Tuesday, October 09, 2007
At 7:00 p.m. Chairman Robert Witmer called to order the Executive Session. In attendance were Supervisors Greenberg, Kuhn, Prousi and Sarosky. Also in attendance were Merle Ochrach and Larry Gregan. John Nagel was absent.
At 8:00 p.m. Chairman Witmer called to order the action meeting. In attendance were Supervisors Greenberg, Kuhn, Prousi and Sarosky. Also in attendance were Richard Brady, Kevin Costello, Bill Brightcliffe, Larry Gregan, Bruce Shoupe, Pam Gural-Bear, Merle Ochrach, Judith Stern Goldstein, Earl Armitage, Lonnie Manai, and Shirley Snyder. John Nagel was absent.
Members of the Fire Department of Montgomery Township were recognized with a Unit Citation for their efforts in assisting at a motor vehicle accident on Route 202 on March 2, 2007. The Volunteer Medical Service Corps was also recognized with a certificate for their efforts at the same accident. Resolution #1 unanimously commended the members of FDMT and VMSC for their dedication and professionalism in responding to a motor vehicle accident on Route 202 on March 2, 2007.
Chairman Witmer presented a check to the Fire Department of Montgomery Township Fire Relief Association. Resolution #2 unanimously acknowledged the presentation of a check in the amount of $243,472 from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to the FDMT Fire Relief Association.
Jonathan Trump, Architect representing Kimmel-Bogrette provided the Board with an update on the progress of the Stump Road fire station renovations. Mr. Trump stated that bids are expected to go out on November 5th. November 29, 2007 is the anticipated date for bids to be received and opened, and December 17, 2007 the date for the award of bids to be considered.
Larry Gregan was unanimously appointed as Interim Business Tax Collector by Resolution #3.
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 and the litigation matter of Frank Rich vs. Montgomery Township was discussed, as well as matters of personnel.
A public hearing was held for consideration of liquor license transfer for Ristorante Castello di Mediterraneo. The public hearing was opened at 8:15 p.m. with notes of testimony taken by court reporter, Tim Kurek. Barry Goldstein, attorney representing owner, Habib Troudi provided a brief summary of the restaurant's facilities and the benefits a liquor license would provide for the restaurant. After a brief discussion, the hearing was closed at 8:34 p.m. Resolution #4 unanimously approved the transfer of liquor license to the Ristorante Castello di Mediterraneo.
Richard McBride, representing the Cutler Group provided a summary of the consideration of plan for The Enclave at Montgomery - Phase III. Phases I and II, carriage style townhomes known as Montgomery Walk, are presently under construction. This last phase of development will be comprised of mid-rise units. Supervisor Kuhn expressed concern that the plans did not include water main and hydrant detail. Mr. McBride assured the Board that it will be addressed during the permit process and also addressed with North Wales Water Authority. A portion of this property is presently owned by the Wang family, with a lease arrangement with the Cutler Group. This property, a little less than one acre, will be deeded over the township when construction begins. This stipulation was added to the resolution before the Board. Resolution #5 unanimously approved the plan for The Enclave at Montgomery Phase III.
Under Monthly Reports, Richard Brady reported that the department had responded to 2,300 calls for service during the month of September. On September 8th and 9th, the Police Department hosted the Region VI, United States Police Canine Association Canine Trials at Windlestrae Park. Canine teams came from as far away as Washington, D.C. and New York City to participate. Kevin Costello reported that the Public Works Department is working on two projects, the disc golf course and the Rose Twig Project. Bill Brightcliffe reported that the Fire Marshal's office has conducted 20 life safety inspections, and the Fire Department had responded to 37 calls. Mr. Brightcliffe also noted that October 6th thru October 13th is National Fire Prevention Week. Larry Gregan reported that the Fast Track Deposit System is in place, and allows the department to make deposits directly from the Finance office to the bank. Mr. Gregan also noted that the 2008 "proposed" budget has been completed and distributed.
Pam Gural-Bear reported that the Communicator's final issue of the year is being prepared, and an E News Letter is expected to be ready by early 2008. Ms. Gural-Bear also noted that Autumn Festival will be held on Saturday, October 13th at Windlestrae Park with the appearance of Mascot "Monty". The Festival will begin at 10:00 a.m. and conclude at 5:00 p.m.
Under the consent agenda, the minutes of meeting for September 24, 2007 and the payment of bills were approved as submitted. Resolution #6 awarded the Memorial Grove Landscaping Bid, Phase IV to All Seasons Landscaping of Aston, PA with a bid of $17,350. Resolution #7 authorized the Township Manager to advertise the revised proposed 2008 Budget Workshops. Resolution #8 authorized the Township Manager to advertise for a public hearing to consider Conditional Use Application of General Hancock Partnership for a revision to their land use plan, to be heard on Monday, November 12, 2007. Resolution #9 authorized the Township Manager to advertise for Public Hearing for Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment - ECPOD #07-223Z. Supervisor Robert Kuhn requested that the text amendment to increase maximum impervious surface coverage from 65% to 75% for institutional and for non-retail uses located within ECPOD be re-considered. Resolution #10 accepted the recommendation to allocate monies from the 2007 Act 205 General Municipal Pension System State Aid to the Police Pension Plan and to the Non-Uniformed Employee Pension Plan. Additional Services to Architectural Proposal for Fire Station was approved by Resolution #11, at an additional cost of $4,400. Resolution #12 approved construction escrow release for Steever Manor House. Resolution #13 approved request from Fire Department of Montgomery Township to conduct their annual fundraising drive. All consent agenda resolutions were unanimously approved.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.