Monday, February 12, 2007
At 7:00 p.m. Chairman Robert Witmer called to order the Executive Session. In attendance were supervisors Greenberg, Kuhn and Prousi. Supervisor Sarosky was absent. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Merle Ochrach, Larry Gregan, Ann Shade, William Reiner, John Umphred and Howard Haber. Matters of personnel were discussed.
At 7:42 p.m. Chairman Witmer called to order the Work Session. In attendance were supervisors Greenberg, Kuhn and Prousi. Supervisor Sarosky was absent. Monthly Reports were presented by Department Heads. Chief Brady reported that in January the police department has responded to 2,182 calls for service. The detectives purged the evidence locker. Unclaimed clothing was given to Community Housing Services in Lansdale. Kevin Costello reported that new cables will be installed across Horsham Road prior to a new banner being put up. Bill Brightcliffe reported that the Fire Department had responded to 59 calls during the month of January and completed 33 life safety inspections. A new work schedule has been implemented for the career firefighters which will provide better coverage for the department. Bruce Shoupe provided statistics for the Planning and Zoning Department, and stated that the department is attending Pentamation training and working to streamline operations within the department. Larry Gregan reported that the auditors have completed the majority of their work with the Township. The Finance Department is also attending Pentamation training for the new escrow software.
John Chambers provided the Board with an update on the new Storm Water Management Ordinance that has been adopted by Harrisburg. It is expected that the Township will be receiving a timetable for adopting this ordinance within the next few months. This ordinance will have major changes for new residents and those who will be adding onto their existing residences. It will significantly change how the township does business, and will require the township to implement and monitor the new rules and regulations as stated in this manual. The work session adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
At 8:01 p.m. Chairman Witmer called to order the regular meeting. In attendance were supervisors Greenberg, Kuhn and Prousi. Supervisor Sarosky was absent. Also in attendance were John Chambers, Earl Armitage, Rick Tralies, Merle Ochrach, Chief Brady, Bill Brightcliffe, Kevin Costello, Larry Gregan, Pam Gural-Bear, Bruce Shoupe and Shirley Snyder.
Resolution #1 unanimously appointed William Reiner, John Umphred and Howard Haber to the Pension Committee with one year terms to expire January 1, 2008, and appointed employees Ed Davies, Chris Biehl and Judith Starkin to serve on the Pension Committee with terms to expire January 1, 2008.
The Board welcomed the following new employees to Montgomery Township: Lawrence Gregan, Director of Finance, Victoria Zidek, Sr. Accountant, and Stacy Crandell, Public Information Coordinator. Resolution #2 unanimously welcomed Lawrence Gregan, Victoria Zidek and Stacy Crandell to Montgomery Township.
There was no public comment at this evening's meeting.
Merle Ochrach announced that the Board had met earlier this evening in executive session to discuss matters of personnel.
A public hearing was held for proposed Ordinance #06-211 - Adoption of Zoning Code, Zoning Map and Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance. The public hearing was opened at 8:10 p.m. with notes of testimony taken by court reporter W. Byron Battle. Merle Ochrach advised that this ordinance was being recommended for adoption to codify the documents and follow processes in accordance with the current law. Resolution #3 unanimously approved Ordinance #06-211 - Adoption of Zoning Code, Zoning Map and Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance. The public hearing closed at 8:13 p.m.
Merle Ochrach stated that we received correspondence from the Recorder of Deeds of Montgomery County requesting an amendment to the township's Realty Transfer Tax Ordinance, to state an interest rate in the event of delinquencies. Resolution #4 unanimously approved Ordinance #07-212 - Amendment to Realty Transfer Tax Ordinance.
Nickitas Panayotou, speaking for the Simon Property Group, and Frank Bartle, attorney for the applicant, provided an overview of the plan for Dick's Sporting Goods Store, which will be a one level "bump out" addition located between Sears and Boscov's. The plan has been heard and approved by the Zoning Hearing Board. Mr. Bartle stated that a comprehensive plan is being developed and should be ready for review in about 30 days. Mr. Bartle suggested that representatives of the applicant, staff of Montgomery Township and a representative of the Board of Supervisors form a committee to discuss this comprehensive plan. It was stated that both the addition of Dick's Sporting Goods and the Longhorn Steakhouse project, are both included on the Master Plan for the revitalization of the Mall. There was some discussion about the traffic patterns, both internal and external. It was recommended that consideration be given to change traffic patterns to utilize Route 202 access, and less use of North Wales Road. Earl Armitage stated that traffic study issues will be taken into consideration with discussions about the Master Plan. It was also recommended by the Board that the "jug handles" now in use around Airport Square be re-done, and a new traffic flow implemented. The Board thanked the applicant for working with the township staff and consultants and presenting an acceptable plan, one without waivers for consideration. Resolution #5 unanimously approved the plan for Dick's Sporting Goods Store.
The plan for the proposed Longhorn Steakhouse was presented to the Board by Frank Bartle and Jerry Johnson, Director of Engineering for RARE Hospitality International, Inc. The proposal is for the restaurant to be located along Route 309 south of the K G Men's Store. Entrance and exits to the proposed restaurant will be from the "ring road" within the Mall, not accessible from Route 309. There was a question raised concerning the existing curb and plantings in front of the proposed Longhorn Steakhouse, and whether the Board could issue a waiver since a portion of the buffer encroaches upon the proposed parking area. After discussion, the Board concluded that this buffer area is a pre-existing, non-conforming condition and unanimously approved the plan for the Longhorn Steakhouse with Resolution #6. Jim Davis of 223 Hawthorne Circle raised a question about the lighting. Mr. Johnson stated that all outdoor lighting with be in compliance with all regulations pertaining to outdoor lighting. Meredith Mueller of 113 Narcissus Place expressed concern with the volume of traffic during the holiday season, and the problems residents encounter in their daily commute. She thanked the Board for being sensitive to the traffic issues around the mall, and taking steps to improve the traffic flow. Mark Gray, Vice President of Development for Simon Property Group commented that the cooperation between all parties in this re-vitalization venture is appreciated.
Under the consent agenda, Chairman Witmer noted that Item #17 under the consent agenda, consider waiver of land development for 150 Demorah Drive was being tabled. The minutes of the meeting of January 22, 2007 and the payment of bills were approved as submitted. Resolution #7 authorized the Township Manager to advertise for Proposed Ordinance #07-213 - Amendment to Traffic Ordinance. There was some discussion about the disc golf project that is being proposed for Windlestrae Park. David Keightly, of the Park & Recreation Board provided information on this project. There was discussion about setting the course around the foliage. Kevin Costello stated that was the goal, and that underbrush would be removed as needed. John Chambers is working on the plans and specifications, and will bring them to the Board for their review prior to putting the project out for bid. Resolution #8 authorized the Township Manager to advertise for bids for disc golf course at Windlestrae Park. Resolution #9 approved updating Township's Comprehensive Plan. Extension request for Jared The Galleria of Jewelry was approved by Resolution #10. Resolution #11 appointed Lawrence Gregan as the Web Business Link Administrator for Montgomery Township. Resolution #12 approved committee by-laws for Park & Recreation Board, Environmental Advisory Committee, Shade Tree Commission and Business Development Partnership. Resolution #13 authorized Lawrence Gregan and Bruce Shoupe as co-signers for Business Tax and Zoning citations, respectively. Extension of Military Leave Benefits was approved by Resolution #14. Resolution #15 ratified the Business Tax License and Agreement with SunGard Pentamation, Inc. Resolution #16 ratified the addendum of agreement for developer escrow accounting with SunGard Pentamation, Inc. All consent agenda resolutions were unanimously approved.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.