide Supervisor with a “ready to bid” package. Supervisors have the option of not awarding any bid, if they choose. The estimated cost of construction for the South Lot improvements is approximately $350,000-$400,000.

The talks with the University continue. The talks include custodial and security monitoring by adding onto the Universities’ contracts.

Mr. Philips asked Mrs. Csete if the fees for the pavilions would increase from the current $25. She stated that she, Mr. Kuhn and Mr. Detorre are considering a cleanup deposit, along with a rental fee, to encourage users to remove their own trash, etc. Mr. Philips suggested also coming up with a fee to rent the Mill, since he has had inquiries about renting it. Mr. Kuhn discussed renting and paying by using online access.

A neighbor that owns property across Township Line Road in East Pikeland Township has discussed stormwater runoff with Mr. Detorre. Mr. Detorre said he has made minor modifications to satisfy this person, even though the complaints date back to pre-hospital conditions. The neighbor has filed a formal complaint with the D.E.P. and the Chester County Conservation District. Mr. Detorre believes he may have to “undo” the modifications made for this neighbor. There is a meeting tomorrow at the job site to review the situation with these authorities. The authorities that have been notified may make Mr. Detorre adhere to the approved plan, removing the modifications. In addition, the Township has gone beyond County stormwater requirements. Mr. Detorre said he took pictures during heavy rain, and there was no stormwater traveling across Township Line Road near this person’s property.

Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the EB Walsh proposal for the designing of Phase II of the Township Park, not to exceed $27,600. Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the cost (not to exceed $12,000) to relocate the flagpole and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Jenkins and Volpi Properties

Mr. Thompson stated he will have a plan for the Board to review at the next meeting, regarding the live auction for the Jenkins property. Also, the Volpe property will be considered for sale by using sealed bids.

New Business

Auchincloss Property Easement with French & Pickering Creeks Trust

This was moved to next month’s agenda.

Ordinance to Establish Speed Limits on Charlestown Park Roads and Disband the Open Space Commission

Mr. Thompson explained the amendment to the Charlestown Code of Ordinances, Chapter 15 to impose a 15 mph speed limit on the roads within Charlestown Park, including Academic Way, Sixth Avenue, and Southwest Avenue.

Also in the Ordinance is wording to eliminate the initial provisions that established the Open Space Commission. Its objective has been fulfilled.

Mr. Philips moved to adopt Ordinance #197-2016 to post 15 mph speed limit signs for the roads within Charlestown Park, and remove the provisions establishing the Open Space Commission. He further moved to adopt Resolution #865-2016 disbanding the Open Space Commission. Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Warner Lane – Qwick Curb Quote

A quote was received from Beth’s Barricades for the installation of a product called Qwick Curb on Township owned Warner Lane, for a cost of $18,064.50 (includes installation).

Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the quote from Beth’s Barricades, subject to a PennDOT sign off, and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Phoenixville Pike and Charlestown Road Intersection Improvement

Mr. Philips announced a successful outcome of his meeting with Mr. Lutz from PennDOT. A left turn yield on green will be installed from Phoenixville Pike for turns onto Charlestown Road. This traffic measure had been previously denied by PennDOT.

PSATS Conference April 17 to 20, 2016

Mrs. Csete asked if any of the Supervisors plan to attend the conference. Mr. Rodgers said he would like to be registered.

General Warren Village Escrow Release #10

Mr. Wright gave his recommendation for approval of the Village at General Warren escrow release.

Mr. Philips moved to approve Escrow Release #10, in the amount of $123,283.06 for the Village at General Warren. Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Other Business

Mr. Rodgers mentioned a problem due to the Turnpike widening. Large trees are being removed near the Yellow Springs Road area, to make room for the bridge replacement. Mr. Thompson did not think the Township could prevent this. However, Mr. Willig stated that there is a security light over an associated field office location that Mr. Thompson said the Township can at least get redirected.

Adjournment

Mr. Piliero adjourned the meeting at 8:37 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 1, 2016, 7:00 p.m. at the Great Valley Middle School, Room 154, 255 N. Phoenixville Pike, in Malvern, PA 19355.

Respectfully submitted,


Lisa K. Gardner
Recording Secretary