Charlestown Township
Board of Supervisors Business Meeting
Minutes of February 4, 2019

The first business meeting for February was held February 4, 2019 at the Spring Oak Clubhouse, 4090 Whitehorse Road, Malvern, PA.

Present

Supervisors:
Frank A. Piliero, Chairman, Susan T. Bednar, Kevin R. Kuhn, and Hugh D. Willig. Charles A. Philips, Vice Chairman, was absent.
Consultants:
Mark P. Thompson, Esq., and Daniel T. Wright, P.E.
Staff:
Linda Csete, Manager, Jim Thompson, Roadmaster, and Lisa Gardner, Recording Secretary. Tim Hubbard, Public Safety & Property Coordinator was absent.

Call to Order:

7:00 p.m.

Announcements

Supervisor Bednar mentioned that she submitted comments on behalf of the Board after receiving their consensus, and transmitted them to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) related to the Adelphia Gateway Project. FERC’s certification process is a federal action, therefore, FERC must complete an environmental analysis of the proposal under the National EnviPolicy Act (NEPA). Please see www.charlestown.pa.us for more information.

There was an executive session held following the January 7, 2019 meeting to discuss legal matters.

Citizens Forum

A Spring Oak resident questioned the Board about the location of future access roads for Devault Village at Spring Oak. She resides at the corner of Spring Oak and Quigley Roads. Mr. Wright described the additional two construction, or temporary, roads, and stated that Spring Oak Road will not bear all the traffic of the 76 additional homes on the approved plans. Residents said they did not receive this information from JP Orleans. Mr. Allen suggested visiting the Township Office and viewing the plans.

Mr. Goodman introduced Mr. Findlay of the EAC. Mr. Findlay is looking for volunteers for park and trail clean up, and Lantern Fly scraping, etc.

Approvals

January 7, 2019 Reorganization Meeting Minutes

Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the minutes for the January 7, 2019 Reorganization Meeting, and Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

January 7, 2019 Business Meeting Minutes

Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the minutes for the January 7, 2019 Business Meeting, and Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Treasurer’s Report January 1 – 31, 2019

Mr. Piliero moved to approve the January 2019 Treasurer’s Report and Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Accounts Payable Report for the Operating Fund February 4, 2019

Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the Operating Fund Accounts Payable Report for February 4, 2019 and Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Accounts Payable Report for the Open Space Capital Improvement Fund for February 4, 2019

Mr. Piliero moved to approve the Open Space Fund Accounts Payable Report for February 4, 2019 and Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Accounts Payable Report February 4, 2019 Liquid Fuels Fund

Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the Liquid Fuels Fund Accounts Payable Report for February 4, 2019 and Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Reports

Mr. Kuhn moved to accept the January 2019 reports #1-14 as submitted and Mr. Piliero seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Presentation

Mr. Piliero read aloud Resolution #937-2019 commending Mr. Michael Allen, who recently retired from the Planning Commission after serving for over 20 years. He was thanked for his many services, among them, his uncommon devotion and enthusiasm, and his 12 years involvement in the design of the TND. Mr. Allen met with applause from his fellow members of the Planning Commission and all those in attendance

Hearings

Crown Castle Conditional Use Application

Mr. Thompson opened the hearing and the proceeds were taken by court reporter Mr. Mark Hagarty. Mr. Thompson entered the following exhibits into the record:

B-1 Conditional Use Application to the Township
B-2 Public Notice
B-3 Proof of Publication
B-4 List of Property Owners receiving required notifications and the corresponding signature cards.

Mr. Shive, Ms. Colleran, and Mr. Jinadu, of Crown Castle provided information to the Board and residents regarding the placement of a pole at 3281 Phoenixville Pike. This land was formerly thought to be owned by the Apostolic Christian Church, but was instead is owned by the Chester Valley Grange #1946.

Following testimony, Mr. Thompson closed the hearing.

Agricultural Security Area Seven Year Review

Mrs. Csete explained that an ASA has a seven year lifetime, and then it must undergo a review and re-certification. In 2018, Charlestown moved forward with its review and Thomas Comitta Associates coordinated parcel number updates with the Chester County Planning Commission. There are numerous steps and deadlines in this process, and everything has now been accomplished with the exception of the supervisors’ final review and approval.

The Township received no new applications to join the ASA. The Planning Commission and ASA Committee held their joint meeting in December to review the map and both recommended its adoption. There are approximately 2,078 acres in the ASA, representing a quarter of the Township.

Mr. Kuhn moved to adopt Resolution #938-2019 adopting the revised Agricultural Security Map, and Ms. Bednar seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none called the vote. All were in favor.

Old Business

Crown Castle Right-of-Way Agreement

Mr. Thompson stated that he reviewed the proposed right-of-way agreement with Crown Castle and recommended it to the Board for approval. The facility would be on Spring Mill Road. Since this is a Township road, the Township will receive compensation, $750 per year, plus reimbursement of any legal fees.

Mr. Kuhn moved to execute the Crown Castle Right-of-Way Agreement, and Mr. Piliero seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none called the vote. All were in favor.

Appoint Planning Commission Member for term ending 12/31/2019

Mr. von Hoyer stated resumes were received from those interested in filling Mr. Allen’s vacancy on the Planning Commission. Unfortunately, one candidate was not a resident of the Township, which disqualified him. The other four candidates were interviewed by a subcommittee of the Planning Commission. All four were found to be excellent candidates for the position. The committee recommended Mr. Matthew Rogers to be appointed. They further recommended that two candidates be considered for other volunteer positions, specifically on the Parks & Recreation Board, due to their enthusiasm and credentials. Mr. von Hoyer asked the Board to please contact them.

Mr. Dan Walker, who currently serves on the Environmental Advisory Committee, will be appointed as Alternate PC member. If the Alternate is actively filling in, they may vote on an application. The Alternate Member must be appointed via resolution, as required by the PA Municipalities Planning Code.

Mr. Piliero moved to appoint Mr. Matthew Rodgers to the Planning Commission for the term ending 12/31/2019, and Mr. Dan Walker as Alternate, via Resolution #939-2019, for a term ending 12/31/2022. Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none called the vote. All were in favor.

Appoint Planning Commission Member to Environmental Advisory Committee for term ending 12/31/2019

The Board noted that since Dan Walker was appointed to the Planning Commission, this matter has been addressed since he’s already a member of the EAC.

Mr. Willig moved to appoint Mr. Walker to the EAC for a term ending 12/31/2019 and Mr. Piliero seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

New Business

Update on Spring Oak Walking Path Drainage Issue

Mr. Wright provided an update and photos of the Spring Oak Sediment Basin B discharging at the path adjacent to Whitehorse Road. The photos showed signs of water and sediment on the path. Mr. Wright also provided a drawing of the existing sediment outlet pipe configuration.

After contacting Mr. George Bennis, project manager, a temporary solution will be obtained by re-grading to create a slight berm (1 or 2 feet high). It will be adjacent to the path to direct water towards the stream. Mr. Wright then described a new permanent strategy (on plans as Level Spreader 2), using a different type of rock barrier that has a spreading point of discharge. Instead, it turns the spread of the water away from the path and towards the stream. It will include the removal of a silt fence.

Authorize Advertisement of Bids

Mrs. Csete said that when the road, mowing, and tree contracts were approved last year, the mowing and tree contracts contained a clause allowing a one year renewal at the Supervisors’ discretion. She confirmed with the Board that they wished to extend the landscaping contract with Charlestown Landscaping, and the tree contract with Davey Tree Service.

Mr. Kuhn moved, to authorize advertising of the road equipment and labor contract for a bid opening on March 4, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. at the Great Valley Middle School, Room 154, and to extend for 12 months, the landscaping contract with Charlestown Landscaping, and the tree contract with Davey Tree Service. Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Schedule Conditional Use Hearing – George Meyer

Mr. Kuhn moved to authorize advertising the Conditional Use Hearing for George Meyer to allow a conventional lot subdivision on his property at Bodine and Seven Oaks Road. The hearing is scheduled to open on March 4, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. at the Great Valley Middle School, Room 154, 255 N. Phoenixville Pike, Malvern, PA. Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Mr. Meyer is scheduled on the February 12th agenda for the Planning Commission. Mr. Wright told the Board that Mr. Meyer will need to submit a new preliminary plan. In this particular instance, the conventional design is preferred by the Planning Commission and himself.

Schedule Annual Earth Day Clean Up Event

Mrs. Csete proposed scheduling Earth Day for Saturday April 6th with an April 13th rain date in order to stay clear of Easter weekend of April 20-21. The Board was in agreement. Although there may be some scheduling conflicts, Mrs. Csete said the groups can also work independently and can really volunteer on any date.

Escrow Release #7 – Spring Oak III

Mr. Wright said everything was in order for this release. Mr. Piliero moved to approve Escrow Release #7 for Spring Oak Phase III and Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Other Business

There is an executive session after tonight’s meeting to discuss legal issues.

Adjournment

Mr. Piliero adjourned the meeting at 8:45 p.m. The next monthly Board of Supervisors Meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 4, 2019, 7:00 p.m. at Great Valley Middle School, Room 154, 255 N. Phoenixville Pike, Malvern, PA.

Respectfully submitted,


Lisa K. Gardner
Recording Secretary