MINUTES OF MEETING
MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
FEBRUARY 27, 2006
At 7:00 p.m. Chairman William Sarosky called to order the Executive Session. In attendance were Supervisors Kuhn, Greenberg, Prousi and Witmer. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Merle Ochrach, Kevin Costello, and Andrea Collins. Matters of personnel and litigation were discussed. Larry Fiel joined the meeting to be interviewed for a Park & Recreation Board vacancy. Mr. Fiel departed the meeting at the conclusion of his interview.
At 7:20 p.m. Chairman William Sarosky called to order the Work Session. In attendance were Supervisors Kuhn, Greenberg, Prousi and Witmer. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Merle Ochrach, Andrea Collins, Kevin Costello, Rich Brady, Bill Maule, David Keightly, Jerry Glackin and Deb Rivas.
The first item discussed was the proposed Sex Offender Restriction ordinance. The Board indicated that they were in favor of enacting such an ordinance, but that they understood the Solicitor had several concerns. Merle Ochrach indicated that she was concerned about the Township’s liability carrier defending the Township if a claim were presented against this ordinance. The staff discussed this with the Township’s insurance carrier and under most circumstances; the Trust would defend the Township. Ms. Ochrach indicated that the map showing the restricted areas was being modified. Ms. Ochrach also indicated that whether or not an ordinance is adopted, it would be a good idea to educate the community about this class of criminals and how to avoid sexual assault. Chairman Sarosky made a motion (#1) to authorize the advertisement of a consideration for proposed Ordnance #05-204, Sex Offender Restrictions, to be held at a public meeting. Supervisor Witmer seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously.
The Board briefly discussed and agreed to appoint Supervisor Robert Kuhn to the Reuse Planning Committee for the Naval Air Station.
Members of the Park Board were present to meet with the Board to discuss several items. Bill Maule addressed the Board of Supervisors and asked several questions of the Board and staff. Mr. Maule wanted to know what was the role of the Park Board, why were several changes to staffing not communicated to the Park Board, why has the Park Board not been able to review their budget, why did the Township not replace the Park Board vacancy on the Open Space Committee, and did the Township use the five year old Park and Recreation study when it made its changes to staffing, etc.? The Board indicated that regardless of any staffing changes, Kevin Costello was still the staff liaison to the Park Board and the manager of the Park Board budget. The Board sees the Park Board as an advisory board and expects the Park Board to make recommendations to Kevin Costello and then Kevin would review the budget and make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors. The Park Board indicated that if they do not know what is available in the budget, they cannot make recommendations. Chairman Sarosky asked the Park Board to look at it a different way and come up with a wish list of items wanted in the Township for Park and Recreation. Chairman Sarosky suggested that rather than relying only on development money for the Park budget, the Township should establish a guaranteed annual amount for the Park Board. The Park Board should help establish how much that annual amount would be. The Board also agreed that the Park Board should see its operating budget on a monthly basis and reiterated that Kevin Costello is responsible for the operating budget. Chairman Sarosky also suggested that if Mr. Maule wanted to assume the vacant spot on the Open Space Committee, than the position was his. The Board concurred.
The Township has received a proposal from Municipal Resources of Pennsylvania for team building and goal setting for both the Park and Recreation Board and staff. Before proceeding further, the Board asked the Park Board to review the proposal and make any comments before the Board considers it for approval.
David Keightly asked if the Township would make an effort to keep Channel 22 up to date. Andrea Collins indicated that there is an assigned staff member who spends at least ½ hour two times per week keeping the information up to date. Some slides may run longer than usual, but those slides are mostly for informational purposes. Mr. Keightly also commented on Public Works employee, Ray Barndt, and his excellent work with the community service volunteers in the area.
Chairman Sarosky called to order the regular meeting at 8:05 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Kuhn, Greenberg, Prousi and Witmer. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Merle Ochrach, Andrea Collins, Kevin Costello, Rich Brady, Jerry Grover, Monica DeCaro, Mike Solomon, Phil Wursta, John Chambers, Valerie Spooner of Boucher and James, and Deb Rivas.
Resolution #2 unanimously appointed Larry Fiel to the Park and Recreation Board with a term set to expire on January 1, 2010.
There was no public comment on any item not listed on the agenda.
Merle Ochrach announced that the Board had met earlier in an Executive session to discuss matters of litigation and personnel. The litigation matter discussed was the appeal of Sinn et al. vs. Montgomery Township Zoning Hearing Board.
Annual Volunteer Advisory Committee Reports were presented by Bernie Heinze for the Fire Department of Montgomery Township and David Fletcher for the Zoning Hearing Board. Bill Maule indicated that the Park and Recreation report had been submitted by Kevin Costello and Eve DiFeo. Mr. Maule also indicated that he understood that a large commercial assessment appeal would generate additional tax revenue for the Township and he asked that the Board consider any additional monies received be set aside for open space.
There was no Manager’s Report.
Under the consent agenda, the minutes of meeting for February 13, 2006 and payment of bills were approved as submitted. Resolution #3 approved the escrow release for Bell Run Associates, LP. Resolution #4 approved the escrow release for Hampton Greene. Resolution #5 authorized the advertisement for a public hearing for proposed Ordinance #06-207S, Minor Amendment to Paving Standards for March 27, 2006. Resolution #6 authorized the advertisement for a public hearing for proposed Ordinance #05-206S, Minor Amendment to Driveway Ordinance for April 10, 2006 with the correction as noted by Supervisor Kuhn. Resolution #7 approved the deeds of dedication for Hampton Greene. Resolution #8 approved the appointment of the Web Business Link Administrator. All consent agenda resolutions were approved unanimously.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.