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Charlestown Township
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The first business meeting for April was held April 2, 2018 at the Great Valley Middle School in Room 154, 255 N. Phoenixville Pike, in Malvern, PA.
Present
Call to Order:
7:00 p.m.Announcements
Mr. Philips said he was pleased to note that the new Brightside Farm Trail is getting considerable use judging from the number of cars in the trail parking lot. In addition to walkers, he noticed many people sitting on the benches along the trail enjoying the view.
Mrs. Csete announced that the Supervisors held an executive session following the March 5th meeting to discuss legal matters.
Flyers are available tonight for the Township’s April 14th Earth Day Clean up and for Rep. Milne’s shredding and recycling event on the same date.
Citizens Forum
No matters were brought forward at this time.
Approvals
March 5, 2018 Business Meeting Minutes
Mr. Philips moved to approve the minutes for the March 5, 2018 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 March 1 – 31 2018
Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the March 2018 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 April 2, 2018
Mr. Philips moved to approve the General Fund Accounts Payable Report for April 2, 2018 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 April 2, 2018
Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the Open Space Fund Accounts Payable Report for April 2, 2018 and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Accounts Payable Report for Liquid Fuels Fund for April 2, 2018
Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the Liquid Fuels Fund Accounts Payable Report for April 2, 2018 and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Reports
Mr. Philips noted that the Design Review Committee plans to meet at Spring Oak to look over the current massing of units based on Frens & Frens data to consider the best approach for Devault Village.
Mr. Willig said the Phoenixville Regional Planning Commission is continuing its review of the draft comprehensive plan, going chapter by chapter. The Township Planning Commission will likewise review 1-2 chapters per month beginning with the April 10th meeting.
Mr. Philips moved to accept the March 2018 reports #1-13 as submitted and Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Presentation
Eagle Scout Projects
David Nemeth
Eagle Scout candidate David Nemeth from Troop 7 in Paoli presented his idea for a project at Brightside Farm Park. He circulated handouts depicting his proposed information kiosk, planting of native wildflowers, and identification of some trees along the trail.
Mr. Nemeth said he’s been working with the Parks & Recreation Board to go over materials and costs and a plan for the ongoing maintenance of the wildflowers and to address safety procedures while the project is underway. He plans to complete the project by the end of summer.
Mr. Philips asked where the kiosk would be, and Mr. Nemeth responded that there’s a concrete slab adjacent to the parking lot that would be used. He showed a sketch of the kiosk, describing it as a design similar to those on the Appalachian Trail, minus some of the details. The information would be on one side facing the parking lot, with the other side facing Yellow Springs Road with “Brightside Farm Trail” lettering. Mr. Dettore suggested they ensure the posts for the kiosk be easily replaceable in the future after they become worn.
Mr. Philips was concerned with the maintenance of the plantings until they are established, as weeds can take over quickly. Mr. Nemeth said he plans to maintain the area for 3 years to get the flowers to a sustainable point.
Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the Eagle Scout project for David Nemeth with a budget of $2,500.00, and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Old Business
Project Updates by Mr. Dettore
Charlestown Park South Parking Lot –
The electrical work is completed along with the curbing along Township Line Road and Academic Way along with some re-grading. Melchiorre Construction Co. has one section of sidewalk left to install along Academic Way, clearing of the right of way for the potential Southwest Avenue extension, and miscellaneous roadway improvements including installation of speed bumps, signage, and re-sealing of curbing along Academic Way. Finally the wearing course and striping of the parking lot will complete the project by the third week of April.Charlestown Mill –
The final materials needed to complete the electrical work have been received and that work should be completed next week. The interpretive signs should be installed by mid-May.A.J. Stacy Scout Project –
Mr. Dettore noted he asked Vince Melchiorre to order the materials for the overlook area project at the park as a change order to his contract. This would be a simpler, more cost-effective approach than other alternatives.Township Building Concept Study
Mr. Dettore and Joe Horan of Kimmel-Bogrette Architecture+Site provided an overview of the New Township Office Conceptual Study, which would include meeting space, for preliminary comments and discussion.
Mr. Dettore said the report is not intended to be definitive or conclusive but is a first pass to begin a conversation on the Township needs. The report defines spatial and programmatic needs, calculates square feet, and organizes the space. Four possible sites were compared with a chart providing a numerical ranking for each, including the Brightside Farm, Volpi property, Charlestown Park, and the Sugarman tract opposite the current space in Devault. A background letter discusses ownership and operation options. He said his recommendation is for the Board to make a policy decision first as to whether to develop, own and operate its own municipal building or form a public-private partnership.
Mr. Kuhn asked if the partnership approach was limited to the Sugarman tract and Mr. Dettore said yes, noting that Charlestown is in a unique position to consider this option since it doesn’t currently own any buildings for operations. Mr. Willig said it would be more straightforward to own the property and building and not depend on a relationship with a developer. He noted that management and maintenance of the facility could still be contracted out.
Mr. Kuhn asked if the costs were based on prevailing wage, and Mr. Dettore said yes. He noted that cost per square foot may seem higher than expected, but this is due to the need for all new furnishings for the building.
Mr. Philips asked about special considerations if the Sugarman tract was selected. Mr. Kuhn said the Township would have to go through the TND review process and design the building according to the design concepts for that zoning district.
Mr. Kuhn said an advantage of the Park location would be using existing parking infrastructure, although there may be an opportunity to share parking on the Sugarman tract as well, when the adjacent tract is developed. He noted the Township would be the first to build and would set the tone.
Mr. Philips said the Sugarman tract is along major roadways and has public utilities. He agreed with other comments that the Brightside Farm and the Volpi tract are less desirable. Mr. Dettore said an old sketch located in the township’s files, which appears to be in Surender Kohli’s handwriting, earmarked the location for a township building as early as 1965.
Mrs. Csete noted that the chart providing rankings assumes equal weight to each item, and as the information is further reviewed, it may be worth considering whether some factors should receive more consideration.
The supervisors agreed that the next step in the process is to schedule a planning session, noting that Planning Commission chairman Bill Westhafer should be included.
New Business
Appointment of Employee for Park Maintenance (Paul Jorgensen)
Mrs. Csete said Mr. Hubbard met with Paul Jorgensen about the Park Maintenance position that will begin April 1st and end on approximately November 1st each season. Daily responsibilities include trash removal and maintaining the restrooms, pavilions, and dog stations at Charlestown Park, and trash removal and maintenance of the dog station at Brightside Farm. Mr. Philips asked that the Mill property also be maintained and the Jenkins parcels checked weekly.
Mr. Philips moved to hire Paul Jorgensen for the Park Maintenance position as described, and Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Appointment of Volunteer to Parks & Recreation Board for term ending 12/31/2022
Mr. Philips moved to appoint Bill Longua to the Parks and Recreation Board for Laura Assayag’s unexpired term ending 12/31/2022, and Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Historic Resource Atlas Project – Proposal by Jane Dorchester for Updated Historic Inventory
Jane Dorchester was present to describe her proposal to conduct an updated historic inventory for the Township that includes all resources over 50 years old. Historical Commission Co-Chair Rosemary Philips said the County has been undertaking the Atlas project since 2004, supervised by the county Planning Commission. She explained that it does not replace the Township’s Historic Resources map, which includes historic properties over 100 years old plus a few exceptions for structures deemed historically significant. Mr. Philips confirmed that the new inventory would not be subject to the existing ordinance on historic resources.
Mr. Kuhn asked if each house over 50 years old will be photographed. Ms. Dorchester said that in the case of houses in a subdivision, they typically identify the various models and take a photo of one of each model, then list the addresses of all houses for that model.
Mrs. Philips said the county provides aerial views as an overlay on the parcel maps. Structures are color coded by age and whether they are listed as Class I or Class II on the Historic Resources map.
Mrs. Philips said the 1968 Franklin Map would be one tool for determining the age of the structures. Ms. Dorchester noted she’ll partner with Nanci Sarcinello on the field work, which should take about two weeks. An additional four weeks will be needed to complete the project. Data sent to the county will allow them to create a database and provide a wall map to the Township.
Mr. Philips said this is the proposal the Supervisors agreed to include at budget time to allow the Township to be compliant with the county and state efforts to survey all properties that meet their requirements. Mrs. Philips said Charlestown is one of the few townships in the county that has not completed the survey.
Mr. Kuhn moved to accept Jane Dorchester’s proposal to perform the historic resources inventory, and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
East Whiteland Volunteer Fire Association – Request for Funding for fire pumper/tanker
Gary Sheridan and Chief John DeMarco presented information on the need for replacement equipment, including a fire pumper/tanker to replace the 25 year old equipment currently in service. It was refurbished a number of years ago but has reached its life expectancy and was due for replacement 3-5 years ago.
Because another multi-purpose unit is also scheduled to be replaced in 2-3 years, they propose purchasing both now because of an opportunity with manufacturer incentives. Mr. Sheridan said there would be savings of approximately 15%, and also some savings from the higher resale value of the existing equipment. These would be two slightly smaller multi-purpose units that will better serve both East Whiteland and Charlestown Townships. Both units carry water but the pumper-tanker also carries a foam system to handle petrochemical events. The smaller units could better navigate Charlestown’s rural roads. Chief DeMarco estimated that 60-65% of the area they serve in Charlestown relies on the tanker.
The high functionality of the two pieces of equipment, which can rotate from the tanker to the pumper as needed for continuous water supply, was illustrated in the handouts and described in response to questions from the Board. The new equipment will also help meet new safety mandates.
To achieve this new plan, the EWVFA is requesting a $250,000 donation from both townships, with the fire company providing an additional $250,000 they already have set aside. Mr. Sheridan noted that the EWVFA receives most of its funding from direct mailing to residents and businesses. Only 12-20% of residents donate, and 21-6% of businesses.
East Whiteland Township agreed to provide funding contingent on equal support from the other two entities.
Mrs. Csete noted that Charlestown had already budgeted $50,000 for equipment replacement in this year’s budget, and due to the lower snow costs and a higher carryover balance in the General Fund than had been anticipated, the increase requested can be accommodated.
Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the request from the East Whiteland Volunteer Fire Association for a $250,000 donation toward replacement of equipment no. 5-2 and 5-5, contingent upon equal support from East Whiteland Township and the EWVFA. He also moved to extend the donation an additional $50,000 if East Whiteland Township matches. Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Award of Contracts for April 1, 2018 – March 31, 2019
Mr. Philips moved to award the following contracts. Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
- The Road Labor and Equipment Contract for the period of April 1, 2018 - March 31, 2019 to Melchiorre Construction Company.
- The Mowing Labor and Equipment Contract for the period of April 1, 2018 - March 31, 2019 to Charlestown Landscaping Company.
- The Tree Labor and Equipment Contract for the period of April 1, 2018 - March 31, 2019 to Davey Tree Expert Company.
Planning Module for Devault Village at Spring Oak
Mr. Wright provided background on the Planning Module for Devault Village, which he has reviewed and recommends for approval. Mr. Philips moved to adopt Resolution #912-2018 amending the Act 537 plan to include the sewage facilities planning module for Devault Village at Spring Oak Phase II, and Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
2018 Paving Project – Brightside Farm Driveway
Mr. Wright said Jim Thompson was in agreement that the paving of the driveway at Brightside Farm Park could be included as part of the road maintenance contract approved this evening with Melchiorre Construction Co. Mr. Kuhn asked if speed bumps were needed along the driveway, but Mr. Thompson said there hasn’t been a problem with speeding so he didn’t think it would be necessary.
The Board was in agreement that the Brightside Farm Park Driveway improvement project be performed as part of the road maintenance contract with Melchiorre Construction Company.
Authorize Advertising of 7-Year Agricultural Security Area Review and open application period
Mrs. Csete referred to her memo dated March 9th to the Supervisors and Planning Commission outlining the series of steps to be taken this year to re-certify the Agricultural Security Area. The first step is to advertise the review notice informing property owners currently in the ASA and all other property owners wishing to be included in it that the 6 month open application period is starting.
Mr. Kuhn moved to authorize the Township Manager to publish the 6 month ASA notice and begin the 7 year review process, and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Authorize Redemption or Reinvestment of CDARS Funds maturing 4/7/18
Mrs. Csete referred to her email dated 3/19/18 to the Supervisors outlining options for the approximate $2.3M invested in CDs that are likely to be needed for the open space program in the next few months.
Mr. Philips moved to authorize the Township Manager to redeem all CDARS funds maturing on April 7th with First Resource Bank and return them to the Open Space Account at the PA Local Government Investment Trust (PLGIT), and Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Schedule Conditional Use Hearing for Eric Davison
Mr. Piliero moved to authorize the Township Manager to publish the public notice for a conditional use hearing for Eric Davison to open on May 7, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. at the Great Valley Middle School, and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Resolution to Dispose of Records in Accordance with Records Retention Schedule
Mr. Philips moved to adopt Resolution #913-18 authorizing the disposition records as listed, and Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Other Business
Renew Listing Agreement – Auchincloss Property
Mr. Philips moved to extend the 5/17/17 listing agreement with Cynthia Thompson for sale of the Auchincloss property at 3050 Hollow Road to 10/31/18, and Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Historic Signs for Pickering Crossing and Spring Oak
Mr. Philips updated the Board members on the two historic signs to be paid for by the developers of Spring Oak and Pickering Crossing. He said he, Mrs. Philips and Mrs. Csete will meet with Peter Dajevskis to design and fabricate the signs for installation at these locations.
There will be an executive session immediately following tonight’s meeting.
Adjournment
Mr. Piliero adjourned the meeting at 8:37 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 7, 2018, 7:00 p.m. at the Great Valley Middle School, in Room 154, 255 N. Phoenixville Pike, in Malvern, PA 19355.
Linda M. Csete
Township Manager
