MINUTES OF MEETING
MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
JULY 10, 2006
At 7:00 p.m. Chairman Sarosky called to order the executive session. In attendance were Supervisors Greenberg, Kuhn, Prousi and Witmer. Also in attendance were Merle Ochrach, Richard Brady, John Nagel and Brian Schreiber.
At 7:10 p.m. Chairman Sarosky called to order the work session. In attendance were Supervisors Greenberg, Kuhn, Prousi and Witmer. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Merle Ochrach, Ken Amey, Michael Galla, Priti Patel, Richard Brady, Kevin Costello, Monica DeCaro and Shirley Snyder. Also in attendance were residents of The Village of Neshaminy Falls.
A discussion was held to consider options for the Zehr tract. Supervisor Greenberg noted that a portion of this property contains a stream and ecological preserve that animals use as a migratory pathway. This portion of the tract is the most important natural area in the entire county, and must be preserved. Developer, Wayne Rosen is considering age restricted units on a portion of this property, which would require a zoning change. A conditional use hearing for by-right uses of this tract is scheduled to be heard on Monday, July 24, 2006. The developer is proposing single family homes, industrial lots and a recreational facility. The Board discussed possible use of the land, including age restricted housing, preserving the natural area and an historic house located on property, recreational uses, rezoning, and traffic impact of any development of this tract. After considerable discussion it was recommended that Supervisors Greenberg and Kuhn meet with Planning Consultant, Ken Amey to discuss alternatives for the use of this tract. These alternatives will give the Board additional information and possible uses for this tract that could be more beneficial to the township and it’s residents.
John Nagel noted that one item, to authorize advertisement of a proposed Ordinance for Verizon Cable Franchise Agreement will be added to the consent agenda for the action meeting.
The work session adjourned at 7:52 p.m.
At 8:00 p.m. Chairman Sarosky called to order the regular meeting. In attendance were Supervisors Greenberg, Kuhn, Prousi and Witmer. Also in attendance were Richard Brady, Kevin Costello, Monica DeCaro, Planning Consultant, Ken Amey, John Nagel, Merle Ochrach, John Chambers, Rick Tralies, Priti Patel and Shirley Snyder.
Police Chief Richard Brady commended Sgt. J. Scott Bendig for his keen observations, quick actions and professionalism in assisting with the apprehension of suspects in a theft in Limerick Township. Also commended for their successful investigation of two subjects in a retail theft at the Game Stop Store in Airport Square Shopping Center which resulted in their arrest and prosecution, were Detective Edward Davies, Detective Michael Solis, Detective James Reap, and Detective Ward Thomas. Resolution #1 unanimously commended Sgt. J. Scott Bendig, Detective Edward Davies, Detective Michael Solis, Detective James Reap, and Detective Ward Thomas.
Chief Brady also recognized Officer Ward Thomas for his excellent work during the time he was temporarily assigned to the Detective Division, and recognized his permanent assignment to the Detective Division. Resolution #2 unanimously commended Officer Ward Thomas for his reassignment from the Patrol Division to the Detective Division.
Under public comment, Bernd Heinze, President of the Fire Department of Montgomery Township stated that conceptual drawings for the proposed renovations to the Stump Road Fire Station have been received from the Architect and are being reviewed by the Department. On October 7, 2006, in conjunction with the Fire Company’s Open House, the 2nd Firefighter Fantasy Camp will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This event will “kick off” Fire Prevention Week, which begins on October 7th. The newly purchased heavy rescue vehicle is in-house and expected to be ready for service by this weekend. Mr. Heinze also requested approval from the Board of Supervisors for the annual fund drive for the Fire Department of Montgomery Township. Motion #3 unanimously approved the Fire Department of Montgomery Township’s annual fund drive. Mr. Heinze also commended Public Works Director Kevin Costello and the employees of the Public Works Department for the professionalism they demonstrated while repaving the roads in the Montgomery Ridge Development. The Montgomery Ridge Development Association wishes to convey their appreciation for the professionalism and excellent job the Public Works Department did in the actual road work and especially in taking the needs of the residents into consideration as the road work was being done.
Supervisor Prousi expressed his appreciation for the flowers, cards and fruit baskets he received during his recent recuperation.
Merle Ochrach announced that the Board had met earlier in an Executive Session to discuss a matter of personnel.
Under Monthly Reports, Chief Richard Brady reported that department has responded to 2,151 calls for service during the month of June. The Drug Abuse Resistance Education Graduations were held at Montgomery Elementary School and Bridal Path Elementary School in June. A grant has been submitted for the DARE Program at Mary, Mother of the Redeemer School. On June 16, 2006 Officer Glenn Davis was reassigned to the Canine Unit, and will be partnered with canine Aston. Kevin Costello reported that the Route 463 Phase I project is complete, with the exception of a few minor punch list items that still need to be addressed. Monica DeCaro reported that most of the investments of the Police Pension Plan have been moved to Citi Bank Smith Barney as planned. Representatives from Smith Barney will be available at the Pension Meeting next week. Finance Department continues to work with outside consultants on the Business Interruption Plan.
Kevin Costello provided information on a portable irrigation system at Windlestrae Park. The system would have the capability of watering both the soccer and baseball fields as needed, and North Wales Water Authority has agreed to provide the township with a significant cost discount. Kevin Costello and Merle Ochrach will provide a copy of the Agreement to the Soccer and Baseball Associations. Chuck Vesay of the Montgomery Soccer Association stated that the Association is in agreement with the proposal and will vote on the agreement at their next meeting on July 17th. Resolution #4 unanimously approved the installation of the irrigation system to Windlestrae Park (Main Park) to improve the quality and safety of the athletic fields, and that Montgomery Soccer and Montgomery Baseball shall be responsible for payment of the quarterly water bills. It was also resolved that the agreement shall be executed prior to any work being started.
Under the consent agenda, the minutes of meeting of June 26, 2006 and payment of bills were approved as submitted. Resolution #5 approved the Easement Agreement between Montgomery Township and Montgomery Township Municipal Sewer Authority for a sewer line easement across open space at the De LaSalle Subdivision. Resolution #6 authorized the Township Manager to advertise for proposed Ordinance #06-208 – Verizon Cable Franchise Agreement to be considered on Monday, July 24, 2006. All consent agenda resolutions were unanimously approved.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:23 p.m.