Monday, September 10, 2007
At 7:0 0 p.m. Chairman Robert Witmer called to order the Executive Session. In attendance were Supervisors Greenberg, Kuhn, Prousi and Sarosky. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Merle Ochrach, Pam Gural-Bear and Mike Galla. The Executive Session adjourned at 7:18 p.m.
At 7:20 p.m. Chairman Witmer called to order the Work Session. In attendance were Supervisors Greenberg, Kuhn, Prousi and Sarosky. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Merle Ochrach, Pam Gural-Bear, Richard Brady, Bill Brightcliffe, Bruce Shoupe, Larry Gregan, Jonathan Trump and Shirley Snyder.
Jonathan Trump provided the Board with a status review of the Stump Road fire station renovation project. The construction drawings are 40% complete and structural and mechanical engineering work has been started. The site location of the fire station is unique, containing land acquired from Babies R Us and utilizing land in the PECO right of way. Kirk Clauss of Schlosser and Clauss Engineers will appear before the Zoning Hearing Board to request several waivers for the project. Mr. Trump stated that bid documents should be ready on November 5, 2007 and will be due on November 29, 2007. Bids are expected to be awarded on December 17, 2007, with construction to begin in mid February. Anticipated completion of the project is September 2008.
John Nagel and Larry Gregan provided information on the proposal to secure a financial advisor to assist the township in structuring a debt payment schedule that would complement the current debt payment schedule. The Board has previously approved borrowing funds for the Stump Road fire station project. By successfully re-structuring the township finances, it is expected that there would be no tax increase to township residents. The Board granted approval to proceed in securing a financial advisor to meet these needs.
Under Monthly Reports, Richard Brady reported that the police department had responded to 2,234 calls for service during the month of August. On August 2, 2007, District Attorney Bruce Castor, Jr. donated $2,500 to Montgomery Township for hosting the U. S. Police Canine Association, Region 6 Canine Trials which were held the weekend of September 7th, 8th and 9th. On August 3, 2007 Canine Fox died suddenly while on patrol with his handler, Canine Officer Gerald Dougherty. Canine Fox had been an excellent police canine and was known for his canine demonstrations and was one of the best dogs for public relations. Bill Brightcliffe reported that the Fire Marshal's office had completed 52 Life Safety Inspections, and the department had responded to 53 incidents. On August 8, 2007 the career staff and the Fire Department of Montgomery Township volunteers participated in the annual Limerick Generating Station Reception Center Drill at Montgomery Mall. Larry Gregan reported that the Finance Department completed extensive Pentamation training on the new Business Tax Software. Preliminary Budget meetings with Department Heads have been held during the month of August and September, with four Budget Workshops scheduled for the month of October. Mr. Gregan also complimented Peggy Ferrante for her diligent work in recouping over $3,000 in refunds from Verizon. For several years, Verizon has been incorrectly billing the township for various taxes and service charges for which the township was not obligated to pay. The Township will receive both refunds and billing credits for this refund. Chairman Witmer inquired about the status of the WiFi connection at the Gazebo. Mr. Gregan advised that it is being worked on, but was not certain if it was operational. Bruce Shoupe reported that the Planning and Zoning Department is still working on the GIS system and working to get escrow accounts up to date. Permit forms are also being revised to make them more "user friendly" for our residents. Pam Gural-Bear reported that the 2006 Annual Reports have been completed, and the fall issue of the Communicator has been mailed. Ms. Gural-Bear also reported that the Youth and Adult Tennis program was the Park and Recreations best and most successful program of the summer. The Autumn Festival will have its own mascot at this year's event. Monty the Scarecrow will make his first appearance at the Autumn Festival on Saturday, October 13. 2007.
The Work Session adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
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 John Nagel, Merle Ochrach, Richard Brady, Bill Brightcliffe, Larry Gregan, Rick Peterson, Pam Gural-Bear, Bruce Shoupe, Mike Galla and Shirley Snyder.
Resolution #1 unanimously appointed David Keightly and Leesa Meade as members of the Autumn Festival Committee with terms to expire January 1, 2008. As Leesa Meade was unable to attend this evenings meeting, District Justice Keightly will issue the Oath of Office to Leesa Meade at the next Autumn Festival Committee meeting.
Representative Rick Taylor presented the Board of Supervisors with a $5,000 check to be used for the purchase of Automated External Defibrillators (AED's).
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 an item of potential litigation was discussed.
Supervisor Prousi inquired about the transfer of monies to the Autumn Festival. The Committee requests donations from local businesses each year, which go toward the one day event. Mr. Prousi stated that by next year, he would like to see the Autumn Festival be "self sufficient", but added that if the Autumn Festival Committee is in need of funds, the Board would be willing to transfer monies. The Board concurred with this recommendation.
Under the consent agenda the minutes of meeting for August 27, 2007 and the payment of bills were approved as submitted. Resolution #2 authorized the Township Manager to advertise for proposed Ordinance #07-221 - Montgomery Township Municipal Sewer Authority Local Limits to be heard on October 22, 2007 after 8:00 p.m. in the township building. Resolution #3 approved the 2008 Minimum Municipal Obligation for the Montgomery Township Police Pension Fund in the amount of $325,257, and to the Non-Uniform Police Pension Fund plan in the amount of $166,086. Resolution #4 authorized the Township Manager to advertise for public meetings for proposed 2008 Budget Workshops to be held Monday, October 25, 2007, Wednesday, October 27, 2007, Wednesday, October 24, 2007 and Wednesday, October 31, 2007. Resolution #5 set Saturday, October 27, 2007 at 7:30 a.m. for the annual Public Works inspection. Resolution #6 approved the transfer of $7,000 from General Fund into the Autumn Festival Fund. Resolution #7 authorized the Township Manager to advertise for Phase IV of the Memorial Grove Project with bids to be considered for award at the meeting of Tuesday, October 9, 2007. Resolution #8 authorized the Township Manager to advertise for Public Hearing - Liquor License Transfer for Restorante Castello di Mediterraneo. All consent agenda resolutions were unanimously approved.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:11 p.m.