Charlestown approves $73,338 fence and expansion for Brightside community garden

Kevin R. Kuhn, chairman of the Charlestown Township Board of Supervisors, said the board approved a ProMax Fence Systems proposal of $73,338 to install roughly 1,100 linear feet of black chain-link fencing at Brightside Farm and to expand the community garden.

Chris Heleniak, township manager, told the board he received two Co-Stars quotes and that the ProMax chain-link option was the lower cost while meeting durability needs. The proposal includes four sets of double gates and two additional gates along the driveway; township staff will add 18 inches of chicken wire at the fence base after installation to discourage rabbits, Heleniak said.

‘‘Chain link creates no problems with weed whacking, and the black fencing blends into the landscape well,’’ Kuhn said, arguing the material is durable for heavy use. Charles Buck, garden coordinator, agreed: ‘‘Chain link is a good investment for this rather rough use,’’ and he supported adding chicken wire at the base to keep rabbits out.

According to township staff, the expansion will make the garden 20 feet wider than the current area and allow for smaller plots. The water line will be extended by one hydrant to reach the new area, and there are currently 60 plots with four vacant. The board voted unanimously to accept the $73,338 ProMax proposal and move forward with scheduling the contractor.

The manager said, because the work was procured through Co-Stars, the township did not need a separate bid process and can notify the contractor to schedule the work immediately.