A beautiful part of southeastern Pennsylvania

March 5, 2007    March 19, 2007   CHARLESTOWN TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS REGULAR MEETING March 5, 2007 The first business meeting for March was held March 5, 2007 at the Great Valley Middle School, Room 102. Kevin R. Kuhn, Chairman, Paul Hogan, Charlie Philips, Michael Rodgers, Hugh Willig, Mark Thompson, Esq., Linda M. Csete, Township Administrator, and those on the attached list attended. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P.M. Announcements Mr. Kuhn announced that an executive session was held prior to the meeting to discuss real estate matters relating to the township-owned Jenkins property on Valley Hill Road. Mr. Kuhn explained that the Township purchased the property approximately 3 years ago so they could reduce potential development on the site from 8 homes to 4 homes. The Township will sell the 4 subdivided lots and retain about 10-12 acres of the 16 acre site for a small park. Mr. Philips announced that a long time resident, Bill Gordon, passed away recently at the age of 94. Mr. Gordon represented Charlestown Township on the Valley Forge Sewer Authority Board, the Charlestown School Authority Board, and the Boy Scouts volunteer board. He was the highest ranking civilian employed at the Valley Forge Army Hospital. Mr. Kuhn announced that Bob Duncan passed away on Saturday. He and his sister, Mary Jane Duncan, founded Charlestown Townwatch. Mr. Hogan announced that on March 10th, the Charlestown Playschool is holding an auction In Kimberton to mark its 70th anniversary and celebrate Miss Betty's tenure. Citizen's Forum/Non-Agenda Items Turnpike Bridge over Bodine Road Tom McClure, Rosewood Lane, said he and other residents present this evening wanted to discuss the turnpike bridge over Bodine Road, stating they have serious issues with the possibility that the bridge would be eliminated and want to know where the Board stands. Mr. Kuhn said the item was on a previous agenda but not scheduled for this evening, so the Board will hear comments but won't make any decisions tonight. Mr. McClure said the Board has a responsibility to maintain the infrastructure that the residents bought into when they purchased their property. Mr. Kuhn said all the Board did at the February 5th meeting was listen to a Pa. Turnpike Commission proposal to either reconstruct or remove the Bodine Road Bridge, and no decision has been made. The Board seeks public input and has received numerous emails and letters. Mr. Willig said that at the February 5th meeting, the Board expected information on how the bridge would be repaired and was surprised by the talk of eliminating the bridge. They therefore asked the Turnpike Commission for more information, and the matter would be scheduled on a future agenda before any decision is made. David Melich, Seven Oaks Road, said that emergency services north of the Turnpike couldn't maintain their response level if the bridge was closed. Mr. Kuhn said emergency services is one of the Board's primary concerns. Mr. McClure asked about the cost of replacing the bridge, and Mr. Kuhn said that is the Turnpike Commission's concern. Mr. Hogan added that the township engineer drafted a set of parameters that he recommended the Turnpike Commission use in their traffic study, and the Board hopes to receive this data soon. Mr. Kuhn said that at the February 5th meeting, there were residents who were in favor of removing the bridge, and others who were opposed. He said the Board has an obligation to listen to all its residents before making a decision. Mr. Melich said he spoke to West Pikeland Supervisor Bill Cracas and that West Pikeland is more affected. If the bridge closed, the Seven Oaks Road and Route 401 intersection would have to be signalized, and West Pikeland would incur the cost for electricity. Mr. Willig said the Turnpike Commission can't remove the bridge without the Township's agreement. Mr. Thompson agreed, stating that since Bodine Road is a township road, only the Township has the authority to vacate the road, so the decision is the Board's to make. Mr. McClure asked why it's a difficult decision to make. Mr. Kuhn responded that the Board wasn't going to make a decision without facts, and therefore asked the Turnpike Commission for additional information first. Mr. Melich asked, since West Pikeland is so affected, shouldn't they have input. Mr. Kuhn said it is Charlestown's decision to make as they own the road on both sides. Mr. Melich said if Seven Oaks is widened to signalize the intersection, they would take some of his property and he'd lose a stone wall. Terry Lochry, Greenbriar Circle, asked if there is a timetable for making a decision. Mr. Willig said the way the Board left discussions with the Turnpike Commission on February 5th, the Turnpike Commission wants to know as soon as possible if the Township's decision is to keep the bridge so they can begin engineering studies. Mr. Kuhn said the Board should decide within 60 days. Mr. McClure asked again why the Board doesn't make the decision now to keep the bridge. Mr. Kuhn said they have to consider the cut through traffic, for which traffic studies have been requested, and the input coming in from the residents. Mr. Melich said he should have received direct notification of the February 5th meeting. Mr. Kuhn said the meetings are advertised and the agendas are posted on the website. Mr. Melich said he didn't have a computer at home. He said he'll be the one most impacted if the bridge is closed, and if he leaves the Township, his 30 acre property will not remain intact. Mr. McClure thanked the Board for their time, and repeated that he hopes they will maintain the infrastructure of the Township. Approvals Minutes of February 20, 2007 Mr. Rodgers moved to approve the February 20, 2007 minutes and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion. The Secretary reported that resident Kim Walsh, who attended the Turnpike Commission's presentation on February 5, 2007, contacted her to say that she was attributed with a comment at the meeting that she did not make, and asked that it be removed from the minutes. The Secretary told her those minutes were already approved by the Supervisors, but a correction could be noted in this evening's minutes to reflect that the statement "Kim Walsh, Bodine Road, said Route 401 can't handle more traffic" was attributed to her in error. Mr. Philips amended his motion to approve the February 20, 2007 minutes and to make a notation for the correction on the February 5, 2007 minutes, and Mr. Rodgers seconded. There being no more comments, Mr. Kuhn called the vote. Four were in favor, and Mr. Kuhn did not vote as he was not present the February 20th meeting. Treasurer's Report - February 1 - 28, 2007 Mr. Hogan moved to approve the February Treasurer's Report and Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor. Accounts Payable Report - Operating Fund March 5, 2007 Mr. Rodgers moved to approve the March 5, 2007 Operating Fund Accounts Payable report and Mr. Hogan seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor. Mr. Kuhn noted that payments to Lord's Services total $8,560.00 and there could be bid issues if Lord's is contracted to do any more work this year. He said next year the tree work should go out to bid, and for this year they will have to bid if there is any further work. Accounts Payable Report - Open Space Fund March 5, 2007 Mr. Rodgers moved to approve the March 5, 2007 Open Space Fund Accounts Payable report, and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor. Accounts Payable Report - State Fund March 5, 2007 Mr. Kuhn moved to approve the March 5, 2007 State Fund Accounts Payable report, and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor. Other Reports Phoenixville Regional Planning Commission Mr. Willig reported on the last meeting of the Phoenixville Regional Planning Commission (PRPC) which last week held a summit of all the elected officials participating in the group, including Charlestown Township, Phoenixville Borough, Schuylkill Township, East Pikeland Township, East Vincent Township and West Vincent Township. Mr. Willig said the group has drafted a regional comprehensive plan and is now considering an implementation agreement for it. The Comprehensive Plan will create consistency throughout the region with each municipality's individual plan. Phoenixville Borough Council had expressed a concern that the Regional Comprehensive Plan would be written to have allowed all of the other participants to send density to Phoenixville and that the Regional Plan would interfere with their revitalization plan. During the meeting it was clarified that the goals of this Regional Plan was to reduce density across the entire region, not concentrate it, and also to support Phoenixville's revitalization efforts. Further discussions clarified that the group determined centers for dense development in each municipality, while concentrating arts & entertainment in Phoenixville Borough. The function of the group is not to control what the others do. Each municipality retains control of its own zoning, with the PRPC acting in a similar capacity as the Chester County Planning Commission by providing additional comments and review. Mr. Philips asked what happened to Phoenixville Borough's interest in weighting the power by population. Mr. Willig said that once they better understood the process, the problem went away. Every party has global representation. For example, the question of the Bodine Road bridge would go to the regional group for review but Charlestown would retain its decision making power. Mr. Philips asked for the advantages of regional planning. Mr. Willig said Schuylkill Township Supervisor Norm Vutz articulated this well, with the example of how Schuylkill has mobile home parks, while Charlestown has a quarry. This covers both townships for both uses. Mr. Philips said, then this helps each township meet the fair share requirements of the MPC, which is onerous on individual townships now. Mr. Willig said the group will set the level for which to determine that an application is of regional significance and thus goes to them for review. Mr. Kuhn said Jim McMaster, the attorney for the PRPC, took the strongest portions of the individual comprehensive plans from each municipality when crafting the regional plan. The plan is meant to focus on undeveloped land, not on the uses of property already developed. Mr. Willig said the next step is a final review of the regional comprehensive plan, before which Charlestown needs to communicate its intentions for the Devault area. Then, a step by step review of the implementation agreement is needed. Mr. Philips asked when hearings are expected to take place, and Mr. Willig estimated, by this summer. After the regional plan is adopted, each municipality will have two years to bring their own comprehensive plans into consistency. He noted that Charlestown's Comprehensive Plan is already close to being consistent. Mr. Philips suggested an article be written for the next newsletter on the regional plan, and Mr. Willig will draft it. Mr. Kuhn recognized both Mr. Willig and Planning Commission member Rick Reis for their participation on the PRPC over the past few years. Mr. Rodgers moved to accept the monthly reports as submitted, and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor. Old Business Uniform Construction Code Board of Appeals Mr. Kuhn said the Board needs to move forward to create its UCC Board of Appeals. They spoke with East Whiteland Township about joining their regional group, but since that group hasn't had an application of its own yet, they didn't want to begin with the application of a new group member that may prove a challenge. Mr. Kuhn confirmed with Mr. Thompson that the Board may form the appeals board and appoint its members through a resolution. Mr. Thompson read from an email sent to the Board dated 2/21/07 listing the qualifications required of the 5 members on the board, which include a registered architect, structural engineer, plumbing or mechanical contractor, electrical engineer or contractor, and fire protection engineer or contractor. Mr. Kuhn confirmed with Mr. Thompson that Fred Alston would have no conflict if appointed as the fire protection member. Mr. Kuhn suggested contacting Robin Kohn for the architect position, and the other Board members agreed. Mr. Kuhn will also speak to Lee Haller, Frank Holleran, and Bill Andersen about the remaining positions. The Secretary will forward previous letters of interest received from four others. As an aside, Mr. Willig noted that the PRPC has suggested forming a regional board of appeals once the regional comprehensive plan is adopted. New Business Request for Public Water Service Luis Castro, 2063 Yellow Springs Road, requested access to public water. He said he purchased his house about a year ago and has done extensive renovations that are now ready for final inspection. His well produces sufficient water volume but the water is full of sediment. He expected this to clear up when he began running the water more frequently, but this has not been the case. Mr. Willig asked if the water main is the same one that serves Charlestown Oaks, and Mr. Philips said yes, adding that it doesn't extend past the bridge on Yellow Springs Road. Mr. Castro said his filter gets clogged very quickly after he runs water. Mr. Kuhn asked what type of well he has, and Mr. Castro said it is a 100 foot deep well. Mr. Kuhn asked if he's had a well contractor out to look at the problem, and Mr. Castro said not yet. He's concerned about the cost of digging a second well, and Aqua PA said that there would be no tie-in costs for him to hook up to public water because the pipe is close to the curb. Mr. Kuhn said the problem could be as simple as a broken pipe in the system, and that he'd want to see a report from a well contractor before considering the request for public water. Mr. Philips said he likewise wants a professional to look at it, and if the recommendation is to drill a second well, that is what should be done rather than tie in to public water. He sympathizes with Mr. Castro on the problem, but he believes public water access will spur development. He doesn't want to make a decision without hearing a professional assessment first. Mr. Willig said if it turns out to be a more complicated problem, he notes that the public water main can't go past the turnpike bridge, and there's not much potential for a developer to access it. Mr. Hogan indicated he would not be opposed to granting access to public water. Mr. Willig suggested Mr. Castro speak with his uphill neighbors to see if they have similar problems. Mr. Castro agreed, and said he will contact a well contractor to examine the situation and return to the Board with more information. Open Space Program and EIT Tax Mr. Kuhn began with an update for Paul Schulze IV, Wells Road, who made inquiries with regard to open space budgeting and spending and sent comments to the Board with his interpretation. Mr. Kuhn read aloud from the Board's letter sent to all residents 11/12/03, which describes the Board's intentions for the new Earned Income Tax revenues as follows, "The Board intends to use all the Earned Income taxes collected for enhancements to our Open Space Program, which includes property acquisition, including easements and development rights, and rehabilitation of historic assets. The Brightside Farm, Horseshoe Trail, historic Longwood School ruins and plans to preserve the historic Charlestown Woolen Mill are examples of projects that will benefit from the tax proceeds." Mr. Kuhn then read from a summary prepared by the Treasurer outlining various acquisitions and easements obtained with EIT funds, as well as a small percentage of these funds used for open space improvements. Mr. Kuhn noted the information was in the form of a preliminary worksheet, and showed 487 acres acquired or eased for a net cost of $6,752,470 after receipt of $945,000 in grant funding to offset costs. This made the net cost per acre $13,863. Mr. Schulze said he had concern over the 2007 budget showing a surplus of funds. Mr. Kuhn said these funds are in a bank account that are held until needed, and that he doesn't look at it as a surplus. There are open space projects on the table, and funds must be held in readiness for them. Mr. Schulze said the citizens are being taxed at approximately $1 million per year, but the funding isn't being used but rather going into the bank. Mr. Kuhn said 1/3 to 1/2 that sum was revenue being paid by Charlestown residents but going to other municipalities because Charlestown didn't have its own EIT tax. Mr. Kuhn assured Mr. Schulze that the Township will spend all money collected on Open Space projects, and that some funds are needed in the bank so they are ready to act when a property becomes available, and in order to match grant funding available. Mr. Schulze said the EIT funds should be spent on obtaining open space easements only, not for acquisitions or improvements, so the maximum is available for that purpose. Mr. Kuhn said whether it comes from EIT taxes or real estate taxes, the Township has always spent some money on improvements and historical preservation, and will always do so. Mr. Willig noted that the Board has passed a resolution each year indicating that the EIT funds collected for that year will be used solely for open space projects, including improvements. Mr. Schulze said the open space program should have a formal plan. The Secretary said she provided Mr. Schulze with information on the two bond obligation notes, including their annual principal and interest payments and terms at his request. She explained that the Open Space Fund is a capital project fund that is used for acquisition and easement projects as well as for open space improvement. The reason the Township purchased some land outright and eased other acreage is due to what the land is to be used for. Some land is acquired as opposed to being eased so it can be used for active recreation, including the Brightside Farm, Jenkins property, and Charlestown Park. The Woolen Mill property was acquired outright so that the structure could be preserved. Now Charlestown is in a position where it owns active, or potentially active, recreation sites in the west, center, and northeast portions of the township and more people can avail themselves of it. Mr. Schulze reiterated that the $2 million surplus shown going in to 2007 is too large. Mr. Kuhn said the Township has spent $6.7 million for open space projects in the last 3 years. Mr. Willig suggested the Board prepare a report for the next newsletter showcasing the results of the Open Space program, including how much has been spent so far, what has been preserved, the amount collected each year, and how much preserved acreage that could yield over the next few years. Board members acknowledged that one of Mr. Schulze's main concerns is to receive more information and clarification from them. Mr. Schulze agreed that a detailed financial plan would be welcome. Leslie Johns, Rapps Run Drive, said she doesn't like paying the EIT but feels she has a responsibility for the future of the Township. She said the Board showed foresight in preserving the Mill and acquiring the Brightside Farm. She said she wants the Township to have the money held in reserve to be ready for the next opportunity. Mr. Schulze thanked the Board for their time this evening. Estimates for the Longwood School Mr. Alston said he requested two estimates from Powder Valley Contractors, Inc., one in the amount of $1,250.00 to remove the graffiti from the Longwood School, and one in the amount of $1,650.00 to apply a graffiti control product on the stone in order to prevent recurrence. Mr. Hogan said this seemed expensive. Mr. Alston said the graffiti will take considerable labor to remove. He said he tried to handle this himself but was unsuccessful. Mr. Kuhn asked if the anti-graffiti coating will work, and Mr. Alston said he couldn't guarantee it, but it would at least be easier to remove graffiti if it reappeared after application. Mr. Philips moved to accept the two estimates and authorize the work to proceed, and Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. Four were in favor, and Mr. Hogan was opposed. Emergency Operations Center Mr. Alston provided an update on the EOC, which is temporarily housed at the Township Office. He said he met with C.B. Richard Ellis managers, representing the owner of the former Decision One building on Phoenixville Pike, and they have offered the Township the use of the same 600 square foot space that previously contained the EOC. They offered a month-to-month lease at no cost other than possibly covering the cost of utilities. They had previously offered a 10 year lease to run concurrently with that of a potential tenant, but that agreement may not take place now. Mr. Alston said a state senator has offered funding through a stipend that would also be large enough to pay for some improvements at the center. Mr. Willig asked if cabling would be needed, and Mr. Alston said yes, for both internet and phone. Mr. Willig was concerned with the lack of security in a month to month lease, and Mr. Kuhn said there was no advantage to taking it under those terms. Mr. Willig suggested that it may be more to the EOC's advantage to negotiate a 2 year or longer lease at a modest rental rate than have a month to month lease with no rent. Mr. Alston stated that the State would provide a stipend for this if a lease was something that the Board wanted to do. Mr. Alston said they have a major drill scheduled for August where the EOC will be evaluated by PEMA, and the Township has a record of never receiving a negative comment on these drills. He'd like to have the EOC set up in the new space before then. Mr. Kuhn said he'll make a call regarding the term to see if they can get the managers to agree to a minimum of a 2 or 3 year term with a modest rent. Adjournment Mr. Hogan moved to adjourn and Mr. Philips seconded. All were in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 9:33 P.M. The Board held an executive session following the meeting to discuss legal matters. The next meeting is scheduled for March 19, 2007, 7:30 P.M. in Room 154 of the Great Valley Middle School. Respectfully Submitted, Linda Csete Township Secretary     CHARLESTOWN TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS REGULAR MEETING March 19, 2007 The second business meeting for March was held March 19, 2007 at the Great Valley Middle School, Room 154. Kevin Kuhn, Chairman, Paul Hogan, Hugh Willig, Mark Thompson, Esq., Surender S. Kohli, P.E., Linda M. Csete, Township Administrator, and those on the attached list were present. Mr. Kuhn called the meeting to order at 7:32 P.M. Announcements Mr. Hogan announced that the Township will have an Earth Day cleanup on April 21, 2007 and invited residents to participate. The group will meet at 9:00 A.M. at the Township Office on April 21st. Citizen's Forum/Non-Agenda Items No matters were brought forward at this time. Approvals Minutes of March 5, 2007 Business Meeting Mr. Willig moved to approve the minutes of the March 5, 2007 Business meeting, and Mr. Hogan seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor. Hearings: Leon and Carol Altemose Curative Amendment Application Mr. Thompson opened the hearing for the Leon and Carol Altemose Curative Amendment application, and the proceedings were recorded by Tom Corcoran, court reporter. There was no testimony as the applicant requested a continuance. The hearing was continued to April 16, 2007, 7:30 P.M. at the Great Valley Middle School. Robal Associates Curative Amendment Application Mr. Thompson opened the hearing for the Robal Associates Curative Amendment application, and the proceedings were recorded by Tom Corcoran, court reporter. There was no testimony as the applicant requested a continuance. The hearing was continued to April 16, 2007, 7:30 P.M. at the Great Valley Middle School. Old Business Turnpike Bridge over Bodine Road Mr. Kuhn provided the background on the Turnpike's plans for the Bodine Road Bridge. He explained that the Turnpike Commission plans to widen the turnpike from Downingtown to the tri-county area, which in turn requires that all bridges be widened to accommodate the 6 lane highway. Three of the bridges in question are within 1 1/4 miles of one another in Charlestown Township, including the bridges over Yellow Springs Road, Valley Hill Road, and Bodine Road. The Turnpike Commission attended the Board's February 5th meeting, where the Supervisors were expecting details on the construction schedule for replacing the bridge. It was at this meeting that the Board learned the Turnpike Commission wanted them to consider removing the bridge as an option. The Board heard comments from the public on both sides, and the Supervisors determined they needed more information before taking a position. Mr. Kuhn said a rumor was started that the Supervisors were getting rid of the bridge. He explained that while it's in the Township's purview to make such a decision, a formal hearing process would have to take place beforehand. Mr. Willig said this involves legal advertisement and the drafting and adoption of a formal ordinance to vacate the road. Mr. Kuhn said if the Township does nothing, the Turnpike Commission must replace the bridge, and his opinion is that the Township bridge should remain. Mr. Willig said removal of the bridge would serve to interrupt traffic flow, and Mr. Hogan also said he wanted the bridge to remain. Mr. Kuhn said, therefore, the question of removing the Bodine Road Bridge is a dead issue and it will not be done. He said he's spoken to the Turnpike Commission about the possibility of including a pedestrian walkway in the design for the replacement bridge and they seemed agreeable to working with the Township on this. Mr. Kuhn said another issue on Bodine Road is the speed and volume of traffic. He suggested that the Township arrange for a third party, such as Traffic Planning & Design, to conduct traffic studies in order to recommend options for traffic calming measures on Bodine. Mr. Willig said these studies are needed before any decisions on calming measures can be made. Mr. Kuhn added that the studies are performed using PennDOT guidelines, and decisions can't be randomly made without the study results to back them up. Chris Zubyk, 2099 Bodine Road, suggested the Board look at some of the options employed by East Whiteland Township, particularly on Flat Road, where the road is closed during certain hours. Mr. Kuhn reiterated that a traffic study must be done first, and that every action taken on a specific road in the township will have an impact on the other roads. Mr. Willig said the Board went through a similar process about seven years ago on Union Hill Road. They considered closing the road during portions of the day, making the traffic one way at certain hours and/or installing speed bumps. After various discussions, the residents agreed to a step by step process beginning with the installation of stop signs at Tinkerhill Lane and at the intersection with Whitehorse Road. These actions calmed traffic to the point that the residents didn't want any further restrictions. He said the Board should take the same approach on Bodine Road, though the specific outcome may vary. Chuck Wright, 2220 Bodine Road, said the volume of traffic isn't the issue as much as the speed. Cars turning from Valley Hill Road onto Bodine Road pick up speed down the hill and fly by the houses. Dogs have been hit, and more than one car has struck the maple tree on his property. Mr. Kuhn said the traffic studies will include both volume and speed. Mr. Wright asked the others attending if anyone disagreed with him that speeding is a problem on Bodine Road. Jim Cracas, 2110 Seven Oaks Road, said speeding on Bodine is no worse than on any other road, including his. Mr. Kuhn said he lives along a flat, straight section of Whitehorse Road and sees it there as well. In the past seventeen years he's seen seven accidents in front of his home. Mr. Wright suggested going the middle ground with speed bumps, such as those on Horseshoe Trail Lane off Route 113 that are wide, shallow bumps. Mr. Willig said these are called speed tables, and the traffic consultant would provide feedback on whether this or other measures are advisable. Mr. Kuhn added that what the Board would like to see from the consultant is a list of options. William Truskey, 1105 Bodine Road, said that although there are 15 MPH caution signs along the curve near his property, a truck ended up on his lawn not long ago and a serious accident is inevitable. He said speed is definitely the problem. Anthony Donatoni, 15 Rosewood Lane, asked if the Turnpike Commission gave details on the bridge replacement project. Mr. Kuhn said they indicated they wanted to go out to bid in the Spring of 2008. Carol Sorenson, Rapps Run Drive, asked if the Supervisors will contact the Turnpike Commission about the Board's decision to keep the bridge, and Mr. Kuhn said he'll speak to them tomorrow. Patti Reed, McQuail Lane, said she spoke to a representative of the Turnpike Commission recently and was told the target date for replacement of the Bodine Bridge is 2009 and the bridge will be closed for about 6 months. The widening of the Turnpike itself isn't scheduled at this point. Mike Renquist, 1032 Bodine Road, said in most municipalities, a cul de sac can't be placed at the end of a road over 1,000 feet long, and that the distance from Seven Oaks Road to the Bodine Road bridge is about three times this distance and would violate the ordinances. Christine Hale, 19 Smith Lane, asked if the Township had approached the Turnpike Commission about sound barriers. Mr. Thompson responded that Charlestown has considered an ordinance similar to Tredyffrin Township's, which calls for sound barriers whenever there is new road construction, and options have been discussed. Mr. Kuhn acknowledged it is a concern of the Board's. George Myer, 2227 Bodine Road, said all the mailboxes on Bodine Road are on the opposite side from his property and asked if the Township can do anything about it. Mr. Kuhn asked the Secretary to write a letter to the Frazer Post Office to inquire. Kim Walsh, 2250 Bodine Road, said that the Township did request a stop sign study for Bodine Road but PennDOT found the request to be unwarranted because there's not enough accidents. She added that she believes there is racing taking place at night on Bodine Road. Mr. Kuhn said they can't change PennDOT's traffic study parameters and have to go by them. Mrs. Walsh asked what the residents will do when the bridge is closed for six months. Seven Oaks Road is the best alternative, and turning left from Seven Oaks Road to Route 401 is suicidal. School buses will be affected as well. Mr. Kuhn said he asked the solicitor, who is also solicitor for West Pikeland Township, to coordinate a meeting between the two townships to discuss these issues. The intersection of Route 401 and Seven Oaks Road is in West Pikeland Township, so any decision is up to them. Mrs. Walsh said she's in favor of speed bumps. She said she talked to the head of safety for Lower Merion Township, and he said double yellow lines are painted on roads that are major thoroughfares. She asked why Bodine Road has these lines. Mr. Kuhn said this was done in accordance with PennDOT's traffic calming manual. Mr. Meyer said it's very difficult to turn left from Seven Oaks Road onto Route 401, or vice versa. Mr. Truskey added that the sight lines are the problem at this intersection, and asked the Board to communicate this to West Pikeland Township. Carrie Wilson, who is building a home on Bodine Road next to the bridge, asked the Board to deal with the Township traffic issues one street at a time. She hoped they wouldn't consider the big picture as being too much to grasp. Mrs. Walsh said people cut through the back roads because of access problems on the big roads such as Route 401 and Route 113, where there is no left turn arrow at the intersection. Mr. Kuhn said discussions with West Pikeland Township are on the table. Mr. Kuhn introduced State Rep. Duane Milne, who was in the audience this evening. Rep. Milne said he was just here to listen, and offered to facilitate matters with PennDOT if the Board wished for his assistance. He said he's spoken to PennDOT representatives in the past and they've assured him they'll work with Charlestown. Dave Melich asked for confirmation that the issue of eliminating the Bodine Road Bridge is off the table, and Mr. Kuhn said yes. UCC Board of Appeals Mr. Kuhn said the Township is required to form a Uniform Construction Code Board of Appeals, and a draft Resolution to do so has been prepared by the Solicitor forming the board and naming appointees and their proposed terms. He read the resolution in its entirety, which includes the following appointments: Position Requirements Appointee Term Ending Registered Architect Robin J. Kohn 12/31/11 Structural/Architectural Experience Lelan Haller 12/31/10 Electrical Contractor Frank Holleran 12/31/09 Fire Protection Experience Fred Alston 12/31/07 Alternate - Structural/Architectural Bill Andersen 12/31/07   Mr. Willig moved to adopt Resolution #678-07 creating the Charlestown Township UCC Board of Appeals and appointing the aforementioned members, and Mr. Hogan seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor. Mr. Kuhn indicated that an additional member with plumbing experience is still needed to complete the Board, along with one additional alternate member. Members aren't required to be township residents although that would be preferred. Mr. Jones suggested the Board consider Bud Haly for the plumbing slot. Mr. Kuhn said he's also contacted Bob Cottone and Bob Roggio and is waiting to hear from them as to whether either would be interested in serving as the alternate. Charlestown Park Update Mr. Kuhn said because the Township has three open space acquisition grant applications submitted to the County for this Spring, they aren't eligible to submit an application on the park improvements until the Fall. He said he asked Parks & Rec Chairman Bob Jones to provide the Board with an update on the park projects this evening and to coordinate a site visit with the Supervisors in the near future. Mr. Jones displayed a copy of the Park Master Plan, showing the location of the proposed lacrosse field, expansion of the football field, the pavilion area where the existing pavilions would be demolished and replaced, and the parking area adjacent to the pavilions. The Phoenixville Marion Youth Club is participating in the project. The preliminary cost estimate is $767,000, of which they have a $100,000 donation of fill. He said he obtained a letter of reciprocity from the County allowing the Township to obtain a $250,000 matching grant in the Fall 2007 round after the work is completed. Mr. Jones outlined the original funding plan, and a revised plan that removes the funding from the State. He learned state funding will be unavailable because the state won't match funds with donations or in-kind service; plus, the project isn't eligible if the work is done prior to the grant award. He said the Fall round is for planning and acquisition projects only, and they may be able to apply for a grant for planning. He intends to speak to the state representatives about other state funding options. Mr. Kuhn suggested he meet with the Open Space Director with regard to the grants. Mr. Kuhn was concerned with the staging of the project and the timing for obtaining funds, noting that a county grant is not guaranteed. Mr. Jones agreed, but said the project will score well in the application review process. Mr. Kuhn asked how the project can be scaled back if funding doesn't come through. Mr. Jones said they could postpone the parking lot and new pavilions and focus on the fields and pavilion demolition. Included with the field work would be site grading and installation of underground water, sewer and electric lines. He said the PMYC is still working on donations and may be getting a donation of sod for the fields with volunteers to install it. Mr. Jones said that water can be accessed near the Renaissance Academy in the future, but for now Aqua PA indicated they can tap into the College's water line, but the College wouldn't be permitted to charge the Township as this is the function of a utility. Mr. Kuhn asked if the fields would have sprinklers, and Mr. Jones said the new lacrosse field would be sprinkled. Mr. Kuhn asked what the next step is, and Mr. Jones said within the next 4-5 weeks, they plan to start on the fields, which will take about two weeks to complete. They received the permit from the County Conservation District and are waiting for E & S approval from Mr. Kohli. He said the PMYC has 180 lacrosse players signed up and hopes to expand to 700-800. They want to begin using the fields in late May. Mr. Kuhn asked who determines when the fields are ready to play on, and Mr. Jones said the PMYC will, as maintenance is their responsibility. The Secretary indicated the township's agreement with the PMYC should be reviewed as it will probably need some revision to include the new field. Mr. Kuhn asked who will be in charge of the job. Mr. Jones said Mr. Kohli will be brought in at different points for inspections. Mr. Willig asked for a break down of costs by individual project, and Mr. Jones said he'll provide it. He said the field work can be done with the $140,000 in the Parks budget along with the donations. The Board advised him to keep bidding requirements and possible prevailing wage requirements in mind as this would cause a delay before work can begin. Mr. Jones said the existing dam needs to be broken up and removed as it is in a state of disrepair. He said the material could be used as fill under the field or parking lot. He said his goal is to finish developing Charlestown Park within 3-5 years. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 P.M. The next meeting is scheduled for April 2, 2007, 7:30 P.M. in Room 154 of the Great Valley Middle School. Respectfully Submitted, Linda Csete Township Administrator

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