Monday, March 10, 2008
Chairman Stephen Prousi called to order the executive session at 7:00 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Birch, Fox, McDonnell and Sarosky. Also in attendance were Jennifer Petruccelli, Varsha Desai, Robert Lee, Alfred Quasti, Dennis Cooney, Bruce Shoupe, Frank Bartle, John Nagel, Pam Gural Bear and Roy Rodriguez.
Chairman Stephen Prousi called to order the regular action meeting at 8:10 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Birch, Fox, McDonnell and Sarosky. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Rich Brady, Kevin Costello, Bill Brightcliffe, Larry Gregan, Pam Gural-Bear, Bruce Shoupe, Judith Stern Goldstein, Phil Wursta, John Chambers and Deb Rivas.
Under public comment, Jim Roque of 103 Heron Court, introduced his daughter and presented her petition to the Board of Supervisors regarding preserving and protecting the natural park area and removing the disc golf course. Barbara Vesay, a supporter and member of the subcommittee stated that a report made by Dr. Jerry Coleman indicated that the natural area was not a pristine healthy wooded area. Mrs. Vesay also stated that the initial comprehensive plan for Windlestrae Park includes many different activities for all areas of the public park. Neil McDevitt of 111 Damson Lane reminded those in attendance that the FDMT is sponsoring a golf outing on May 2, 2008. Mr. McDevitt also stated that as a taxpayer, he feels that the Board should be spending their time and money on more important issues. Mr. McDevitt indicated that he attended the subcommittee meetings and that the committee had come up with a working compromise that was voted on unanimously and then several individuals changed their minds. Linda Brooks of 217 Mallard Drive said that she has the report from Jerry Coleman. Ms. Brooks stated that it was important to note that Mr. Coleman had not attended any meetings and he has not been to Windlestrae Park. Ms. Brooks said that she was concerned that this report was being noted as critical when it should not be considered "critical". Kevin Costello informed the Board that the subcommittee is scheduled to make a report to the Park and Recreation Board at the next meeting. Mr. Costello felt that the subcommittee had come up with a reasonable compromise. The Park and Recreation Board will vote on the recommendation and all environmental studies and assessments will be completed prior to making a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors. Lawrence Caldwell of 264 Mallard Drive stated that Jerry Coleman is his friend and that Mr. Caldwell has provided Mr. Coleman with information about the project. Kathy DiPangracio of 204 Mallard Drive said that the subcommittee did not consist of any of the 200 plus people who had signed the petitions. Ms. DiPangracio also stated that there is evidence on the internet that shows damage will occur as a result of the disc golf course and she was appalled at the way the subcommittee meetings were conducted.
Frank Bartle announced that the Board had met in an executive session prior to this meeting and that one personnel matter was discussed as well as interviews of the potential alternate members of the Zoning Hearing Board. In addition, a matter of potential litigation was discussed regarding the potential acquisition of real estate.
Chairman Prousi announced that the Board had interviewed five candidates for alternate positions on the Zoning Hearing Board and that two were selected and will be notified.
Alan Gold, a member of the International Spring Festival Committee, made a brief presentation regarding the festival, to be held this year on April 19, 2008 at the North Penn High School. The festival celebrates ethnic and cultural heritages through performances, food and cultural displays. The Township staff has played a role in the festival over the past several years. It was recommended that the Township appoint a Board liaison to this Committee. Supervisor Fox volunteered for this position. Resolution #1 appointed Michael Fox as the Board liaison to the International Spring Festival Committee unanimously.
John Nagel stated that for over a decade, Montgomery Township has utilized a strategic financial plan to anticipate economic trends as well as to project costs of providing essential services to the public. As the Board has expressed an interest in providing more open space and community facilities, a review of the strategic financial plan appears to be in order. After a brief discussion, Resolution #2 unanimously authorized the staff to begin a revision to the strategic financial plan for presentation to the Board by June 30, 2008.
A discussion was held concerning community facilities and the recreation survey which was begun in 2007. The Center for Opinion Research at Franklin & Marshall College had previously implemented the first stage of the recreation survey which included six focus groups in order to ascertain the recreational needs of all of the residents in the Township. The staff at Franklin and Marshall would design the survey, implement the mailing and analyze the results. There was some discussion regarding placing dollar figures next to the various options as well as broadening the survey to allow all residents to participate rather than a random select group of residents. Some Board members felt that it was important to tie a number or percentage to a real estate tax increase (to pay for additional community facilities), so that residents could make an informed decision regarding the choices. A compromise suggested using a range of numbers. Under public comment, Patricia Gallagher suggested that the Finance Committee get involved in the process as this decision should be more that just the Board of Supervisors. The Board generally agreed that the staff should get a revised proposal from Franklin and Marshall, to include increased distribution with three various amounts of surveys.
Larry Gregan updated the Board on the status of the technology improvements being researched for the meeting room. Mr. Gregan stated that during presentations made at public meetings, it is difficult for the board members, presenters and the audience to all have clear views of any presentation exhibits. The staff has researched and discussed several options with vendors and is looking for direction from the Board. Mr. Gregan presented a scenario which would include a screen behind the Board for the audience members to view as well as two screens facing the Board, consultants and staff, either from the ceiling or against each side wall. The Board inquired as to how much usage this system would receive. Mr. Gregan commented that the system could be used by the Board of Supervisors, Zoning Hearing Board, Planning Commission and other boards and committees. When asked for comment, John Chambers noted that a similar system is in use in other townships that he works with and it is utilized frequently. Resolution #3 unanimously authorized the Township staff to proceed with the implementation of the AV improvements to the Public Meeting Room using State Contract vendors.
Supervisor McDonnell announced that during the campaign for Township Supervisor, he heard many comments about making the Township government transparent. Mr. McDonnell indicated that he heard from many Township residents who were interested in local government, but they were not able to come to Board meetings. Supervisor Sarosky stated that it was a lousy idea (to televise meetings) and that he has never had anyone ask him about televising meetings. Mr. Sarosky indicated that he was most concerned about people grandstanding in front of cameras and the possibility of consultants and staff limiting their contributions to the meeting. Chairman Prousi was concerned about people arguing in front of cameras for the sake of publicity. Mr. Prousi indicated that he had never received a complaint about not televising meetings. Mr. Prousi felt that the Township doors are wide open every day and at every public meeting for people to participate. Mr. McDonnell indicated that many government agencies televise their meetings for the general public: federal, county and school districts. Mr. McDonnell stated that the current trend was to advertise meetings. Mr. McDonnell indicated that it was a big advantage to do so because residents want to know that the government is open for citizens who cannot come to the meetings. Supervisor Fox stated that he had a conversation with another local government representative who said that his agency taped the meeting and offered it as a Podcast on the website. Mr. Fox suggested that the Township consider the Podcast as a test to see if there is interest from the residents. A suggestion was made to add the question of televising the meetings to the residential survey. Under public comment, Patricia Gallagher stated that whether it was on television or online, it would be beneficial for her because she is a busy person who attends many meetings. Mrs. Gallagher said it was important to be able to see the interaction between people. Mrs. Gallagher questioned whether Townships who are currently televising are having any problems. Joseph Nasife indicated that he agreed with Mr. Sarosky and questioned as to what the benefit would be. Dr. Nasife said that if you have an interest in what is going on, come to the meeting. Dr. Nasife said that when the meeting room is full of people, the Board should consider televising it. John Nagel commented that the Board would also want to consider whether it would be a live or taped broadcast. Marilyn Tontoni of 219 Mallard Drive said that she is a single parent and there are many residents in similar situations raising children who are not able to attend meetings at night. Ms. Tontoni agreed that the Township doors are open from nine to five, but the Supervisors are not there at that time. Ms. Tontoni said that residents voted for the Supervisors and they want to see them in action. After additional discussion, Resolution #4 authorized the staff to further investigate televising Board meetings and to present viable options to the Board at the April 14th Board meeting by a vote of 3 to 2 (Supervisors Prousi and Sarosky opposing).
John Nagel stated that Township past practice has been to conduct an organization retreat when a majority of the Board has changed. The retreat would create an opportunity for the Township Manager and the Department Heads to identify key organization goals (short and long term). The new Board would provide feedback and direction to the staff. Resolution #5 unanimously authorized the Township Manager to obtain a proposal from Municipal Resources, Inc. to facilitate an organization retreat for Montgomery Township with a budget not to exceed $2,500.
John Nagel indicated that the Board may wish to consider canceling or changing the date of the May 12, 2008 Board meeting because the annual Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors conference is being held at that time. Supervisors Prousi and Birch and Mr. Nagel will be attending. The Board agreed to change the date to May 5, 2008 unanimously by Resolution #6.
Under the consent agenda, the minutes of the meeting for February 25, 2008, and the payment of bills were approved as submitted. Resolution #7 approved the escrow release for AAA Montgomeryville (Dunkin Donuts). Resolution #8 approved the escrow release for Devon Court. Resolution #9 approved the escrow release for Gateway Center. Resolution #10 approved the escrow release for Montgomery Walk - Phase I. Resolution #11 approved the alternate Fence Installation Agreement for Bharatiya Temple. Resolution #12 authorized the Storm Water Outfall Testing and Observation project. Resolution #13 authorized the Spring Valley Park Security Locks. Resolution #14 authorized the Township Manager to advertise for a public hearing for a BP Text Amendment and Resolution #15 authorized the Township Manager to advertise for a public hearing for the Rezoning of Properties along Horsham Road. All consent agenda resolutions were approved unanimously.
Chairman Prousi stated that although the two Zoning Hearing Board Alternate applicants were not present, the Board wanted to appoint them at this meeting so that they can begin their work on the Zoning Hearing Board. Resolution #16 unanimously appointed Jennifer Petruccelli and Dennis Cooney as Zoning Hearing Board alternates with three year terms to expire in January 2011.
Chairman Prousi asked if there was any other business and Supervisor Fox made a motion to recommend Supervisor McDonnell become the Chairman of the Board. Supervisor Sarosky asked why and stated that good managers come into an organization and review the situation and then make changes. Mr. Sarosky indicated that the new Board members had come in and started making changes immediately. Mr. Sarosky stated that it was obvious that the three new Board members had an agenda that he and Mr. Prousi were not to be part of. Mr. Sarosky was opposed to the motion. Mr. Prousi stated that the new Supervisors elected him to be the Chairman and Mr. Sarosky to be the Vice Chairman. Mr. Prousi asked what had happened in the short period of time for the new Board to want to change the Chairman. Mr. Fox indicated that the new Board members were elected to be agents of change and that they feel that if things remain as they are, the Board will fall into the routine of doing the same thing as before. Mr. Fox indicated that there were several items that the new Board wanted to have placed on the agenda and there had been difficulty in doing so. Mr. Prousi clarified that each item Mr. Fox indicated had been addressed on an Agenda. Mr. Birch seconded the motion to nominate Mr. McDonnell to be the Chairman. The motion passed by a vote of 3 to 2, Supervisors Prousi and Sarosky opposing. Mr. Sarosky announced that he resigned as Vice Chairman. Mr. Fox made a motion to nominate Mr. Birch to be the Vice Chairman. Mr. McDonnell seconded the motion. The motion passed 4 to 1, Supervisor Prousi opposing.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m.