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Charlestown Township
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The first business meeting for June was held June 5, 2017 at the Great Valley Middle School in the Choral Room, #154, 255 N. Phoenixville Pike, in Malvern, PA.
Present
Call to Order:
7:05 p.m.Announcements
There was a brief executive session before tonight’s meeting regarding real estate matters. There will also be an additional executive session after tonight’s meeting regarding legal matters.
Citizens Forum
Gale and Tony Pomanti asked about the Township’s plans for the Jenkins Property. The property was subdivided into 4 lots, each with septic approval. There is also a small park located in the front of the 4 homes on the approved plan. Supervisors expect a developer to purchase it. Mrs. Pomanti will have to submit a sealed bid for the entire property if she is interested on building a home on one of the lots. She was invited to view the plans at the Township Office with Mrs. Csete.
Approvals
May 1, 2017 Business Meeting Minutes
Mr. Rodgers moved to approve the minutes for the May 1, 2017 Business Meeting and Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Philips called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Treasurer’s Report May 1 – 31, 2017
Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the May 2017 Treasurer’s Report and Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Philips called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Accounts Payable Reports for Operating Fund for June 5, 2017
Mr. Rodgers moved to approve the General Fund Accounts Payable Report for June 5, 2017 and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Philips called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Accounts Payable Report for Open Space Fund for June 5, 2017
Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the Open Space Fund Accounts Payable Report for June 5, 2017 and Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Philips called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Reports
Mr. Rodgers moved to accept the May 2017 reports #1-13 as submitted and Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Philips called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Badge Ceremony
East Whiteland Volunteer Fire Association
Chief John DeMarco introduced Jake Wilson, a Township resident who completed Fire 1.1 with the East Whiteland Volunteer Fire Association and is joining the department. Chief DeMarco presented him with a badge as he received congratulations and thanks from the Board and all those in attendance.
HARB Certificate of Appropriateness: Proposal to Conduct Ground Penetrating Radar Study of Charlestown Presbyterian Cemetery
Mrs. Fran Rodgers stated the HARB discussed a proposal at a meeting seeking approval of a ground penetrating radar study. Professor Sherrod, of Kutztown University, is interested in doing a study at the Presbyterian Cemetery. The Historical Society is asking for the Board’s permission to proceed and also to permit Professor Sherrod to publish her findings.
Mrs. Rodgers said there is no cost, and no ground disturbance. There will be presentations given to both the Board and to the HARB. If the Board grants approval, Professor Sherrod has targeted October 13th to begin.
Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for the Proposal to Conduct a Ground Penetrating Radar Study of the Charlestown Presbyterian Cemetery. Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Philips called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Hearings
Andersen Conditional Use Application
Mr. Thompson opened the hearing that was continued from May 1, 2017. The proceedings were taken by Mr. Mark Hagerty, Court Reporter. The Andersens requested a continuance to July 10th, to allow for more engineering. No testimony was given.
Therefore, the hearing was continued to July 10, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Great Valley Middle School, 255 N. Phoenixville Pike, Malvern, PA, Room 154.
Ordinance to Vacate Longford Road
The proceedings for the final action of the Board of Supervisors, in the process to vacate Longford Road, were taken by Mr. Mark Hagerty, Court Reporter. Mr. Thompson entered the following into the record:
| T-1 | Letter from M. Thompson Esq. to Daily Local News dated May 11, 2017 requesting public notice |
| T-2 | Proof of Publication |
| T-3 | Review letter from Chester County Planning Commission dated May 16, 2017 |
| T-4 | Letter from M. Thompson Esq. to Chester County Planning Commission dated April 28, 2017 |
| T-5 | Ordinance Draft |
Mr. Thompson asked if there were any questions from those present. No one came forward. Mr. Thompson closed the hearing. There are still steps that need to be taken with the County Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts.
Mr. Rodgers moved to adopt Ordinance #201-17 and Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Philips called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Zoning Ordinance Amendment – Alternative Energy Systems
The proceedings were taken by Mr. Mark Hagerty, Court Reporter. Mr. Thompson entered the following into the record:
| T-1 | Proof of Publication |
| T-2 | Letter from M. Thompson Esq. to Daily Local News requesting public notice |
| T-3 | Letter from M. Thompson Esq. to Chester County Planning Commission dated April 3, 2017 |
| T-4 | Review letter from Chester County Planning Commission |
| T-5 | Zoning Ordinance Draft |
Mr. Comitta gave a brief overview of the reason the Township was amending this section of the Zoning Ordinance. The Township is trying to make it easier and welcomes opportunities to use alternative energy systems. There is an addition of 16 definitions and guidelines for installation, etc. in the amendment. Mr. Philips added that the Township also needed to set standards for height and size of the systems themselves, suitable for the locations where they are allowed. Mr. Thompson asked if there were any questions from those present. No one came forward. Mr. Thompson closed the hearing.
Mr. Rodgers moved to adopt Ordinance #202-17 amending the Township Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 27 Part 23 “Solar Energy and other Alternative Energy Systems” Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Philips called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Old Business
Project Updates
There were no updates given.
New Business
Overview of Zoning Hearing Board Application for Charlestown Outdoor LLC
Mr. Thaddeus Bartkowski of Charlestown Outdoor LLC, briefly presented reasoning for his Zoning Hearing Board Application. He wishes to install a shielded sign/billboard near the Turnpike slip ramp. He stated the sign will only be able to be seen from Route 276. Supervisors suggested a meeting with Mr. Wright and the rest of the parties involved at the Township Office, prior to the hearing.
Mr. Philips moved to authorize the solicitor to represent the Township at the hearing and Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Philips called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Cedar Run Agreements (Whitehorse Estates)
Mr. Fronefield Crawford discussed a revised plan dated April 27, 2017 for Cedar Run. The minor changes to the plan include a further deepening of the stormwater basins, of 3” or 6”. It allows easier compliance if an owner would like to build a deck or add on a terrace, etc. Mr. Thompson is requested to be at the closing in a few weeks. This plan has been reviewed by the Township Engineer.
Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the following agreements for Cedar Run, and authorized Mr. Thompson to be at the closing as a representative for Charlestown Township:
- Financial Security Agreement
- Subdivision and Land Development Agreement
- Stormwater Management Agreement
Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Philips called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Proposal to Form an Environmental Advisory Committee
Resident Ms. Carol Armstrong, and Ms. Victoria Laubach, of the Green Valleys Watershed Association, and chairperson of the West Vincent Environmental Advisory Council, discussed the possibilities of establishing an Environmental Advisory Council for Charlestown. Ms. Armstrong discussed the idea of a multi-municipal organization, or one to advise only Charlestown Township. The initial task for the Council would be an assessment of Township resources. The Council would have an advisory role only, for needs such as:
- Environmental Research in more local detail than the DEP or County
- Providing impact information
- Creek improvement recommendations
- Assess developer effect prior to Planning Commission meetings
Mr. Comitta stated that 8 in 73 municipalities in the County had EACs and discussed the many benefits provided by these “scientific arms”. Ms. Laubach followed with a list of accomplishments her group had provided to West Vincent Township.
Mr. Thompson confirmed with Supervisors they would be an advisory Committee only, to promote conservation and community environmental awareness. The group would probably be 3 to 7 appointed members in size. Mr. Kuhn stated his preference, if establishing an EAC, it be only for Charlestown Township, not multi-municipal.
Ms. Armstrong told Supervisors she wanted to do additional organizational research and return to the Board. But, Supervisors suggested she attend a Planning Commission meeting and then return after initiating a dialogue with the PC and receive some feedback.
Devault Foods Inc. Request for Extension of Preliminary Plan
Mrs. Csete stated that she received a request for a one year extension to the deadline for filing the Phased Final Plan associated with the five phase Preliminary Plan that was conditionally approved in June 2005. It is to be completed over a 10-15 year period. Mr. Willig made sure the company would be compliant with ordinances that have been updated, the exception being the Zoning Ordinance.
Mr. Rodgers moved to approve a one year extension to the Preliminary Plan, and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Philips called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Award Contract – 2017 Road Paving Project
Mr. Patry stated that his firm had reviewed the three bids received on May 1, 2017 for the 2017 Road Improvement Project. Cedar Springs Construction Company met all the qualifications and was recommended for the contract. The bid of $161,174.00 when added to the COSTARS materials quote from Independence Construction Material of $118,610.54 results in a total of $279,784.54. Mr. Wright will coordinate the buying of materials.
Mr. Philips moved to award the 2017 Road Improvement Bid to Cedar Hollow Construction Company excluding materials, and Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Philips called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Insurance Renewal June 11, 2017 to June 11, 2018
Mrs. Csete previously distributed, via email, the data reflecting a moderate cost increase in premiums from the previous year. This is due to the Brightside Farm structures being listed on the policy at actual cash value. All the other properties are based on replacement cost. Also mentioned by Mr. Kuhn, were the pavilions. They are being covered by the builders risk coverage that expires in late August. When the Township and Surety agree to the completion of the project, the pavilions will need to be added, at replacement value, to the Township’s property coverage.
Mr. Kuhn moved to accept the Scottsdale Insurance proposal obtained through Simkiss Agency Inc., for the period of June 11, 2017 to June 11, 2018 and Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Philips called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Other Business
Mr. Philips asked Mr. Thompson what the status was for adopting the Historical Resources Map, and Mr. Thompson said he would be finalizing it this week.
Mr. Philips stated that there needed to be an ordinance regulating the small cell towers that the P.U.C. no longer regulates. Mr. Thompson will draft and distribute an Antenna Systems Ordinance for review by the Township Planning Commission.
In response to an inquiry from a resident, Mr. Hubbard assured the Board that any firework displays will require resident notification in a certain radius, before he will give any approvals.
Mr. Kuhn asked for an update regarding the landscaping of the basins near Route 29. A recent update from Mr. Theurkauf stated the process had already begun with a spraying to kill the existing weeds. There will be a series of plantings going into the autumn.
Mr. Kuhn discussed a debt review conversation he had with Mr. Michael Wolf of Boenning & Scattergood, Inc. By prepaying some bonds, the Township could avoid paying approximately $730,000 in 2018 and 2019, and $154,600 in 2020. Mrs. Csete will review the figures this month.
Mr. Kuhn moved to purchase the Great Valley Nature Center for outstanding debt, not to exceed $250,000. Mr. Willing seconded. Mr. Philips was opposed because the center was not sellable with its easement and deed restrictions. Mr. Philips called for discussion and there was none. Therefore three were in favor, and one was opposed.
CircuitTrails.org has a goal to complete 500 miles of Trails in the Greater Philadelphia Region by 2025. Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the Circuit Trails Resolution No.890-2017 as a statement of support, and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Philips called for discussion and there was none. All were in favor.
Adjournment
Mr. Philips adjourned the meeting at 8:25 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 10, 2017, 7:00 p.m. at the Great Valley Middle School, Room 154, 255 N. Phoenixville Pike, in Malvern, PA 19355.
Lisa K. Gardner
Recording Secretary
