Monday, February 25, 2008
At 7:00 p.m. Chairman Stephen Prousi called to order the Executive Session. In attendance were Supervisors Birch, Fox and McDonnell. Supervisor Sarosky was absent. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Frank Bartle, Bruce Shoupe, Lawrence Gregan, Ann Shade and Richard Brady.
At 8:05 p.m. Chairman Prousi called to order the regular action meeting. In attendance were Supervisors Birch, Fox and McDonnell. Supervisor Sarosky was absent. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Frank Bartle, Rick Tralies, Matt Johnston, John Chambers, Kevin Costello, Bruce Shoupe, Richard Brady, William Brightcliffe, Lawrence Gregan, Pam Gural-Bear and Shirley Snyder.
Frank Bartle announced that the Board had met in an Executive Session at the conclusion of the February 11, 2008 Board of Supervisors meeting to discuss a personnel issue.
Under public comment, the following residents spoke about the disc golf course: Daniel Rose of 132 Mallard Drive, Jim Roque of 103 Heron Court, Clint Sickel of 116 Heartwood Drive, Marilyn Tontoni of 219 Mallard Drive, Barbara Vesay of Livingston Court, and Park Board members, David Keightly and William Maule. Mr. Rose inquired whether the Board had received his packet of information on Friday. Mr. Rose questioned why Montgomery Township's disc golf course is listed on a website directory promoting the game of disc golf. This matter was discussed at the Park and Recreation Board meeting, and it was agreed that the Montgomery Township listing would be removed from that directory. Supervisor Birch inquired as to exactly what objection Mr. Rose has to the disc golf course. Mr. Rose replied that his concerns were based on the fact that the township has an 18 hole championship disc golf course, and what type of survey had been done to determine demand for this type of course. Kevin Costello reported that the sub-committee had met and would be meeting again in the near future to gather all information and make an informed recommendation to the Board. Supervisor Fox asked that the sub-committee make certain that everything is checked out thoroughly before a recommendation is brought before the Board. Supervisor McDonnell requested that the sub-committee work with the two resident members to reach an agreeable solution. At the present time there are six holes on the course that have been closed, until further evaluation is completed. Mr. Roque stated that he is not opposed to the disc golf course, just the way the plan was conceived and the apparent lack of planning. Clint Sickel stated that disc golf is a great idea, and supports the course. Marilyn Tontoni stated her displeasure over the amount of money spent on disc golf, and other organized sports, while little or no money is being spent to improve the open space park land. David Keightly requested direction from the Board of Supervisors on how to reply to Mr. Rose's letter to the Park Board. Mr. Keightly requested that the Board provide their recommendations and suggestions to Pam Gural-Bear, and she will forward them to him. Bill Maule, Chairman of the Park Board inquired whether the Board was looking for a unanimous vote from the sub-committee, or a majority vote. Barbara Vesay, a member of the sub-committee was prepared to provide feed back from the sub-committee meeting. However, she decided to wait until a final conclusion and recommendation is ready to be presented to the Board, since further evaluation and discussion at the sub-committee level is necessary. A copy of Mrs. Vesay's information will be given to Pam Gural-Bear.
The Park and Recreation Board sponsored a "Name that Park" contest for all elementary school aged children in Montgomery Township to suggest a name for the Hartman Road Park. The winning entry, "Friendship Park" was submitted by Erin Palm, a 4th grade student at Bridle Path Elementary School. Bill Maule, Chairman of the Park and Recreation Board, presented a $100 American Express gift card and a certificate of recognition to Erin. Resolution #1 unanimously named the park on Hartman Road - "Friendship Park" and officially recognized Erin Palm for submitting the winning name in the "Name that Park" contest.
Representative Rick Taylor presented a $10,000 check to Richard Brady to be used by the Police Department for the purchase of Automated External Defribrillators. Representative Taylor also presented a $5,000 check to William Brightcliffe to be used for the purchase of an exterior illuminated fire prevention message sign for Battalion 2 Fire Station.
The following 2008 Administrative and Fire Officers of the Fire Department of Montgomery Township were introduced and recognized: Fire Chief, Chris Mann, President, Ed Skrzat, Vice President, Phillip Stump, Treasurer, Gene Zeiner, Secretary, Sherry DiCicco, Financial Secretary, Melanie Vasconez, Deputy Chief, Dave Vasconez, Assistant Chief, Scott Redilla, Battalion Chief, Steve Splendido, Captains Joe Simes and Dave Hedrick, Lieutenants, Carmen Conicelli and Phil Rainone, and Chief Engineer Mike Bean.
Sam Dugan, Treasurer of the Industrial Development Authority, and member Roy Rodriguez presented a check to the members of the Fire Department of Montgomery Township in the amount of $7,500.
Frank Bartle announced that the Board had met earlier this evening in an Executive Session. Discussion on the process of selecting members to the Zoning Hearing Board, Police Contract matters and a personnel issue were discussed.
The Board of Supervisors recommended the appointment of Mary Kay Kelm to serve as a member of the Zoning Hearing Board, with a term to expire in January 2011. Motion #2 unanimously appointed Mary Kay Kelm as a member of the Zoning Hearing Board. Ms. Kelm will be sworn in by District Justice Keightly.
Melissa Hall, President of Ashburn Village Homeowner's Association questioned why the roads in Ashburn Village are still private roadways. Ms. Hall noted that a letter had been sent in September 2007 requesting the roadways be dedicated. Chairman Prousi provided information that the developer had requested private roadways. John Chambers noted that there are several zoning and construction issues, including the width of the roads and the one- way roads that do not meet township code. Bruce Shoupe also listed some of the items that do not meet township requirements. Ms. Hall stated that the Association is ready to take the next steps toward having their streets dedicated, and requested a list of things that they would need to do to comply. Mr. Shoupe will provide Ms. Hall with the list as requested. Under public comment, Chris Notte of 127 Robertson Court noted that they purchased their property with the understanding that it would become a dedicated community. Frank Bartle suggested that they may want to consult with legal counsel in this matter.
Michael Galla provided the Board with a summary concerning Montgomery Township's Open Space Grant Application for the PECO Trail, which will be constructed at the southern end of the Montgomery Oaks Development and will run from the border between Montgomery and Horsham Township to Hartman Road. Resolution #3 unanimously authorized township staff to complete and submit the application for the Montgomery County Open Space Funds to finance the PECO trail.
The Board discussed exploring the possibility of forming a Senior Committee which would promote improved services for seniors by placing an emphasis on independence, self-sufficiency and by identifying their needs. After some discussion, Supervisor McDonnell recommended holding an informational meeting with interested residents to determine and evaluate forming a Senior Committee. Pam Gural-Bear will get the word out to residents via a press release, newsletter, website and cable channel.
Pam Gural-Bear summarized the establishment of a Board Liaison to the North Penn School District, which would facilitate communication between the Board and the North Penn School District and increase the lines of communication between the two entities, while serving Montgomery Township residents needs. Resolution #5 unanimously appointed Supervisor Michael Fox to serve as the Board Liaison from Montgomery Township to the North Penn School District.
John Nagel and Pam Gural-Bear provided information about the International Spring Festival which will take place on Saturday, April 19th from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This event is hosted by the Lansdale Public Library and celebrates ethnic and cultural heritages through performances, food and cultural displays. For the past several years, township staff has been actively involved in this festival.
Under the consent agenda, the minutes of meeting of February 11, 2008 and the payment of bills were approved as submitted. Resolution #6 awarded the bid for the 2008 curb and sidewalk project to Drumheller Associates for a fee of $155,091.50. Resolution #7 awarded the bid for the Rose Twig Park baseball backstop and baseline fence to Pro Max Fence Systems, Inc. for a fee of $14,559. Resolution #8 awarded the 2008 Public Works Department Annual Road Materials bids to the following: Asphalt/Bituminous Concrete to Eureka Stone Quarry, Crack Sealer to Crafco, Equipment Rental with Operator to P.K. Moyer & Son, Inc., Stone Aggregate to Glasgow, Inc., Lawn Care Treatments to Moyer & Son, Inc., Petroleum Products to Sunoco, Inc. Resolution #9 awarded the bid for the Montgomery Woods Storm Drainage project to Wexcon, Inc. at a cost of $177,675. A Conditional Use Decision and Order for 1215 Kenas Road was approved by Resolution #10. Resolution #11 authorized the Township Manager to advertise for proposed Ordinance #07-224 - Salvage and Township Ordinance. Resolution #12 approved the amendments to the 2008 Fee Schedule to include the recreation program fees. Resolution #13 authorized the Township Manager to authorize approval of a work change order in the amount of $19,800 to Gordon H. Baver, Inc. for Alternate G-2 for additional storm water work for the Stump Road Fire Station renovation project. All consent agenda resolutions were unanimously approved.
The Board went into an Executive Session at 9:30 p.m.
The meeting resumed at 9:45 p.m. Chairman Prousi announced that the Board had discussions concerning allegations of neglect of duty regarding one of our Police Officers. Supervisor Fox made a motion that pursuant to the Police Tenure Act, the Board vote to suspend Officer Gabriele Luberto for ten (twelve hour) duty shifts without pay for neglect of official duties. Supervisor Birch seconded the motion. There was no discussion. The Board voted unanimously and the motion passed. Chairman Prousi then announced that the Board had additional discussions concerning allegations of neglect of duty regarding one of our Police Officers. Supervisor Fox made a motion that pursuant to the Policy Tenure Act, the Board vote to suspend Officer Gabriele Luberto for two (twelve hour) duty shifts without pay for neglect of official duties. Supervisor Birch seconded the motion. There was no discussion. The Board voted unanimously and the motion passed.
Frank Bartle announced that the Board had met in an Executive Session and discussed two personnel matters, which were just acted on by the Board.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m.