Monday, March 12, 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 John Nagel, Merle Ochrach, Pam Gural-Bear, John Griffies, Robert Tagert and Karen Grant. Personnel matters were discussed. The Executive Session adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
Chairman Witmer called the work session to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Greenberg, Kuhn, Prousi and Sarosky. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Merle Ochrach, Bruce Shoupe, Bill Brightcliffe, Kevin Costello, Pam Gural-Bear, Larry Gregan and Shirley Snyder.
Under the first item of business, Bruce Shoupe presented a recommendation to the Board that applications being submitted to the Zoning Hearing Board for "significant' projects, first be reviewed by the Montgomery Township Planning Commission. The Planning Commission will be asked to review the application, and provide comments in written form to the applicant and the Zoning Hearing Board respectively. The staff will make the determination if an applicant's request should be reviewed by the Planning Commission. The Board was in favor of the recommendation, but wants it made clear that the Planning Commission is providing comments only, not recommendations to the Zoning Hearing Board.
The next item was a discussion concerning the possible rezoning for Jared - The Galleria of Jewelry. The property is the former Fagan Printing office on Route 202. Bruce Shoupe provided an overview of the project, which would involve moving the building to the rear of the property, and providing parking in the front along Route 202. The applicant is trying to acquire a parcel of land from the Mall in order to accomplish this project. The applicant wishes to rezone this parcel to C-Commercial from RS-Regional Shopping Center, so the entire property would be one zoning district. Marc Jonas, Esq., representing the applicant, and William Bertino, P.E. of BL Companies were present to answer specific questions raised by the Board. There was some discussion pertaining to traffic issues with access availability on Route 202. Mr. Jonas stated that the applicant would certainly consider right turns only in and out of the proposed parking area off Route 202. The consensus of the Board was that the applicant could proceed with the project.
Under Monthly Reports Bill Brightcliffe reported that the Fire Department had completed 31 Life Safety Inspections and responded to 63 incidents during the month of February. The Fire Department also participated in various training exercises and seminars. Kevin Costello reported that since the winter weather has been cooperative, the Public Works Department has already moved into their spring projects, a little earlier than usual. Bruce Shoupe provided the February statistics for the Planning & Zoning Department. Larry Gregan reported that the 2006 budget status and budget amendments would be provided to the Board at the next meeting. The transition from Centax to Berkheimer as collection agent for the earned income tax has been completed. The Finance Department is continuing with Pentamation training.
The work session adjourned at 7:53 p.m.
At 8:00 p.m. Chairman Witmer called to order the regular action meeting. In attendance were Supervisors Greenberg, Kuhn, Prousi and Sarosky. Also in attendance were Merle Ochrach, John Nagel, John Chambers, Phil Wursta, Rick Tralies, Richard Brady, Kevin Costello, Larry Gregan, Bill Brightcliffe, Pam Gural-Bear, Bruce Shoupe and Shirley Snyder.
The appointment of Volunteer Committee Members was postponed to a future meeting.
There was no public comment for items not listed on the regular agenda.
Merle Ochrach announced that the Board met in an Executive Session earlier to discuss matters of personnel.
Volunteer Advisory Committee Annual Report summaries were provided for the following committees: Zoning Hearing Board - Yvonne Metz, Chair; Planning Commission - Jonathan Trump, Chair; Open Space Committee - Supervisor Warren Greenberg, Liaison; Historical Society - Richard Roller, President; Northern Montgomery County Recycling Commission - Richard Roller. Chairman Witmer conveyed the Board's appreciation for the dedication of the members of all committees.
Resolution #1 unanimously approved Ordinance #07-213 - Amendment to the Traffic Ordinance, relating to snow emergency routes within Montgomery Township.
John Nagel reported that the staff has been diligently reviewing the Design Field View Review Plans for the Route 202 Parkway, and have a "draft" document outlining the township's comments on the plan. Leo Bagley was in attendance representing the County and provided a brief overview of the County's progress. Comments were made concerning traffic issues by Phil Wursta of Pennoni Associates, Bruce Shoupe, as well as the Board of Supervisors. Mr. Bagley advised that a final report will be submitted responding to all points raised by the township sometime in April. Richard Roller of Knapp Road suggested that perhaps the township could propose that PennDOT build an overpass over Knapp Road. Supervisor Kuhn agreed with the suggestion, but noted that PennDOT does not want to consider that option. The staff will be forwarding the township's review document to PennDOT.
Under the consent agenda, the minutes of meeting for February 26, 2007, and the payment of bills were approved as submitted. Item #13, regarding the consideration of award of bids for Memorial Grove Phase I and Phase II was postponed to March 26, 2007. Resolution #2 authorized the Township Manager to advertise for Public Hearing - Rezoning for Jared - The Galleria of Jewelry for May 14, 2007. The Board of Supervisors meeting scheduled for April 23, 2007 was cancelled by Resolution #3. Resolution #4 approved release of escrow for Gateway Commercial Center. Municipal Inspections Corporation of Philadelphia was added to the list of authorized Electrical Underwriters in Montgomery Township with Resolution #5. Resolution #6 authorized the Township Manager to advertise for Public Hearing for Conditional Use Application of General Hancock Partnership for a revision to their land use plan on May 29, 2007. The Environmental Advisory Committee revised bylaws to approve three (3) year terms for members were approved by Resolution #7. All consent agenda resolutions were unanimously approved.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:43 p.m.