A beautiful part of southeastern Pennsylvania

Board of Supervisors Charlestown Township Regular Business Meeting October 4, 1999 The first regular business meeting for October was held October 4, 1999 at the Charlestown Elementary School, 2060 Charlestown Road, Devault. John B. Sauser, Chairman, Robert, C. Wert, Vice Chairman, Irene W. Ewald, Member, Thomas F. Oeste, Esq., Surender S. Kohli, P.E., Thomas J. Comitta, Linda M. Csete, Secretary, and those on the attached attendee list were present. The meeting was called to order at 7:40 P.M. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Announcements Mr. Sauser announced that the Board of Supervisors will meet with members of the Great Valley School District Board of Directors on Wednesday, October 6, 1999 at K.D. Markley Elementary School with a report to follow at the October 18, 1999 public meeting. Mr. Sauser announced that he attended a seminar over the weekend in Camp Hill, Pa., sponsored by the Sierra Club and Audubon Society on the impact of white tail deer on the ecology and biodiversity of Pennsylvania. Mr. Sauser announced that the County is holding a Hazardous Waste Disposal Collection event at the Chester County Government Services Center in Westtown on Saturday, October 9, 1999 from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Report: Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Dennis Dougherty and Sgt. Robert Foose of the State Police gave a report on police activity in Charlestown during the past year. Lt. Dougherty stated that other than two fatal accidents, there has been no unusual pattern of activity. Accidents continue on Coldstream Road and on Route 29. There have been isolated burglaries, and construction site thefts. Sgt. Foose is the Turnpike Station Commander at Valley Forge and is responsible for patrols of the Turnpike through Charlestown Township. Mrs. Ewald asked what triggers a mutual aid response between the Township and Turnpike assigned patrols and Lt. Dougherty responded that a request for aid will trigger it as well as certain types of events reported over the radio. Access to the Township is gained through the service road at the Devault Maintenance Facility at Valley Hill Road. Mr. Sauser asked how far in advance the State Police will be notified of the anticipated six month closing of the Bridge at Route 29 between Pickering Dam Road and Buckwalter Road, and they responded just a few weeks notice. Detours will be planned along state roads but a great deal of excess traffic on local roads can be expected. Mr. Wert asked about the memorial on Union Hill Road, where visitors to the fatal accident site are putting themselves in danger and occasionally blocking the road. Although the Daily Local News reported that permission had been given for a shrine to be placed on private property at the accident site, Mrs. Ewald clarified that neither the Township or State Police did so. The Secretary reported that she spoke to the property owner and confirmed he likewise gave no permission. Mr. Sauser asked the State Police to give this area extra attention, particularly on the weekends. Lt. Dougherty added that it would help for residents to report these occurrences in progress. Mr. Sauser thanked the officers for their report and their support of Charlestown Township. Citizen's Forum - Agenda Items Mr. Kuhn asked if the white tail deer symposium attended by Mr. Sauser offered any solutions. Mr. Sauser responded that it was more of a starting point for bringing together the various concerns of motorists, hunters, property owners and ecologists. Mrs. Ewald questioned the responsibilities of the Animal Control Officer, who informed a resident he couldn't assist in the disposal of a rabid raccoon. Mr. Sauser agreed that this isn't his responsibility. Mr. Wert asked the Secretary to provide him with a copy of the job description for this position. Approval of September 13, 1999 Minutes Mr. Wert moved to approve the minutes as written and Mr. Sauser seconded. Mr. Sauser and Mr. Wert were in favor, and Mrs. Ewald was opposed. Treasurer's Report for September 1 - 30, 1999 Mrs. Ewald moved to approve the Treasurer's Report for September 1 - 30, 1999 and Mr. Sauser seconded. All were in favor. October 4, 1999 Accounts Payable Mrs. Ewald moved to approve the Accounts Payable for October 4, 1999 and Mr. Sauser seconded. Mr. Sauser called for discussion to review the recommendations made in the Treasurer's memo dated 10/1/99 with regard to C.D. investments. Mrs. Ewald amended her motion to include the purchase of 5 C.D.'s as outlined in the memo. Mr. Wert seconded and all were in favor. Reports Reports from the Zoning Officer, Planning Commission, Historical Commission, Roadmaster and Fire Marshal are on file. Minutes from the last meeting of the Valley Forge Sewer Authority are on file. Planning Commission Mr. Philips announced that he attended the County's meeting recently held at the Tredyffrin Township Building on their $75 million grant initiative and indicated that the County has requested input from municipalities. He indicated that the County has communicated its interest in and support of the Township's interest in acquiring Brightside Farm. Historical Commission Mrs. Baldwin provided a summary of her August/September report. Roadmaster Mr. Thompson asked for the procedure in lowering the speed limit on Rees Road to 25 MPH. Mr. Sauser answered that PA statutes have recently been revised to allow municipalities to reduce speed limits on local roads by ordinance without conducting traffic studies first. Other measures including rumble strips, painting warning marks on the road and signage were discussed. Mr. Sauser suggested a general review of all the roads prior to the November 1, 1999 meeting. For the time being, "Bus Stop Ahead" signs will be installed and the Roadmaster will look into the possibility of painting warning marks on the road. Fire Marshal/Emergency Operations Center Mr. Alston's September report is on file, which includes a house explosion on Union Hill Road during Hurricane Floyd. Mrs. Ewald asked about a truck explosion noted on the report, and Mr. Alston indicated that the truck was carrying construction detonators and was observing all safety requirements. Mr. Alston reported that the EOC received good comments from PEMA following the recent Limerick Drill. He thanked participating EOC members Mary Jane Duncan, Steve Winckelman, Joan Thompson and Robert Duncan along with Supervisor Irene Ewald. Mr. Sauser asked Mr. Alston to consider moving the EOC to the Township Office, where a fax machine is available, noting that the lack of a fax caused some difficulties during the drill. Mr. Wert added that although the office is within the ten mile radius of Limerick, it would probably be eligible for an exception such as they had when the EOC was at the Charlestown Elementary School. Mr. Alston will consider the suggestion and get back to the Board. The Board agreed that Mr. Alston should be provided with a key to the Township Office for access during emergency situations. Parks and Recreation Board Parks & Rec member Bob Jones reported that the Board is preparing for the October 18, 1999 presentation for Brightside Farm. Mr. Connolly's draft press release was read and provided to the press. Valley Forge Sewer Authority Minutes from the August meeting are on file. Mr. Winckelman reported that Schuylkill Township is still in the approval process for a new silo, and that the Valley Forge Christian College has requested service, which would require a change to the Act 537 Plan. Mrs. Ewald requested a map of the VFSA service area and one for the Phoenixville Sewer Authority if one is available. Mr. Winckelman provided a brief update on the McEvoy land acquisition and Ozorowski lawsuit. He added that the re-rate of the VFSA plant is still underway, noting that all projections have been turned in by member municipalities. Hearing: Amendment to Zoning Ordinance - Neighborhood Commercial District Mr. Oeste opened the hearing, which had been continued from September 13, 1999 to allow sufficient time for review comments from the Chester County Planning Commission. A court reporter took down the proceedings. Mr. Sauser moved to adopt Ordinance #82-99 and Mr. Wert seconded. All were in favor. Mr. Oeste closed the record. Old Business Resolution Dedicating Phase III Roads - Charlestown Brae This matter was tabled to November 1, 1999 pending receipt of information from Rouse Chamberlin Ltd. as required by Mr. Kohli in previous correspondence. New Business Award Road Contracts for Materials and Equipment/Labor for Oct. 1, 1999 - Sept. 30, 2000 Contracts Mr. Sauser referred to Mr. Kohli's review of the bids dated 9/17/99 and Mr. McErlane's review dated 9/29/99. With regard to the Equipment/Labor bids, Mr. McErlane's review indicated that all three bids had some irregularity. He recommended the Macanga bid be rejected as incomplete but that the irregularities in the other bids could be waived by the Board. Rittenbaugh Inc. did not provide a Certificate of Insurance with their bid, and Delaware Valley Paving Co. had an inconsistency in their insurance coverage information. Rittenbaugh's Certificate has since been received by the Township. Mr. Wert moved to award the Equipment/Labor, Bituminous Materials, and Stone Contracts according to Mr. Kohli's recommendations of 9/17/99, namely, Rittenbaugh Inc. for Labor & Equipment, Independence Construction Materials for Bituminous Materials, and Glasgow Inc. for Stone Materials. Mr. Sauser seconded. Mrs. Ewald called for discussion. She said the Rittenbaugh bid is faulty due to the lack of an insurance certificate with the bid submission. She recommended awarding the contract to Delaware Valley Paving. Mr. Oeste indicated that there is some ambiguity in the bid documents as to when the certificate is required. He said the Board can waive this item. Mr. Sauser called for a vote. Mr. Sauser and Mr. Wert were in favor and Mrs. Ewald was opposed. Dr. Kennedy Gravestone Restoration - Additional Costs Mrs. Baldwin outlined the need for additional funds to repair the Dr. Kennedy gravestone. Mrs. Ewald moved to approve the additional expenditure of $1,360.00 from the Cemetery Fund in addition to the $2,000.00 already approved for this purpose. Mr. Wert seconded and all were in favor. Bridge over Route 29 - PennDOT Correspondence of 10/1/99 re: Property Acquisition Mr. Sauser indicated that PennDOT has contacted the Township requesting the provision of a narrow Right of Way, a construction right of way and an easement to be accessible during re-construction of the Route 29 Bridge. The Supervisors have delayed in responding as they are still waiting for a response from Congressman Curt Weldon's office regarding the possibility of obtaining a waiver from federal requirements that the parapet wall height be 42 inches. The Township would like to reduce this to 32 inches to preserve the view of the historic ice dam. Mrs. Ewald suggested asking Congressman Weldon to attach legislation to an existing house bill to gain quick approval of the waiver. Mr. Sauser recommended the Board approve granting the Right of Way, Construction Right of Way, and Easement to PennDOT pending resolution of the question of whether a 32" parapet wall height will be permitted. Mr. Oeste will contact Mr. Weldon and notify the PennDOT representative that the Township is actively pursuing the issue and intends to cooperate with him. This issue will be reviewed at the November 1, 1999 meeting. Mr. Sauser cautioned the Board not to lose sight of the other concessions already gained from PennDOT on the faÙade for the bridge and limits of the easement and right of ways, which he believes could be jeopardized by too long a delay. Five-year Snow and Ice Agreement 1999-2004 This matter was tabled to November 1, 1999 to allow sufficient time for the Solicitor's review and for the Secretary to request a review from the Township's insurance provider. Schedule Fall Road Tour The Fall Road Tour was scheduled for Sunday, November 7, 1999 to begin at 8:00 A.M. from the Elementary School. Advertise Hearings Mr. Comitta and Mr. Philips provided background on two proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendments and a new ordinance as follows: Amendments to Article XV - Open Space Provisions. These are generally of a "housekeeping" nature to address inconsistencies with Ordinance #80-99, The Open Space Option Ordinance, passed in February 1999.   Amendment to Ordinance #80-99 "Open Space Option Ordinance" to Include 25+ Acre Historic Properties. This would require the adoption of the Historic Resources Map, which has recently been completed by the Historical Commission/H.A.R.B. and Tom Comitta.   Historic Resources Preservation Ordinance - Affected properties would be identified with the same Historic Resources Map. The Board held some discussion on the each of the above amendments and the proposed ordinance, providing some language changes to be incorporated in the drafts. Mrs. Ewald was concerned that the 35,000 square foot minimum lot size specified in the amendment to include historic properties over 25 acres in size in the Open Space Option Ordinance is too small and may lead to further down zoning in the Township. Mr. Comitta explained that the 35,000 square foot lots, as compared to the 40,000 square foot minimum for non-historic properties under the Open Space Option, allows for a larger homestead lot, thereby protecting the historic resource. Mr. Sauser said this may encourage development by historic homeowners who could now protect their homes with a large open space envelope. Mr. Comitta will send the three drafts to the Chester County Planning Commission for review. Mr. Oeste will advertise the hearings to be held at the December 6, 1999 Board of Supervisors meeting. Schedule Budget Work Session The Budget Work Session for 2000 will be held at the Charlestown Township Office on Monday, October 25, 1999 at 7:30 P.M. The work session is open to the public. CCATO Fall County Convention 11/18/99 The full Board, Mr. Kohli and Mrs. Csete will attend the Chester County Association of Township Officials Fall Convention on November 18, 1999. Mrs. Ewald moved to approve check #2363 for $175.00 to the CCATO for tickets. Mr. Wert seconded and all were in favor. CCATO - Proposed Resolution The Township's draft resolution to be submitted for consideration at the C.C.A.T.O. fall convention ws reviewed. It would require that the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission hold public hearings on any proposed construction projects, including interchanges and slip ramps, and that any subsequent construction be consistent with regional planning processes. Mr. Sauser noted that CCATO Secretary Pat Morrison contacted him with the suggestion that the words "regional planning" be replaced with "local planning in the phrase "generally consistent with regional planning". Mrs. Ewald suggested dropping the word "generally". Mr. Wert suggested adding more specific language instead of referring to "access points" to indicate "any access or egress". The Board agreed with these three changes. Mrs. Ewald said the definition of public hearing should be outlined and that hearings should take place in the municipality most affected. Mr. Sauser noted the draft resolution does indicate that at least one of the hearings must take place in the most affected municipality, and that the hearing process is described as providing the opportunity for testimony and establishing a record. Mr. Oeste will revise the draft and provide it to the Township Secretary for transmittal back to the CCATO. Mr. Sauser moved to direct that the two resolutions be drafted as discussed. Mr. Wert seconded and all were in favor. Chester County Park Land and Open Space Acquisition Grant - Round X - Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions Mr. Sauser stated that he'd like to have the Solicitor review this document before it is considered by the Board. The matter was tabled to November 1, 1999. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) - Designation of Applicant's Agent to Apply for Disaster Relief Funds following Hurricane Floyd Mr. Sauser moved to designate the Township Secretary, Linda Csete, as the Township's Agent to apply for disaster relief funds following Hurricane Floyd. Mr. Wert seconded and all were in favor. General Residential Properties Inc. - Procedural Request for "Deerfield" John Panizza, Bob Smiley, Chuck Dobson, P.E., and George Asimos, Esq. were present from General Residential Properties Inc. Mr. Oeste began with some background on the General Residential Properties Inc.'s request to begin the Conditional Use Hearing for the Deerfield subdivision prior to the submission of a preliminary subdivision plan. In the past, conditional use applications have been considered ancillary to the subdivision plan and are submitted simultaneously. However, the newly adopted Open Space Option Ordinance (#80-99) requires a conditional use procedure to approve the development option, which is a departure from the Township's other conditional use processes. Submitting a fully engineered preliminary plan with the conditional use application would be extremely expensive for the applicant and would serve to lock them in to utilizing the option in order to justify the cost. Mr. Oeste indicated that other townships handle this type of conditional use procedure by allowing the application to be accompanied by a conditional use plan, which is more of a detailed sketch plan, rather than a full preliminary plan. He pointed out that the conditional use approval provides approval of the use only; the plan itself must be approved in the subdivision plan review process. If the applicant can't comply with the Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision & Land Development Ordinance, he must return to the Board to seek a revision to the Conditional Use approval. Mr. Asimos provided comments on the procedure and stressed that obtaining the conditional use approval first allows for much greater flexibility in designing the subdivision plan. He indicated that by reviewing the conditional use application first, the Planning Commission is better able to balance open space priorities on an individual plan. Following the Conditional Use Approval, the applicant can go forward with a preliminary plan knowing that it will gain eventual approval using the open space option. Otherwise, few applicants would take the chance of going through the Open Space Option process. Mr. Oeste agreed that the conditional use process gives the Township more control than if the preliminary plan is worked out in a sketch plan process before hearings begin. Mr. Philips indicated the Planning Commission could work with it either way, developing the preliminary plan from a sketch plan or working through the conditional use process, but he agreed that the conditional use process should be followed first if the solicitor believes there are advantages to this method. Mrs. Ewald asked for an executive session to discuss this matter with counsel. The Board, Mr. Kohli, and a member of the Planning Commission will meet in executive session prior to the beginning of the October 18, 1999 meeting. Mrs. Ewald requested a memo from Mr. Asimos communicating the Applicant's position. The Conditional Use Hearing for Deerfield was scheduled for November 1, 1999. Brooklands - Preliminary Subdivision Plan dated 6/23/99 Mr. Oeste requested that the Applicant, General Residential Properties Inc., grant the Township an extension to the time period in which to hold the Conditional Use Hearing and decide on the Preliminary Subdivision Plan in order to allow time to address the items on Mr. Kohli's last review letter discussed at the 9/28/99 Planning Commission meeting. Mr. Philips indicated that the Planning Commission has recommended at the last two meetings that the applicant reduce the number of lots to a maximum of 5 or 6 due to the extreme sensitivity of the site as recommended by the Township Planner. At the 9/28/99 meeting, the Planning Commission requested an extension on both the Conditional Use hearing scheduling deadline and the preliminary plan review period. The applicant agreed to extend the preliminary plan review period, but not the Conditional Use deadline. Therefore, the Planning Commission voted to recommend that the Board of Supervisors deny both the conditional use application and preliminary subdivision plan. Mr. Panizza asked for the Board's position on reviewing a plan that can comply with the Township's ordinance but is opposed by the Planning Commission. The Board recessed for an executive session at 10:55 P.M. and reconvened at 11:10 P.M. Mr. Oeste said that the Board will accept an extension on the Conditional Use Application to 11/1/99 and on the Preliminary Plan to 12/6/99. The Board intends to consider the applications in accordance to the Township Ordinances and the Pennsylvania Municipal Planning Code. The Board will act expediently, provided all required information is provided by the Applicant in a timely manner. Mr. Panizza agreed to provide the two extensions as requested, provided they have until October 18, 1999 to provide additional information as indicated in Mr. Kohli's review letter, that sufficient time is provided for their testimony at the November 1, 1999 hearing with the Township's consultants prepared for this date, and that additional dates are set aside in November should the hearing need to be continued past November 1st. The Board of Supervisors agreed to these conditions and set aside November 8th and November 15th for additional hearing dates should they be needed. Spring Lane Farm - Scheduling of Conditional Use Hearing The Spring Lane Farm Conditional Use Hearing will be held on November 1, 1999. Charlestown Hunt Escrow Releases Charlestown Hunt Escrow Releases #3 for Phase 4 and # 3 for Phase 5 were tabled to November 1, 1999. Citizens' Forum - Non-Agenda Items No items were brought forward at this time. Adjournment Mrs. Ewald moved to adjourn and Mr. Wert seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 11:30 P.M. The next meeting of the Board of Supervisors is scheduled for October 18, 1999 at 7:30 P.M. at the Charlestown Elementary School when a special presentation on the possible acquisition of the Brightside Farm will be made. Respectfully Submitted, Linda M. Csete Township Secretary Board of Supervisors Charlestown Township Regular Business Meeting October 18, 1999 The second regular business meeting for October was held October 18, 1999 at the Charlestown Elementary School, 2060 Charlestown Road, Devault. John B. Sauser, Chairman, Robert, C. Wert, Vice Chairman, Irene W. Ewald, Member, James E. McErlane, Esq., Surender S. Kohli, P.E., Ed Theurkauf, Linda M. Csete, Secretary, and those on the attached attendee list were present. The meeting was called to order at 7:35 P.M. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Announcements Mr. Sauser announced that the Board of Supervisors met in executive session just prior to tonight's meeting to discuss an applicant's request with regard to the handling of his conditional use hearing. A decision on this request will be announced at the November 1, 1999 meeting. Citizen's Forum - Agenda Items Mr. Sauser explained that since the agenda consists solely of one presentation, citizens would be permitted to comment on the subject at intervals throughout the evening. Presentation: Brightside Farm Overview Mr. Sauser introduced the presentation by explaining that the Farm Committee, consisting of some residents, members of the Civic Association and of Charlestown Green would provide specifics on the possible acquisition of the Great Valley School District's 55 acre parcel and propose uses for it. He asked the audience to keep in mind that the main issue is the question of whether the Township should acquire more open space, and invited the citizens to express their opinions and ask questions. Mark Connolly, Parks and Recreation Chairman and member of the Farm Committee, introduced Ed Theurkauf of Thomas Comitta Associates, who provided an overview of the Township and its present open space. He referred to the 1993 Open Space, Recreation and Environmental Resources Plan, which recommended the creation of a Pickering Creek Historic Overlay District to preserve scenic, historic and environmentally fragile lands. He said that the Brightside Farm property has the potential of filling all of these roles. It is in the proposed Pickering Creek Historic Overlay District, accesses the Horseshoe Trail, contains historic structures, and possesses one of the most highly valued viewsheds in the Township. There is also the potential for playing fields at the site, other active uses and possibly a future municipal building. Proposed Uses Equestrian: Ellen Behrle began by reading the statement prepared by Marcia Solda and Alix Coleman, who arrived later in the meeting. The statement said that the Pickering Pony Club would be very interested in an equestrian ring at this site for horse shows and other related activities, including educational ones. They said that an equestrian center attracts horse owners to the Township, which serves to preserve more open space, as they purchase large lots and tend to own them long-term. The center could also host dog shows and antique car shows. Ms. Coleman asked citizens to consider the "cost" of not acquiring this land, as the alternative is development. Private Golf Course: John Panizza, President of General Residential Properties Inc., began by explaining that his company currently owns the 94 acre "Deerfield" tract across the street from the Brightside Farm and Township's 20.6 acre site. He proposed to purchase the 55 acres from the School District, and combine them with his existing 94 acres to design an 18 hole championship golf course. Twelve to fifteen condominium style homes would be developed in three dwelling groups on the combined tracts. They would be hidden by slopes in order to protect the viewshed. Three to four acres would be set aside for the Township's use, possibly for a community garden. A donation to the Open Space Fund would be provided with no restrictions on its use. A golf course would require no funding from the Township and would remain in the tax base without adding to the student count at the Great Valley School District. Community Supported Agriculture: Mark Connolly described the potential of using approximately 10 acres of the site for a Community Supported Agriculture program (CSA) that could go hand in hand with the equestrian use. He pointed out that a CSA at the Brightside Farm would provide the third leg to the Township's other public lands that include the Pickering Preserve and Charlestown Park by adding an agricultural.???ect. He provided some history on CSAs and referred to the one in Kimberton as an example. Approximately 200 subscribers would pay into the CSA to provide an annual salary for the farmer, who would also be provided with a residence, in this case, the Pyle farmhouse. The farmer would have a lease contract and manage the property. Subscribers would go to the farm one a week, approximately 35 weeks of the year to pick up their share of eggs and organic vegetables. Comments, Questions and Answers Equestrian Center Comment: Loudspeakers will be disruptive during events Mrs. Solda: Horses don't like noise, so loud speakers are kept at the lowest levels possible. Mr. Nesspor:  Why didn't you come forward when the Parks & Recreation Board was looking for uses at Charlestown Park? Golf Course Q:  If a golf course is developed, where will the water come from? Mr. Panizza: Either from wells or by tapping into public water, as it is available nearby at Charlestown Oaks. Pam Smith:  Where does Philadelphia Suburban Water get its water? Greg Nesspor:  From the Pickering Creek and Schuylkill River - its more than enough. Q:  Would it be a municipal, public or private golf course? Mr. Panizza:  It would be privately owned but open to the public. Ellen Behrle:  What if, in 10 years, a golf course is no longer desirable? What guarantees it won't then be developed? Mr. Sauser: The zoning would have to be changed to allow this use to begin with, and would be written in such a way as to insure preservation of  the land. Barbara DeWilde: If the golf course plan doesn't work out, what will happen on the 96 acre Deerfield site? Mr. Panizza: It will be developed, probably via the Open Space Option, to build 40 homes on approximately 1 acre lots with the remainder to be kept open Ms. Cantrell-Kehoe:  Golf courses use a lot of pesticides and lawn chemicals. Where would the run-off go? Mr. Panizza: Since golf courses have little impervious surface, its not a problem to send water back into the ground on site. Also, more organic methods of maintaining golf courses are being used today. Patrice Aitken: What other golf courses have you developed? Mr. Panizza: None, but we are consulting with an experienced developer, Rick Marquardt. Jacob Merriwether: Lives adjacent to the land and feels a golf course would be the worst scenario of those proposed. Community Supported Agriculture Mr. Nesspor: The Kimberton CSA has grant funding. Where is Charlestown's? What about liability when the Township is the Owner of Record? Mr. McErlane:  The Township's best protection is through insurance. All Township lands are insured and these would be no different. Mr. Sauser: All lessors would be required to provide their own liability insurance and sign hold harmless agreements with the Township. Supervisors' Comments Mr. Sauser stated that the general theme of tonight's meeting is the preservation of open space. The Board wants feedback from the citizens as to whether the Township should try to work out an agreement to purchase the GVSD's 55 acre parcel within the 90 day time period they will allow according to their letter of 10/13/99. A survey will be distributed to all residents asking for their input. The acquisition can be partly funded through state and county grants and the township's existing budget surplus and open space funds. To become eligible for County funds, the Township must negotiate its compliance with the "Landscapes" program. Mr. Wert explained that the Board of Supervisors met with the School Board on 10/6/99 to discuss the sale of the Pyle land. He read from Dr. Jones' letter of 10/13/99 outlining the School Board's proposed resolutions to authorize the appraisal of the parcel, resubmission of the subdivision plan to the Township, and establishment of a 90-day period for the submission and approval of a written agreement between the school district and Charlestown Township for purchase of the land. The School Board plans to require that the land price meet or exceed the appraised market value. Mr. Wert said that he'd like to see this land preserved, and that a decision to purchase it must be made within 90 days. The use of the land can be decided later. He said that the Township would benefit from a standing committee to study the benefits/costs of acquiring open space. Considerations of the purchase include the loss of potential revenue from the tax rolls and traffic impacts from the various proposed activities. He also wants to see the survey go out, and read it aloud requesting suggestions for additions. Mrs. Ewald thanked her colleagues for their comments and the farm committee for pursuing their vision for the Brightside Farm. She said the land has many possibilities that may yet come forward. She asked if the citizens believe that the preservation of open space is a core value in the community, reminding them that there will be a real cost involved. She noted that the Township has no existing debt and considerable surpluses due to recent economic trends and careful fiscal management, therefore, approximately $400,000 is available from the current budget for the possible acquisition. With regard to taxes, she said the average township tax bill for a property owner in Charlestown Township is $100-200 per year. More than 40% of all property owners pay less than $100/year. Grants Available Wendy Leland researched grants and said that a number of smaller state grants from $10,000 - 50,000 are strong possibilities, including ones from the Dept. of Commerce and Economic Development, PennDOT (preservation of scenic roads), and grants through legislation efforts made by Rep. Carole Rubley. The Township would not be eligible for the DCNR grant because they disallow a purchase from one public entity to another. The County is the strongest grant source, with $250,000 in matching funds available from the Heritage Park Open Space Land Acquisition Grant Program and the new $75 million open space initiative. The County Planning Commission will provide 75% of the cost of developing an open space plan that includes the site. Private funding is primarily in the form of low or zero interest bridge loans. Private donations are always a possibility. Federal funding is generally unavailable as waiting lists are decades long. Financing Options Rick Hevner described several techniques of obtaining financing for the purchase, including bond issues through banks, leasing companies, or by the Township itself in the form of tax free municipal bonds. Mr. McErlane pointed out that municipal bonds can be set up very quickly. Mr. Hevner also described "balloon" type mortgages, for which the balance can be reduced when grants become available and when surpluses occur. He commented on the concern that purchasing open space removes a parcel from the tax rolls by noting that it also serves to enhance surrounding property values creating a balancing effect. Cash Available Mark Connolly showed that 60 of the 73 municipalities in Chester County have an earned income tax, and noted that West Pikeland Township receives $750,000 per year via this tax. Most people who live in Charlestown pay an earned income tax where they work, so to initiate one in Charlestown would cause no real financial hardship to them but keep their money in the community. He also provided an overview of the Township budget. Citizens Comments John Pittock, Wells Road, expressed a concern for the effects of the proposed uses on water quality, since his property is down flow from the tract. He suggested speaking to the School District about selling the property at cost plus expenses considering that Charlestown Township residents are also residents of the School District, and that preserving the land for open space is less expensive for the District than having the land developed and bringing in more students. He also asked how each of the proposed uses will handle traffic issues. Jacob Merriwether, Webmaster for the Charlestown Township citizens' website, reminded the audience that there are 20 pages on the site devoted to Brightside Farm with additional information on CSA's and general Township data such as the 1999 Budget. Citizens' Forum - Non-Agenda Items No items were brought forward at this time.  Adjournment Mrs. Ewald moved to adjourn and Mr. Wert seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 11:30 P.M. The next meeting of the Board of Supervisors is scheduled for November 1, 1999 at 7:30 P.M. at the Charlestown Elementary School. Respectfully Submitted, Linda M. Csete Township Secretary

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