CHARLESTOWN TOWNSHIP
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The Charlestown Township Board of Supervisors held their regular monthly meeting on Monday, April 3, 1995 at the Charlestown Elementary School, Charlestown Road, Devault.
Present: |
John C. Martin,Jr., Chairman; John B. Sauser, Vice Chairman; Irene W. Ewald, Member; Thomas F. Oeste,Esq.; Ruth W. Buckwalter, Secretary and those on the attached attendee list. |
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 8:05pm.
The Chairman stated that as a result of the Davison shooting incident, the State Police were invited to attend tonight’s meeting for a question and answer session. Officer Ed Gomez, liaison and information officer for Charlestown, introduced Troopers Fred Dyroff and Joe Kovel. Trooper Dyroff reported on his investigation of the Davison case and stated that unless the perpetrator or a witness comes forward, the case is unsolvable. Officer Gomez gave a report on how the State Police cover Charlestown Township and answered questions.
There were no announcements.
The Chairman entertained a motion to approve the minutes of the January 3, 1995 reorganization meeting. Mrs. Ewald so moved. The motion was seconded by Mr. Martin and so carried.
The Chairman entertained a motion to approve the minutes of March 6, 1995. Mrs. Ewald so moved. The motion was seconded by Mr. Sauser and so carried.
Mrs. Ewald moved to approve the minutes of March 20, 1995. The motion was seconded by Mr. Sauser and so carried.
The Chairman entertained a motion to approve the March, 1995 Treasurer’s Report. Mrs. Ewald so moved. The motion was seconded by Mr. Sauser and carried unanimously.
The Chairman entertained a motion to approve the April 3, 1995 Accounts Payable. Mrs. Ewald so moved. The motion was seconded by Mr. Sauser and carried unanimously.
Mr. Kohli was unable to attend the meeting.
Mr. Churchill reported that the Planning Commission met last month but that no final actions were taken.
Mr. Hiller reported that February 28 to March 28 was spent cleaning drains and sweeping roads and intersections. He also had the remaining salt and cinders transferred from the contractor’s bin to the Township yard. Mrs. Ewald asked about the status of road signs. Mr. Hiller replied that we are losing a lot of signs on a regular basis, always an on-going problem. A question was raised by an attendee as to who is responsible to clear the snow on Seven Oaks Road. Mr. Hiller said that he thought this was a state road. Mrs. Ewald reported that West Pikeland was suppose to clear it. Mr. Martin suggested that West Pikeland enter into a winter maintenance agreement with PENNDOT. Mr. Hiller submitted a written report of March activities for the files.
Mr. Alston reviewed his February and March Report. During February there were 3 hazardous material incidents, 8 vehicle accidents, 1 call for traffic control, 1 automatic alarm, 1 smoke investigation, 1 rescue, 1 dwelling fire and 1 QRS response. During March there were 1 building fire, 1 dwelling fire, 1 field/wood fire, 2 vehicle accidents, 1 smoke investigation and 2 QRS calls.
Mark Connolly referred to a letter written by the Valley Forge Christian College’s attorney, James Maza, which outlined the planned construction at the Valley Forge Christian College. The letter gave notice that traffic will be re-routed, some roads on the college grounds will be closed and water and sewer services to Charlestown Park will cease. The utility issue is Mr. Connolly’s prime concern. Mrs. Ewald said she would like Mr. Oeste to respond to Mr. Maza. The next item Mr. Connolly brought to the Board was the interest of the PMYC football group in acquiring the putt-putt course. They are willing to take on all improvements for a new multi use wide open field. Mrs. Ewald stated that this is an area for the young children. Mr. Martin requested a plan. Mr. Sauser reminded Mr. Connolly that he would be losing some parking as a result of the Simpson House. Mrs. Ewald thought this item might be negotiated when the Supervisors receive a plan from the college.
John DeLello stated that PECO had installed the new poles on Charlestown Road but have not removed the old poles. Mr. Sauser explained that he had spoken to PECO regarding this and learned that PECO has an arrangement with the telephone and cable TV companies for running wires on their poles. These companies are responsible to move their wires but they don’t seem inclined to so do. Mr. Sauser thought it would be in order for the Supervisors to write a letter to these two companies requesting the change over. Mrs. Ewald agreed to this and the Chairman asked Mr. Sauser to write the letters. Residents of Sycamore Lane stated that a survey crew was taking measurements on Sycamore Lane reportedly for installation of a water line to service Charlestown Hunt. Mrs. Ewald said that she was totally stunned by this news and that no water, sewage line nor road access to Charlestown Hunt are to be on Sycamore Lane. Mr. Martin stated that he would contact the Township Engineer tomorrow. Mrs. Ewald asked Mr. Oeste to contact Mr. Snyder. Mark Connolly reported that there has been no control of soil erosion over at least 10 acres of bare soil emptying into Charlestown’s open space on Rt. 29. Mr. Connolly went on to say that Realen and Mr/Mrs Connolly are still in litigation with the Hunt over the right-of-way on his property. He requested the Supervisors look at the plan and consider the impact and scope of the work to be done on Broadwater Lane. Other issues discussed were who would maintain the emergency road, the location and quality of the road and the installation of a gate to protect Broadwater Lane residents.
The Chairman referred to Paul Hogan’s letter of December 16 regarding repairs to the park property. At this time the trash and junk accumulation at the rear of the college property was discussed. It is hoped that when the Simpson House is built the area will be rehabilitated. In regards to the park, Mrs. Ewald noted that the cost would be about $200 to repair the padding around the swings and put down some shredded mulch. Mr. Sauser said that he thought the estimate had been more like $1,000. He suggested eliminating the rubber mats for under the swings.
The next item concerned the C/D which had been placed with Plgit in March to be reviewed at this meeting. Mrs. Csete reported that the interest rate had increased. The Board decided to stay with Plgit.
The Chairman moved on to Mr. Roggio’s lot line change. Following a brief review, Mrs. Ewald moved to approve the Roggio lot line change and authorize Mr. Kohli to issue the permit. The motion was seconded by Mr. Sauser and carried unanimously.
The Spring Road Tour was scheduled for Sunday, April 30 at 10:00 am.
Mrs. Ewald moved to have Mr. Kohli advertise the material and equipment bids. The motion was seconded by Mr. Martin and carried unanimously.
The Chairman summarized the proposed municipal fire insurance escrow ordinance: the state legislature changed the law on proceeds from fires if the building/land owner owes substantial back taxes. In order to protect the Township we need to pass the ordinance and register the ordinance with the Department of Community Affairs. The Township Treasurer has been designated as the contact person. Mr. Martin moved to advertise the proposed municipal fire loss certificate and fire insurance escrow ordinance. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Ewald and carried unanimously. Mr. Oeste will advertise the ordinance.
Mrs. Ewald received a copy of the Township’s Insurance packet to review for any changes or additions before the June renewal. The Secretary was asked to copy Messrs. Martin and Sauser.
The Comcast Metrophone Conditional Use Hearing and the S.G.Souder Conditional Use Hearing were both scheduled for the May 1 Board meeting. Mr. Oeste will advertise.
Louis Colagreco,Esq., representing the Iacobucci Organization, reviewed the action of the last 18 months. The last item needing approval by the East Whiteland Board of Supervisors is the storm water improvement. Mr. Colagreco requested the Supervisors instruct their solicitor to prepare the final order approving the plan. Mrs. Ewald requested Mr. Oeste to prepare the final order in time for the May 1 Board meeting.
Mrs. Ewald brought up the Board of Assessment of Appeals’ letter regarding class action on open space. Mr. Oeste explained that Don Weiss,Esq., filed class action with the Board of Assessment on open space parcels. He did not know if there are any such parcels in Charlestown.
Mr. Oeste referred to a letter sent to Mr. McErlane dated March 28 regarding Rosewood Farms Development. Rosewood has been trying to dedicate the road. The Bank, which took over this subdivision, has discovered they do not own the road. Mr. Oeste suggested that we ask the Bank and Rewis & Dambly to quit-claim the road to us. Mr. Oeste will further investigate the matter and memo the Supervisors.
All business was completed at 10:10 pm. The Chairman adjourned the meeting.