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CHARLESTOWN TOWNSHIP
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Present
Call to Order:
7:00 p.m.Announcements
There were no announcements.
Citizens Forum
EAC Chair Carol Armstrong displayed a bucket of road salt she collected from Howell Road to demonstrate her concern for the salinization of streams, proven by samplings taken of the Pickering Creek and Valley Creek. Pete Goodman added that it eventually gets into the groundwater. She said consultants from the Stroud Research Center are available to talk with Township representatives. Alterations can be made to salt trucks to reduce excess salt. Mr. Philips said a newsletter article can be written to encourage residents to use calcium chloride or magnesium chloride as better alternatives to sodium chloride for their driveways and walkways, though it was noted this is a more costly alternative and still contains chlorides.
Ms. Armstrong requested the Board consider adopting an ordinance restricting the release of balloons at various celebrations and observances for the protection of wildlife and the general environment. Difficulty with enforcement was discussed. Jill Green asked if it could be added to the Agritainment ordinance, but Mr. Heleniak said no, because that ordinance will be part of the Zoning Ordinance, the purpose of which is to regulate land use. It would need to be included in a special events ordinance or a stand-alone ordinance.
Megan Connolly asked if the Township will be impacted by the cutbacks taking place at the federal level. Board members indicated no, because the Township doesn’t receive funding from federal sources with the exemption of FEMA funds for disasters. The last such disaster was Hurricane Ida in 2021, and the Township has already been awarded funds for it. Ms. Connolly asked about the impact on businesses and the school district. Mr. Heleniak said the impact from industries and commercial enterprises would be low in Charlestown since the township is mostly residential. The school district superintendent would have to respond regarding how they might be impacted.
Approvals
Mr. Philips moved to approve the minutes for the February 3, 2025 Business Meeting and Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Kuhn said a remark attributed to him on page 5, paragraph 2, should have gone to Mr. Wright. With this correction, Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Mr. Rubinfield moved to approve the February 2025 Treasurer’s Report and Ms. Carlson seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Mr. Rubinfield moved to approve the March 3, 2025 Accounts Payable Report, and Ms. Carlson seconded. Mr. Philips asked about the payment to Traffic Planning & Design, which Mr. Heleniak noted was for the Yellow Springs Road and Route 29 crosswalk improvement project. Mr. Philips asked when the cemetery wall reconstruction project could move forward, having been derailed during Covid and later due to the lack of an available, qualified mason. Mr. Heleniak said the project will likely have to go out to bid, and Mr. Willig suggested it be bid on an hourly rate with a not-to-exceed number. Mr. Wright will reach out to Dale Frens to follow up on reviving the project. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Reports
Ms. Carlson moved to accept the January reports #1-16 as submitted, and Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Old Business
Discuss Zoning Ordinance Amendment – Accessory Dwelling Units
The Supervisors discussed the proposed zoning ordinance amendment to provide for accessory dwelling units in the Farm Residential and Residential zoning districts. Mr. Philips brought up the following three items:
- He proposed a maximum square footage for the accessory dwelling in addition to the language that it not exceed 35% of the principal structure. This would provide a top limit to its size. After further discussion, the Board decided on a maximum size of 2,000 square feet. Any larger structure would require a zoning variance.
- He proposed a minimum lot size in the FR district of 4 acres before permitting an accessory dwelling unit. The Board determined this would be too restrictive and made no change to the proposed ordinance.
- He proposed that a structure, such as a barn, containing animals be specified to no longer allow animals if converted to a dwelling. The Board determined this is covered by existing building codes and health department regulations.
Mr. Rubinfield moved to advertise the Agritainment Ordinance and the Accessory Dwelling Unit ordinance hearings for April 7, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at the Township office, 11 General Warren Blvd., Suite 1, Malvern PA with the addition of the maximum 2,000 square foot size to the language for accessory dwelling units in addition to the 35% of the principal structure maximum. Ms. Carlson seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
The Board agreed to send the proposed ordinance back to the Planning Commission for review of the change in the size restriction prior to the hearing.
New Business
Request to Install Stream Sign at Kwiawis Siputin Charlestown Park
EAC Chair Carol Armstrong requested approval to place a historic marker at the stream named at Kwiawis Siputin Charlestown Park. She had contacted various Lenape tribes which encouraged the proposal.
There was considerable discussion on whether an interpretive sign, similar to many others in the Township at historic locations, or a historic marker, would be more appropriate. Mr. Heleniak noted that two of the three deadlines in the state’s historic marker process have passed and would delay the approval process into 2026. Further, he read from the requirements of the applications, and said this proposal doesn’t meet the guidelines and criteria for approval, which require 3-10 points of historic significance backed by a primary and secondary source. Ms. Armstrong was adamant that these requirements could be met, and that a historic marker would be more meaningful than an interpretive sign. She indicated she would like to pursue the project to meet the 2026 deadlines.
Mr. Philips suggested that in the meantime the EAC meet with the Historic Commission to discuss the project.
Brightside Farmhouse Lease 6/1/25 – 5/31/26
Mr. Heleniak said the lease for the Brightside farmhouse will expire on 5/31/25, and if the Board wishes 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 6/1/25-5/31/26 term and Ms. Carlson seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Resolution to Reinstate Qualified Retirement Plan
Mr. Heleniak explained that IRS regulations require that sponsors of Defined Benefit Pension Plans periodically restate their Plan Documents to incorporate changes in pension legislation. Under these regulations, all Defined Benefit Pension Plan Documents must be restated and adopted by April 30, 2025. The previous mandatory plan restatement was in 2020.
Mr. Kuhn moved to adopt resolution #1072-2025 reinstating the existing qualified pension plan and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Resolution to Dispose of Records #15
Mr. Rubinfield moved to adopt Resolution #1073-2025, to follow its record retention policy with the disposition of 2016 & 2017 financial records. Ms. Carlson seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none called the vote. All were in favor.
Schedule Conditional Use Hearing
The conditional use hearing for Jay and April Robinson was scheduled for April 7, 2025 at 7 p.m., at 11 General Warren Blvd., Suite 1, Malvern, PA.
Other Business
Mr. Philips referenced an article in the March PSATS Township news magazine regarding regional zoning, a concept being promoted by the Governor’s office as conducive to affordable housing that the township association is opposed to because of the potential dilution of township control. Mr. Heleniak will prepare a resolution for the April 7th meeting opposing the regional zoning proposal to send to the Governor’s and state representatives’ offices.
Adjournment
There being no additional business, Mr. Kuhn adjourned the meeting at 8:17 p.m. The next business meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 3, 2025, at 7 p.m., at 11 General Warren Blvd., Suite 1, Malvern, PA.
Linda M. Csete
Township Treasurer/Admin
