Charlestown Township
Board of Supervisors Business Meeting
Minutes of January 22, 2008

The second business meeting for January was held January 22, 2008 at the Great Valley Middle School Cafeteria. Kevin Kuhn, Chairman, Charlie Philips, Vice Chairman, Hugh Willig, Paul Hogan, Michael Rodgers, Mark Thompson, Esq., Linda Csete, Township Administrator, and those on the attached list were present.

Mr. Kuhn called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M.

Announcements

Mr. Kuhn announced that after this evening, the Board would try to hold to one meeting per month, so in the future, hearings will also be scheduled for the first Monday of the month rather than at a second monthly meeting.

Mrs. Csete announced that the CRC Watersheds Association, of which Charlestown Township is a member, is hosting a presentation on the design and construction of rain gardens along with how to install and use rain barrels on Saturday, February 9, 2008 from 10:00 AM to 11:45 AM at Penn State Brandywine in Media. An optional tour of the Penn State Naturalized Basin and Toft Woods Rain Garden Complex is available, weather permitting. This event is free to Charlestown residents, although attendees must pre-register. She then made flyers for the event available to those in attendance.

Citizens’ Forum for Non-Agenda Items

No matters were brought forward.

Approvals

Minutes of January 7, 2008 Reorganization Meeting

Mr. Philips moved to approve the minutes of the Reorganization meeting of January 7, 2008, and Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Minutes of January 7, 2008 Business Meeting

Mr. Philips moved to approve the minutes of the business meeting of January 7, 2008, and Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Minutes of January 16, 2008 Business Meeting

Mr. Philips moved to approve the minutes of the hearing of January 16, 2008, and Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Appointments

Historical Commission/H.A.R.B.

Mrs. Csete said The HARB communicated to the Board their recommendation that Sheila Klement and Linda Appler be reappointed to the HARB. Mr. Kuhn moved to re-appoint Sheila Klement to the real estate broker position on the HARB for a term to expire 12/31/12, and to re-appoint Linda Appler to an at-large term also expiring 12/31/12. Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Old Business

Stonorov Buildings

Mr. Philips said he contacted the Preservation Alliance per the Board’s request in order to obtain a deadline from them on their decision regarding the Stonorov steel houses that have been dismantled and are presently being stored at the Brightside Farm. The Alliance responded via email that they will reach a decision by 12/31/08 on whether they will take the structures. After this date, if they choose not to take them, the Board will dispose of them.

New Business

Zoning Hearing Board Application Overview – Pomeroy

Architect E.J. Messersmith and Mr. & Mrs. Pomeroy were present to provide an overview of the Pomeroy Zoning Hearing Board Application for an addition to the Pomeroy’s residence at 2095 Bodine Road. The proposed improvement is for alterations and an addition to a garage studio. Mr. Messersmith said a variance had already been granted for the project, which included other improvements to the house itself. Both structures are non-conforming. After that approval was granted, the building plans were then completed. Upon review, Mr. Kohli informed him the increased building height of the studio had to be addressed by the Zoning Hearing Board as it was not part of the original application.

Mr. Messersmith asked the Board whether it was necessary to go to the Zoning Hearing Board or whether they had the authority to dispose of the matter this evening by directing Mr. Kohli to issue the Building Permit. Mr. Kuhn responded that the Board could not do so and the matter must go through the Zoning Hearing Board. The Board indicated they would take a neutral position toward the application.

PSATS Convention May 11 -14, 2008

Mrs. Csete asked if any of the Board members were planning to attend the May 11-14, 2008 PSATS convention other than Mr. Rodgers. The other board members indicated they did not plan to attend.

Green Valleys Association “Envirovest” – Request for Contribution

Mrs. Csete referred to a letter dated 1/4/08 from the Green Valleys Association requesting support in the amount of $1,000 for the 2008 “Envirofest” on May 3rd. The Township had supported this event last year, which promotes efforts to educate and advocate for a clean and healthy environment. The Secretary indicated the Township’s participation can be credited toward their NPDES education and outreach requirements under Act 167. Mr. Willig moved to approve a contribution of $1,000 to Green Valleys Association, and Mr. Hogan seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Authorization to Register Five PLGIT Plus Accounts to Maximize Dividend Earnings

Mrs. Csete stated she met with PLGIT representative Paul Robinson, who suggested the Township open PLGIT Plus accounts that each link to the 5 Class accounts the Township has now. PLGIT Plus pays slightly higher dividends, but provides no check writing capability. Money must stay in PLUS for 30 days before it can be moved back to CLASS or the additional interest isn’t credited.

She said the difference in dividend percentage isn't remarkable right now, but sometimes there's more of a spread, as much as half a percentage point. By shifting some funds to the Plus accounts, at today's rates the Township would earn an additional $1,500-$2,000 per year in dividends. She therefore recommends setting up a PLGIT Plus account to correspond to the Operating Fund, Open Space Fund, State Fund, Stormwater Management Account and Fire Escrow Account and requested the Board’s approval.

Mr. Philips moved to approve to authorize the Treasurer to open the five accounts as recommended, and Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Desfor Farms Escrow Release #3

Mr. Rodgers moved to approve escrow release #3 for Desfor Farms, and Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Willig confirmed there is still $38,824.10 remaining in escrow. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and their being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Hearings

Robal Associates

Mr. Thompson opened the hearing for Robal Associates and read an email dated 1/22/08 from Debbie Woodall at Tupitza and Associates requesting a continuance due to the unavailability of their witness, Wayne Grafton. No testimony was heard. The hearing was continued to February 4, 2008, 7:30 P.M. at the Great Valley Middle School, Room 154.

Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) Ordinance

Mr. Thompson opened the hearing and the proceedings were taken by Jennifer Guy, Court Reporter. Mr. Thompson entered the following exhibits:

B-1 Copy of Board of Supervisors minutes dated Dec. 3, 2007 in which the Board authorized the advertisement for the public hearing for January 22, 2008.
B-2 Copies of letters dated December 21, 2007 and December 28, 2007 to all property owners within the area proposed to be rezoned.
B-3 Copy of letter hand delivered to the Charlestown Township Planning Commission dated December 21, 2007 enclosing Act 247 Notice and the proposed Ordinance.
B-4 Copy of letter hand delivered to the Chester County Planning Commission dated December 21, 2007 enclosing Act 247 Notice and the proposed Ordinance.
B-5 Copy of letter dated January 7, 2008 by Mark Thompson, Esq. to Chester County Law Library enclosing attested copy of proposed Ordinance and Public Notice.
B-6 Copy of letter dated January 7, 2008 by Mark Thompson, Esq. to Daily Local News enclosing Public Notice of and the full text of the proposed Ordinance and requesting publication.
B-7 Proof of Publication from the Daily Local News
B-8 Copy of Public Notice
B-9 Copy of October 23, 2007 Charlestown Township Planning Commission minutes recommending the proposed ordinance be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors for consideration of adoption
B-10 Copy of mailing labels
B-11 Listing of all property owners including names, parcels, and physical mailing addresses
B-12 Verification of Posting by Mark Cabot dated January 14, 2008.
B-13 Copy of the Proposed Ordinance
B-14 Copy of Proposed Zoning Map
B-15 Act 247 County Referral Form
B-16 Review Letter of Chester County Planning Commission to L. Csete dated 1/16/08

Mr. Kuhn called for comments from those present. The following individuals made comments for the record:

The hearing was continued to February 4, 2008, 7:30 P.M. at the Great Valley Middle School, 255 N. Phoenixville Pike, Malvern, PA 19355, room 154.

Other Business

Adjournment

Mr. Philips moved to adjourn, and Mr. Rodgers seconded. All were in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 P.M. The next business meeting is scheduled for February 4, 2008, 7:30 P.M. in Room 154 of the Great Valley Middle School.

Respectfully submitted,


Linda M. Csete
Township Administrator