Monday, June 25, 2007
At 7:25 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 and Merle Ochrach. Litigation matters were discussed. The Executive Session adjourned at 7:31 p.m.
Chairman Witmer called the work session to order at 7:32 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Greenberg, Kuhn, Prousi and Sarosky. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Merle Ochrach, Bruce Shoupe, Richard Brady, Pam Gural-Bear, Larry Gregan, Bill Brightcliffe, Michael Galla, Stacy Crandell and Deb Rivas.
Under the first order of business, Supervisor Greenberg announced that the Open Space Committee has been actively pursuing the priority list of properties in the Township that they would like to see preserved for future open space. One of those properties is owned by Joan and Jesse Hurd. The Hurd's expressed an interest in keeping their land from being developed and they were open to possibilities for its preservation. It was proposed by the Open Space Committee that the Township have the property appraised. Discussion followed concerning providing a copy of the proposed appraisal to the property owners and also getting two appraisals done. It was agreed that this was not a standard practice. Additional discussion followed concerning what the property owners wanted and what the Township was looking for. There are three possibilities for this property: development rights, a conservation easement and a life estate purchase. The Board asked Township Solicitor, Merle Ochrach, to meet with the Open Space Committee to explain the different options and to develop a plan to help narrow down exactly what the Township and property owners want to do with the property. Supervisor Greenberg also indicated that there are very few parcels of any size worth preserving in the Township.
Fire Services Director Bill Brightcliffe presented the updated Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) Manual and highlighted the revisions and updates. Mr. Brightcliffe also indicated that in the case of a major emergency in the Township, the Police Department conference room would serve as the Emergency Operations Center and be manned by Emergency Management Coordinator Brightcliffe and Deputy Management Coordinator Chief Richard Brady. The Auxiliary Operations Center is located in the Community Room and would be manned by members of the Montgomery Township Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES)/Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES), utilizing the radio communications center installed last year. The NIMS certification is ongoing at this time. Mr. Brightcliffe recognized Shirley Snyder, Administration Secretary, for her efforts in helping to complete the updated document. The work session concluded at 7:56 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, Richard Brady, Rick Peterson, Bill Brightcliffe, Larry Gregan, Pam Gural-Bear, Bruce Shoupe, Merle Ochrach, Rick Tralies, Matt Johnston, John Chambers, Stacy Crandall, Mike Galla and Deb Rivas.
Police Chief Richard Brady presented department commendations by Resolution #1 to the Fire Department of Montgomery Township and Fire Police, Chalfont Fire Department and Fire Police and the Volunteer Medical Service Corps for their cooperation and assistance at a vehicle accident which occurred on March 2, 2007. By Resolution #2, Police Officer Andy Dalton was recognized and commended for his service in Iraq for one year and three months, and for the numerous service medals he was awarded during his recent tour of duty with the U.S. Army. Resolution #3 recognized and commended Sergeant Scott Bendig, Detective Ward Thomas and Canine Officer Robert Hart for their efforts and professionalism in apprehending a suspect and confiscating marijuana and monetary assets. All resolutions were unanimous.
Chief Richard Brady introduced the Police Department's newest recruit, Adam Duessing. Chairman Witmer administered the Oath of Office and Resolution #4 unanimously appointed Adam Duessing as a police cadet with an effective start date of August 3, 2007. Resolution #4a unanimously authorized the participation of Officer Duessing to attend the basic training program pursuant to the training provisions of the Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Act, Act 120 of 1974.
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. Matters of litigation were discussed which included Montgomery Township vs. Frank Rich, Frank Rich vs. Montgomery Township, Hetherington vs. Montgomery Township Municipal Sewer Authority and Dick Greenfield Dodge vs. Montgomery Township, et al.
A PowerPoint presentation was provided to show the proposed Route 202 Parkway Multi-Use Trail Stub Connections. John Nagel, John Chambers and Mike Galla provided the presentation which explained the pros and cons for each proposed connection. The Board paused at each proposed connection to take a straw vote and to determine whether PennDOT should construct the stub connections for future trail access. After some discussion, the Board, by a vote of 3 (Witmer, Sarosky, Greenberg) to 2 (Kuhn, Prousi), decided that they did not want to ask for "stubs only" where there was no possible future connection. Each proposed connection was reviewed and discussed. The Board unanimously agreed to not build any stub connections on private property, but to continue to consider those on state land or Township property. An additional proposed connection was on Township open space property which sits between The Ridings of Montgomery and Montgomery Elementary School. The connection would come down to the cul-de-sac on Chaps Way. The Board asked Rick Miniscalco, a member of the North Penn School District's Board of Directors, what opinion the school district might have regarding this connection. Mr. Miniscalco said that he could not speak for all of the board members, but he was specific that the Board did not want any access to the rear of the school property. The Board explained that his connection would not be behind the school property, but on the Township property next to the school. The school district would be able to install a fence along their property if none already existed there. Under public comment, Ryan Cassidy of 112 Baker Place, indicated that he was relieved to hear that the trail connection that was under consideration for Springville Farm would be constructed to go west underneath the parkway towards Upper State Road rather than towards Baker Place. Mr. Cassidy also wanted to know how the Board will be communicating this decision to PennDOT and when that communication will occur. It was agreed that the decision would be made this evening and communicated to the engineering firms that are designing the project for PennDOT immediately following. William James of 111 Baker Place indicated that he was concerned about the access and the registered sex offender who lives in the Township having access to the back of his property. Mr. James also indicated that he paid a premium for a private cul-de-sac and wanted to keep the property private. Mr. James felt that the interests of the residents were not being served and asked the Board to reconsider the connection to Springville Farm. Kellie Richardson of 113 Baker Place asked if the residents were going to see a detailed plan of what the connection would actually look like. Ms. Richardson indicated that residents are confused about what is being proposed and a detail plan should be available so that people can make an informed decision. Mr. Cassidy stated that he was concerned that a future Board would take action to connect to the stub which leads towards Baker Place, but then curves back under the 202 Parkway. The Board made a motion and voted unanimously that there will be no connection to Springville Farm and the stub connection installed on the Township open space behind Springville Farm will go in a southwesterly direction and under the 202 Parkway. Gavin Murdoch of 117 Gordon Lane asked the Board to confirm that there would be no stub connections coming into the Heather Ridge development. The Board confirmed that options 1, 3 and 4 will not be considered for connections. After all public comment was heard and discussions concluded; Resolution #5 approved the following:
1. A stub connection in the De La Salle Development at Society Circle (5 - 0) (Exhibit L);
2. A stub connection at the 309 Trailhead behind the Chilis restaurant (5 - 0);
3. A stub connection at the LA Fitness entrance parking lot (5 - 0) (Exhibit M);
4. A stub connection at the Joseph Ambler Inn (5 - 0) (Exhibit N);
5. No stub connection at Montgomery Greene Development (Opt. 1 & 3) (5 - 0) (Exhibit A & B);
6. No stub connection to Springville Farm (Opt. 3 & 4) (5 - 0) (Exhibit F);
7. A stub connection above the Township Basin (to be dedicated by Moser) (Opt. #1) to go in a southwesterly direction and under the 202 Parkway. There will be no connection to the Springville Farm Development. (Exhibit E);
8. No stub connection at the Heather Ridge Development (Opt. 1, 3, & 4) (5 - 0) (Exhibit G & H);
9. A stub connection on Township property between the Ridings of Montgomery and the Montgomery Elementary School (future connection to Chaps Way) (4 - 1, Sarosky opposed). (Exhibit C & D).
A public hearing was held for proposed Ordinance #07-216Z - Relative Quarters. The public hearing was opened at 9:06 p.m. with notes of testimony taken by court reporter, Tim Kurek. Planning Director Bruce Shoupe introduced the ordinance and explained that it was created to provide provisions for relative quarters or "in-law suites" in the Township. After a brief discussion, Resolution #6 approved Ordinance #07-216Z unanimously.
Under the consent agenda, the minutes of meeting for June 11, 2007, and the payment of bills were approved as submitted. Resolution #7 approved the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) Manual. Resolution #8 authorized the Township Manager to advertise for a conditional use hearing for a pet care center. Resolution #9 authorized the escheat transmittal to the Commonwealth of PA. Resolution #10 approved the escrow release for Steever Manor house. Resolution #11 approved the proposal for construction management services for the Stump Road Fire Station Renovation. All consent agenda resolutions were unanimously approved by the Board.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
GRAPHIC DETAILED IMAGES OF EACH 202 PARKWAY MULTI-USE TRAIL STUB CONNECTION ARE A PART OF THESE MINUTES AND CAN BE OBTAINED AT THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 9AM AND 5PM.