MINUTES OF MEETING
MARCH 22, 2010
At 7:30 p.m. Chairman Joseph Walsh called to order the executive session. In attendance were Supervisors Birch, Chimera, Fox and McDonnell. Also in attendance were John Nagel and Frank Bartle. Items of potential litigation and personnel matters were discussed.
At 8:03 p.m. Chairman Joseph Walsh called to order the action meeting and led the pledge of allegiance. In attendance were Supervisors Birch, Chimera, Fox and McDonnell. Also in attendance were Frank Bartle, John Nagel, Bruce Shoupe, Larry Gregan, Kevin Costello, William Brightcliffe, Richard Brady, Kevin Johnson and Deb Rivas.
There was no public comment at this evening's meeting.
Solicitor Frank Bartle announced that the Board had met in an executive session prior to this meeting and discussed matters of potential litigation and personnel. These matters are permissible in executive session under the guidelines of the Sunshine law.
Bill Brightcliffe summarized the events of a house fire at 352 Woodstream Way on February 12, 2010. Neighbor June Murphy noticed flames at her neighbor's home, placed a call to 911, and then assisted the owner of the home to safety at her own home. Contractor Steve Heck was working in the area and realized that the fire hydrant was covered with snow. Mr. Heck used his back hoe to remove the snow, making the hydrant accessible to the Fire Department. Resolution #1 unanimously commended June Murphy and Steve Heck for their vital assistance on February 12, 2010 at the fire scene at 352 Woodstream Way.
The Board considered the appointment of Marian Pinkerton as a member of the Senior Committee. Ms. Pinkerton was unanimously appointed by Resolution #2 to fill a vacancy on the Senior Committee with a term ending January 1, 2011.
Technology Manager Rich Grier provided an overview of the new Montgomery Township website, which is now operational. A few of the new features include: a Meet the Supervisors page with information about individual Board members and a direct email contact for each Board member; a search feature; a comprehensive department and staff directory; built in online surveys, an action center and more. After a brief discussion, the Board indicated that they were very pleased with the new site as it was easy to use.
Traffic Engineer, Kevin Johnson provided updated information on the Teva development proposal. Mr. Johnson noted that a meeting had been held earlier in March with officials from PennDOT, Teva, Warrington and Montgomery Townships. Mr. Johnson said that the meeting focused on the proposed 85 foot high warehouse located along Lower State Road, between Limekiln Pike and Pickertown Road, and the amount of traffic that would be generated along Limekiln Pike and County Line Roads. Previously, Teva had been considering a two phase project. Recently, there has been some discussion that Teva may be considering it as one project. Mr. Johnson said that PennDOT advised Teva that they would have to reconstruct the roadway to re-direct the traffic away from the intersection of Limekiln and County Line Road. The construction of this proposed roadway may push PennDOT to accelerate the widening of the County Line Road project. Mr. Johnson said that another area of concern is with the construction of the warehouse, as no plans have yet been produced showing the interior of the proposed facility. It was also noted that as Teva continues to grow, it is possible that they may not always occupy this building. The Montgomery Township Board is very concerned about the increased traffic and the possible increased traffic along Stump Road directly in front of Montgomery Elementary School. Chief Brady indicated that there are weight restrictions on Stump Road which may prohibit large trucks from using Stump Road. Mr. Johnson stated that the meeting with PennDOT was very productive. PennDOT has instructed Teva to revise the plan and is waiting to see what changes will be made before anymore discussions are held.
John Nagel reported that Montgomery Township, along with the help of the stormwater consortium, is organizing two regional Montgomery County Stormwater outreach meetings. Those meetings are scheduled for Monday, March 29th at 7:30 p.m. in Plymouth Township and on Tuesday, April 6th at 7:30 p.m. in Pottstown Borough. All elected officials and management staff of the 62 municipalities in Montgomery County will be invited to attend these meetings.
Chairman Walsh indicated that the Township had received a request from a local Boy Scout Troop to allow for a rocket launch at Spring Valley Park on June 20, 2010. Mr. Walsh stated that special permission would have to be given by the Board for the rocket launch. After a brief discussion, Resolution #3 unanimously permitted the limited opportunity to conduct the rocket launch under special conditions which were outlined in the resolution.
Under the consent agenda, the minutes of meeting for March 8, 2010 and payment of bills were approved as submitted. Resolution #4 approved the Police Department Grounding System Upgrade and awarded the bid to Henkels & McCoy, Inc. at a cost of $26,000. Resolution #5 approved the award of contract for the purchase of two marked and one unmarked 2010 Ford Crown Victoria Police vehicles at a cost not to exceed of $23,000 per vehicle and a total cost of $69,000, and awarded the contract for the purchase of a 2010 Chrysler 300 at a cost not to exceed $20,000. Resolution #6 approved the Police Department's request to submit a grant application ($10,000) to the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency (PCCD) to be used for the purchase of two 4 wheel ATV's. Resolution #7 approved the appointment of Univest National Bank and Trust Company as a depository for Township Funds and banking services with a 4 - 0 vote. Vice Chairman Michael Fox abstained from the vote. Resolution #8 approved the amendment to the 2010 Fee Schedule to include hourly rates for McMahon Associates, Inc., Conflict Consultant (Traffic Engineer). All consent agenda items, which the exception of Resolution #7, were approved unanimously.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m.