Charlestown Township Board of Supervisors Business Meeting Minutes of July 6, 2020

The first business meeting for July was held on July 6, 2020, via remote dial-in/log-in via Webex due to the ongoing coronavirus situation.

Present

Call to Order:

7:05 p.m.

Announcements

Mr. Kuhn stated that Kimberton Fire Company was very appreciative of the additional donation approved by the Supervisors last month in support of their efforts during the Covid crisis.

Mr. Kuhn Stated that Mr. Thomas Cockerham of the East Whiteland Fire Company passed away.

Mrs. Csete thanked Mr. Hubbard and the Roadmaster for their valuable assistance in emergency services when 90% of the Township lost power in a recent storm.

Citizens Forum

Approvals

Mr. Philips moved to approve:

1. Minutes for the June 1, 2020, Business Meeting
2. The June 2020 Treasurer’s Report
3. The Operating Fund Accounts Payable Report for July 6, 2020.
4. The Capital Fund - Open Space Projects Payable Report for July 6, 2020.

Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Reports

Mr. Kuhn moved to accept June 2020 reports #1-16 as submitted and Ms. Bednar seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Old Business

Spring Oak Resident Complaints

Mr. Wright provided an updated list of action items addressed since last month’s meeting.

1. Before the July 1^st deadline, the l.e.d. lights were installed to better reduce light shining onto neighboring properties. Further improvements are in the Final Plan.
2. The No Truck Idling sign has been installed and Mr. Wright hopes that there will be another one placed near Mrs. Fillippo’s home.
3. The first of three noise reports from the Township Sound Engineer was received. The next two will be received before summer Board meetings. The report reflected a continued need for improvements, due to data exceeding maximums, and sustained levels, even though Devault has instituted changes since last month. They have a short time to become compliant or citations will be issued by the Township.
4. The Planning Commission will be reviewing the plant’s expansion documents at their next meeting.

Resident comments began with Mr. Butah, filling in for Mr. Rubenfield:

1. Odors are less, and if noticed they are mild.
2. Residents still are waiting for a filter maintenance schedule. Mr. Wright stated he’s been informed there is a strict schedule but does not have it as of yet.
3. The lights from the facility are improved but not acceptable but they can’t evaluate if some of the improvement is due to trees being in leaf. Therefore, they will evaluate as the seasons change and may come back to us on this matter. He looks forward to the changes from the Final Plan.
4. Mr. Siva of Quigley Drive is still complaining about noise in this area.
• Trucks are still running at night.
• The east side of the loading dock is not in compliance, videos are submitted.
• This area does not have trees or dunes and does not benefit from these sound-dampening features. Mr. Wright stated these complaints were forwarded to Mr. Strunk and the Township sound engineer. The Township will be responding accordingly since the sound data confirmed Mr. Siva’s observation. A violation or citation is next. But legally, the Township is obligated to give Devault Foods time to comply (15 days).
• Rumored purchase by environmentally conscious Beyond Meat has residents wanting to be involved in any discussions at a Township level. Mr. Willig added that the Preliminary Approval goes with the land and not the owner in regards to a sale. However, since it is speculation, there will be no further conversation tonight regarding the impact of “grandfathering”.
5. Mrs. Fillippo stated that things do seem to be changing and she has had discussions with Devault Food employees that ownership is changing. She has noticed less traffic and stock area activity, but an increase of larger equipment to the property.
6. Mr. Rubenfield arrived late and added that he felt there was no decrease in activity.
7. Mr. Rubenfield stated it is still noisy from 5 am to 7 am with trash and reversing trucks. He requested a simple change in policy regarding timing. Mr. Wright commented that Devault Foods has already committed to a policy limited trash and wastewater treatment trucks to enter the property no earlier than 7a.m. Since they apparently aren’t abiding by their new policy, Dan will discuss the matter with Eric Strunk.

New Business

Phoenixville Area Energy Transition Plan – Proposal to Submit Chester County Vision Partnership Planning (VPP) Grant

Mr. Mark Connolly of the Phoenixville Green Team updated the Board on initiatives associated with a proposal to implement an Energy Transition Plan in the Phoenixville area. He referred to a summary of the current status of the Energy Transition Plan (ETP), the creation of the Phoenixville Area Clean Energy Alliance (PACEA), and a proposed Chester County Vision Partnership Planning (VPP) grant due on September 24. The points he discussed are below:

1. As an appointee to the advisory board for this project, Mr. Connolly found that the information is available for all parties and will keep the County updated regarding the steps he advises to obtain an ETP.
2. Policies need to be embraced by joining with local entities and community groups.
3. An alliance has been formed by the combination of interests with the Phoenixville Green Team, and four local township EAC’s, to work together and form the ETP. They meet every two weeks.
4. The grant application is due July 24 and its value is $78,000. The buy-in will be for September’s meeting.
5. Ms. Armstrong invited him to the next EAC meeting.
6. East Pikeland has agreed to be the applicant and pay the bills but wants $4,000 from other entities for the next step.
7. Mr. Connolly will send the Board the document for an in-depth review.

JDBC Proposal for Brightside Farmhouse

Mr. Kuhn referred to the July 1, 2020 proposal by JD Bravo for replacement of the roof, gutters, soffit, and fascia for the Brightside Farmhouse with a base price of $128,968 and several alternatives. He recommended adding the trim for an additional $63,748. Mr. Philips added that he wanted historic consideration and wanted Mr. Frens to be consulted. Also, there is some tree work to be scheduled for Davey Tree.

Mr. Philips moved to accept the Change Order to complete the additional renovations to the Brightside Farmhouse as recommended, and subject to comments by Mr. Frens. Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Spring Oak Final Plan Revision

Mr. Marc Kaplan, Esq. presented the amended final plan for Spring Oak that proposes to revise the lot configuration for 4 townhouse units on Lots 97-100. The easterly lot lines for lots 97, 98, and 99 would move 1.83 feet to the east to prevent Lot 97 from encroaching on the westerly side yard setback. The change was reviewed by Mr. Wright, the Planning Commission, and the DRC.

Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the amended Final Plan for Spring Oak last revised 5/5/20, and Ms. Bednar seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Authorization to Invest in C.D.s

Mrs. Csete stated that $1.3M in funds is maturing on July 2^nd, and an additional $4.7M is available to invest for one year. After checking various sources for interest rates, Malvern Federal offered the highest at .90% and First Resource Bank offered to match it. She recommended going to First Resource since the Township has other accounts there and has received excellent customer service for several years.

Mr. Kuhn moved to approve investment of the funds into CDARS at First Resource Bank for a 1-year term at .90% interest, and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Schedule Conditional Use Hearing for Turning Pointe Dance Centre (Comm GV 1)

Mr. Thompson gave a brief overview regarding advertising a Conditional Use Hearing for the Turning Point Dance Center for August 3, 2020, at 7:00 p.m., with the location to be determined.

Other Business

Mr. Philips moved to approve the authorization for Mr. Kuhn to provide an offer, and Mrs. Csete to advertise for the August meeting, in regards to the acquisition of the Baldwin Conservation Easement at 2112 Bodine Road. Mr. Piliero seconded and called for discussion. There being none, he called the vote. All were in favor. A hearing will be scheduled for August 3, 2020.

The easement purchases near Charlestown Road are still pending.

Mr. Hubbard stated that the frequent EMS dispatches to a certain address in the Township will continue to be billed to the appropriate insurance.

Deputy Chief Doug Gable thanked the Supervisors for the large donation last month since they had to cancel their main fundraising event for the year due to COVID-19. Unfortunately, Charlestown Township has been the only Township to compensate them for the cancelation of the Kimberton Fair. Supervisors responded by thanking Kimberton Fire Company for taking such good care of the residents.

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

Adjournment

Mr. Piliero adjourned the meeting at 8:00 p.m. The next Board of Supervisors Meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 3, 2020, at 7:00 pm, location to be determined and advertised.