MINUTES OF MEETING
MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
MARCH 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, and Scott Blissman of Reed Smith, et al. Personnel matters were discussed.
At 7:25 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, Mike Solomon, Earl Armitage, Bernie Heinze, Jerry Grover, Jay Glickman, James Rall, Stan Endlich, Susan Menno, Eric Phillips, Jonathan Trump and Deb Rivas.
Members of the Planning Commission were present to discuss ways to improve their working relationship with the Board of Supervisors. Chairman Sarosky announced that he was very excited about the Planning Commission and the work that they have been providing to the Township. The Commission discussed several items with the Board, including the need to have a better understanding of the Board’s vision regarding future plans, revisiting the Comprehensive Plan, current/future requests for rezoning, current age restricted requests, updating the Landscape ordinance and receiving information discussed in staff meetings for upcoming projects. There was a concern regarding the reviewing of ordinances and whether or not they had been advertised prior to the review. The group requested that they receive a brief report or update from the Director of Planning informing them of discussions that occur during staff meetings that they should be aware of. The Board suggested that a Planning Commission member might attend the staff meetings, but it was decided that a brief report would be a better option as it would be addressed to all members. The Board told the Planning Commission to let them know if they see any deficiencies in the zoning and planning ordinances as they review plans going forward.
Bernie Heinze and Jerry Grover were present to discuss homeowner fire and safety issues. The Board previously requested that the fire services propose new programs for educating homeowners on these issues. Bernie Heinze provided a memorandum to the Board outlining several proposed programs including informational brochures, drills in the neighborhood, preparation of an audio and video fire safety and prevention program accessible by website link, copies of educational and safety materials provided to realtors association and bank branches located within the Township and continued fire prevention, awareness and leadership events throughout the year. There is a potential liability matter as far as the fire services performing home inspections. Therefore, the fire services does not recommend that it perform home inspections. Mr. Heinze also requested that the Board commit to $3,500 in 2006 for these promotional items. The Board agreed to take a look at the recommendations and get back to the fire services.
Chairman Sarosky called to order the regular meeting at 8:04 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, Earl Armitage, John Chambers, Rick Trailes, and Deb Rivas.
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 personnel matters.
Roy Rodriguez presented the Montgomery Township Open Space Committee draft report for the submission to the Montgomery County Open Space Board. The Board was very pleased with the document and Resolution #1 unanimously authorized the staff to send the Open Space plan to the County.
The Board previously discussed Proposed Ordinance #05-204 - Sex Offender Ordinance. This past week, the PA Senate Committee passed a child sex offender bill. The Board would like to proceed with this ordinance as revised and Resolution #2 unanimously authorized the advertisement of this ordinance to be heard on Monday, May 1, 2006 after 8:00 pm.
There was no Manager’s Report.
At 8:25 pm, Chairman Sarosky opened the public hearing for Proposed Ordinance #06-207S - Consider Minor Amendment to Paving Standards. Notes of testimony were taken by Court Stenographer, Cole Schenk. John Chambers explained that this ordinance amendment is necessary due to PennDOT’s requirement for all paving projects in Pennsylvania to use super pave asphalt. The hearing closed at 8:30 pm. Resolution #3 unanimously approved the ordinance as submitted.
Rob Lewis of Kaplin Stewart represented the applicant for the consideration of plan for the Montgomery Commons Shopping Center. The applicant is proposing to add new development to an existing shopping center. The new development consists of a 4,400 square foot retail addition, a 3,400 square foot bank, and a 10,000 square foot day care center. Discussion followed regarding several waivers requested. As noted in Resolution #4, which unanimously approved the plan, a trail will be constructed by the applicant when final approval for the build out is received or when the trail comes to the property line, whichever occurs sooner.
Under the consent agenda, the minutes of meeting for March 13, 2006 and payment of bills were approved as submitted. Resolution #5 approved the amendments to the 2006 Fee Schedule. Resolution #6 authorized the advertisement of bids for the hardscaping for Memorial Grove. Resolution #7 authorized the advertisement of bids for the sundial for Memorial Grove. Resolution #8 approved the escrow release for Country Lane Estates and Resolution #9 approved the escrow release for Charter Oak Tract. All resolutions were unanimous.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m.