Monday, February 26, 2007
At 7:15 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, Nancy DelVecchio and Keith Johnson. Personnel matters were discussed. The Executive Session adjourned at 7:49 p.m.
Chairman Witmer called the work session to order at 7:50 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Greenberg, Kuhn, Prousi and Sarosky. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Merle Ochrach and Bruce Shoupe.
Under the first item of business, Mr. Shoupe made a recommendation that the Township staff review and recommend which Zoning Hearing Board (ZHB) applications should be provided to the Planning Commission first so that they can address any concerns that the ZHB should be aware of prior to their hearing. The Board felt that it was a good idea; however, there were concerns about the ZHB remaining independent. If the Planning Commission voted on its recommendation, that could signify the Township's position on the matter. Merle Ochrach suggested that the Planning Commission not vote on the plans, but instead provide a memorandum of recommendations to the ZHB. It was recommended that the discussion continue at the next Board meeting.
The next item was a discussion of rezoning for Jared - The Galleria of Jewelry. Mr. Shoupe inquired if the Board wished to support the rezoning for this property. A discussion was held concerning variances and waivers. Mr. Shoupe indicated that the applicant has been able to comply. Another question was raised about access to the property and whether or not access would be possible through the TGI Friday parking lot. Additional information and research was requested and the Board continued this discussion to the next meeting.
Chairman Witmer called to order the regular action meeting at 8:05 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors, Greenberg, Kuhn, Prousi and Sarosky. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Richard Brady, Kevin Costello, Bill Brightcliffe, Larry Gregan, Pam Gural-Bear, Bruce Shoupe, Merle Ochrach, Rick Tralies, Phil Wursta, John Chambers and Deb Rivas.
Two new volunteers were appointed to Township Committees. Resolution #1 appointed Keith Johnson to the Park and Recreation Board and Resolution #2 appointed Nancy DelVecchio to the Public Safety Committee. Both resolutions were unanimous.
Eve DiFeo, Recreation Coordinator, announced that the Township Autumn Festival Committee had been awarded the 2007 Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society's Excellence in Programming, Community Festivals and Celebrations Award for the annual community day Autumn Festival. Mrs. DiFeo introduced and recognized members of the Autumn Festival Committee, Ruth Hardin, Bill Maule and Jim Matlack. The Board thanked the committee for their hard work and dedication. Resolution #3 recognized the Autumn Festival and the 2007 PRPS award.
There was no public comment for items not listed on the regular agenda. Chairman Witmer announced that he asked the Township staff to look into a standardized complaint form to be used for Verizon issues. It appears that the Verizon installation of FIOS has caused negative effects on Verizon's other services. It was recommended that other services, such as Comcast Cable, be added to the form as well. Residents should fill out the form on the website and those complaints will be forwarded to the respective companies.
Merle Ochrach announced that the Board met in an Executive Session earlier to discuss matters of personnel.
The next item of business was the Route 202 Parkway project. John Nagel indicated that the Township has been asked to make a public statement of support for the 202 Parkway. State Representative Kate Harper was not able to attend this evening; however, she is a strong proponent of the 202 Parkway. Eric Frary of Michael Baker, made a presentation on the current plans for the parkway. Mr. Frary mentioned that not only will the parkway assist in improving traffic in the area, but there are other improvements that PennDOT is making in the area, such as the widening of County Line Road and Horsham Road. Leo Bagley of the Montgomery County Planning Commission, said that this alternative will have a positive impact on the community and that the County Planning Commission supports the 202 Parkway. Phil Wursta of Pennoni Associates indicated that it was important to continue this project as the Township had been preserving the corridor and right-of-way had been acquired over many years. Mr. Wursta also indicated that efforts were successful to increase the two lanes to four lanes between Welsh Road and Horsham Road. Mr. Wursta said that Pennoni supports the parkway and that it will lessen the impact of traffic in the area. Representative Rick Taylor thanked the Board for inviting him to the meeting and stated that while he thought the project was a compromise, he was in support of it because it addressed his concerns about environmental issues. Rep. Taylor was pleased to see that the multi-use trail was still included and that it would promote outdoor activities. Both the Partnership TMA and Rep. Kate Harper sent letters of recommendation. Supervisor Kuhn indicated that he had mixed emotions. He has been involved with the project since the early 1970s and due to budget constraints the project has been significantly changed. Supervisor Kuhn has concerns about Knapp Road and the burden of maintenance placed upon the Township. Supervisor Kuhn has reservations overall about the project, and he indicated that he does not trust PennDOT to follow through on its promises. Supervisor Kuhn feels that maintaining the intersection of Knapp Road and the 202 Parkway will be a financial burden to Montgomery Township. Supervisors Greenberg and Prousi indicated that the Township has been working very hard for years to get to this point and that while it is not the perfect solution, it is better than nothing at all. Supervisor Prousi did say that he would like to see PennDOT take over the maintenance of Knapp Road. Supervisor Sarosky indicated that over the years, the Township has made numerous efforts to push for the 202 Bypass project, however that has not happened. Supervisor Sarosky indicated that he did not feel that half a project was better than nothing at all. Supervisor Sarosky supported and recognized the efforts of the many individuals who have worked on this project. He indicated that there has not been enough support to demand that what should have been built, should have been built. Supervisor Sarosky believes that he may have to abstain from supporting this project. Chairman Witmer summed it up by stating that indeed this is not where the Township wanted to be with this project, but it is better than having nothing at all built within the corridor that the Township has been preserving for many years for this purpose. Chairman Witmer read the resolution in support of the parkway and asked for any public comment. Cherie Noble of 502 Joshua Court and Howard Auerbach of 304 Georges Court, representing the development the Terrace at Montgomery read a statement and presented petitions to the Board from the residents of the Terrace of Montgomery. They are concerned about their neighborhood and impact that the project will have now that there will be no sound walls and there will be direct access to their neighborhood where the four lanes merge into two. The Board accepted the petitions and indicated that they will do what they can to persuade PennDOT to make sure that their neighborhood is protected. Significant discussion occurred regarding a change to the wording of the resolution. Chairman Witmer made two motions to modify the resolution. The first motion was to add the word "new" in front of preferred alternative (5 - 0) and the second motion was to recite the history of the project and the commitment that the Township made towards a bypass which was subsequently changed due to economic pressure (4 - 0, Supervisor Kuhn abstained).
After revisions to the resolution were made, Resolution #4 was approved by a vote of 3 to 0, with Supervisors Kuhn and Sarosky abstaining from the vote.
Next on the agenda was the review of testimony scheduled to be provided at a hearing held by PennDOT on Wednesday. Chairman Witmer stated that he believes that the Board is in full support of doing whatever we can for our residents to mitigate the impact on our neighbors. Supervisor Kuhn concurred and said that he would continue to hold PennDOT's feet to the fire to uphold the quality of life that our residents deserve and expect. The draft language was agreeable with the addition of the word "new" to be placed before the preferred alternative. By Motion #5, the Board unanimously approved the draft testimony to be given at the PennDOT hearing scheduled for Wednesday, February 28, 2007.
Under the consent agenda, the minutes of meeting for February 12, 2007, and the payment of bills were approved as submitted. Item #17, regarding the authorization for advertisement for rezoning for Jared was removed and will be rescheduled for the March 12, 2007 meeting. Resolution #6 awarded the annual Public Works bids for materials to Eureka Stone Quarry, Glasgow, P.K. Moyer & Sons, SemMaterials, Moyer & Son Lawn Care and Sunoco. Resolution #7 awarded the bid for 2007 Curb & Sidewalk project to Drumheller Construction. Resolution #8 approved the Rose Twig Project for Windlestrae Park. Resolution #9 authorized the Township Manager to advertise for a public hearing for a conditional use for General Hancock Partnership. Resolution #10 authorized the Township Manager to advertise for a public hearing for a conditional use for Greenway Development. All consent agenda resolutions were unanimously approved by the Board.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m.