MINUTES OF MEETING
MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
AUGUST 14, 2006
At 7:30 p.m., Chairman Sarosky called to order the work session. In attendance were Supervisors Greenberg, Kuhn, Prousi and Witmer. Also in attendance were Merle Ochrach, John Nagel, Monica DeCaro, Bill Brightcliffe, Ken Amey, Kevin Costello, Priti Patel, Lt. Houghtaling, and Shirley Snyder.
Kathy Arnold Yerger of the Montgomery County Norristown Public Library provided the Board with information on some of the library’s newer programs and services available to residents of Montgomery County. Chairman Sarosky presented a check to the Montgomery County Norristown Public Library which was gratefully accepted by Ms. Arnold Yerger.
Under Monthly Reports, Bill Brightcliffe reported that the Fire Marshal’s office had completed eight safety inspections in the month of July, and the fire department had responded to 70 incidents. Lt. Houghtaling reported that the police department had responded to 2,148 calls in the month of July. Officer Glenn Davies has been re-assigned to the Canine Unit. The Junior Police Academy was held in July with 56 children in attendance. Kevin Costello reported that the 2006 road projects have all been completed.
Under the Chairman’s Report, Chairman Sarosky requested that the staff put together a PowerPoint presentation explaining the procedures and general flow followed in public hearings. The township is providing this as a tool to help better acquaint our residents with the procedures for public hearings. Chairman Sarosky also reported that the Montgomery Township Soccer Association has completed the Needs/Analysis Study as requested by the township. Supervisor Kuhn inquired about the status of an Official Map of the township. While there were discussions held in past years, Montgomery Township, as well as neighboring municipalities have been unable to locate an Official Map. Supervisor Kuhn will be attending a seminar on this subject in the near future, and requested that members of the Board provide him with their questions and concerns.
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 Greenberg, Kuhn, Prousi and Witmer. Also in attendance were Merle Ochrach, John Nagel, Lt. Houghtaling, Bill Brightcliffe, Monica DeCaro, Kevin Costello, Ken Amey, Phil Wursta, John Chambers, Rick Tralies and Shirley Snyder.
There was no public comment at tonight’s meeting.
Jim Garrity, attorney for Skrolling Stones Investments, provided the Board with a summary of the plan being presented for the Steever Manor Professional Office development, located at 1501 Lower State Road. Also present was Bill Owen, representing Robert E. Blue Consulting Engineers. The applicant proposes to develop the property with four new, two story office buildings, and an addition to the existing two story building. The applicant is requesting several waivers, including waivers for softening buffers, sidewalks, parking spaces, and tree replacement. Supervisor Kuhn questioned whether any land would be donated to the township, as required by the Park & Recreation Ordinance. Mr. Garrity advised that there is an easement for a trail. After some discussion, it was agreed that if the trail is never built, a fee in lieu of would be acceptable. Phil Wursta recommended that a traffic study be completed to see if there is a need for traffic signal adjustments. Mr. Garrity will discuss with his client, and provide the township with this information. It was noted that the staff does not always receive updated reviews from the consultants. Chairman Sarosky requested that John Nagel advise the consultants via letter that plans will not be brought before the Board unless all reviews are current. After further discussion of the requested waivers, Resolution #1 unanimously approved the plan for Steever Manor Professional Office Development – Skrolling Stones. The agreement to vacate the road was included in the Resolution.
Tom Ludgate, P.E. of Ludgate Engineering Corporation and David Herbert of DWH2 & Associates provided a summary of the plan for a proposed Dunkin Donuts to be located on Bethlehem Pike, just north of the intersection with Welsh Road. The applicant proposes to construct a Dunkin Donuts with 13 parking spaces and a drive through on the site. The applicant is seeking three waiver requests. Tree replacement, access to site, and widths of entrance/exit were discussed at length. Supervisor Prousi raised the question of a secondary entrance to the site. Mr. Ludgate stated that they had pursued the matter with the adjoining property owners, but had been unsuccessful in their attempt. Phil Wursta expressed concern with traffic and safety issues. There are concerns with traffic coming directly off Route 309 and turning right into the Dunkin Donuts. Mr. Wursta recommended a deceleration lane approaching the site. Mr. Wursta also stated that he feels that the parking is not adequate. After considerable discussion, Chairman Sarosky made a motion to continue the consideration of plan. Motion #2 continued the consideration of plan for Dunkin Donuts to a future date.
Under the consent agenda, Resolution #3 accepted the Montgomery Township Police Pension Fund Statement of Investment Policy Objectives & Guidelines (Third Draft: May 2006). Resolution #4 approved the transfer of $6,000 from the General Fund to the Autumn Festival Fund. Resolution #5 approved the PennDOT application to install and operate traffic signal on Bethlehem Pike at the intersection of Line Street/Fox Meadow Drive. Resolution #6 authorized the Township Manager to advertise for a public hearing on September 11, 2006 for the adoption of Montgomery Township’s proposed Open Space Plan. Resolution #7 approved the Montgomery Township Advisory Committee Bylaws for the Money Purchase Pension Plan (401a) and the Deferred Compensation Plan (457b) Committee, the Finance Committee and the Park and Recreation Board as submitted to the Board on August 14, 2006. All consent agenda resolutions were unanimously approved.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:08 p.m.