MINUTES OF MEETING
MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
JUNE 12, 2006
At 7:00 p.m. Vice Chairman Robert Witmer called to order the Executive Session. In attendance were Supervisors Kuhn and Greenberg. Chairman Sarosky and Supervisor Prousi were absent. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Merle Ochrach and Leo Bagley. Potential litigation matters were discussed.
At 7:33 p.m. Vice Chairman Robert Witmer called to order the Work Session. In attendance were Supervisors Kuhn and Greenberg. Chairman Sarosky and Supervisor Prousi were absent. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Merle Ochrach, Rich Brady, John Chambers, Kevin Costello and Deb Rivas.
Richard Roller, President of the Montgomery Township Historical Society, provided a status on the restoration of the Knapp Farm Homestead. Mr. Roller reviewed the plan with the Board and described the various proposed plans for the different buildings on the site.
Pam Fritz, Manager of the Montgomery Mall, inquired as to what types of events were acceptable and unacceptable to be held at the Mall in accordance with Township ordinances. Recently, a carnival was held in the parking lot and there were issues with timing and permits, etc. The Board asked Pam Fritz to provide a list of potential future events in advance and the Township could provide feedback. Judy Starkin suggested that the Board not just review special events at the Mall, but at other Township locations as well. Ms. Starkin suggested a special events ordinance be created. The Board suggested that the Zoning Review Committee review the different types of events in conjunction with the Business Development Partnership and provide input for a special events ordinance.
John Chambers provided a sketch plan of the proposed Hartman Road Park. The Cutler Group has agreed to construct a developed park if the Township prepares a plan of what it would like to see installed. A combination of uses for passive and active recreation has been chosen. Bill Maule suggested that the Township hold a contest to name the park once the land is acquired. After some discussion it was agreed that John Chambers should provide the plan to Richard McBride so that the Cutler Group can price out the construction of the park.
At 8:00 p.m. Vice Chairman Robert Witmer called to order the regular meeting. In attendance were Supervisors Kuhn and Greenberg. Chairman Sarosky and Supervisor Prousi were absent. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Merle Ochrach, Kevin Costello, Rich Brady, Bill Brightcliffe, Monica DeCaro, Matt Johnston, John Chambers, Valerie Spooner, Marita Stoerrle and Deb Rivas.
Under public comment, Dean Shannon of Hatfield Borough made several statements regarding his perception that there are corrupt officials in the Township, County and State and his perception of their personal effect upon him. Also under public comment, Bill Maule of 110 Gwynmont Drive spoke about a contest to design a new logo to be held this year at the Autumn Festival. Mr. Maule also commented that perhaps the Memorial Grove plan should be reconsidered to have several flags with spotlights instead of a sundial that would look like a gold sailboat in a cornfield.
Merle Ochrach announced that the Board had met earlier in an Executive session to discuss matters of potential litigation.
Under monthly reports, Chief Rich Brady, Bill Brightcliffe, Kevin Costello and Monica DeCaro provided updates on their respective departments.
At 8:25 pm, Vice Chairman Witmer opened the public hearing for the consideration of a proposed liquor license transfer for the Longhorn Steakhouse. Notes of testimony were taken by Court Reporter, Tim Kurek. Mark Kozar provided testimony regarding the type of family restaurant and the hours of operation. Supervisor Kuhn pointed out that the information regarding the locations of various churches, schools, etc. was incorrectly measured from the location of the proposed restaurant. Mr. Kozar agreed to provide an amended and corrected list to the Board as soon as possible. The hearing closed at 8:38 pm. Resolution #1 unanimously approved the liquor license transfer for the Longhorn Steakhouse.
Frank Bartle, Esquire, appeared on behalf of Commerce Bank. Mr. Bartle presented a revised plan showing a relocation of the remote teller station. Mr. Bartle explained that this was the revised plan submitted earlier that day to the Township and that they were not asking for the Board’s approval, just a review of the plan. They plan to appear before the Zoning Hearing Board with the revised plan, if that becomes necessary, before they come back to the Board. Mr. Bartle indicated that he would be speaking to Judy Starkin the next day.
After the May 22nd Board meeting, letters opposing the Verizon sponsored franchise legislation were sent to State legislators. The Board still needs to consider approving a resolution in opposition to the legislation. Todd Eachus of Comcast encouraged the Board to approve the resolution. Dan Reavy of Verizon indicated that Verizon continues to support the local franchising authorities and that Perkiomen Township recently passed a resolution to accept a Verizon franchise agreement. Mr. Reavy also said that the Montgomery County Consortium is very close to finalizing an agreement as well. After a brief discussion, Resolution #2 approved the opposition of the Verizon sponsored franchise legislation.
Under the consent agenda, the minutes of meeting of May 22, 2006 and payment of bills were approved as submitted. Resolution #3 approved the appointment of Ken Amey as the Interim Director of Planning & Economic Development. Supervisor Kuhn asked for a status on the hiring of a Planning Director. Mr. Nagel indicated that the position was being re-advertised as there were no qualified applicants in the first round of resumes received. Resolution #4 awarded the bid for the Vehicle Exhaust Extraction System to Air Cleaning Systems for $42,000. Resolution #5 approved the Deeds of Dedication for the Cammarota Subdivision. Resolution #6 awarded the bid for the Welsh Road Interconnect Project to Henkels and McCoy for $38,192. Resolution #7 approved the escrow release for 1010 Lansdale Avenue. Resolution #8 approved the application to PennDOT to install and operate a traffic signal on Bethlehem Pike (Bennigan’s & Keystone Motors). Resolution #9 rejected the bids for the Memorial Grove Hardscaping. All resolutions were unanimous.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.