MINUTES OF MEETING
SEPTEMBER 27, 2010
At 7:00 p.m. Chairman Joseph Walsh called to order the executive session. In attendance were Supervisors Robert J. Birch, Candyce Fluehr Chimera, Michael J. Fox and Jeffrey W. McDonnell. Also in attendance were Solicitor Frank Bartle and Interim Township Manager Lawrence Gregan. Items of personnel and potential litigation were discussed.
At 8:00 p.m. Chairman Joseph Walsh called to order the action meeting and led the pledge of allegiance. In attendance were Supervisors Robert J. Birch, Candyce Fluehr Chimera, Michael J. Fox and Jeffrey W. McDonnell. Also in attendance were Frank Bartle, Lawrence Gregan, Kevin Costello, William Brightcliffe, Richard Brady, Bruce Shoupe, Ann Shade and Deb Rivas.
Under public comment, Todd Stephens of 644 Colonial Drive in Horsham Township said that he is running for the office of State Representative and during his interactions with residents in the area, he has been hearing about their concerns regarding traffic and the proposed TEVA project in Warrington Township. Mr. Stephens mentioned that several residents from the Warrington Coalition were present this evening and that they had a lot of information that they would like to share with Montgomery Township regarding trip numbers for tractor trailers, etc. Mr. Stephens indicated that he wanted to mention this so that the board could take the action it thinks is appropriate in terms of an inquiry with Warrington as to what type of improvements will be done to deal with some of the traffic that may result from these tractor trailers moving in and out of Warrington Township through Montgomery Township and thereby affecting the residents. Chairman Walsh indicated that the Township Traffic Engineer, Kevin Johnson, was present this evening to provide an update on the traffic issues of the Township and that Mr. Johnson would also be speaking about the TEVA traffic situation. Mike Kelly of 135 Deerfield Lane in Chalfont, said that he had concerns about the information provided by McMahon Associates, traffic engineer for Warrington, that they would be sending 90% of the trucks up County Line Road to the 202 Parkway. More importantly, Mr. Kelly was also concerned because the McMahon Associates engineer indicated that the 202 Parkway was four lanes at County Line Road. When challenged by the residents as to the Parkway being two lanes at that location, the engineer was adamant that it was four lanes. Liem Nguyen of 204 Rebecca Court in Warrington Township feels that it would be irresponsible for people to not think that the numbers that are being given by TEVA and Warrington are misleading. Mr. Nguyen said that the plan calls for 140 truck bays at the proposed building. He believes that there will be many more trucks than are being stated to the public. Mr. Nguyen said that he does not understand why the largest generic pharmaceutical company would want to locate its business in the middle of a residential neighborhood. The Board inquired about the Willow Grove Naval Air Base location and the possible site location for TEVA. Mr. Stephens indicated that he was on a subcommittee for the land reuse authority of the Naval Air Base and there has been significant delay in beginning to process how much land will be available and what kinds of redevelopment will be permitted there.
Also under public comment, Richard Roller of 1142 Knapp Road said that he was there to represent the Montgomery Township Historical Society. Mr. Roller announced that on October 10, 2010 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., the Historical Society will be unveiling a roadside marker to honor longtime resident Florence Knapp. In addition, the newly restored Knapp Farm House will be showcased during an open house on the same day. The Board suggested that this information be posted on the Township E-News.
Also under public comment, Steve Phillipe of Warrington Township said that during the Planning Commission meetings at Warrington Township, the residents are finding inconsistencies in the traffic reports. Mr. Phillipe is concerned that the traffic information coming out of Warrington Township is not timely and is not being provided to Kevin Johnson, Montgomery Township Traffic Engineer. Mr. Johnson did indicate that he was missing some reports from Warrington's Traffic Engineer. The resident group offered to forward all documents that they receive to Mr. Johnson directly. Kristen McDemus of 107 Linden Way said that residents should be concerned because TEVA has indicated that the truck drivers that they will be hiring to move the product will be independent contractors. Ms. McDemus said that has independent contractors, the truck drivers cannot be forced to use the suggested route stated by TEVA. Ms. McDemus said that the truck drivers will put families and children at risk and indicated that further information is available at her group's website, MomsAgainstTEVA.com. Chairman Walsh stated for the Board that it is taking every step possible to make sure that the residents of the area will be protected. The Board reminded those in attendance that TEVA is a respected business member of our township, but the Board is acutely aware of the potential problems and they are aware of the two elementary schools in the area and that they are also concerned about the traffic going back and forth. There was discussion regarding weight restrictions on the two bridges on Stump Road which would prohibit tractor trailers from using Stump Road. The Board stated that they would continue to pursue the issues surrounding TEVA and Warrington Township.
Also under public comment, as a resident and parent, Joe Walsh thanked Chief Brady and the Police Department, specifically Detective Jim Reape, for the apprehension of a suspect which was a very delicate situation that was recently noted in the news.
Solicitor Frank Bartle announced that the Board had met in an executive session prior to this meeting to discuss three personnel matters. These matters are permissible in executive session under the guidelines of the Sunshine law.
The minutes of the September 13, 2010 Board meeting and the budget workshop meeting minutes of September 18, 2010 were approved as submitted.
The Hatfield Township Ancient Order of the Hibernians presented a donation to the Police Department for the purchase of a bullet proof vest. John Cashley presented the donation of $900 from the Hibernian Project Operation Safe Vest Charity. The Hibernians conduct a golf outing in June for the purpose of raising funds for bullet proof vests for local police departments. Mr. Walsh made a motion to accept the donation of $900 and Supervisor McDonnell seconded the motion.
Director of Fire Services, Bill Brightcliffe, announced that National Fire Prevention Week would be observed from October 3rd through October 9th. The theme this year is "Smoke Alarms - A Sound You Can Live With". Mr. Brightcliffe said that there will be a fire safety educational display at the township building, and the FDMT is participating in the annual Autumn Festival on Saturday, October 2nd with fire apparatus displays, demonstrations and fire prevention pamphlets. An Open House is planned for Battalion 2 Doylestown Road fire station on October 9th. Resolution #1 unanimously recognizes October 3rd through October 9th, 2010 as Fire Prevention Week.
Under Volunteer Advisory Committee Reports, the Vice Chairman of the Park and Recreation Board, Anthony Ruggieri, presented a report outlining the activities of the Park Board for the last 12 to 18 months. The Park Board participated in low cost projects, including the reconfiguration of basketball courts to two full courts, working with the Montgomery Soccer Association to develop a summer camp program, the development of a shade structure over the tot lot at Whistlestop park, a watering project for certain baseball fields in conjunction with the Baseball and Softball Association, and additional baseball, softball and soccer fields added to the Rose Twig section of Windlestrae Park. The Park Board is also working on a field usage policy to ensure clear standards and parameters for usage of all fields. Overall, the Park Board maintains a busy schedule throughout the year.
Mr. Ruggieri announced that the Park Board had voted in September in favor of a proposal to name a basketball court at Spring Valley Park in honor of Mike Brooks to properly commemorate his outstanding service to the residents of Montgomery Township as the President and founder of the Montgomery Basketball Association. Mr. Brooks has served as President of the MBA since its founding in 1999. He has also served as a coach, commissioner, scheduler, referee, sponsor and father of participants. After a brief discussion, Resolution #2 unanimously approved the naming of a basketball court at Spring Valley Park in honor of Michael Sutton "Brooksie" Brooks in recognition of his tireless and outstanding service to the Montgomery Basketball Association and to the residents of Montgomery Township.
Kevin Johnson provided a Traffic Engineer report outlining the current status of transportation projects in the Township. On the proposed TEVA project in Warrington Township, Mr. Johnson indicated that there had been some recent submissions to PennDOT, at least one of which he has not received. As Montgomery Township controls the three traffic signals located on County Line Road, the Township must sign off on any changes to those lights. Mr. Johnson indicated that he continues to meet and monitor the proposed changes as a result of the proposed TEVA project in Warrington Township. Mr. Johnson also provided an update on the 202 Parkway project and the various timelines for each section.
Lawrence Gregan introduced the proposed Ordinance #10-244 - Amendments to Solid Waste Recycling and Open Burning Regulations. Mr. Gregan indicated that the amendments were necessary to comply with the Pennsylvania Act 101 of 1988 (The Municipal Waste Planning Recycling and Waste Reduction Act) and Pennsylvania Act 140 of 2006. In the event of non-compliance, the DEP will withhold processing of grant applications and payment of performance grants in order to compel strict compliance with Acts 101 and 140. The changes included identifying municipal waste and recyclable materials in the list of materials that are prohibited from being burned; deleting the section that permits burning on property which is used primarily for agricultural purposes; requiring the presence of recycling containers at community events attended by 200 people or more; requiring residents to participate in a waste collection program including recycling; and deleting certain articles which are no longer applicable. After a brief discussion, Resolution #3 unanimously approved Ordinance #10-244, amending Articles and Sections of Chapter 193 (Solid Waste Management Regulations) of the Township Code to comply with the requirement of Act 101 and Act 140 and to eliminate any inconsistent provisions.
Lawrence Gregan announced that each year the Board and Township staff participate in budget workshops to review the proposed budget for 2011. The proposed dates for this year are Thursday, October 14, 2010, Thursday, October 21, 2010, Thursday, October 28, 2010 and Thursday, November 4, 2010. All meetings are scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. and will be held in the Board Conference Room at the Township building. Resolution #4 unanimously approved the Budget Workshop dates for 2011.
Bill Brightcliffe announced that with the assistance of State Representative, Rick Taylor, the Department of Fire Services applied for and has been awarded a grant of $5,000 to purchase the "I Am Responding" Software program. The basic concept of the system is for volunteer firefighters who are driving to the fire station from home to respond to an incident to call into the system on their way. The system then alerts the firefighters in the station to the number of responders enroute. This is valuable information which will assist in the crucial response time to emergencies. Resolution #5 unanimously accepted the PA DCED 2010-2011 Grant in the amount of $5,000 to be utilized for the purchase of the "I Am Responding" software system.
Resolution #6 unanimously approved the escrow release of $52,035.14 for LD/S #643 for Kidalas Court - 1215 Kenas Road.
Resolution #7 unanimously approved the release of the $1,065,000.00 surety bond held in escrow to guarantee improvements required to be installed for LD/S #634 Dick's Sporting Goods. A cash escrow of $5,810.00 will be required to guarantee the replacement of nine trees.
Resolution #8 unanimously approved the 2011 MMO Minimum Municipal Obligation for the Police Pension fund in the amount of $432,497 and the Non-Uniform Employees Pension Fund in the amount of $237,456.
Resolution #9 unanimously accepted the recommendation to allocate $229,440.10 of the 2010 Act 205 General Municipal Pension System State aid to the Police Pension Plan and $129,623.40 of the 2010 Act 205 General Municipal Pension System State Aid to the Non-Uniformed Employee Pension Plan.
Resolution #10 unanimously approved the extension of medical benefits to the spouse of Officer Adam Duessing while he is serving on active duty with the United States Coast Guard in New Orleans.
The payment of bills was approved as submitted.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:52 p.m.