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CHARLESTOWN TOWNSHIP
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Present:
Planning Commission: Bill Westhafer, Vice Chairman, Michael Allen, Michael Churchill, and Andy Motel. Michael Richter, Andre von Hoyer and Mrs. Leland were absent.
Consultants: Randy Patry, P.E. and Thomas Comitta
Staff: Lisa Gardner, Recording Secretary, Linda Csete, Township Manager
Public: None
Call to Order:
7:37 p.m.Announcements
Mr. Churchill stated the most recent Rails-to-Trails Meeting dealt with the feasibility of the route options. Members are to review these in light of objections from a few residents concerned about privacy. Committee members heard from residents of Carrow Lane and Buckwalter Road. The next phase is to consider funding and connecting with other locations and trails within the Township.
Approval Sept. 9, 2014 Minutes
Mr. Motel moved to approve the September 9, 2014 minutes, and Mr. Churchill seconded. Mr. Westhafer called for discussion, there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Discussion
Bartholdson Planning Module
Mr. Patry referred to the Advanced GeoServices letter dated October 15, 2014, from Mr. Wright, reviewing the Sewage Facilities Planning Module for John Bartholdson at 3198 Hollow Road. He said the owner proposes to construct a new on-lot sewage disposal system to serve a future carriage home. He said the sewage will be pumped uphill and the system has the ability to accommodate the existing dwelling, if the older system fails.
Mr. Patry indicated that all items in the review have now been addressed and recommended that the Planning Commission now complete Component 4-A. Mr. Churchill moved to recommend approval of the planning module to the Board of Supervisors along with the execution of Component 4-A, and Mr. Motel seconded. Mr. Westhafer called for comments, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
TND Update
Mr. Allen asked members to tour Spring Oak and Pickering Crossing to view the stone, especially on the retaining wall.
- Spring Oak Roofs - DRC to review the roof colors, especially for the twin units. Mr. Allen will report back to the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors.
- The Spring Oak Roundabout – Mr. Allen said it seemed too small for a tractor-trailer/moving van. Mr. Patry stated it had been tested for size (for a fire truck and trash truck, but they will make sure it was built correctly.
- Turnpike lights for the underpass – Armor should get the contract to Mr. Allen this week. Spring City delivery should be soon, and then the Planning Commission will have to decide on installation.
- The Annex property, across from The Office, has recently been improved via landscaping. PennDOT is to supply the rails for the stairs.
- The recent plan for Stables Bar has been withdrawn after a Zoning Hearing. Members thought possible reasons were parking, outdoor seating, and the cost of the Land Planning process.
Route 29 Basin Proposal
The Planning Commission discussed Ed Theurkauf’s proposal dated October 2, 2014 to design landscaping treatments for the PennDOT basins and surroundings at Phoenixville Pike and Morehall Road (Route 29). Mr. Allen didn’t think the rock wall needed landscaping.
Mr. Motel moved to recommend Mr. Theurkauf’s proposal Landscape Plan for PennDOT Stormwater Basin Area, dated October 2, 2014. Mr. Allen seconded, Mr. Westhafer called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor
Mrs. Csete is to let Mr. Theurkauf know of the decision.
Act 209 – Future Implementation
Mr. Comitta said Mr. Heinrich could not attend tonight and suggested any motions be held for December’s meeting. He distributed an exhibit featuring 4 maps and updated members.
- Initial Traffic Impact Fee was $1,000.
- On July 7, 2014 the new rate of $1,299.99 went into effect for new developments.
- Marriott was first and only one assessed so far (at initial $1,000).
- Spring Oak and Pickering Crossing are exempt.
- The fees/funds collected from the development must be used at an intersection near the development, not in a different part of the Township. There is a three year window to use the funds or they are to be returned.
- Mr. Comitta suggested waiting to disband the Act 209 Committee for a few years.
Comprehensive Plan Update 2015
Mr. Comitta discussed the scope of the 2015 update. He suggested discussion in December toward a consensus regarding when to apply for the grant (in January or wait until June). Mr. Comitta made changes to the draft prior to the canceled October meeting. He will make one more revision to include scale and suggestions from a final meeting with Mr. Wright and Mr. Westhafer. He will then redistribute to members. It will be on the December agenda.
- Addendum can be just the Act 209 Plan, with Traffic Improvement Plan complete
- Open Space & Recreation Plan is already done
- January 2015 was target submittal date, but June 2015 is an option
- The Chester County Planning Commission has many applications for January. May be favorable to wait until June
- CCPC may take into consideration that the Township is taking the lead in defining new standards regarding land use that could benefit surrounding townships.
- Future meeting of PC and the Township supervisors to look at past circumstances in a participatory manner to come up with designations for land use (example FR1 and FR2).
- Members were in agreement, there needs to be more control regarding land use.
Future Municipal Building
To begin a discussion on size and use for a new Township Building, requested by Mrs. Leland, Mrs. Csete distributed a wish list of attributes. Some are listed below.
- A conference room within the Township office
- Improved security
- Restricted access areas
- More storage for files eliminating off-site storage costs. (Current cost is almost the same as the rent for the Township office space.)
- A handicapped access
- Expansion for possible increase in the number of employees, or a Codes/Zoning Officer, storage, etc. (Currently there are about 500 document cartons off-site).
- Separate break-room and restroom
- Improved technology and multi-media capabilities, (Wi-Fi)
Mr. Motel discussed building on 6 acres owned by Charlestown and leasing the extra commercial space for Township revenue. This would also reserve future space if necessary. No further action was taken. Mr. Allen said it would be helpful to have an update from Mr. Filippo regarding this part of his commercial/retail tract, to apply to this discussion.
Action Items
- Planning Commission Members are to visit the TND sites.
- Mrs. Csete will call Mr. Theurkauf to give the go ahead.
- December will include a discussion on Act 209 and the Comprehensive Plan Update
Adjournment
Mr. Westhafer adjourned the meeting at 9:10 p.m. The Planning Commission’s next scheduled meeting is December 9, 2014 at the Great Valley Middle School, Room 154.
Lisa Gardner,
Recording Secretary