CHARLESTOWN TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MINUTES Charlestown Township Municipal Building 11 General Warren Blvd., Suite 1, Malvern, PA Monday, March 4, 2024

Present

Call to Order:

7:00 p.m.

Announcements

Mr. Kuhn stated that there was an executive session before tonight’s meeting for legal matters. There were also two executive sessions on February 21^st and February 26^th for personnel matters.

Citizens Forum

Mr. Nespor talked to the Board about ongoing problems with A J Blosenski Inc. not picking up trash as scheduled. Mr. Thompson and Mr. Heleniak will review the solid waste ordinance and prepare a letter to the hauler regarding compliance.

Parks with a Sustainable Future was mentioned by Ms. Armstrong. She proposed a video conference with them to discuss the program and the soil testing. Mr. Heleniak will set it up and include it on the next Board agenda in April.

Approvals

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

1. Minutes for the February 5, 2024, Business Meeting
2. February 2024 Treasurer’s Report
3. Accounts Payable Report - All Funds for March 4, 2024

Reports

Mr. Philips moved to accept the February 2024 reports #1-16 as submitted, and Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Old Business –

none

New Business

Appointment to the Board of Supervisors

Mr. Willig moved to appoint Mr. Louis P. Rubinfield to the Board of Supervisors to fill Ms. Bednar’s unexpired term ending 12/31/25, and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor. Acting as Notary, Mrs. Csete swore in Louis P. Rubinfield as he took his Oath of Office.

Appointment to the Valley Forge Sewer Authority Board

Mr. Kuhn moved to appoint Mr. Richard Stipa to the 6-member Valley Forge Sewer Authority Board to fill an unexpired term ending 12/31/27, and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Overton – Request for Waiver for Construction of Garage in Front Yard

The Board heard the request for a waiver to allow construction of a garage in the front yard of the Overton property at 15 Dobs Lane. The Planning Commission recommended approval due to the wooded areas and slope. The abutting neighbors were all in agreement with this request. Ms. Green asked a question about slope. The site had been visited by the Township Land Planner, Mr. Comitta. When the building permit comes in, the slopes will be part of the review. If they exceed the ordinance, the applicant would need to return with a conditional use application.

Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the waiver request for Mark Overton, 15 Dobs Lane, for construction of a garage in the front yard, with supplemental planting as directed by Mr. Comitta. Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none called the vote. All were in favor.

PA Turnpike Property Acquisition for Milepost 316-319 Widening

Mr. Heleniak stated that the Turnpike Commission informed him late that they would not be able to attend tonight’s meeting and that they would be attending the April Meeting. Mr. Willig asked for an overview of what the Turnpike was planning to present. Mr. Heleniak stated that the Turnpike Commission wants to discuss with the Board the possibility of purchasing the remainer of the Volpi property to be used for storage of excess earth material related to the Turnpike’s Milepost 316-319 widening project. The project is scheduled for 2027-2028 and the Turnpike’s request has been tabled to April’s agenda.

Supervisors learned that the stormwater plan was being coordinated with the Turnpike Commission and Mr. Wright. The project would not impact any neighbors. The Board discussed the property being denuded, the use of step landscaping, and buffer plantings.

Open Bids -Landscaping Contracts 2024-2026

One bid was received for the 2024-2027 Landscaping Contract from Charlestown Landscaping, the current provider. It will be forwarded to Mr. Wright for review and recommendation. The contract award will be considered at the Board of Supervisors meeting on April 1, 2024.

Advertise for Road Maintenance and Tree Work Contract Bids

Mr. Heleniak said the 3-year tree work contract (Davey Tree Expert Company) and 1-year road equipment contract (Cedar Springs Construction Company) both end on April 30th, 2024. It is time to solicit new bids. Mr. Kuhn said that he and Mr. Heleniak met with two local providers to see how the Township could attract more local bids for snow removal and general road maintenance. Extending the contract to three years and being open to alternate styles of proposals was suggested. The lowest qualified bid will be selected.

Mr. Piliero moved to direct Mr. Heleniak to advertise a 3-year tree removal bid, and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Mr. Kuhn moved to authorize the advertising of separate road maintenance bid and snow removal bid, for a three-year term to providers within 15 miles of Charlestown Township and Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Mr. Philips moved to direct Mr. Heleniak to extend the current road maintenance equipment contract with Cedar Springs Construction until June 1^st, 2024. Mr. Piliero seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Brightside Farmhouse Lease 6/1/24 – 5/31/25

Mr. Heleniak said the lease for the Brightside farmhouse will expire on 5/31/24, and if we wish to terminate the lease or make any changes in the rent, it must be communicated to the tenants 60 days before that date.

Mr. Philips moved to direct the Manager to inform the current tenants that the rent would remain at $1,000 per month for the 6/1/24-5/31/25 term and Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Miscellaneous Discussion

Mr. Kuhn said that he has looked into getting a 3-way stop approved at Ashenfelder Road and Whitehorse Road since traffic has picked up in speed and density. A request will be made jointly with bordering Schuylkill Township to PennDOT for a speed study to determine if the signs are warranted.

Mr. Heleniak will contact Mr. Brown, the East Whiteland Township Manager, to see about changing the timing on the traffic light at Route 29 and General Warren Blvd.

The school zone flashing beacon at the north end of the Charlestown Playhouse will be moved since the Playhouse has moved its driveway. Mr. Heleniak will talk to Jim Thompson about programming the lights for the school’s hours.

Adjournment

There being no other business, Mr. Piliero adjourned the meeting at 7:33 p.m. The next Board of Supervisors Meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 1, 2024, at 7 p.m., at 11 General Warren Blvd., Suite 1, Malvern, PA.