Monday, June 23, 2008
Chairman Jeff McDonnell called to order the executive session at 7:00 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Birch, Fox, Prousi and Sarosky. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Frank Bartle and Bruce Shoupe. Items of personnel and potential litigation were discussed.
Chairman McDonnell called to order the action meeting at 8:06 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Birch, Fox, Prousi and Sarosky. Also in attendance were Frank Bartle, John Nagel, Bruce Shoupe, Rich Brady, Bill Brightcliffe, Larry Gregan, Pam Gural-Bear, Rick Peterson, Mike Galla, Stacy Crandell and Shirley Snyder.
Under public comment Jeff Eldridge of 1805 Line Street noted a concern with the creek that flows behind his property. Mr. Eldridge noted that the amount of water flowing through the creek during a rain storm is causing the banks to wash away, and that there is also a considerable amount of debris flowing through the creek. Mr. Eldridge is looking to the township for assistance in this matter. Ken Mawson of 1809 Line Street stated his concern with the creek, and provided the township with a DVD and prints of the destruction caused by heavy rains. Mr. Mawson also noted that there is a sewer line that runs along the creek. John Nagel noted that there have been concerns in this area, and that the matter will be discussed and some recommendations will be prepared for the next meeting. Jim Rogue of 103 Heron Court read a letter he had written noting his concerns and issues with the Park & Recreation Board and the disc golf matter. Mr. Rogue also stated that residents feel intimidated by the Park Board. David Keightly Jr. of 114 Heartwood Drive thanked the Board for re-opening the disc golf course in a timely manner.
Resolution #1 unanimously appointed Varsha Desai to the Environmental Advisory Committee with a term to expire on January 1, 2009.
Solicitor Frank Bartle announced that the Board had met in an executive session prior to this meeting and that personnel and potential litigation matters were discussed.
Architect Jonathan Trump and Construction Manager Jed Gilly presented a PowerPoint update on the Stump Road fire station progress. Mr. Trump noted that the project went out for bid in November 2007 and construction was started in February 2008. It is expected that construction will be complete in August 2008 with a tentative Grand Opening October 14, 2008 to coincide with National Fire Prevention Week. The scope of the project includes the renovation of the existing engine bays, demolition of the existing office wing, adding new additions that include meeting and training room, offices for the fire marshal, FDMT staff, day room, exercise room, bunk rooms and bathrooms. John Nagel noted that the project is moving along at a good pace and is on budget. Supervisor Prousi noted that this was being done without any new taxes to township residents, and complimented all who are involved with the project.
Larry Gregan provided a budget status on the Stump Road Fire Station noting that the project is within the budget and the project is proceeding with a low number of change orders. Mr. Gregan also noted that a temporary station for housing the vehicles has been working out very well. It was noted that the township is leasing this temporary building on Stump Road, which has been a very good arrangement.
Larry Gregan stated that the budget for the fire station project also includes an allowance for furniture, fixtures and equipment for the Stump Road station. It was noted that World Wide Stereo has agreed to donate and install a large screen TV and stand and provide a complete audio-visual package for a discounted cost. Resolution #2 unanimously approved the purchase of office furniture for the fire station in the amount of $48,371.68 based on the quote provided by Officenter Inc. and state contract pricing.
John Nagel provided information on the Communication Budget Amendment, noting that the communication budgets primarily consist of the quarterly newsletter, The Communicator, Annual Report and quarterly recreation newsletter. Resolution #3 unanimously agreed to reduce the editions of The Communicator and Recreation news to three (3) editions, and the length of the October 2008 edition of The Communicator to six (6) pages and the August 2008 Recreation News to twelve (12) pages.
Pam Gural-Bear stated that the Business Development Partnership would like to sponsor a Business Card Exchange and Forum on Tuesday, September 16th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Township Building. The purpose of the Business Card Exchange and Forum is to inform business owners of the services that the Township has to offer as well as to educate the business owners and managers of the various Township procedures and guidelines they need to adhere to. Stacy Crandell provided the proposed agenda for the evening and noted that all township departments would be providing information for this event. Resolution #4 unanimously authorized the advertisement of the Business Card Exchange expenditure of no more than $400 for this event scheduled for September 16, 2008.
Under the consent agenda, the minutes of the meeting for June 9, 2008, and the payment of bills were approved as submitted. Resolution #5 approved the escrow release for Country Lane Estates. Resolution #6 approved the escrow release for Charter Oak Tract. Resolution #7 approved the escrow release for Manor View II, and escrow release for Montgomery Walk, Phase I was approved by Resolution #8. Resolution #9 authorized the Township Manager to advertise for bids for landscaping projects. All consent agenda resolutions were unanimously approved.
Under other business, Chairman McDonnell read Resolution #10, which unanimously authorized the Solicitor to present the case in opposition of the Zoning Hearing Board application of Thomas Blake of 606 Cowpath Road, Lansdale, scheduled to be heard July 1, 2008.
Chairman McDonnell read Resolution #11, which unanimously appointed R. Kurtz Holloway as the ad hoc Hearing Officer to conduct all police disciplinary hearings in 2008.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.