Charlestown Township Board of Supervisors Business Meeting Minutes of September 4, 2018

The first business meeting for September was held September 4, 2018 at the Great Valley Middle School in Room 154, 255 N. Phoenixville Pike, in Malvern, PA.

Present

Call to Order:

7:02 p.m.

Announcements

Mrs. Csete announced that the Board held an executive session following the August 6 2018 business meeting to discuss legal matters.

Citizens Forum

Ms. Jane Dugdale spoke to Supervisors regarding a rural designation, instead of a low- density designation, in the area of her property near the Technical College High School Pickering Campus. After speaking with Mr. Theurkauf, she hoped the change could preserve the rural nature of her area. Mr. Willig, a representative of the Phoenixville Regional Planning Committee, explained that it was more of a description use, and less of a zoning reference, but said he would revisit the issue with the Committee.

Ms. Dugdale also told the Board that there is a group working on revising the 100% renewable energy document. They plan on presenting it to the Board in a few months.

Mr. and Mrs. Grosch returned to asked if there had been any progress with the Great Valley Nature Center. The Board informed Mr. Grosch that due to legal road blocks, the progress had halted and that the next step could not be from the Township. The Township was going to take over the loan, but the French and Pickering Creeks Trust needs to complete paperwork in order for anything to proceed.

Mr. Paul Stevens updated the Board about trying to obtain sound walls. This was the path the Great Valley Association followed to obtain their sound walls along the Turnpike. He would like a link on the website for residents to sign the petition. Charlestown Day, and Election Day with Senator Andy Dinniman, will provide opportunities to gain email addresses.

Along with a successful petition, Mr. Stevens asked the Board to contact recently identified “higher ups” from the Turnpike Commission.

Supervisors agreed to provide support once the group makes progress on these initial stages. Members asked Mr. Stevens and Mr. Findlay to go to the meeting with the GVA and return to the Board.

Mr. Willig asked where the wall should start and stop. Mr. Stevens replied the length spans 3 townships. After discussion, they decided to petition only on behalf of Charlestown Township, but to also encourage the other townships to join. It was unclear if the next Turnpike expansion was to happen in 2019 or 2023.

Approvals

August 6, 2018 Business Meeting Minutes

Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the minutes for the August 6, 2018 Business Meeting and Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Treasurer’s Report August 1 – 31, 2018

Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the August 2018 Treasurer’s Report and Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Accounts Payable Reports for Operating Fund for September 4, 2018

Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the General Fund Accounts Payable Report for September 4, 2018 and Mr. Piliero 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 September 4, 2018

Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the Open Space Fund Accounts Payable Report for September 4, 2018 and Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Reports

Mr. Findlay, of the EAC, discussed the items below that were covered this month.

• Charlestown Day’s opportunity to educate residents about the EAC mission
• Drafted a letter to PennDOT about roadside spraying (currently in the hands of Mr. Philips for approval)
• Lantern Fly infestation
• Working with P.J. Whelihan’s to find a substitute for plastics (bags)
• Obtaining a list of residents that are complying for septic pumping, and educating about the cost of compliance vs. non-compliance
• Pipeline comment compilation
• Sound walls
• Members from local EACs joined them to discuss stream naming
• The EAC needs volunteers for trail work, invasive clean-outs, and are looking for volunteers for many different Township needs.

Mr. Kuhn moved to accept the August 2018 reports #1-14 as submitted and Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Hearing

Conditional Use Hearing – Hyung Joo and Laurie Ann Lee

Mr. Thompson opened the hearing for Hyung Joo and Laurie Anne Lee for Conditional Use Approval, which was continued from August 6^th. The proceedings were recorded by Ms. Nancy Sage Sciaretta, Court Reporter. The hearing is pursuant to Section 27-1203.2.B (6) for constructing a swimming pool in a steep slope area and Section 27-1203.2.B(2) to construct portions of a stormwater management facility in a steep slope area. Mr. Thompson asked tonight, if anyone wanted to have party status, no one replied.

Mr. Thompson entered the following exhibits into the record:

A-1	Applicant’s Proof of Notification
A-2	Vastardis Plan dated April 20th, 2018
A-3	Landscape Buffering Plan
A-4	Advanced GeoServices Review Letter

The hearing was closed. Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the Conditional Use Application for Hyung Joo and Laurie Ann Lee, subject to review letters and Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor. The decision will be prepared by Mr. Thompson within 45 days.

Old Business –

none

New Business

Karen Beam – Agreement for Conservation Easement

Mr. Kuhn said an agreement with the Township, the French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust, and Karen Beam was in order. It authorizes an appraisal (scheduled) of her property and begins the process of creating the easement.

Mr. Kuhn moved to approve execution of the Conservation Easement Agreement, and Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Resolution to Adopt Proposed Amendments to the VFSA Articles of Incorporation

Mr. Greer explained that the Valley Forge Sewer Authority was formed by Charlestown, East Pikeland, and Schuylkill Townships, on February 2, 1969, with a term of existence of fifty years. Therefore, it is expiring February 2, 2019.

The VFSA has proposed an amendment to the Articles of Incorporation increasing its term of existence to December 31, 2068.

Mr. Kuhn moved to approve resolution #920-2018 amending the Articles of Incorporation of the Valley Forge Sewer Authority to extend the existence of the Authority to a date not exceeding 50 years from the date of approval of the Articles of Amendment. Mr. Piliero seconded, called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Resolution to Approve Open Space Transaction – 2263 Charlestown Road

Mr. Thompson stated public notice was placed for consideration of acquisition of interest by conservation easement in the Epstein property at 2263 Charlestown Road, comprised of parcels 35-4-7, 35-4-8, and 35-4-7.01. The 118.8 acres has one home on it and will have one additional home added at a later date. Mr. Thompson and Mr. Kuhn gave a brief review of the facts for the audience. Outside of the cost of the easement purchase itself, the preparation and closing costs will be largely covered by the estate funds of Mr. Harry Burhans.

Mr. Kuhn moved to adopt Resolution #921-2018 authorizing Mr. Piliero to execute the Epstein Easement agreement and settlement documents with the French and Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust, and Mrs. Bednar seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Annual MS-4 Report

Mr. Wright distributed two documents, the MS-4 (Municipal Separate Storm System) Engineer’s Report for the period ending September 30, 2018, and a separate summary. Advanced GeoServices tests each site’s drainage to be sure there are no illegal connections or other issues of concern.

Due to the Valley Creek in Charlestown Township testing high in silt content, the DEP is requiring a 10% reduction effort. The new NPDES permit requires the delineation of the drainage area to each storm sewer system controlled by the Township within the urbanized area that is located within a watershed impaired for siltation or nutrient impairment. This will affect the southern portion of the Township that drains to both Valley Creeks since they are impaired for siltation.

Mr. Wright displayed a map (entitled Overall Plan, dated June 30, 2018). It portrayed a yellow line showing the area of DEP concern for Charlestown (the delineated drainage area in a watershed with an impairment). The Township roads that need to be part of future compliance are:

Warner Lane
Spring Mill Drive
Yellow Springs Road
Valley Hill Road

Approximately 1100 pounds of suspended solids, or siltration from Township roads, need to be captured. The Township has 5 years to determine how to accomplish this goal. Over the next five years stormwater will be closely tracked. The above roads will be monitored separately from other stormwater calculations that are compliant. Mr. Wright described his suggested compliance actions, for inclusion in the 2019 budget.

1. The Pollution Reduction Plan will be uploaded to the Township’s website in September.
2. After public notification, time for review, and comments, a report to the DEP needs to be sent by November 1, 2018.
3. Detailed maps will start the quantifying of the amount of pollution.
4. Pollutions of Concern for Charlestown- Mr. Wrights summary showed a table with MS4 requirements.
5. Methodology-Determine how to show the DEP that the 1100 pounds have or will be captured.
6. Further detail about achieving the require reductions by implementing street sweeping of the four roads mentioned earlier, tree planting, and inlet filter installations.
7. Discussed funding of these measures found in #6

The Supervisors discussed:

• what to do with the grit that was captured
• how to measure the impact of planting trees
• estimated cost of maintaining a street sweeping routine
• cost of routine maintenance for inlet filters.

Charlestown Township will incorporate new protocols into its ordinance to require developers, not covered by a grandfather clause, to be compliant. There may be requirements in the future for new private roads, but these parameters are not in place. PennDOT, and the Turnpike, must follow the new DEP requirements for their roads.

Update on Charlestown Mill Opening

Mrs. Csete provided an update on the grand opening for the Charlestown Mill. A committee was formed consisting of herself, Mr. Hubbard, Ms. Bednar, Mrs. Rosemary Philips, and a member of the Parks and Rec Board to be determined. They will organize the event, which is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, November 11^th from 1 - 3 pm. Planning includes getting the word out to residents, transportation to and from the Mill, and refreshments. The Charlestown Methodist Church will provide space in their parking lot at Charlestown and Church Road. Their Community Day coincides with the Mill grand opening.

The committee will also discuss regular hours of operation, procedures for handling private tours, and special events.

Minimum Municipal Obligation 2019 – Pension Plan

Mrs. Csete stated the Township is required to vote each year to provide for the Minimum Pension Plan Obligation in the next year’s budget.

Mr. Kuhn moved to authorize funding the Employee Pension Plan for 2019 in the amount of the Minimum Municipal obligation provided by Trustees Insurance of $11,199.00 and to include this amount in the budget for 2019. Mr. Piliero 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. Kuhn moved to adopt Resolution #922-18 authorizing the disposition records as listed, and Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Other Business

There was none.

Adjournment

Mr. Piliero adjourned the meeting at 8:32 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 1, 2018, 7:00 p.m. at the Great Valley Middle School, in Room 154, 255 N. Phoenixville Pike, in Malvern, PA 19355.