Monday, April 14, 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 Frank Bartle, John Nagel, John Dale and Anthony Diasio.
At 8:00 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, Kevin Costello, John Chambers, Matt Johnson, Judith Stern Goldstein, Richard Brady, Larry Gregan, Bill Brightcliffe, Pam Gural-Bear and Shirley Snyder.
Under public comment, Jean Byrnes-Ziegler of 119 Rose Twig Lane, recommended that the township acquire the Zehr property for Open Space. She encouraged the Board to act now to preserve this valuable piece of land.
Frank Bartle announced that the Board had met in an executive session prior to this meeting and that personnel matters were discussed.
Firefighter Robert Hedden was sworn in as the Interim Deputy Fire Marshal for the remainder of 2008. Resolution #1 unanimously approved the appointment of Robert Hedden as the Interim Deputy Fire Marshal for Montgomery Township, effective April 14, 2008.
Chairman McDonnell opened a discussion on disc golf. The following background was provided by Barry Weinstein, Vice Chairman of the Park & Recreation Board. In 2006 the Park Board initiated the 18- hole disc golf course project, with the course being designed by Dr. John Deusler. The course was designed and tailored for Windlestrae Park and went through several design changes to ensure minimal impact on the environment, surrounding community and wildlife. In November 2007, township residents began voicing their concerns or their support of this course. On November 26, 2007, the Board voted to close the holes that were most invasive to neighboring homes (holes one through five), and keep the remainder of the course open. Since December 2007, the Park Board has been working to find a solution to the disc golf issues; one that would be a compromise for all the residents of the township. The Park Board presented the following recommendation of an 18-hole alternative disc golf course. This alternative recommended the initiation of an environmental assessment; a cost evaluation; monitoring of the course on a quarterly basis to evaluate any potential environmental impact and consulting with a professional disc golf consultant on the revised layout. Under public comment, Marilyn Tontoni of 219 Mallard Drive commented that her objections to the course were more about the devastation of the forest, not so much the location of some of the holes, and she requested that the area be completely restored to its original state. Richard Reinhart of 1026 Glendevon Drive, Horsham, stated that the course is great, a lot of work went into the project and there is no need to change it. Pete Stewart of 101 Falling Leaf Way commented that he felt that the compromise was not perfect, but would work. Mr. Stewart volunteered his Boy Scout troop to design and complete a new trail. Two young ladies also shared their comments. Rebecca Rogue of 103 Heron Court, read a letter stating that kids should have a say in what is being done in our parks and that we should leave a beautiful world for the future, and Alexandra Lyons of 125 Kingston Way said that the trees and animals were fine before, and there was nothing wrong with the way the park was. Monica Ercolani of 101 Holl Court, commented that there are dilapidated buildings and other debris that need to be looked at and should be removed. Ed Nawrocki of 111 Rosewood Drive stated that the compromise is not perfect, but is adequate and he is in support of this compromise. Kim Greene, a Girl Scout leader from 311 Regency Drive stated that she and her troop will protest any additional tree cutting that is done. Ms. Greene stated that disc golf is great, but there needs to be no more cutting of trees. John Blasko of 134 Mallard Drive commented about the sign on the township marquis that reads "celebrate Arbor Day" and contrasted it to the tree cutting that was done in Windlestrae Park to accommodate the disc golf course. Mr. Blasko also requested that the pressure treated lumber that makes up the tee boxes needs to be removed, since this lumber contains copper and is the water is running into the creek. Neil McDevitt of 111 Damson Lane commented that our township engineer noted that everything we do has a negative impact of some type on our environment. Mr. McDevitt noted that the question becomes whether or not a negative impact is countered by a positive contribution to the community. Mr. McDevitt requested that the Board re-open holes 1 through 5. Kathy DiPangrazio of 204 Mallard Drive noted that walking is good exercise, and also noted that she has seen pictures of the devastation caused by disc golf courses. Steven Fairlie or 118 Wentworth Drive stated that there are a lot of dangers to forested areas, but disc golf is not one of them. Mr. Fairlie also noted that most of the sub divisions within the township were created by taking down trees. Keith Johnson, Leesa Meade and Larry Fiel all reiterated the Park Board's recommendation and noted that the area is in a "park", not a "preserve". Supervisor Birch inquired how the Township "put the cart before the horse" in this matter. Mr. Birch stated that a full environmental impact study should have been done prior to any work being done on the course. John Chambers stated that no DEP permits were required prior to the disc golf course installation. Jerry Coleman of 345 Pennbrook Avenue in Lansdale stated that his neighbor lives across from the disc golf course and he has played on the course, and is satisfied with the recommended compromise. Supervisor Birch inquired why a 9-hole course was rejected by the Park Board, and if any other locations were considered for the installation of the course. David Keightly responded that the Park Board had discussed a 9-hole course, and that Windlestrae Park was chosen because it was the most under utilized park within the Township. Supervisor Sarosky commented that possibly the previous Board should have had more information before they made the decision to build the course. Supervisor Sarosky also noted that if the concern for the environment is so great, then perhaps we should eliminate not only disc golf, but also soccer and baseball fields. Kathy DiPangrazio commented again that she is seeking balanced recreation, and cannot walk in the woods when disc golf is being played. Nancy Mueller of 216 Mallard Drive stated that she is fine with disc golf, however, Ms. Mueller feels that the proper studies should be done before any decisions were made. Larry Caldwell of 264 Mallard Drive East played disc golf and saw bicyclists and walkers while on the course. Supervisor Prousi noted that the Township has spent thousands of dollars of the taxpayer's money to build this course. Cindy Jansen of 264 Mallard Pond commented that teens need recreational activities, but believes a 9-hole course would be adequate. Ms. Jansen, also noted that the larger the course, the larger the groups that could come to play disc golf, and the more difficult to "police" these groups. Tom Giannascoli of 139 Mallard Drive noted that at some point we become overloaded with sports. Lynn Caldwell of 264 Mallard Drive noted that she and a friend went for a walk in the woods, while her husband and a friend played disc golf. During the time they were in the park, not once did she see her husband, concluding that walking and disc golf can co-exist. Bill James of 111 Baker Place is active in many sports. He recommended that in the future, the Township solicit input from the residents who currently use the facilities, Scout groups, as well as those who have attended Township run programs. Mr. James pointed out that this matter should be an opportunity to learn, review the current processes and make improvements for future proposed activities. Pete Steward noted that the township soccer and baseball fields are regularly used by teams from outside the township. Supervisor Prousi added that at least half of the people who use Montgomery Township fields are non-residents. David Keightly noted that if residents are looking for a quiet, natural area, there is one located off Pecan Drive. Barbara Vesay of 202 Livingston Court stated that she enjoys disc golf. The sport is not expensive and is a good activity for all ages. Mrs. Vesay urged the Board to support the April 5, 2008 revised plan as submitted by the Park Board and disc golf sub-committee. Another area of concern that was raised was that this 18-hole course could be used for competitions by groups outside the Township. The course had been advertised on the internet and even though the ad was removed, people now know that there is an 18- hole course in Montgomery Township. After some additional discussion by the Board, a resolution was read to approve the Park Board's 18-hole alternative disc golf course. Supervisor Birch stated that at this point in time, he had more questions than answers. Supervisor Fox stated that the compromise falls short of addressing the concerns raised by residents, and is not a true compromise. Chairman McDonnell noted that the recommended compromise reduced the size of the course only minimally. Resolution #2 to approve the alternative disc golf course was defeated by a vote of 2 - 3, with Supervisors Birch, Fox and McDonnell opposing the resolution. Supervisor Birch made a motion to remove all the baskets on the course. Supervisor Fox seconded the motion. David Keightly noted that the Township has spent $20,000 on building the course, and while he understands a vote against the compromise, closing the course would be out of line, and a waste of taxpayer's money. Supervisor Prousi made a motion to leave the course open and monitor the area for 6 months. In reply to the Board's question about taking the baskets down, Kevin Costello stated that they can be removed and reinstalled without any problem. Neil McDevitt commented that he would like to see the entire course re-opened. Motion #2 to remove the disc golf baskets was approved by a 3 - 2 vote. Supervisors Prousi and Sarosky cast the opposing votes. David Keightly requested that the Board provide the Park Board and the sub-committee with some specific guidelines as to what type of a compromise they are looking for. Barbara Vesay noted that removing the baskets would not be serving anyone, and Neil McDevitt stated that by removing the baskets, the Board rejected all volunteers who have worked and would have continued to work on the project.
Resolution #3 recognized William Brightcliffe for his efforts and dedication in the preparation of a comprehensive and quality Emergency Operations Plan for Montgomery Township. John Nagel read a letter of acknowledgement from Kimberly Kirschner of the Montgomery County Division of Emergency Management.
Under the consent agenda, the minutes of the meeting for March 24, 2008, and the payment of bills were approved as submitted. Supervisor Fox raised a question about the work change order for the Stump Road fire station, inquiring whether the concrete floor that is being removed and replaced was an existing floor. John Nagel stated that the concrete floor was the original floor in the fire station. Resolution #4 authorized the Township Manager to advertise for a public hearing for conditional use for 94 County Line Road. Resolution #5 approved the revised Emergency Operations Plan (promulgation) to include the 2008 Chairman's signature. Resolution #6 approved the request for submission of FDMT "My Hometown Helper" grant application in the amount of $14,000, Resolution #7 approved the request for submission of FDMT 2008 FM Global grant application in the amount of $6,600, Resolution #8 approved the request for submission of FDMT Assistance to Firefighters grant applications in the amounts of $22,145 and $64,000, and Resolution #9 approved the request for submission of Police Department DCED grant application in the amount of $10,000. The approval of work change order for the Stump Road fire station in the amount of $9,910 was approved by Resolution #10. Resolution #11 approved the Horsham Road Sidewalk Maintenance agreement. Resolution #12 approved the Street Light Agreement for Route 202 between PennDOT and Montgomery Township. All consent agenda resolutions were unanimously approved.
Under other business, Supervisor Prousi noted that he had met with the gentlemen involved with the Towing and Salvage for the Township, and everything is satisfactory.
At 10:25 the Board went into an Executive Session.
The meeting resumed at 10:40 p.m. Frank Bartle announced that the Board had met in an Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter involving a potential disciplinary hearing for a police officer. Resolution #13 unanimously appointed Jonathan B. Young as the ad hoc Hearing Officer who will conduct all police disciplinary hearings in the year 2008.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:43 p.m.