Monday, June 09, 2008
Chairman Jeff McDonnell called to order the executive session at 7:00 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Birch, Fox and Sarosky. Supervisor Prousi was absent. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Frank Bartle, Larry Gregan and Pam Gural-Bear. Items of personnel and real estate acquisition were discussed.
Chairman McDonnell called to order the work session at 7:38 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Birch, Fox and Sarosky. Supervisor Prousi was absent. Also in attendance were Frank Bartle, John Nagel, Bruce Shoupe, Phil Wursta and Deb Rivas.
There was no public comment.
Bruce Shoupe introduced the discussion regarding the redevelopment of Northbound Route 309. Mr. Shoupe indicated that Raymour and Flanagan would like to purchase the Atlantic Books property to the North of its current location and construct a new 63,000 square foot two story retail furniture store. Ken Amey, planning consultant, met with the staff and surrounding property owners over a year ago to discuss the possibility of a unified development in this area. Mr. Amey stated that ideally, the improvements to traffic would include the extension of Knapp Road between the properties connecting to Stump Road, as well as the extension of the current jug handle. Mr. Amey indicated that the other property owners have not moved forward with any plans. Mr. Amey indicated that the best option at this point would be to proceed with the Raymour and Flanagan piece if the Board concurs. Discussion followed regarding access points on 309 and zoning. Mr. Sarosky indicated to the other Board members that any opportunity to improve traffic in the area should be seriously considered by the Board. Mr. Amey indicated that the first step would be an ordinance amendment which would be reviewed and designed carefully to maintain zoning, limit access and cut down on traffic. Ross Weiss, the attorney representing Raymour and Flanagan, introduced representatives from Raymour and Flanagan and indicated that they are willing to design the development and traffic improvements; acquire the necessary right of way and make it available; get PennDOT approvals at their expense and build the improvements. The Board informed Ken Amey that he should move ahead with the ordinance amendment.
The work session adjourned at 8:03 p.m.
Chairman McDonnell called to order the action meeting at 8:05 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Birch, Fox and Sarosky. Supervisor Prousi was absent. Also in attendance were Frank Bartle, John Nagel, Bruce Shoupe, Rich Brady, Bill Brightcliffe, Larry Gregan, Pam Gural-Bear, Kevin Costello, John Chambers, Phil Wursta, Judith Stern Goldstein and Deb Rivas.
There was no public comment for any items not listed on the agenda.
Pam Gural-Bear introduced Beth Pilling, Senior Planner for the Montgomery County Planning Commission, who presented an overview of the County's trail system and focused in on the areas of connection with Montgomery Township's trails. Mike Galla then presented the proposed three mile PECO Trail and its implementation plan which was previously approved by the Board. The Board of Supervisors then re-established its support for the PECO trail to be constructed in Montgomery Township. Under public comment, David Mellman of 108 Thames Drive, inquired as to how close to his backyard would this trail be? Mr. Galla stated that the final design was not complete so it was not possible to show how close to some properties the trail might be. Also, Mr. Mellman inquired about the maintenance of the trail and what precautions are being put in place for people to get on and off the trail without having them cross private property to do so? Mr. Galla indicated that there would be specific access points to the trail, mostly within existing parks and public spaces. It was also noted that the Township Public Works Department would be responsible for the maintenance of the trail which would consist primarily of mowing the grass on either side. The trail would not be plowed during winter storms. Gregory Thomas of 114 Stevers Mill Road asked about the funding for this project, including the construction and maintenance. It was noted that 80% of the cost of this project would be paid for by County open space funding and 20% from the Township's Open Space funding. It was also stated that the trail would be restricted to allow only pedestrians and bicycles, not motor vehicles. Ted Jordan of 218 Tudor Drive asked if trash pickup would be part of the maintenance. Kevin Costello replied that the Public Works crew would maintain the trail by mowing and occasional cleanup. David Beardsell of 104 Copperleaf Circle asked about the ramifications of people walking under electric power lines. Beth Pilling responded that experience has shown that the safety factors have been very good with regard to participants not getting involved with the electrical components on the trail. There has been no example of people being affect by the power transmission lines. Overall, Ms. Pilling indicated that the existing trails have been very safe.
Solicitor Frank Bartle announced that the Board had met in an executive session prior to this meeting and that real estate acquisition matters and personnel issues were discussed.
Chairman McDonnell opened the public hearing at 8:42pm for the Conditional Use Application for Walsh - PIU Chalfont, LLC - 94 County Line Road. Notes of testimony were taken by court reporter, Tim Kurek. Attorney Scott Petri, representing applicants Wendy and John Walsh, presented testimony from Mrs. Walsh regarding the conditional use. Mrs. Walsh indicated that the facility would be a recreational athletic facility for children, offering two arenas equipped with large inflatables on which they can bounce and slide. The facility would be used for private parties and is not otherwise open to the public. The hearing closed at 9:00 p.m. Resolution #1 unanimously approved the conditional use for 94 County Line Road for the recreation facility, Pump It Up.
The next item on the agenda was the Disc Golf Recommendation. Keith Johnson, a member of the Park and Recreation Board, made the presentation and indicated that the Park Board was charged with redesigning the current Disc Golf Course to meet the guidelines set forth by the Board of Supervisors at their meeting on April 28, 2008. The guidelines include reducing the number of holes from 18 to 12, with only 9 holes in use at any given time; monitor and evaluate any environmental impact and maintain a course length of or near 2500' total. Mr. Johnson also indicated that the course would be monitored on a quarterly basis to evaluate any potential environmental impact. The Board thanked Mr. Johnson and the members of the Park and Recreation Board for their hard work and diligence in revising the course as requested. Under public comment, Chuck Ziegler of 119 Rose Twig Lane said that he had examined all aspects of the course and the park and that in his opinion, there were only two areas of the park which the nine hole course would work, in the Wiseman Tract or along the sewer easement next to and behind the farmhouse. Mr. Ziegler was concerned about the three stream crossings, one of which included a steep embankment. Mr. Ziegler proposed an alternate plan for a nine hole course and outlined the benefits of his plan. Lawrence Caldwell of 264 Mallard Drive stated that this new plan is a delay tactic and there is no proof by anyone that the disc golf course will hurt anyone or anything in the park. Mr. Caldwell asked the Board to stick with what the Board had agreed to at the previous meeting. The Board inquired of the Park Board if they had seen this alternate plan before. Mr. Johnson and Mr. Keightly both indicated that they had not seen this alternate plan before it was emailed to the Park Board a few days ago. The Park Board members indicated that they had followed through with what the Board had requested of them. The Board members stated that no one is trying to eliminate the disc golf course, but that looking at all the options is necessary, including the possibility that Mr. Ziegler's plan could be incorporated into the existing course in the future, if necessary. Mr. Ziegler was commended for his hard work on this alternate plan, however, the Park Board had done what the Board had asked of them. The Board felt that it was necessary to allow the course to be implemented as requested and monitored. The Board inquired of Mr. Costello how the monitoring would be done. Mr. Costello indicated that the holes will be restored and modified; photos will be taken to establish a baseline and document the conditions. The Park Foreman will monitor the tees for damage and recommend rotation when necessary. The course will be monitored quarterly, so the first report to the Board will be sometime in September. Jim Roque of 103 Heron Court stated that he has concerns about safety as he and his child were riding bikes on a path that crosses the course where people are throwing discs. Mr. Roque also indicated that there appears to have been no demand for the course from the public and that the course was not suppose to be so large. Overall, Mr. Roque was very concerned about the safety of the people using the park. David Keightly, Jr. of 114 Heartwood Drive showed the Board and those in attendance what a disc looks like. Mr. Keightly stated that the Township had already paid for 18 baskets and money has now been wasted because only nine will be used. Mr. Keightly was also unclear as to why the course had to be less than 2,500 feet. Stu Caplan of the Bucks County Disc Golf Alliance stated that his club is responsible for the disc golf course at Tyler State Park. Mr. Caplan provided several suggestions and useful information regarding the maintenance of the disc golf course. Dave Hansel of 130 Mallard Drive said that Mr. Ziegler had attended the last Park Board meeting and that he believes that Mr. Ziegler's plan is the proper plan. David Keightly of 114 Heartwood Drive stated that it was interesting that the only people complaining about the crossing of a stream are the people who are against the disc golf course. Mr. Keightly indicated it would be better to have a small bridge, but no one who actually plays the game is complaining about crossing a passable stream. Lynn Caldwell of 264 Mallard Drive said that she and her husband met with the Bucks County Disc Golf Alliance and they are a wonderful group of individuals who will help the Montgomery Township group with the disc golf course. Mrs. Caldwell said that the Bucks County group had even built their own bridges. Marilyn Tontoni of 219 Mallard Drive said that she is concerned that the Township still has people voting on this issue when they have never seen the course. Mrs. Tontoni stated that she is concerned about liability and unsupervised activity in remote areas of the park. Linda Brooks of 217 Mallard Drive indicated that it is important to keep something in trust for the future, such as Windlestrae Park. Ms. Brooks also stated that she has a general problem with the character of the group of residents in favor of disc golf and is upset by the comments made in the editorial section of The Reporter newspaper. Steve Tierney of Lansdale Borough stated that he was upset at the editorials and did not like having his character attacked by anonymous individuals. After additional discussion, the Board commented that the park is for everyone to use and the different uses must co-exist. The Board also commented that they appreciated everyone who has played a role in this matter and commended residents for speaking up with their concerns. Ultimately, the Board commented that the Park Board had revised the plan and had done what the Board had requested of them. By a unanimous vote of 4 to 0, Resolution #2 unanimously approved the revised Disc Golf course plan for nine playing holes rotating on a 12 hole course.
Under the consent agenda, the minutes of the meeting for May 27, 2008, and the payment of bills were approved as submitted. Resolution #3 approved the escrow release for Bridal Path. All consent agenda resolutions were unanimously approved.
Under other business, Bruce Shoupe indicated that a number of developers had contacted him and asked to meet with staff to discuss various sketch or concept plans. The Township's present policy is to schedule staff meetings with developers. If the plan meets the current land use ordinances and/or zoning, an application is then made for full review by the staff and input from the Planning Commission before the plan comes before the Board. Lately, Mr. Shoupe has been receiving a number of requests which would involve zoning changes and/or text amendments. The staff is looking for direction from the Board as to how they wish the staff to proceed with these types of requests. Mr. Sarosky indicated that the Township currently has a procedure for such requests whereby the developer meets with the staff and the issue goes before the Planning Commission. In the past, some Board members may have met with a developer to talk about a large concept plan such as the Montgomery Mall. However, Mr. Sarosky felt that it would be inappropriate to start forming a committee with two supervisors on it to meet with staff and developers as this would give developers the impression that the Board in general was in favor of or against a certain concept plan. Mr. Sarosky indicated that the procedure should remain as it has been with the staff first, Planning Commission and then the Board of Supervisors. Mr. Fox stated that people will hear what they want to hear in staff meetings and if Board members are present, people will assume that the Board as a whole feels a certain way. It was agreed to keep the current procedure in place for developers and plan reviews.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m.