Monday, February 11, 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, Lawrence Gregan, Ann Shade, Richard Brady and Joseph Rudolf. Matters of litigation, assessment appeals, Police Department arbitration and negotiations and labor concerns were discussed.
At 8:10 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, Judith Stern Goldstein, Matthew Johnston, John Chambers, Kevin Costello, Richard Brady, William Brightcliffe, Lawrence Gregan, Pam Gural-Bear, Bruce Shoupe and Shirley Snyder.
Under public comment, several residents commented on the disc golf course in Windlestrae Park. Daniel Rose of 132 Mallard Drive West, Marilyn Tontoni of 219 Mallard Drive and Kathy DiPangrazio of 204 Mallard Drive all spoke on this issue. Mr. Rose noted that he is opposed to this course being used for any type of competitive golf tournaments. Mr. Rose agreed to provide the staff with information he has concerning the disc golf course. The staff will forward all of Mr. Rose's information to the Board. Ms. Tontoni presented each board member with a packet of information citing residents concerns. Ms. DiPangrazio's concerns centered around environmental issues and lack of communication with residents during the planning process. David Keightly, a member of the Park and Recreation Board noted that a sub committee has been formed to address resident concerns. Chairman Prousi inquired whether the sub committee would have a recommendation to present to the Board at the February 25, 2008 meeting. It is anticipated that a recommendation will be ready for the meeting on February 25th. Supervisor Fox inquired about the possibility of Mr. Duessler promoting the disc golf course for tournament use and charging a fee.
Frank Bartle announced that the Board had met earlier in an Executive Session and discussed matters of litigation, assessment appeals, Police Department arbitration and negotiations, and labor concerns.
Larry Gregan stated that Tax Collector, Patricia Gallagher has requested to use the township building on several dates in April to collect real estate taxes. It has also been requested that a "locked box" be installed in the Finance Department, allowing residents to drop off their real estate tax payments (checks only) between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. This arrangement is similar to the arrangements that Ms. Gallagher has with Sovereign and Abington Banks. It was noted that the box will be secured and Ms. Gallagher and her representatives will be the only individuals to access the box. Resolution #1 unanimously approved the collection of real estate taxes by Patricia Gallagher on specified dates in April, and the approval to secure a lock box in the Finance Department for deposit of real estate tax payments during normal business hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Mr. E. Van Rieker, Planner provided a thorough overview of the proposed text amendment and rezoning of the Horsham Road Properties, explaining that it will be a two step process. This parcel of land is compromised of 5 residential properties, bordering Upper State and Horsham Roads. If re-zoned to Business Professional (BP), the following would apply: a buffer area along the rear of the property, limited to one story building(s) within 100 feet behind the buffer area; two story building(s) permitted near the road frontage, with buildings having residential complementary architectural facades on all four elevations. Mr. Van Rieker also noted that there would be limited access to the property, with two entrances off of Horsham Road and one entrance off of Upper State Road and limiting the size and location of freestanding entrance signs to a maximum of 30 square feet for multi-tenant buildings. Jay Glickman, member of the Montgomery County Planning Commission recommended this plan, stating that it is an appropriate transition between a residential and non-residential zone. John Dzurko of 117 Matthew Drive spoke in support of the project. The public hearing for the proposed text amendment and rezoning request are scheduled for March 24, 2008.
John Nagel provided a summary of the Hartman Road Park Recreation Amenities. The Cutler Group, in conjunction with the development of this property, has donated land to be used as a park for recreational activities. In addition, the developer will be making a contribution of a fee in lieu of land, amounting to $1,136,000 for the entire development ($2,000 per unit), which will be used to pay for the cost of development of the park. Currently, the plan proposes to include a macadam path, parking area, slow pitch softball field, all purpose field, bocce courts, putting green and driving net, and amphitheater and stage. A discussion followed regarding the various amenities being planned, the cost of the project and lighting of the softball field. Supervisor Fox noted that the lights are an important part of the development of this park. Under public comment, David Keightly of the Park and Recreation Board concurred that the lighting is important for the athletic groups who may be using the fields. Kathy DiPangrazio of 204 Mallard Drive feels that it is a good use of the property, and especially liked the idea of the amphitheatre for township concerts. Ms. DiPangrazio also inquired as to whether the neighboring residents will be notified about the possibility of overhead lighting, prior to installation. Chairman Prousi directed the staff to notify residents of adjoining properties of this project. Resolution #2 unanimously reaffirmed the project budget at $1,136,000, with the Cutler Group being responsible for directly paying its contractors and eliminate a portion of the project to be determined to meet budget.
Resolution #3 unanimously authorized the Township Manager and Township Solicitor to take the necessary steps to pay $16,100 into Montgomery County Court as part of condemnation proceedings for the additional land and storm water easement required from Babies R Us.
Monthly Reports were submitted to the Board electronically for their information and review, and verbal reports were not given at this evening's meeting.
Under the consent agenda, there was a correction to the minutes on page #2, regarding the utilization of the Finance Committee. The minutes of the meeting for January 25, 2008 were then approved as amended. Payment of bills were approved as submitted. Resolution #4 provided authorization of the PennDOT Electronic Access Licensing Agreement (DUI Grant) for the Police Department. Resolution #5 approved the amendments to the 2008 fee schedule. Resolution #6 granted approval of DCED Grant Application Request for Fire Services. All consent agenda resolutions were unanimously approved.
At 9:35 p.m., the Board adjourned to an executive session to discuss matters of personnel.
At 9:45 p.m., Chairman Prousi reconvened the regular meeting and 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 one twelve hour shift without pay for Neglect of Official Duties. Supervisor McDonnell seconded the motion. There was no discussion. The Board voted unanimously and the motion passed.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:47 p.m.
At 9:47 p.m. the Board reconvened in Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter. The Executive Session adjourned at 10:30 p.m.