Monday, April 30, 2007
At 7:13 p.m. Chairman Witmer called the work session to order. In attendance were Supervisors Greenberg, Kuhn and Prousi. Supervisor Sarosky was absent. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Merle Ochrach, Larry Gregan, Earl Armitage, Bruce Shoupe, Bill Brightcliffe, Pam Gural-Bear, Richard Brady, Kevin Costello and Shirley Snyder.
John Nagel provided some background on the possible privatization of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, and stated that the Montgomery County Planning Commission is clear and unanimous in their position opposing the potential lease of the Pennsylvania Turnpike to a private operator. The Board of Supervisors of Montgomery Township supports the position of the Montgomery County Planning Commission in opposing the potential lease of the Turnpike. The Board feels that privatizing the turnpike is not a long term solution, and other options must be explored. A letter to Governor Rendell opposing the potential lease of the turnpike was signed by the Board members and will be mailed to the Governor.
Jim Garrity was present and summarized the sketch plan for the Terra Vista project on Stump Road. This property is owned by John Antonucci of Sal's Nursery. Mr. Antonucci is requesting to have his property rezoned to C-Commercial. The proposed project will extend Witchwood Drive through the Antonucci property to Route 309, eliminating the present jug handle, and proposes a signal at the intersection of Witchwood and Stump. A portion of this property is owned by Einstein Hospital, and is not included in this proposal. The plan was, however, discussed with representatives of Einstein and they seem to be in favor of this proposal, which will improve the general flow of traffic in this area. Andy Heinrich, of Heinrich and Klein Associates provided additional information on the traffic study that was done by his firm for this proposed project. The Board was in agreement with the proposal. Mr. Garrity will schedule a meeting with Phil Wursta, Leo Bagley, PennDOT, representatives of Einstein Hospital and the Antonucci's to discuss the matter further.
Jonathan Trump presented the final Master Concept Plan for the proposed renovations to the Stump Road Fire Station. The original plan was presented on June 30, 2006, and revisions have been made as of April 19, 2007. Merle Ochrach is working with the owners of Toys R Us, and negotiating the possible donation of a small piece of land to the township to complete this project as proposed. The current estimate for the project, $2,366,590 is presently being revised by the Construction Manager. Bernd Heinze advised that the Fire Department of Montgomery Township is looking into the possibility of a steel construction building, as opposed to the traditional construction being proposed by Kimmel Bogrette. Mr. Heinze will be making a presentation to the township as soon as all the information has been gathered.
Larry Gregan presented the first quarter 2007 Budget Report. Mr. Gregan advised that the revenues are in line with the budget.
The work session concluded at 7:53 p.m.
At 8:00 p.m. Chairman Witmer called to order the regular meeting. In attendance were Supervisors Greenberg, Kuhn and Prousi. Supervisor Sarosky was absent. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Merle Ochrach, Richard Brady, Kevin Costello, Bill Brightcliffe, Larry Gregan, Pam Gural-Bear, Bruce Shoupe and Shirley Snyder.
Chairman Witmer stated that Sam Dugan, Chairman of the Industrial Development Authority would like to make a presentation to the Fire Department of Montgomery Township. Mr. Dugan explained that the Industrial Development Authority had been involved in providing loans to several clients, and would like to donate $1,000 to the Fire Department of Montgomery Township to be used toward the purchase of safety ropes. Bernd Heinze accepted the check and noted that the money will be put to good use with the purchase of the safety ropes.
Roy Rodriguez, Chairman of the Shade Tree Commission introduced the winners of the 2007 Arbor Day Poster Contest. Each winner was presented with a $50 U.S. Savings Bond. Resolution #1 unanimously recognized and congratulated the following winners of the 2007 Arbor Day Poster Contest: Auria Zhang, Andrew Luo, Matthew Shafer, Brian Henrysen, Shelley Zhao, and Patrick Shafer. Mr. Rodriguez also noted that the Shade Tree Commission sponsored the tree give away in conjunction with Arbor Day on April 28, 2007. The Shade Tree Commission was the recipient of a Growth Award Trophy for participating in this project for ten years.
The Board introduced Technology Manager, Richard Grier and his family. Resolution #2 unanimously welcomed Richard Grier as the Technology Manager for Montgomery Township.
There was no public comment for any item not on the agenda at this evening's meeting.
Resolution #3 unanimously appointed Jeffrey Gibbons as a member of the Environmental Advisory Committee to fill a committee vacancy with a term to expire January 1, 2008.
Merle Ochrach announced that the Board had met in Executive Session earlier in the evening and discussed matters of personnel.
Under the consent agenda, the minutes for April 9, 2007 were approved as amended by Supervisor Kuhn, and the payment of bills were approved as submitted. Resolution #4 approved the by-laws for the Planning Commission. An amendment to the Recreation Fees was approved by Resolution #5. Patricia Medvic was appointed as a Pension Committee employee member with Resolution #6. Resolution #7 approved extension of medical benefits for military leave. Resolution #8 approved the award of bid for the sundial and numerals for Memorial Grove. The DEP Sewage Facilities Planning Module for Commerce Bank was approved by Resolution #9. Construction escrow release for Steever manor House was approved by Resolution #10, and Resolution #11 approved the construction escrow release for Montgomery Commons Shopping Center. Resolution #12 approved the waiver for land development for Joseph Ambler Inn. Resolution #13 approved the award of bid for the spring project at the Eureka Sewer Plant. All consent agenda items were unanimously approved.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.