Monday, September 08, 2008
Chairman Jeffrey McDonnell called to order the executive session at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Birch, Fox, Prousi and Sarosky. Also in attendance were John Nagel and Frank Bartle.
At 8:10 p.m. Chairman McDonnell called to order the action meeting. In attendance were Supervisors Birch, Fox, Prousi and Sarosky. Also in attendance were Frank Bartle, John Nagel, Bruce Shoupe, Matt Johnston, John Chambers, Kevin Costello, Rich Brady, Bill Brightcliffe, Larry Gregan, Pam Gural-Bear, Stacy Crandell and Shirley Snyder.
Brian Clark of 105 Usher Lane spoke during public comment and stated that he is concerned with pedestrian travel on Kenas Road. Anyone walking along the stretch of Kenas Road near Windlestrae Park has to walk on the side of the road in order to cross over the creek. Mr. Clark asked the Board to please consider his concern and make this area pedestrian friendly.
Stacy Crandell introduced the students in this year's Citizens' University class. Ms. Crandell noted that this year the class will run 7 weeks and will be a very interactive course. This course teaches students about the various departments and functions of local government, and encourages their participation in township committees. Varsha Desai, a recent graduate of Citizens' University and a recently appointed member of the Environmental Advisory Committee, spoke briefly noting that this course is a great opportunity for residents to become involved in local government. The participants in the 2008 class are: Lynn Caldwell, Robert Cassel, Jon Doscher, Michael Morales, Ralph Schurr, Susmita Singh, Milton Stanley, William Sylianteng and Mary Trocino.
Solicitor Frank Bartle announced that the Board had met in an executive session prior to this evening's meeting and matters of potential acquisition of real estate and personnel matters were discussed. Mr. Bartle also announced that the Board had met on Saturday, September 6, 2008 at the Joseph Ambler Inn and were in an executive session from approximately 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., at which time they discussed personnel matters and potential acquisition of real estate.
Chairman McDonnell noted that the consideration of the rezoning and text amendment application process would be removed from this evening's agenda.
Bruce Shoupe provided background on the preliminary draft comprehensive plan process. The Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) states that the township is required to review the comprehensive plan at least every ten years, but is not obligated to amend it. Montgomery Township's last plan was updated in March 1999. Consultant and land planner, E. Van Rieker outlined the steps that have been taken to this point in reviewing the existing plan and provided a thorough overview of the draft plan. It is being recommended that instead of producing a 100 bound booklets, a smaller fold-out brochure with concise and pertinent information be made available to all residents of the township. Mr. Rieker reviewed the draft plan and discussed some of the areas that could be included are: an updated Open Space map, traffic and transportation, history and location, commuting patterns, demographics/housing population, land use trends, residential and non residential trends, new town center concept, community sustainability and the mission plan, including a series of goals. Mr. Rieker encouraged the Board to continue to look at the draft plan and provide ideas. Supervisor Fox complimented the Planning Commission for the effort they have put into updating this plan. Mr. Fox noted that is a great looking document and is more user friendly. A public meeting with the Planning Commission could be held as early as late 2008, with a public hearing possibly occurring early in 2009.
Under the consent agenda, the minutes of the meeting for August 25, 2008, and the payment of bills were approved as submitted. Resolution #1 accepted the 2009 Minimum Municipal Obligation for the Montgomery Township Police Pension Fund in the amount of $377,294, and the 2009 Minimum Municipal Obligation for the Montgomery Township Non Uniform Employees Pension Fund in the amount of $213,002. Resolution #2 approved the acceptance of the Fire Department of Montgomery Township FM Global Grant in the amount of $2,500. Resolution #3 approved escrow release for Bridle Path Manor, and construction escrow release for Montgomeryville Business Campus/Fed Ex was approved by Resolution #4. Resolution #5 authorized the Township Manager to advertise for public meetings for proposed 2009 Budget Workshops to be held Thursday, October 16, 2008, Tuesday, October 21, 2008, Thursday, October 23, 2008, Wednesday, October 29, 2008 and Wednesday, November 5, 2008. Resolution #6 set Saturday, October 4, 2008 at 7:30 a.m. for the annual Public Works Inspection. Resolution #7 approved the 2008 Budget Amendment 2008-3 adopting Amendments to the 2008 Liquid Fuel and Capital Reserve Fund Budgets. All consent agenda resolutions were unanimously approved.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.