CHARLESTOWN TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MINUTES Charlestown Township Municipal Building 11 General Warren Blvd., Suite 1, Malvern, PA Tuesday, January 2, 2024

Present

Call to Order:

7:08 p.m.

Announcements

There was an executive session before tonight’s meeting to discuss personnel and legal issues.

Citizens Forum

Mr. Rubenfield asked about the absence of Ms. Bednar and Mr. Heleniak stated she was ill and out of the state.

Approvals

Mr. Willig moved to approve the reports listed below and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

1. Minutes for the December 4, 2023, Business Meeting
2. December 2023 Treasurer’s Report
3. Accounts Payable Report - All Funds for January 2, 2024

Reports

Mr. Kuhn moved to accept the December 2023 reports #1-16 as submitted, and Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Mr. Philips stated that the changes to the mail facility at Spring Oak have been completed during the Design Review meetings.

Old Business –

none

New Business

Verizon Cable Franchise Renewal

Mr. Heleniak said the Verizon Cable Franchise Agreement is up for renewal. He was contacted by Daniel S. Cohen, of the Cohen Law Group, whose law firm negotiated the current contract for 22 members of the Chester County Consortium. The Consortium has requested a new proposal and suggests the municipalities re-assemble to negotiate the renewal.

Mr. Heleniak said Charlestown Township did not participate last time but he recommends the Board consider joining this time as the fees are reasonable and the law firm specializes in this field. The Board agreed but wants the Township Solicitor to review the proposal before they consider it for approval.

Mr. Willig moved to approve the proposal engaging the Cohen Law Group and executing the confirmation letter, followed by a draft review by the Township Solicitor. Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Plastics Pollution Reduction Ordinance – Next Steps

As a follow-up to comments received from the Planning Commission, Mr. Heleniak asked the Supervisors to give the Environmental Advisory Committee its next steps in finalizing the draft of the Plastics Pollution Reduction Ordinance.

Mr. Heleniak stated that the Planning Commission suggested an in-person roundtable discussion with local business owners. Mr. Philips was mainly interested in the single-use bags but since many southeastern Pennsylvania townships are adopting similar ordinances, the Members liked the roundtable idea. Mr. McErlane stated that the draft should include verbiage about posting signage for customers at storefronts telling them about the ordinance. There will be warnings and fines built into the draft.

Ms. Armstrong said that this does not include clear plastic take-out containers, only the Styrofoam type. But it does include banning plastic straws, utensils, and dry cleaning or produce bags. Ms. Armstrong referenced an update emailed to Mr. Heleniak today. Per Ms. Armstrong, East Whiteland has made no movement toward adopting any plastic pollution ordinance. Ms. Green agreed with Ms. Armstrong that there are some franchises that may look to townships to support a quicker move away from plastics that pollute.

Swiss Pines Maintenance

Mr. Heleniak said he contacted three firms for proposals on eradicating the bamboo at Swiss Pines, including RES Landscaping and John B. Ward & Co. Mr. Philips suggested contacting Longwood Gardens too. He should have the information needed by the February meeting. The fence is being taken care of by Mark Koenig. Mr. Willig stated that the corridor along the Swiss Pines property needs signage such as deer crossing signs. The Roadmaster will take care of it.

Charlestown Mill Proposal from GreenWeaver Landscapes for Services in 2024

Mr. Heleniak said the GreenWeaver Landscapes proposal for services at the Charlestown Mill for 2024 includes tree removals, pruning, seeding, removal of 4 posts, cleaning the raceway, repairing the gravel garden, hillside/rain garden planting, and planting native trees in the flood plain. There are dead ash trees that need removal, some are still standing, and some have already fallen. Mr. Theurkauf recommended approval of this work for the Mill. Supervisors were asked if they wanted to phase the project or complete it with one $16,645 quote.

Mr. Kuhn moved to accept the proposal from GreenWeaver Landscapes for $16,645.00 for 2024, and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Other

Ms. Armstrong stated that the Parks & Recreation Board and the EAC are going to work on a non-synthetic chemical proposal for use by the Township on public and parklands. She will send Mr. Heleniak the information on the Zoom meeting (January 8, at 7:15 p.m.).

There is no new information regarding the Township’s Phoenixville Pike property clearing.

Regarding the well at Swiss Pines, the electrician must first get back to us on upgrading the electrical panel before a new well can be drilled for the rental properties.

Ms. Armstrong asked if the Brightside Farm well with a hand pump was potable water. It is not.

Adjournment

There being no other business, Mr. Piliero adjourned the meeting at 7:36 p.m. The next Business Meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 5, 2024, at 7 p.m., at 11 General Warren Blvd., Suite 1, Malvern, PA.