MINUTES OF MEETING
MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
JANUARY 23, 2006
At 7:00 p.m. Chairman William Sarosky called to order the Work Session. In attendance were Supervisors Greenberg, Prousi and Witmer. Supervisor Kuhn was absent. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Merle Ochrach, John Chambers, Carol Tukey and Deb Rivas.
Chairman Sarosky began the meeting with a brief statement regarding some changes that will be put in place at future Board meetings. Chairman Sarosky would like to keep Executive Session meetings, if necessary, to a maximum of fifteen minutes. Also, an electronic Township Manager’s report will be given to the Board to update them on personnel and other routine matters. Chairman Sarosky also indicated that the Board would be making more motions rather than planned resolutions when possible, particularly during work session discussions, to help facilitate items which come before the Board.
The next item on the agenda was a discussion concerning the concept plan for two residentially zoned parcels on Lower State Road. Jim Garrity represented the applicant, Skrolling Stones Investments owner George Marks. One parcel is owned by the Sewer Authority and the house on the parcel is in need of significant repair. Mr. Garrity presented a sketch plan showing the proposed renovation of the historic property and the proposed residential scale office buildings. Beverly Brown of the Sewer Authority said that this concept was a wonderful idea. Ms. Brown said that it was ideal for Mr. Marks to purchase the property from the Sewer Authority and demolish it, while creating an interesting use for the properties right in front of the sewage treatment plant. Roy Rodriguez said that from a historic perspective, this plan was an excellent re-use of a historic property (Stever Mill property). The Board was favorable to the plan and recommended that the applicant proceed with the Zoning Hearing Board and Planning Commission reviews.
The next item was the consideration of a waiver of land development for 608 Upper State Road. The proposal is for renovations to the basement of the existing building which will be used for retail operations. The applicant requested a waiver of the requirement for curbing around landscaped areas. Chairman Sarosky made a motion to waive the land development process and Supervisor Witmer seconded the motion. Motion #1 was approved by a vote of 4 to 0.
The next item was a discussion regarding the ultimate right-of-way near the property of Dan Dunleavy on Upper State Road. John Chambers indicated that the ultimate right-of-way line is 50 feet from the center of Upper State Road. A plan created by Schlosser & Clauss from 1998 was not accurate as to the ultimate right-of-way as it showed 33 feet on the plan. Mr. Dunleavy indicated that the 50 foot right-of-way placed an additional burden on the development of his property. Mr. Chambers indicated that the Township only took the land needed for the Upper State Road improvement project, not up to the ultimate right-of-way line. Chairman Sarosky indicated that he did not think that the Township could do anything more for Mr. Dunleavy. Mr. Dunleavy said that he will explore the matter further.
The next item on the work session was a joint meeting with the members of the Finance Committee. Tom Kowalski, John Crowe, Allan Nappen, Ruth Hardin, Rich Morrow and Ralph Melone expressed their dissatisfaction with the role of the Finance Committee. Some members expressed the fact that there was a lack of consistency on what the Committee was given to review such as budget documents. After considerable discussion, the Board and Committee agreed that the Committee needs a clear definition of what is expected. A new set of bylaws will be created and communication with the Board will be improved.
Chairman Sarosky called to order the regular meeting at 8:00 p.m. District Justice David Keightly was present to swear in Warren P. Greenberg as Township Supervisor.
There was no public comment on any items not listed on the agenda.
Resolution #2 appointed Robert C. McConnell as the newest member of the Shade Tree Commission. Mr. McConnell is also a member of the Township’s Open Space Committee.
Jerry Grover presented a plaque to Chris Cossman, former Deputy Fire Marshal, commending him for his professionalism and dedication in this position for Montgomery Township. Resolution #3 commended Chris Cossman.
Andrea Collins and Priti Patel provided a PowerPoint presentation outlining the results of the Citizen’s Survey. The Board was pleased to hear that there had been a 20% return rate of the surveys. Overall, the survey indicated that residents were pleased with the services that they received from the Township.
The Board next discussed the proposed Sex Offender Restrictions ordinance. Merle Ochrach indicated that the Township’s liability insurance carrier recommended as a risk management measure that local municipalities refrain from enacting any ordinances so that state legislation can be introduced accomplishing the same objectives. The Board felt that the Township needed to take a more proactive approach to this issue and asked Ms. Ochrach to revise the draft ordinance with the less restrictive areas. The Board would like to discuss this matter again at the end of March.
Marc Jonas appeared on behalf of the applicant, Moulton Builders, to present the plan for 1102 Lansdale Avenue. The plan presented was a revised plan showing two parcels divided into a six lot subdivision. The applicant requested several waivers, with the most significant being a waiver from paying a fee in lieu of sidewalks and curbs in exchange for installing significant offsite storm water management to benefit other property owners in the area. The Board was concerned about whether this proposed storm water management solution would be beneficial to the residents in the area, especially Holly Drive. John Chambers indicated that he saw nothing but good things for the residents as a result of this proposed installation. Under public comment, Robert Rosen said the project was significantly affecting his property, however, he felt that the storm water management proposal would not solve the total problem, but it would be very helpful to the area residents. Mr. Rosen asked the Board to make the easement and storm water management a condition of the approval of the plan. Susan Menno spoke on behalf of the Planning Commission, saying that the Planning Commission felt that the storm water management solution was favorable, but warned the Board that it would be setting a precedent by waiving storm water retention. The Board said it felt that the benefits proposed far out weighed the waiver of two basins. Ms. Menno inquired and it was confirmed that perforated pipe would be installed as part of the storm water solution. Resolution #4 unanimously approved the consideration of plan for 1102 Lansdale Avenue (Montgomery Chase).
Under the consent agenda, the minutes of meeting for January 3, 2006 and payment of bills were approved as submitted. Resolution #5 awarded the bid for the purchase of a Custom Rescue Pumper Fire Truck to Glick Fire Equipment for a price of $394,400. Jerry Grover commented that the new truck will be completed in approximately 10 to 12 months. Resolution #6 approved the rescheduling of the Board of Supervisors meeting from April 24th to May 1st. Resolution #7 approved the cancellation of the Board of Supervisors meeting on May 8, 2006. Resolution #8 authorized the Township Manager to advertise for a public hearing for proposed Ordinance #05-106 - Minor Amendment to Driveway Ordinance. Resolution #9 authorized the Township Manager to advertise for bids for Public Works annual materials. Resolution #10 authorized the new banking services to Harleysville National Bank. Resolution #11 approved the escrow release for Residence Inn. Resolution #12 approved the escrow release for Paycam. Resolution #13 approved the extension request for Logos. Resolution #14 approved the 2006 Budget amendments for open 2005 purchase orders. Resolution #15 authorized the Township Manager to advertise for Bids for Police Digital Video Recording System. All consent agenda resolutions were unanimous.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.