Charlestown Township Board of Supervisors Business Meeting Minutes of April 1, 2019

The first business meeting for April was held April 1, 2019, 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. Philip’s attended the CCATO spring Conference and shared points of interest.

• If a home is .5 miles from open space, the value is $11,000 higher.
• Open space saves 14 million dollars in environmental costs for the County.
• Township budgets spend 11 cents on open space vs. $1.07 on developed land.
• In 2018 the County received 70 inches of rain, the average is 47.
• Resist changing properly working stormwater management facilities.
• Act 62 creates litter enforcement corridors and authorizes townships to enforce litter control on Township roads.
• Act 78 makes it a criminal offense to use drones to invade someone’s privacy.
• Act 142 allows townships to buy emergency response equipment from private sellers.
• The “Sunshine Act” is changing to allow townships to meet for emergency preparedness.
• There is a proposal to have PSATS take over all E.I.T. collections.
• There is still discussion regarding a sliding fee scale for state police services.
• There are reforms being discussed for the Right to Know procedures.

Mrs. Csete announced that the Township’s Earth Day event is this Saturday, April 6^th from 9:00 - noon with a rain date of April 13^th. Most of the activity will take place at Charlestown Park and Brightside Farm, along with roadside cleanup of Coldstream Road. A special road closing permit was granted by PennDOT to close Coldstream Road from 7 am - 9 am so volunteers could work safely.

Citizens Forum

Mr. Rubenfield from Spring Oak asked Supervisors about the Noise Ordinance because Devault Foods is the focus of resident’s complaints. The machinery, and backup beeping of trucks, is a nighttime nuisance for some residential units. There is also an asphalt plant nearby that can be loud. Supervisors stated that there was full disclosure in the HOA documents, since it was a concern of the Township from the beginning, and there is nothing expected to change. Mr. Wright will follow up with Mr. Filippo, because he was going to make changes to his operations in consideration of the new neighbors. Mr. Wright will be in contact with Mr. Rubenfield. Mr. Willig wants to be sure the operations haven’t changed to increase noise levels at night.

Mr. Goodman said today 650 residents were mailed an informational mailing from Sound Walls Now Association, about Turnpike sound barriers.

Approvals

March 4, 2019 Business Meeting Minutes

Mr. Philips moved to approve the minutes for the March 4, 2019 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, 2019

Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the March 2019 Treasurer’s Report and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called the vote, and all were in favor.

Accounts Payable Report for the Operating Fund April 1, 2019

Mr. Philips moved to approve the Operating Fund Accounts Payable Report for April 1, 2019 and Mr. Piliero seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Accounts Payable Report April 1, 2019 Liquid Fuels Fund

Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the Liquid Fuels Fund Accounts Payable Report for April 1, 2019 and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Reports

Mr. Philips said the sign and motion light still need Mr. Dettore’s attention at the Mill. Mrs. Csete will contact Mr. Dettore.

Mr. Kuhn moved to accept the March 2019 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.

Hearing

Andersen Conditional Use Application

Mr. Thompson opened the hearing for Donald and Elizabeth Andersen. Ms. McLean is seeking approval for the applicant to use the conventional development option to subdivide their 13.3-acre parcel at 23 Eastwick Drive. This will complete the record for Conditional Use. The new plan involves temporarily disturbing steep slope to install stormwater facilities. The proceeds were taken by court reporter Mr. Mark Hagerty. Mr. Thompson entered the following exhibits into the record:

T-1	Conditional Use Application to the Township
T-2	Public Notice
T-3	Proof of Publication
T-4	Review Letter by Advanced GeoServices dated October 3, 2018

Ms. McLean provided the following exhibits for the applicant:

A-1	Public Notice
A-2	Deed copy
A-3	Private Driveway and Maintenance Agreement dated 1994 (acknowledging subdivision permitting additional homes on the road)
A-4	An email chain between Mr. Daley and Mr. Wright
A-5	Improvements to Construction Plan dated August, 28, 2018 sheets 1-3

The following individuals testified, Mr. Dan Daley, of E. B. Walsh & Associates and Township Engineer, Mr. Dan Wright, P.E.

The following residents had comments, Mr. Eric Joos, Mr. and Mrs. Diane Liss, Mr. Craig Karkoska, and Ms. Carol Armstrong

Following testimony, Mr. Thompson closed the hearing. A decision will be provided within 45 days.

Hearing to Consider Expenditures for Open Space Transactions

Mr. Thompson opened the hearing to consider the acquisition of the two Union Hill Road properties owned by the Thompsons and Davises and entered the Public Notice into the record as T-1. He gave a review of these transactions that were recently advertised. They are:

1. The Thompson property at 2202 Union Hill Road, parcel #35-2-119.01H (23.8 acres) for $583,000
2. The Davis property at 2121 Union Hill Road, parcel #35-4-70 (17.1 acres) for $425,000.

Old Business –

None

New Business

Resident Concern

Ms. Epstein stated that she needs the Township’s assistance. Road conditions at the end of her driveway on Charlestown Road have become very dangerous. There have been accidents and they are increasing in the stretch between the Pickering Dam and Hollow Road. The road is cracked, and the Roadmaster is aware of the location. Mr. Willig suggested this concern be added to the letter (listed on the Action Items from the Strategic Planning Meeting), about the flood and road concerns at Route 29 and Charlestown Road.

Certificate of Appropriateness – 670 Church Road

HARB Co-Chair Ms. Rosemary Philips provided details on the application for a roof replacement for a property in the Historic District and recommended its approval. The owners, Mr. Tyler Smith and Ms. Samantha Moss, submitted a roof proposal, dated November 19, 2018. It was submitted to the Township Feb. 19, 2019 and was reviewed by HARB on March 19, 2019.

Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for Tyler Smith and Samantha Moss, for a roof replacement at 670 Church Road, and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

George Meyer Conditional Use Decision

Mr. Thompson reviewed the proposed conditions for the approval of George Meyer’s Conditional Use Application to permit a conventional lot subdivision at 2227 Bodine Road. A summary of the Conditional Uses is below.

1. Comply with terms of Zoning Ordinance.
2. The approval is for what was shown at the Conditional Use Hearing.
3. An 8’ trail has been granted (changed from 10’ by Supervisors tonight).
4. Stormwater management facilities shall be implemented for the cul-de-sac.
5. Dwellings on Lot 5 & 6 shall not be constructed closer than 75 feet from the PECO easement and shall be screened.
6. Will comply with consultant review letters
7. The Applicant shall express agreement with these conditions.

Mr. Philips moved to approve the Conditional Use decision for George Meyer, and Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Proposal for Restoration of the Charlestown Revolutionary War Cemetery Stone Wall

Mrs. Philips indicated that the tree removal along cemetery walls is nearing completion. She referred to the 9/4/18 proposal from New Tradition Masonry LLC, for restoration of the 4’ perimeter stone wall at an estimated cost of $85,000. This was included in the 2019 budget. Mrs. Philips believes without this specialty restoration, the rest of the wall will collapse.

Mrs. Philips said the neighbors have given permission for a crane, to be near their property during the work. Due to the estimate being $85,000, the Township is obligated to go out to bid per Mr. Thompson.

Mr. Philips moved to authorize Frens & Frens LLC, to create a bid package to be opened on May 20th. Work is to begin 30 days after the bid award. Mrs. Bednar seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

GreenWeaver Landscapes, LLC Proposals for Meadow Maintenance at Charlestown Mill, Devault Gateway, and Spring Cleanup at Mill

Mrs. Csete referred to two proposals from Green Weaver Landscapes for the Devault Gateway and the Charlestown Mill. The first proposal is for ongoing meadow maintenance at both locations, and the second is a one-time spring cleanup at the Mill.

Mr. Kuhn moved to accept the GreenWeaver Landscapes proposal for ongoing meadow maintenance at the Charlestown Mill and Devault Gateway at the hourly rate of $85, and the second proposal for spring cleanup at the Mill for $4,340.00. Mr. Piliero seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Request for Public Water Service – Mine Road Partners LP - 4311 Whitehorse Road

Mr. Kuhn said that Mr. Dan Aquilante contacted him to report that the well at the Maplecroft Building has failed, with the pump and piping broken off and sunk to the bottom. The property is in the AQUA PA franchise area and he is requesting public water service.

Mr. Philips moved to authorize the Manager to send a letter to Aqua PA indicating the Township’s support of the request for public water service at 4311 Whitehorse Road, and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Award Contract for Road Equipment & Labor for April 1, 2019-Mar 31, 2020

Upon Mr. Wright’s recommendation in his letter dated 3/9/19, Mr. Philips moved to award the Road Labor and Equipment Contract for the period of April 1, 2019 - March 31, 2020 to Melchiorre Construction Co. The amount of the award was $141,900. Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Review Cost Estimate for 2019 Road Project and Authorize Advertising

Mr. Wright referred to his cost estimate dated April 1, 2019 for the resurfacing of Howell Road, Southwest Avenue, Township Line Road, and a section of Union Hill Road, in the amount of $373,452.45 (opinion of probable construction cost).

Ms. Armstrong, who lives on Howell Road, voiced opposition to the having the road resurfaced. She felt the rate of storm water running off the road would increase after paving, and that the road was showing no signs of erosion. Supervisors want to be proactive in maintaining roads. Mr. Wright will send Mrs. Csete the advertising documents with bid opening on May 6th.

Mr. Philips moved to authorize advertising for the project to go out to bid, and Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Scanning Services Proposal – Scantek, Inc.

Mrs. Csete referred to the proposal by Scantek Inc. for document conversion, and stated she’s meeting with two other companies within the next two weeks. At this time, she requested feedback from the Board and any questions before continuing with the search.

Mr. Kuhn stated he had been very impressed after meeting with representatives from Scantek and viewing demonstrations of the software. He and Mrs. Csete were in agreement on this company being a likely candidate, in addition they are in CoStars.

Mr. Kuhn moved to approve of a scanning services provider chosen by Mrs. Csete, and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Capitalization Policy

Mrs. Csete said the auditors at Barbacane, Thornton and Co. recommended that the Township adopt a capitalization policy and provided a draft document for consideration. She and Mr. Piliero suggested establishing the amount of $2,500 as the threshold amount for minimum capitalization. This would include costs incurred in construction of an asset or placing a purchased asset into service.

Mr. Philips moved to approve and adopt the Capitalization Policy as presented, and Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Other Business

There will be an executive session following tonight’s meeting to discuss legal matters.

Adjournment

Mr. Piliero adjourned the meeting at 9 p.m. The next Board of Supervisors Meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 6, 2019, 7:00 p.m. at Great Valley Middle School, Room 154, 255 N. Phoenixville Pike, Malvern, PA.