CHARLESTOWN TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MINUTES Great Valley Middle School, Room 154 255 North Phoenixville Pike, Malvern, PA Tuesday, September 6, 2022

Present

Call to Order:

7:00 p.m.

Announcements

Charlestown Day is Sept. 24^th from 9 am - 3 pm at Charlestown Park.

Citizens Forum

Mr. Eric Gross of Howell Road asked the Board about the subdivision at 4099 Howell Road formerly known as the Martellucci property. He was concerned that the property had been clear-cut after it was given Conditional Approval. The 13 trees removed are in opposition to the approved plans. In addition, he said his property had sustained damage from the construction. Mrs. Csete told Mr. Gross that Mr. Wright was his contact person. The Martelluccis are installing a driveway that needs to be recorded with the subdivision plan. Mr. Wright visited the site after the report about the clear cutting and will take appropriate action. Mr. Heleniak will follow up.

Mr. Amin and Mr. Jain, from Spring Oak, were in attendance to ask why the Township had rejected the fence along Rees Road. Mr. Philips stated that the DRC decided it was not appropriate and it wasn’t meant to be a fenced community. Ms. Bednar told Mr. Philips at one time a car had driven onto the open space area. A fence is permitted according to the zoning. The DRC is meeting tomorrow, therefore, the gentlemen were instructed to send Mr. Philips a concise list of reasons the fence is wanted. The fence has to pass the HOA, the DRC, and then the Board. The gentlemen presented the following reasons for the fence to be constructed:

• Safety of play area
• Beautification
• Deter deer
• Trail border
• Whitehorse Road border

Lastly, Mr. Rubenfield stated that he saw the August noise report with no exceedances. While the Planning Commission reviews the many documents for the Beyond Meat expansion, Mr. Rubenfield wants answers about the berm after viewing the landscape plan and plant list. The existing berm is to be demolished for the sewer expansion and he is wondering if it includes the entire length. Ms. Bednar believes the entire berm is to be demolished but the Board will have Mr. Wright check. Mr. Philips suggested Mr. Rubenfield bring it up at the next Planning Commission meeting.

Approvals

Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the minutes for the August 1, 2022, Business Meeting, and Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Philips called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the August 2022 Treasurer’s Report and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Philips called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Ms. Bednar moved to approve the Accounts Payable Report - All Funds for September 6, 2022, and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Philips called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Reports

Mr. Kuhn moved to accept the August 2022 reports #1-16 as submitted and Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Philips called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Hearing

Greene-Marks Conditional Use Hearing

The proceeds were taken by Ms. Gale Fitzpatrick, court reporter. Mr. Vonderman stated that the hearing would be continued to the October 3, 2022 Board of Supervisors Meeting. No testimony was presented this evening.

Old Business

Office Fit-Out:

I.T. Transition Support Services and Audio-Visual Design

Mr. Bob Dettore stated that after meeting with Mr. Jonathan Brackbill of Intermedia Group, he received a proposal for $9,950.00 for the relocation and reinstallation of the Township’s existing computers and peripherals. As this is vital to the transition to the new office, Mr. Dettore recommended that the proposal be considered with a not-to-exceed cap of $12,000.

In addition, Mr. Dettore said that Intermedia Group reviewed the original AV design and suggested the last of the five components of the IT fit-out be approved for a not-to-exceed price of $85,000.00. He believes the suggested scope of work will achieve the Township’s goals for functionality.

Mr. Dettore answered questions about training and set up of the new systems. He believes the new office will be ready for the November Board meeting.

Mr. Kuhn moved to approve both the transition support proposal and the AV proposal from Intermedia Group and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Philips called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Agreement with the PA Turnpike Commission to Release Conservation Easement on Brooklands Parcels

Mr. Heleniak recapped a meeting with Ms. Anna Scudieri, Senior ROW specialist for the PA Turnpike Commission, to discuss terms for an agreement to release conservation areas on two properties in the Brooklands subdivision. The properties will be impacted by the PTC widening project. After a few discussions, a final offer of $30,000.00 for the 2.019 acres was obtained and an agreement will be prepared for execution.

Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the agreement to release the conservation easement on the specified parcels as proposed, and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Philips called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

New Business

Zoning Hearing Board Application Overview – Robert & Joan Cadigan

Mr. and Mrs. Robert and Joan Cadigan presented an application seeking a variance and special exception to permit an extension of a kitchen, and add a mud room, and storage room. This addition will exceed 50% of the existing non-conforming dwelling’s square footage and extend further into the front yard setback. The Applicant stated that the entire home is outside of the building envelope due to its historical character, plus there were two additions added in the 1990s.

Mrs. Csete and Mr. Philips gave the Cadigans instructions on contacting the Charlestown Historical Commission to appear on their next agenda for further information on the property if they are interested.

Mr. Kuhn moved to take a favorable position for the application, and Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Philips called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Schedule Conditional Use Hearing for Francis Reed Wills Application

The Board scheduled a Conditional Use Hearing for Mr. Francis Reed Wills, a resident who wants to construct a patio, spa, and walkway with a retaining wall, in steep slopes. It is scheduled for October 3, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. at the Great Valley Middle School.

Schedule Hearing for Zoning Ordinance Amendment – Tree Protection

The Board scheduled a hearing for an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to provide for additional tree protection regulations. The hearing is on October 3, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. at the Great Valley Middle School. Mr. Comitta will attend.

Resolution to Amend Budget

Mrs. Csete explained the reason for the next proposed change to move funds from the Open Space Capital Fund to the General Purpose Capital Fund. This move is to cover the additional costs for the office fit-out project resulting from the change orders to date.

Mr. Kuhn moved to adopt Resolution #1014-22 amending the 2022 Budget as proposed, and Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Philips called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Minimum Municipal Obligation 2023 – Pension Plan

Mrs. Csete stated the Township is required to place the Minimum Pension Plan Obligation on the agenda for next year’s budget. However, because the pension is fully funded at this point in time, no payment will be due in 2023. Therefore, there was no action needed.

Devault Village at Spring Oak Escrow Release #11

Mr. Kuhn moved to approve Escrow Release #11 for Devault Village at Spring Oak for $170,365.00 and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Pickering Crossing Escrow Release #36

Ms. Bednar moved to approve Escrow Release #36 for Pickering Crossing for $79,926.64 and Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Philips called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Other Business

Alix Coleman mentioned her concern over the information about herbicides to be placed on the rear fields at Brightside Farm. The fields back up close to the Merriwether property and Brightside farmhouse, plus she thought it would be detrimental to the birds.

Mr. Hubbard said there are no current plans to spray, only ecological assessment continues now. The hedgerow herbicide applications have been finished. The next step in the project will be a special public meeting before December. Mr. Willig suggested the agenda be broken down and arranged by topic. There may be another meeting as a follow-up, if RES and the Township residents feel there is a need.

Alix suggested mowing instead of herbicides and Mr. Kuhn stated that the invasive problem at Brightside needs application. Mr. Hubbard will speak with her since he is the liaison between RES and the Township.

Adjournment

There being no other business, Mr. Philips adjourned the meeting at 7:40 p.m. The next Business Meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 3, 2022, at 7 p.m., at the Great Valley Middle School.