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CHARLESTOWN TOWNSHIP
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Present
Call to Order: 7:05 p.m.
Announcements
Mr. Philips announced that the board held a brief executive session to discuss potential litigation on a zoning enforcement matter.
Citizens Forum
No matters were brought forward.
Approvals
Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the items listed below and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and Mr. Philips asked about the invoice for just under $28,000.00 from RES listed on the November Accounts Payable Report. Mr. Heleniak responded that it was for Phase II of the landscaping work for the Brightside Farm bird sanctuary project. Mr. Piliero called the vote, and all were in favor.
- Minutes for the November 4, 2024 Business Meeting
- November 2024 Treasurer’s Report
- Accounts Payable Report - All Funds for December 2, 2024
Reports
Mr. Philips moved to accept the November 2024 reports #1-16 as submitted, and Mr. Rubinfield seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Hearing
Christopher & Meg Zaro Conditional Use Application
Mr. Thompson opened the conditional use hearing for Christopher & Meg Zaro for their application to allow an expansion and renovation of an existing 3-car garage to construct guest quarters on the second and third floors. The Zaros had previously obtained variance approval to allow the guest quarters to exceed 1,000 square feet and include a full kitchen. Due to the absence of a court reporter, Mr. Thompson noted that the hearing would be recorded and if it became necessary, the hearing could be transcribed. Mr. Zaro agreed this was acceptable.
The following exhibits were placed into the record:
| T-1 | Application |
| T-2 | Public Notice |
| T-3 | Proof of Publication |
| T-4 | Review letter from Dan Wright of Montrose Environmental dated 10/2/24 |
| T-5 | Charlestown Township Zoning Ordinance |
No one requested party status.
Mr. Zaro was sworn in and provided testimony. Additional exhibits were placed into the record:
| T-6 | Zoning Hearing Board Decision dated 10/16/24 |
| A-1 | Rendering of the building and floor plan for each story |
| A-2 | Site Plan |
Questions from audience members Frank Beyer, Jill Green, and Carol Armstrong were addressed.
The hearing was then closed.
Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the application with the condition that the square footage does not exceed that approved in the zoning hearing board decision. Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Piliero called for further discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Old Business
Review of Proposed Single Use Plastics Ordinance
Mr. Heleniak provided background on the proposed single use plastics ordinance and noted that the banning of dry cleaning bags and single use produce bags was removed from it since there are no such establishments in the Township. The definition for single use utensils was better defined.
Enforcement will be overseen by the Township Manager, which begins with one warning before citations are issued.
Ms. Armstrong was concerned with the efficacy of enforcement, noting that it was failing in New York City and Philadelphia. She asked if enforcement should be strengthened, perhaps with routine inspections. The Supervisors responded that Charlestown Township, with its relatively small population and having only 6 businesses affected by the ordinance would be able to effectively enforce the ordinance based on investigation of complaints.
Mr. Willig asked if a sign would be posted at each establishment, and Mr. Heleniak said there is a requirement for signage in the proposed ordinance.
Mr. Philips asked if there would be a charge to purchase bags, and Mr. Thompson said recycled paper bags would be available for 15 cents, and reusable canvas bags could be sold.
Mr. Kuhn asked for the effective date of the ordinance, and Mr. Heleniak said it would become effective 90 days after passage. After some discussion, the Supervisors opted to change this to 180 days. Mr. Kuhn suggested contacting the 6 businesses and informing them of the hearing date and including a copy of the proposed ordinance.
Ms. Green said that after speaking with representatives from the larger franchised businesses, she believes they are prepared to move forward and comply.
Mr. Thompson said legal review has been completed for the proposed ordinance, but he has yet to codify it. Mr. Piliero moved to schedule a hearing to consider the proposed ordinance on Monday, February 3, 2025 and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
New Business
Hearing to Expend Open Space Funds – Alleva Property
Mr. Thompson stated that in accordance with the Open Space Lands Act, a hearing must be held when using referendum funds to purchase interest in property. A public notice was placed in the Daily Local News in order to hold tonight’s hearing for consideration of acquisition of a conservation easement to be held with the French & Pickering Creeks Trust for the Alleva property in Charlestown Township.
He stated that the property is comprised of parcels 35-1-13.1 and 35-1-13.1A at 1 & 2 Honeysuckle Lane.
Mr. Thompson asked for public comment and Ms. Green asked for the acreage and cost of the easement. Mr. Heleniak responded that the purchase price is $325,000 for 20.05 acres located in the area of Merlin and Pikeland Roads. This comes to slightly more than $16,200 per acre. Ms. Green asked if there were improvements on the property, and Mr. Heleniak said there are two houses there currently and no additional houses would be built, although other accessory buildings and structures would be permitted. Also, no further subdivision would be permitted. Ms. Armstrong asked why this particular property is attractive to the Township, and Mr. Kuhn said the size and location were factors. There being no other comment, Mr. Thompson closed the hearing.
Mr. Kuhn moved to adopt Resolution #1059-24 approving the expenditure of open space funds in the amount of $325,000 for the acquisition of an easement on the Alleva property, parcels #35-1-13.1 and 35-1-13.1A, and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Scout Initiatives
Parks and Recreation Board member Stephanie Robinson gave an overview of that Board’s plan to work with scout groups to help maintain items in Charlestown Park going forward. She said they propose a three-pronged approach including the following:
- Supporting Eagle Scout Projects and Girl Scout Gold Projects such as picnic tables, bird houses, kiosks and similar for the parks. The aim is to reduce the number of projects proposed and ensure they are choices that are desirable to the Township.
- Utilizing scouts during Scout Days of Service twice a year, once in the Spring and once in Fall. These volunteer scouts would help maintain the aforementioned projects and provide weeding and other light landscaping work such as edging along trails and open space.
- Developing a Legacy program for continuity by repairing and maintaining existing projects and removing those that were beyond their useful lifespan. She noted that the checkerboard and story boards at Charlestown Park both need attention. Ms. Robinson said this would be the most challenging part of the program, to interest various troops to take over certain projects and turn over the care of them every two years to a new group of junior scouts.
Mr. Kuhn said these are fantastic ideas and the Board is thrilled that she is taking on this program. Ms. Armstrong asked how the Parks & Rec Board will communicate with the scout groups, and Ms. Robinson said they will work with the Boys Scout Chester County Council, Cradle of Liberty Council in King of Prussia, and the Girl Scout headquarters in Valley Forge. They will coordinate with the scout leaders and scouts can sign up for service hours via a link that will be provided.
Ms. Green said that regarding the scout days of service, the EAC would like to partner with Parks & Rec for scouts to assist on the Charlestown Road Adopt-a-Highway cleanup currently done twice a year.
Proposal for Audit Services
Mr. Heleniak said in the past two years he’s observed the auditing services from the current firm and saw the need for improved communication, prompting him to seek proposals. He then received a proposal from Maillie LLP for auditing services for the 2024 - 2026 fiscal years. He was familiar with the firm, having worked with them at his previous township, and noted that they specialize in municipal auditing and his experience with them was always good. They made themselves available for questions throughout the year.
Mr. Heleniak said the proposal was for $15,000 the first year, then $15,500 and $16,000 the two subsequent years. While this is higher than the current auditor’s cost for the 2023 audit, he recommends the change due to the anticipated better service.
Mr. Philips moved to accept the 2024-2026 proposal for Audit Services from Maillie LLP and Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Resolution for Tax Levy 2025
Mrs. Csete gave an overview of the Tax Levy Resolution and noted the proposed real estate millage has remained the same at .75 mils for the last 20 years. She also listed the Local Services Tax, Real Estate Transfer Tax, and Earned Income Tax for 2025, which will all remain the same as in 2024. Mrs. Csete stated that input has been received from the Township boards, commissions, and committees, therefore, the 2025 budget is proposed for consideration this evening.
Mr. Philips moved to approve Resolution #1060-2024 setting the tax rates for 2025, and Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Resolution to Adopt 2025 Budget
Mr. Piliero moved to approve Resolution #1061-2024 adopting the 2025 budget and Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Schedule and Authorize Advertisement for Reorganization Meeting
Mr. Piliero moved to approve advertising of the Reorganizational Meeting on Tuesday, January 6, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Township Building, 11 General Warren Blvd. Suite 1, Malvern, PA. Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Adjournment
There being no additional business, Mr. Piliero adjourned the meeting at 8:10 p.m. The next business meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 6, 2025, at 7 p.m., at 11 General Warren Blvd., Suite 1, Malvern, PA.
Linda M. Csete
Township Treasurer/Admin
