MINUTES OF MEETING
MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
APRIL 10, 2006
At 7:00 p.m. Chairman William Sarosky called to order the Executive Session. In attendance were Supervisors Kuhn, Prousi and Witmer. Supervisor Greenberg was absent. Also in attendance were John Nagel and Merle Ochrach. Litigation and personnel matters were discussed.
At 7:08 p.m. Chairman William Sarosky called to order the Work Session. In attendance were Supervisors Kuhn, Prousi and Witmer. Supervisor Greenberg was absent. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Merle Ochrach, Jerry Grover, John Chambers, Andrea Collins, Kevin Costello, Richard Brady, Jonathan Trump of Kimmel Bogrette, Mike Solomon, Richard Roller and Roy Rodriguez representing the Historical Society and Dave Vasconez, Dave Wolff and Gene Zeiner of the Fire Department of Montgomery Township, and Shirley Snyder.
Jonathan Trump of the Architectural firm of Kimmel Bogrette provided a summary of the preliminary ideas for renovations and possible additions to the Stump Road Fire Station. The information provided was part of the Master Concept Plan for the Fire Substation, which was prepared by Kimmel Bogrette on April 6, 2004. Mr. Trump stated that the structural integrity of the building will need to be reviewed. In addition, the plumbing, electrical, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems will also require review. Upon completion of the preliminary reviews by all parties, a decision will need to be made as to whether the building or any portion of the building and bay areas are salvageable, or whether demolition will be necessary. Mr. Trump also stated that since the plan is two years old, the site plan and building design will require further review. A recommendation was made to consider relocating the driveway to the fire station. After some further discussion, a motion was made by Chairman Sarosky and seconded by Supervisor Kuhn to accept Kimmel Bogrette as the architectural firm to perform work as per proposal dated April 6, 2004 in an amount not to exceed $7,600.
Dave Vasconez, Dave Wolff and Gene Zeiner of the Fire Department of Montgomery Township presented a proposal for purchase of two rescue vehicles, and a request to purchase two pick up trucks. The County would like to establish a technical rescue team in this area, and with the addition of two rescue vehicles, Montgomery Township would be equipped to meet this need. The purchases would be funded through the Fire Relief Association of Montgomery Township. There was discussion on the priority of purchasing heavy rescue equipment at this time, and where this purchase fits into the overall plan for fire equipment. Dave Wolff requested permission to submit a bid on the two rescue vehicles. The Board questioned submitting a bid, when permission to purchase has not been granted. Dave Wolff stated that submitting a bid does not commit the township to purchase, and the bid can be withdrawn within 10 days. The Board was in agreement with submitting a bid, provided the bid can be withdrawn. The Board granted approval for the purchase of the two pick up trucks.
The next item discussed was the historic stone bridge located at Limekiln Pike and County Line Roads. This bridge is scheduled to be replaced by PennDOT. It has been suggested that the bridge be relocated within one of the township parks therefore preserving the structure, rather than demolishing it. Richard Roller of the Historical Society stated that bridge and the historic house located nearby creates an historic setting. Roy Rodriguez felt that the size of the bridge would look out of place over the small stream in the park. Supervisor Kuhn suggested that perhaps the stone bridge could remain at its present location and be used as a pedestrian bridge. PennDOT could construct a new bridge with weight limits to accept trucks parallel to the existing bridge. This concept would also allow PennDOT to “soften” some of the curves in the existing road. The consensus of the Board and Historical Society was that using the stone bridge as a pedestrian bridge was an excellent idea and will be proposed to PennDOT.
Under Monthly Reports, Kevin Costello reported that the banner wires are installed in front of the township building. Monica DeCaro advised the Board that audits were filed on time, and that the township is still transitioning to Harleysville Bank. Jerry Grover reported that the manhole cover issue in front of the new fire substation is resolved. Also, the final seeding and grading around the new substation will be started in the next few weeks. Andrea Collins reported that the township’s first book swap was a success. Ms. Collins also advised that the Shade Tree Commission’s “Tree Giveaway” is scheduled for Saturday, April 29, 2006. Chief Brady reported that the police responded to 2,035 calls for the month of March. The Pennsylvania State Police Communications Unit has authorized the police department to interface with the Commonwealth Law Enforcement Administration Network (CLEAN) System. This will allow the police department to interface mobile data computers with the CLEAN system at the station, utilizing air cards in lieu of a modem.
The Work Session adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
At 8:00 p.m., Chairman Sarosky called to order the regular meeting. In attendance were Supervisors Kuhn, Prousi and Witmer. Supervisor Greenberg was absent. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Merle Ochrach, Andrea Collins, Kevin Costello, Richard Brady, Jerry Grover, Monica DeCaro, Mike Solomon, Earl Armitage, John Chambers, Rick Tralies and Shirley Snyder.
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 litigation and personnel matters. The litigation matters discussed were: Montgomery Township vs. Frank Rich, Frank Rich vs. Montgomery Township and Hetherington vs. Montgomery Township.
In recognition of Local Government Week, the township hosted three area second grade elementary school classes. Resolution #1 unanimously recognized and honored Local Government Week and area elementary schools, including Montgomery Elementary, Mary Mother of the Redeemer and Bridal Path Elementary School that sponsor student government programs and for their commitment to developing the leaders of the future.
Public Information Coordinator, Priti Patel and Mike Galla, Management Analyst advised the Board that the township will be participating in the International Spring Festival on Saturday, April 22, 2006 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the North Penn High School. Twenty five countries will be represented at this event.
At 8:07 p.m., Chairman Sarosky opened a public hearing for Proposed Ordinance #05-206-S – Minor Amendment to Driveway Ordinance. Notes of testimony were taken by court reporter, Cole Schenk. It was established that this Ordinance has been advertised and displayed at the township building. John Chambers advised that this ordinance is updating the existing ordinance. The public hearing closed at 8:10 p.m. Resolution #2 unanimously approved Ordinance #05-206-S – Minor Amendment to Driveway Ordinance.
Frank Bartle, attorney with the firm of Dischell, Bartle, Yanoff and Dooley presented plans for Commerce Bank. The proposed bank will be located at the intersection of Route 309 and Route 202, adjacent to the existing Burger King. Mr. Bartle advised that his client is seeking several waivers. Each waiver was discussed and the Board’s questions were answered by Matt Chartrand, P.E. of Bohler Engineering. There was some discussion on the waiver of trees. Supervisor Prousi inquired whether a few more trees could be planted along Route 309 to remain consistent with the Route 309 Beautification Project. The applicant agreed to work with Rick Tralies of Boucher & James to meet that request. The applicant also agreed to pay a fee in lieu of the planting of remaining trees. Resolution #3 unanimously approved the consideration of plan for Commerce Bank.
Mike Solomon provided a summary of the consideration of plan for the Montgomeryville Business Campus. This proposal is for a limited industrial building to be located at 1350 Welsh Road. The proposed building will be a warehouse use. Edmund Campbell, attorney for the Montgomeryville Business Campus stated that the applicant is seeking four waivers. There was a brief discussion on the waivers and conditions. Resolution # 4 unanimously approved the consideration of plan for Montgomeryville Business Campus.
Under the consent agenda, the minutes of meeting for March 27, 2006 and payment of bills were approved as submitted. Resolution #5 recognized Arbor Day through the Shade Tree Commission Tree “Give Away” and the Arbor Day Proclamation. Resolution #6 approved extension request for Logos Group, and extension request for Cutler Group – Age Qualified Development was approved by Resolution #7. Resolution #8 approved extension request for Skrolling Stone Investments. Escrow release for Montgomery Square Apartments was approved by Resolution #9, and Resolution #10 approved escrow release for Keystone Community Fellowship Church. Resolution #11 re-authorized the Township Manager to advertise for bids for Memorial Grove – sundial. Resolution #12 approved a joint municipal project with Lansdale Borough, Upper Gwynedd Township and Montgomery Township to interconnect traffic signals at Welsh & North Wales Road, Welsh & Sandy’s Lane and Welsh & Bell Run Boulevard, and further authorized the Township Manager to advertise for bids for the Welsh Road Interconnect Project. Resolution #13 adopted the National Incident Management System as directed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. All consent agenda resolutions were unanimously approved.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.