Monday, November 12, 2007
At 7:00 p.m. Chairman J. Robert Witmer called to order an Executive Session. In attendance were Supervisors Greenberg, Kuhn, Prousi and Sarosky. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Merle Ochrach, William Brightcliffe, Chief Richard Brady, and Bruce Shoupe. Personnel and potential litigation matters were discussed. The Executive Session adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
Chairman Witmer called to order the regular action meeting at 8:00 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Greenberg, Kuhn, Prousi and Sarosky. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Merle Ochrach, Chief Richard Brady, William Brightcliffe, Kevin Costello, Larry Gregan, Pam Gural-Bear, Ed Slaw, Rick Tralies, Earl Armitage, Bruce Shoupe and Shirley Snyder.
The Fire Department of Montgomery Township conducts an Annual Essay and Poster Contest for school students in Montgomery Township each October, during Fire Prevention Month. The theme for 2007 was "Practice Your Escape Plan". Bernd Heinze and Ed Skrzat were present to welcome the students and their families. Students from Bridle Path Elementary, Montgomery Elementary and Mary, Mother of the Redeemer participated in the contest. Each winner received a certificate and a $50 US Savings Bond, courtesy of Commerce Bank. Resolution #1 unanimously recognized the following student winners of the FDMT Annual Fire Prevention Essay and Poster Contest: Bridle Path Elementary - Ryan Nocitra, Kelsey Colarusso, Dela Matthew, Morgan Farrell, Alyssa Almeida and Hannah Shade; Montgomery Elementary - Zoe Robinson, Morgan Peyton, Shelby Almeida, Zach Rall and Colleen McGovern; Mary, Mother of the Redeemer - Julia Ianiero, Devin Foley, Cominick Ortolani, Matthew Shafer and Lauren Brauckmann.
There was no public comment on any item not on the regular agenda.
Merle Ochrach announced that the Board had met earlier in an Executive Session. Personnel and potential litigation matters were discussed.
A public hearing was opened at 8:12 p.m. for proposed Ordinance #07-220Z - Revisions to the Zoning Code - Special Events and Zoning Housekeeping Items. Notes of testimony were taken by court reporter Tim Kurek. Bruce Shoupe provided a summary of the specifics of this proposed ordinance. This ordinance will provide for revisions to the Zoning Code, by adding a definition for "Special Events", providing regulations and standards for such events, and various sign regulations and restrictions and other amendments to the Township Code. The hearing was closed at 8:17 p.m. Resolution #2 unanimously approved Ordinance #07-220Z - Revisions to the Zoning Code, Special Events and Housekeeping Items.
Bruce Shoupe provided a summary for the consideration of plan for Montgomery Square United Methodist Church. The applicant is proposing to construct a 14,450 square foot church with frontage on Limekiln Pike, Lower State and County Line Roads, with a few waivers being requested by the applicant. Gary Kulp, Engineer with Schlosser and Clauss Consulting Engineers, Inc. reviewed the plan for the Board. Supervisor Greenberg inquired about working with the County to provide trails. Supervisor Kuhn stated that sidewalks along County Line Road had been discussed, as well as bicycle paths. Sidewalks should be provided by the County and would be included with the widening of County Line Road. Supervisor Greenberg also inquired whether the Church would consider allowing the township athletic groups to use their softball field, if and when it is constructed. The Board commented that the Church had provided a very good plan, and everyone involved with this project had been good to work with. Resolution #3 unanimously approved the plan for Montgomery Square United Methodist Church.
At 8:34 p.m. a public hearing was opened for proposed Ordinance #07-223Z - Text Amendment - ECPOD for General Hancock Partnership. Notes of testimony were taken by court reporter Tim Kurek. Bruce Shoupe stated that the application, if passed, would increase the maximum impervious surface coverage from 65% to 75% for institutional and for non-retail uses located within ECPOD. The hearing was opened at 8:34 p.m. Marc Jonas, attorney for the applicant and Kirk Clauss of Schlosser and Clauss were present. Mr. Clauss explained the various uses for development of this property, and the need for the increase in the impervious surface coverage. The plan consists of a restaurant, two hotels, 95 town houses and additional parking spaces. Chairman Witmer noted that the plan looks busy and expressed concern with traffic issues. The public hearing for the conditional use for this same property was opened at 8:55 p.m. in conjunction with the text amendment hearing. Notes of testimony were taken by court reporter Tim Kurek. Kirk Clauss explained that the plan falls within the guidelines of the ECPOD Ordinance and is compliant with the zoning requirements.
The discussion next focused on the additional traffic that will be generated, and the possibility that Garden Golf Boulevard could become a "cut through" to the other main arteries surrounding the area. Mr. Jonas explained that the traffic flow within the area would be changed by straightening Garden Golf Boulevard from the light at Upper State Road to the proposed 202 Parkway connection, making that road the primary thru road. A traffic signal is planned for the intersection of Garden Golf Boulevard and the proposed Route 202 Parkway connector. The alignment of this roadway will be done in conjunction with the construction of the town houses, regardless of the status of the Route 202 Parkway. Earl Armitage stated that monies were being requested to be held in escrow, in the event that a second traffic signal would later be needed to regulate the flow of traffic along Garden Golf Boulevard. Mr. Andreas Heinrich of Heinrich & Klein Associates, Inc. stated that the results of the traffic impact study at this time, shows no need for a second signal. There is no expected undue impact as a result of this development. Matthew Hammond, Executive Vice President of Traffic Planning & Design, Inc. reviewed the parking plans for the overall site. The proposed parking is over and above what is required by the Township Code. The Board raised a question about the marketing of town homes situated within a commercial area. Mr. Jonas assured the Board that there is a housing market for this setting. John Kennedy, AICP of Kennedy & Associates noted that the residential development, from a planning perspective, is a good plan, with many positive aspects. There was additional discussion concerning drainage, detention basins, buffering around the town houses, and traffic patterns. Both public hearings were closed simultaneously at 10:00 p.m. Resolution #4 approved Ordinance #07-223Z - Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment by a 4 - 1 vote, with Chairman Witmer casting the opposing vote. Resolution #5 unanimously approved the conditional use application for General Hancock Partnership.
Larry Gregan provided a 3rd quarter 2007 budget report. In summary, there will be no tax increase and the township will end up with a projected net surplus.
Larry Gregan noted that the Board of Supervisors conducted four public workshops during the month of October to review the proposed 2008 budget, and provided a summary of minor revisions to the Preliminary Budget. Resolution #6 unanimously approved the 2008 Preliminary Budget.
Under the consent agenda, the minutes of the meeting for October 22, 2007, and the payment of bills were approved as submitted. Supervisor Kuhn noted an omission in the Budget Workshop minutes, and they were amended to include the attendance of Supervisor Kuhn at the October 17th session. Resolution #7 authorized the Township Manager to advertise for public hearing for conditional use for 150 Hartman Road - Real Pro Enterprises. Resolution #8 authorized the Township Manager to advertise for public hearing for proposed Ordinance #225Z - Re-Zoning application for 150 Hartman Road - Real Pro Enterprises. Resolution #9 authorized the Township Manager to advertise for a public hearing for conditional use for 1215 Kenas Road - Saladik. Resolution #10 authorized the Township manager to advertise for public hearing for liquor license transfer for Sohnji, LLL - T/A Korean BBQ and Lemon Café. Resolution #11 authorized the Township Manager to advertise for a Board of Supervisors meeting to be held on Monday, December 3, 2007. Resolution #12 authorized the Township Manager to advertise for public hearing for proposed Ordinance #07-226Z - Agricultural Operations. Resolution #13 authorized the Township Manager to advertise for proposed Ordinance #07-227Z - HLI Text Amendment. Supervisor Kuhn noted a duplicate line on the fee schedule. It was noted and will be corrected. Amendments to the 2007 Fee Schedule were approved by Resolution #14. Resolution #15 approved the third quarter 2007 budget amendments. All consent agenda resolutions were unanimously approved.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:20 p.m.