Charlestown Township
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The first business meeting for June was held June 6, 2005, at the Great Valley Middle School, Room 154. Kevin R. Kuhn, Chairman, Mike Rodgers, Vice Chairman, Hugh Willig, Charles Philips, Paul Hogan, James E. McErlane, Esq., Surender Kohli, P.E., Linda M. Csete, Township Administrator, and those on the attached list were present.
The meeting was called to order at 7:35 P.M.
Mr. Kuhn announced that the Township received a Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Award from Preservation America and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission during the annual awards luncheon in Harrisburg on May 26th for the Charlestown Woolen Mill Stabilization Project. Supervisor Charlie Philips, Historical Commission Chair Rosemary Philips, and Historical Architectural Consultants Dale and Susan Frens were in attendance.
Lt. Kevin Pierce introduced himself as the new commander of the Embreville barracks of the Pennsylvania State Police covering Charlestown Township. He then introduced Sgt. Joan McCohn as a criminal investigator, and Lt. Matt Carr as the community services officer. He provided the Board with an incident report from January through June 4, 2005, indicating that the majority of calls are false alarms and minor accidents. He said the state police have a new program to enhance problem-specific policing using their computer system to track each call as they relate to property, people or automobiles, and can print out the symbols on a map showing where the incidents are occurring. He added that each trooper is provided with a patrol book that they review at the beginning of each shift. Also, shifts have been staggered so there are more officers on duty during peak call times.
Lt. Pierce explained how the State Police covers various zones. Charlestown is part of Zone 18. He said a car is available to respond to Charlestown citizens 24 hours a day. If there is an extreme emergency, they will contact a closer police department to respond until they can arrive on the scene.
Lt. Pierce explained the “three strikes and you’re out” penalties for repeated false alarms in a one-year period, and provided a copy of the Notice that is left at the location where a false alarm was activated. Mr. Kuhn asked if Charlestown is similar to other townships with regard to the number of false alarms and Lt. Pierce said yes.
Lt. Pierce communicated that they heard Charlestown was considering contracting police services through one of its neighboring townships, and he emphasized that the State Police are very interested in continuing to serve the Township. Mr. Kuhn said there were no immediate or near-future plans to contract out police services.
Lt. Pierce distributed business cards with contact information to the residents in attendance, and encouraged them to contact him or the Embreville Barracks in general at any time. He reminded them of the hotline number for national security and terrorist awareness reports, including criminal or suspicious behavior. He provided the new phone number at the Barracks as 484-340-3241. He said that although the Barracks are located in Coatesville, residents should know troopers aren’t waiting there to be dispatched; there is always a patrol car in Charlestown’s zone with a response time at most of 15-20 minutes.
The Supervisors thanked Lt. Pierce and the State Police for their time this evening and for their services.
Mr. Philips moved to approve the May 2, 2005 minutes, and Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none called the vote. All were in favor.
Mr. Philips moved to approve the May 1 - 31, 2005 Treasurer's report, and Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none called the vote. All were in favor.
Mr. Philips moved to approve the June 6, 2005 Operating Fund Accounts Payable report, and Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Mr. Philips moved to approve the June 6, 2005 Open Space Fund Accounts Payable report, and Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Mr. Philips moved to accept the monthly reports as submitted, and Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion. Mrs. Csete reminded the public that a three ring binder containing all the reports is set out at the Township meetings for their review. Any reports can be provided to the public upon request. John Lackovic asked if they are posted on the website, and Mrs. Csete responded no. Mr. Kuhn said that this could be investigated, but due to the nature of the website being run by a private citizen, it may prove to be burdensome. Mr. Hogan said he’d like to discuss the Brightside Strategic Committee report in more detail, and Mr. Kuhn said this is listed separately on the agenda and would be discussed later this evening. Mr. Kuhn called the vote. All were in favor.
Jim McErlane, Esq. opened the hearing for the application, and the proceedings were recorded by Mark Manjiardi, Court Reporter. Kristin S. Camp, Esq. represented the applicant. The following witnesses gave testimony:
The following exhibits were entered into the record:
By the Township:
| • | T-1 | Proof of Publication in the Daily Local News |
By the Applicant:
| • | A-1 | Letter of notification sent to adjacent property owners with green return receipt cards turned over to Mr. McErlane |
| • | A-2 | Brochure explaining the nature of Bradco Supply Corp |
| • | A-3 | Conditional Use Application dated 4/14/05; |
| • | A-4 | Copy of Deed to the property dated 1/10/2001 |
| • | A-5 | Agreement of Sale between Glen Brae Co. and Bradco Supply |
| • | A-6 | Portion of Tax Map depicting location of Parcel 35-4-103 |
| • | A-7 | Survey Plan of the property prepared by Bock & Clark dated 4/12/05 |
| • | A-8 | Photographs of the property and existing improvements |
| • | A-9 | Plan marked up with area of the building dedicated to warehouse/office/display area |
| • | A-10 | Subdivision Plan for Glen Brae Co. dated 11/21/94 last rev. 10/19/95 |
The hearing was closed, and the Board will render a decision within 45 days.
Jim McErlane, Esq. opened the hearing for the application, which is still under review by the Planning Commission. The proceedings were recorded by Mark Manjiardi, Court Reporter. Jeffrey Sommer, Esq. represented the Applicant.
The following witnesses gave testimony:
The following exhibits were entered into the record:
By the Township:
| • | T-1 | Proof of Publication in the Daily Local News |
By the Applicant:
| • | A-1 | Copy of Deed accompanied by real estate data |
| • | A-2 | Horse show schedule for 2005 |
| • | A-3 | Computer rendering of the proposed equestrian ring |
| • | A-4 | Sheet 2 of 6 of the Plans, Existing Features Plan, last revised 4/5/05 |
| • | A-5 | Sheet 1 of 6 of the Plans, Site Plan, last revised 4/5/05 |
| • | A-6 | Sheet 4 of 6 of the Plans, Construction Improvement Plan, last rev. 4/5/05 |
The hearing was then continued to July 18, 2005 at 7:30 P.M. in Room 154 of the Great Valley Middle School.
Mr. Kuhn reported that the Planning Commission examined three alternative sketch plans for the Township’s proposed four lot subdivision of the Jenkins property on Valley Hill Road at their May 10th meeting. They recommended the sketch plan highlighted in green which shows the entrance road located in the area of the existing house, with the house to be demolished.
Abutting property owner Charles Isaacs explained his concerns with potential noise, lights, and trespassers (people and pets) that may result from the future park, and asked the Board to consider screening, preferably a solid fence, between his property and the park. Mr. Kohli noted that these matters can be addressed when a plan is developed for the park at a later time.
Mr. Rodgers moved to accept the Planning Commission recommendation and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Mrs. Csete will contact Glenn Diehl and ask that he prepare the bid package for the four lots to be sold by the Township.
Mr. Kuhn stated that the Stonorov family would like to schedule settlement on or about August 15, 2005 and asked the solicitor what steps must be taken before then. Mr. McErlane responded that the Township will need the approved subdivision plan, an agreement on the terms of the easement, to be resolved by the July 11, 2005 Board of Supervisors meeting, and final arrangements to be made with the ultimate purchasers. Mr. McErlane will also determine the dollar amount to be financed and make those arrangements.
Mr. Rodgers moved to schedule settlement on the Stonorov property for August 15, 2005, and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Mr. Philips had previously distributed the Final Report of the Brightside Farm Strategic Planning Committee to the Board members. The committee was formed for the sole purpose of investigating and developing a list of potential uses for the 55 acre farm and adjacent 20.6 acres on Yellow Springs Road that are owned by the Township known as the Brightside Farm. The Board agreed to review the report further and table this matter to July 11, 2005 to allow more time for discussion.
Mr. Kohli provided an update on the two properties in violation of the Historic Resources Protection ordinance, which requires that the owners secure their Class I historic buildings. Mr. Kohli said both the owners of the Volpi house on Phoenixville Pike and the Devault Beaver House on Warner Lane have indicated their intentions to submit demolition permit applications to the Township.
A barn owned by Henriette Bumeder, which is adjacent to the Charlestown Woolen Mill, is also in violation, but Mr. Kohli noted she has not been cited. Mr. Kuhn said that the owner’s representative, Jeong Chang, and an abutting property owner, Russell Naylor, have been negotiating over the purchase of the property including the barn, and hope to reach an agreement shortly. Mr. Philips emphasized the significance of the barn, noting that it is listed on the National Historic Register. Mr. Kuhn suggested this item be placed on the August 1, 2005 agenda for follow up to determine if any action is needed to protect the structure.
Mr. Kuhn asked for comments from the Board members on the parge-point sample on the Woolen Mill. Both Mr. Philips and Mr. Kuhn were pleased with the result, noting that 60-70% of the stone remains visible. Mr. Willig agreed that this should be the maximum coverage with the exception of those portions already covered. Mr. Rodgers moved to direct historical architectural consultant Dale Frens to prepare the bid documents for the parging of the Charlestown Woolen Mill, and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Allan Zimmerman of Commonwealth Engineers was present on behalf of the Apostolic Christian Church in order to solicit comments on their sketch plan for an expanded parking area, which will require conditional uses and variances for construction in steep and very steep slopes. This project will accompany a small addition to the church building itself, which also requires a conditional use. He distributed color pictures of the site to the Board members for their reference. Mr. Zimmerman said the matter was discussed in February at the Planning Commission meeting, and their suggestions to create a one-way traffic pattern in the parking lot aisle, show diagonal parking slots, and reduce the parking space size from 10 x 20 feet to 9 by 18 feet were taken into account on the revised sketch. Mr. Allen indicated the Planning Commission was generally amenable to the proposal presented at their meeting with these changes.
There was some discussion on stormwater management, whether the septic would have to be expanded due to the addition, and whether to construct porous paving for the parking lot addition. Mr. Kohli commented that porous paving may save on stormwater design up front but takes more maintenance in the long run. He said they may be better off constructing a regular impervious parking lot addition with stormwater inlets.
The applicant will return with formal applications for conditional use and the zoning hearing board.
Mike Keffer, P.E. of Light-Heigel Associates, Carl Sorzano of Devault Foods and Jeffrey Sommer Esq. were present on behalf of the applicant for a review of the Preliminary Land Development Plan for Devault Foods last revised May 27, 2005.
Mr. Keffer said that issues of site lighting and buffer extensions along the adjacent Spring Oaks property have been addressed. The issue of obtaining an approval letter from the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) for the proposed construction was discussed. Mr. Keffer said they won’t be able to obtain this in the near future as the PTC is still developing its own expansion plans and won’t respond until these are finalized. Mr. Kohli said that only the Phase I work dealing with fill and grading may proceed, but all additional Phase I work and the additional phases must wait for the letter.
Mr. Kohli noted that the question of how to calculate the proposed impervious surface coverage must still be addressed by the solicitor. Mr. McErlane recused himself from addressing this question; therefore, the Board referred this matter to Gary Bender for a response.
Mr. Rodgers moved to approve the Devault Foods Preliminary Land Development Plan, last revised 5/27/05, subject to the consultants’ review comments, and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Sue Staas, Chairman of the Open Space Commission, presented a list of proposed properties with a map indicating their locations, which the Commission recommends be added to the Township’s Official Map. The Open Space Commission also recommended that the Ordinance be amended to extend the 45 day period for the Board to communicate to subdivision and land development applicants that the Township has an interest in their property to one year to make it coincide with the requirements of the PA Municipalities Planning Code.
After some discussion, the Board requested that the Open Space Commission revise the list of proposed properties as follows:
The Board requested that the finalized map be ready for the July 11, 2005 meeting, at which time the hearing date for the Ordinance to amend the Official Map will be set.
The following bids for road labor, equipment and materials were opened and read aloud:
| Road Labor & Equipment | ||
| 1. | Melchiorre Construction Company | $398,750 |
| Bituminous Materials – F.O.B. Plant | ||
| 1. | Glasgow Inc. | $ 71,865 |
| 2. | Highway Materials | $ 72,250 |
| 3. | Independence Construction Materials | $ 59,000 |
| Stone Materials – F.O.B. Plant | ||
| 1. | Glasgow Inc. | $ 7,740 |
| 2. | Highway Materials | No Bid |
| 3. | Independence Construction Materials | $ 5,675 |
The documents were turned over to Mr. Kohli for review.
Mrs. Csete said she has been working with Ken Moyer of the Simkiss Agency for the past several weeks on obtaining the township’s annual insurance coverage. Mr. Moyer made a concerted effort to obtain additional quotes in order to bring in the best price, and as a result, insurance costs for the next period should be very similar to that paid last year, approximately $25,000. Mr. Philips moved to authorize Mrs. Csete to bind the insurance policies for the June 11, 2005-June 11, 2006 period, and Mr. Rodgers, seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Mr. Philips moved to schedule the Conditional Use Hearing for Dr. Marwan Wehbe for Monday, July 11, 2005, 7:30 P.M. at the Great Valley Middle School, Room 154. Mr. Kuhn seconded, and all were in favor.
Mr. Rodgers moved to approve Escrow Release #12 for Sal Lapio Inc. in the amount of $289,217, and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
The Board authorized the Township Treasurer to prepare the June 1- 30, 2006 payroll period pay checks for July 1, 2006 in advance of the July 10, 2006 meeting as this meeting is being held a week later than usual due to the Independence Day holiday.
Mr. Hogan said the Woolen Mill property grounds need to be trimmed. Due to the sloped and rocky terrain, much of this has to be done with a weed whacker rather than a lawn mower. The Board indicated that he should communicate with Mr. Alston about having this work done.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:53 P.M. There will be no meeting on June 20, 2005. The first regularly scheduled meeting for July will be moved back one week due to the Independence Day Holiday. Therefore the next Board of Supervisors meeting will be held at 7:30 P.M. on July 11, 2005, in Room 154 of the Great Valley Middle School.