Charlestown Township Board of Supervisors Business Meeting Minutes of January 3, 2017

The first business meeting for January was held January 3, 2017 at the Great Valley Middle School in Room 154, 255 N. Phoenixville Pike, in Malvern, PA.

Present

Supervisors:	Frank A. Piliero, Chairman, Charles A. Philips, Vice Chairman, Kevin R. Kuhn, Michael J. Rodgers, and Hugh D. Willig.
Consultants:	Mark P. Thompson, Esq. and Daniel Wright, P.E.
Staff:	Linda Csete, Manager, Jim Thompson, Public Works, Tim Hubbard, Property and Public Safety Coordinator, and Lisa Gardner, Recording Secretary.
Public:	See attached sign-in sheet

Call to Order:

7:22 p.m.

Announcements

The Board of Supervisors held an executive session following the business meeting on December 4, 2016 at the Great Valley Middle School in room 154.

Citizens Forum

No items were mentioned at this time.

Approvals

December 5, 2016 Business Meeting Minutes

Mr. Philips moved to approve the minutes for the December 5, 2016 Business Meeting and Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Treasurer’s Report December 1 – 31, 2016

Mr. Rodgers moved to approve the December 2016 Treasurer’s Report and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Accounts Payable Reports for December 1-31, 2016 Operating Fund Year End Payroll

Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the December 1-31, 2016 Operating Fund Year End Payroll and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Accounts Payable Reports for Operating Fund for January 3, 2017

Mr. Philips moved to approve the General Fund Accounts Payable Report for January 3, 2017 and Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Accounts Payable Report for Open Space Fund for January 3, 2017

Mr. Rodgers moved to approve the Open Space Fund Accounts Payable Report for January 3, 2017 and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Reports

Mr. Kuhn moved to accept the December 2016 reports #1-13 as submitted and Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Old Business

Project Updates

Mr. Robert Dettore was not present to give updates.

New Business

PSATS Conference April 16 to 20, 2017

Mrs. Csete asked if any of the Supervisors plan to attend the conference. Mr. Rodgers confirmed that he would like to be registered again this year.

Sketch Plan for Lot Combination of 2 Lots on Sidley Hill Road

Mr. Paul Matsiras distributed a packet for his informal sketch plan. Mr. David Shula of Chester Valley Engineers presented this information, previously reviewed by the Planning Commission. The proposal combines two parcels (#35-3-85 and #35-3-86) into one parcel for the construction of a single story family home, between 3000-4000 square feet.

Mr. Shula showed Supervisors that the Turnpike is to the rear of the property. Both sides of the property are also owned by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. The two parcels are in the FR Zoning District and both are nonconforming with respect to net lot area. The gross lot area of both parcels combined is less than 80,000 square feet.

Mr. Shula discussed:

• The steep and very steep slopes
• Pointed out the proposed house within the building envelope
• The primary concern would be stormwater management
• Conditional Use allows a driveway in very steep slope
• The home and the stormwater management can also be approved by Conditional Use

Mr. Wright said he has already written a letter stating he has no opposition to placement of this driveway in very steep slope or the placement of a house in steep slopes subject to conditional use approval. The Board had no objections to Mr. Matsiras’ plans. Mr. Thompson reminded Supervisors that they can place conditions on any future approvals.

Resolution to Approve Payment from Muldoon Escrow

Mr. Thompson gave a brief history regarding the property, its upkeep, and a related trust. Mr. Philips moved to adopt Resolution #887-2017 approving a payment of $4,350.00 from the escrow held for the Muldoon’s, and Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

The next step will be to go before the French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust for their approval, per Mr. Thompson.

Schedule Joint Seminar with Planning Commission

Mrs. Csete asked for the availability of the Supervisors for a Joint Planning Session with Planning Commission Members. The date selected was March 4, 2017. Mrs. Csete will confirm this date via email.

Other Business

East Whiteland Fire Company

Mr. Kuhn said East Whiteland Township is considering enacting a “fire tax”. There is a desire to pay down the debt of building the new firehouse. Fund raising efforts are yielding a very poor turn out from businesses. Mr. Kuhn asked if Charlestown wanted to consider the same. After some discussion, it was generally felt that Charlestown’s current contributions are sufficient without imposing a separate tax.

Charlestown Park

Mr. Kuhn asked Supervisors their thoughts on allowing a special alcohol permit for the Park for events like weddings, family reunions or Township events. They discussed liability, what other townships are doing, and the many potential issues that could arise. Mr. Thompson will look into this, and recommend a policy, since the same topic is being discussed at four other local townships.

Whitehorse Estates Equestrian Trail

Mr. Kuhn and Mr. Thompson discussed the Whitehorse Estates equestrian trail update. The requirement for a trail is written into the HOA documents, but not listed on the development’s plans or individual property owners’ deeds. However, since the HOA subjects owners to what is written within the HOA documents, this makes the HOA the enforcer of the equestrian trail. The next step toward establishing this trail would be the HOA’s.

There will be a brief executive session after tonight’s meeting.

Adjournment

Mr. Piliero adjourned the meeting at 8:03 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 6, 2017, 7:00 p.m. at the Great Valley Middle School, in the Library, 255 N. Phoenixville Pike, in Malvern, PA 19355.