Monday, July 23, 2007
At 7:00 p.m. Chairman J. Robert Witmer called to order an Executive Session. In attendance were Supervisors Greenberg, Kuhn and Sarosky. Supervisor Prousi was absent. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Merle Ochrach, Joe Rudolf, Larry Gregan, Ann Shade, Bruce Shoupe, Bill Brightcliffe, Jon Trump and Scott Redilla. Personnel and potential real estate transaction matters were discussed. The Executive Session adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
At 7:50 p.m. the Board of Supervisors and press attended a brief demonstration of the Police Department Wireless Mobile System. In attendance were Chairman Witmer and Supervisors Greenberg, Kuhn, Sarosky and John Nagel. Supervisor Prousi was absent.
Chairman Witmer called to order the regular action meeting at 8:11 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors, Greenberg, Kuhn and Sarosky. Supervisor Prousi was absent. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Richard Brady, Kevin Costello, Bill Brightcliffe, Larry Gregan, Pam Gural-Bear, Bruce Shoupe, Merle Ochrach, Stacy Crandall, Mike Galla and Deb Rivas.
Chairman Witmer presented annual donations to the Visiting Nurse Community Association and the North Penn Visiting Nurse Association. Ginny Coombs and Jane Brainard each accepted their organization's check and made brief presentations on the programs they are offering.
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 real estate transaction matters were discussed.
A public hearing was held for proposed Ordinance #07-219Z - Zoning Amendments. The public hearing was opened at 8:18 p.m. with notes of testimony taken by court reporter, Byron Battle. Planning Director Bruce Shoupe introduced the ordinance and explained that it provides for revisions to the Zoning code which have been proposed by the Zoning Ordinance Review Committee and have been reviewed by the Township Planning Commission. After a brief discussion, Resolution #1 approved Ordinance #07-219Z unanimously.
Finance Director Larry Gregan provided a Second Quarter 2007 Budget Report summarizing the year-to-date operating results through June 30, 2007 and identifying the significant activities in fund balance, revenues and expenses.
Merle Ochrach announced that the Township has received an affidavit from Toys R Us confirming their commitment to grant the additional land necessary to renovate the fire station to the Township. Toys R Us has some internal matters to resolve, but its commitment will allow for the architects and engineers to proceed with the design and process as per the Master Concept Plan. Resolution #2 unanimously authorized all necessary parties to proceed to obtain the deed for additional land and to proceed with the design and plans for the fire station.
Under the consent agenda, the minutes of the meeting for July 9, 2007, and the payment of bills were approved as submitted. Resolution #3 approved the second quarter 2007 budget amendments. Resolution #4 approved the reimbursement of the Police Pension Plan legal expenses. Resolution #5 approved the extension request for Montgomery Square United Methodist Church. Resolution #6 approved the extension request for the Vacchiano Subdivision. Resolution #7 approved the escrow release for Dr. Raymond Au. Resolution #8 approved the escrow release for the Steever Manor House. Resolution #9 approved the escrow release for the Crispo Tract. Resolution #10 approved the Horsham Road Right-Of-Way Appraisals. Resolution #11 approved the award of the bid for the Disc Golf Project to Dr. John Duesler, Jr. for a price of $20,345.54. Resolution #12 approved the award of the bid for the Public Works Storage Building to McComsey Builders, Inc. for a price of $20,864. Resolution #13 approved the Police Canine Unit Solicitation Letter. All consent agenda resolutions were unanimously approved by the Board.
Under other business, Supervisor Sarosky asked the Board to give the staff some direction on rezoning considerations for properties along the Route 309 corridor, just north of Stump Road, across from Babies R Us, etc. The property owner is inquiring as to what the Board would want to see happen to these properties. After a brief discussion, the Board concluded that it felt that a HLI II Overlay would be most appropriate in that location, such as it is on the other side of the road. The landowners should prepare a plan for those properties utilizing the HLI II overlay for consideration. Jay Glickman, representing the Planning Commission, indicated that the Planning Commission is in the process of amending the Comprehensive Plan and one idea that is being considered is the HLI II Overlay for this area.
Supervisor Kuhn inquired as to what is happening with the Raymour & Flanagan property and the missing trees. Bruce Shoupe indicated that he is waiting for a response from Raymour & Flanagan.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.