Monday, May 14, 2007
At 7:00 p.m. Chairman Robert Witmer called to order the Work Session. In attendance were Supervisors Greenberg, Kuhn, Prousi and Sarosky. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Merle Ochrach, Larry Gregan, Bruce Shoupe, Pam Gural-Bear, Richard Brady, Kevin Costello, Bill Brightcliffe and Shirley Snyder.
Earl Armitage of Pennoni Associates provided a summary of PennDOT's response to Montgomery Township's comments and recommendations to the Design Field View Review as presented at a recent summary of testimony. PennDOT has agreed to accommodate several of the revision requests by Montgomery Township, including suggested work to the 309 bridge, construction of park and ride lot on Knapp Road, traffic signal at Knapp and Witchwood Roads, emergency vehicle signal, lighted pedestrian push buttons and UPS battery back-up system. There are several other considerations that, at this time, PennDOT is not planning to accommodate, including sound walls and assuming responsibility for certain sections of Knapp Road. Separate meetings will be held with the Township's Landscape Engineer, Emergency Services Organizations and discussions concerning various trail connections. The Board will get a list of their suggestions and recommendations to Pennoni who will present them to PennDOT. The Final Design for section 701 should be completed by August 2007.
Under Monthly Reports, Larry Gregan reported that the Finance Department continues to work with the auditors. Conversion to the Pentamation Escrow Billing Module should be complete within the next month. Chairman Witmer suggested the township consider wireless "hot spots" in some of the parks to give residents the opportunity to use lap tops while they are outdoors. Bruce Shoupe noted that the GIS is moving forward, and the Department is learning the new software. The Planning Department is working to revise all forms and permit documents. Pam Gural-Bear reported that the Employee Newsletter and Communicator have been completed, and the 2006 Annual Report should be ready within two weeks. Montgomery Township participated in the North Penn Chamber of Commerce Business Fair at Gwynedd Mercy College in April. Supervisor Kuhn and the staff of the Community Services office recently accepted an award for Citizen's University for Innovative Community and Governmental Initiative from the Department of Community and Economic Development in Harrisburg. Kevin Costello reported that preparations are underway for the 2007 township road projects. Richard Brady reported that the Police Department responded to 2,112 calls during the month of April. Officer Joseph McGuigan was elevated to the rank of Patrolman II on April 24, 2007, and continues to do an outstanding job for the department. Officer William Peoples has recently completed teaching the D.A.R.E. Program at Mary Mother of the Redeemer and received a letter of appreciation for his work with this program. Chief Brady has been appointed to serve on the Commission's Advisory Committee on Wrongful Convictions, a study authorized by the Senate and the Joint State Government Commission. Bill Brightcliffe reported that the Fire Marshal's office had completed 22 Life Safety Inspections in April, and the Fire Department had responded to 57 incidents.
Bruce Shoupe provided a status report on the Comprehensive Plan. Matt Schelly of the Montgomery County Planning Commission and E. Van Rieker are assisting the Township's Planning Commission in this process. It is expected that this process will take between 12 and 18 months to complete. Supervisor Sarosky felt that 18 months is too long, and requested that it be accomplished in less than 18 months.
The Work Session concluded at 7:51 p.m.
At 8:00 Chairman Witmer called to order the regular meeting. In attendance were Supervisors Greenberg, Kuhn, Prousi and Sarosky. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Merle Ochrach, John Chambers, Richard Brady, Kevin Costello, Bill Brightcliffe, Larry Gregan, Pam Gural-Bear, Bruce Shoupe, Mike Galla and Shirley Snyder.
Under public comment Richard Roller of 1142 Knapp Road, and Chairman of the Montgomery Township Historical Society presented the Township with a check in the amount of $77,768.15 for the 2004 Northern Montgomery County Recycling Grant. Jason Ostrowski of 113 Bellows Way advised the Board that he has been experiencing drainage problems on his property, and inquired whether the township would be able to help him resolve this matter. Kevin Costello will look at the problem and discuss possible options.
Richard Brady noted that the week of May 13th through May 19th is National Law Enforcement Week, which will be observed with a day long event at Montgomery Mall on May 16th. The Montgomery Township Police Department will be joined by other North Penn Police Departments, Volunteer Medical Service Corp. and the Fire Department of Montgomery Township. K-9 demonstrations, juvenile fingerprinting, S.W.A.T. and highway safety displays are a few of the activities being planned for the day. Resolution #1 unanimously recognized National Law Enforcement Week, May 1st through May 19th.
The Township has been developing an interactive Recreation Guide and Trail Map, using the trail map prepared by Chambers Associates. Mike Galla provided a demonstration explaining how residents are able to access the guide and map through the Montgomery Township website. This guide enables visitors to review each township park and view a list of all the amenities each park has to offer and the trail map shows existing and proposed trails.
Under the consent agenda, the minutes for the April 30th meeting and the payment of bills were approved as submitted. Resolution #2 extended the land development approval and waived the formal land development procedures, as recommended by the Township Engineer. Supervisor Kuhn requested that the outdoor lighting around the building be carefully monitored, so as not to create excessive light in the backyards of the neighboring homes. Resolution #3 authorized the Township Manager to advertise for a public hearing for proposed Ordinance #07-216Z - Relative Quarters for Monday, June 25, 2007. Resolution #4 authorized the Township Manager to advertise for the Northern Montgomery County Recycling Commission's Intermunicipal Agreement and Municipal Waste Collection and Recycling Ordinance to be heard on June 11, 2007. Resolution #5 approved the construction escrow release for Steever Manor House. The Autumn Festival Solicitation letter was approved by Resolution #6. All consent agenda resolutions were unanimously approved.
Richard Roller requested the date that the Recycling Ordinance/intergovernmental Agreement would be heard, which will be Monday, June 11, 2007.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m.