MINUTES OF MEETING
MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
SEPTEMBER 11, 2006
At 7:45 p.m. Chairman William Sarosky called to order the work session. In attendance were Supervisors Greenberg, Kuhn, Prousi and Witmer. Also in attendance were Merle Ochrach, Ken Amey, Richard Roller, Roy Rodriguez and Shirley Snyder.
Richard Roller, of the Montgomery Township Historical Society, provided the Board with an update on the Knapp Farm House restoration project. Mr. Roller announced that the original porch had to be removed as the foundation was rotted and unsafe, but that the porch will be rebuilt. The outside work on the house is nearly completed. This work included re-glazing windows, replacing soffit, removal of stucco and chimney restoration. Request For Proposals (RFP’s) have been requested for site clearing. Mr. Roller noted that the Historical Society would like to enlist the help of the Shade Tree Commission in the landscape project, which was agreeable with the Board. Mr. Zadlo, the Architect for the project, will work with sub-contractors to complete the interior of the house, which will keep the cost of interior renovations down. Mr. Roller raised a question about the process of the township paying the contractor’s bills and reimbursing the Historical Society for payments made. Mr. Roller stated that the process has been taking several weeks for the checks to be mailed out, and inquired what could be done to expedite the process. Chairman Sarosky will discuss this matter with John Nagel. Motion #1, made by Chairman Sarosky, approved the reimbursement of $22,010 to the Montgomery Township Historical Society.
At 8:05 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, William Brightcliffe, Ken Amey, Merle Ochrach, Rick Tralies, Mike Galla and Shirley Snyder.
A moment of silence was observed in recognition of Patriot Day.
There was no public comment for any item not listed on the agenda.
Merle Ochrach announced that the Board had met in an Executive Session earlier this evening and an item of potential litigation was discussed.
At 8:08 p.m. Chairman Sarosky opened the public hearing for the Proposed Open Space Plan. Notes of testimony were taken by Court Reporter, Byron Battle. Mike Galla stated that the hearing had been advertised. Roy Rodriguez presented the Board with a comprehensive summary of the goals, background and analysis, resources, existing open space, park areas, potential linkages, a strategy for the future, and recommendations and implementation of the Open Space Plan. The Board thanked Mr. Rodriguez for an excellent presentation. There was no public comment on this matter. The hearing closed at 8:20 p.m. Resolution #2 unanimously adopted the Montgomery Township 2006 Open Space Plan.
Chairman Sarosky recognized Court Reporter, Byron Battle and thanked him for taking the notes of testimony for tonight’s hearing. Chairman Sarosky then announced that our friend and long time Court Reporter, Cole Schenk had passed away on September 8th. Cole will be long remembered by all who knew her.
It has been recommended that the Township formally establish the Open Space Committee to implement the plans presented earlier this evening. Open Space Committee Liaison and Supervisor, Pete Greenberg noted that James Rall will be resigning from the Open Space Committee. Mr. Rall is the Planning Commission representative. A new representative from the Planning Commission will be named in the future. Resolution #3 unanimously approved the establishment of the Open Space Committee.
Chairman Sarosky provided a brief summary of the background of the Montgomery Chase Plan. Attorney Marc Jonas, applicant Tom Calhoun, and Gary Kulp of Tracey Land Services were present. Mr. Jonas provided a thorough explanation of the project thus far. It was noted that the original plan will not be moving forward, but the applicant is providing a revised plan. Originally Mr. Calhoun was trying to obtain easements for storm water drainage from Holly Drive resident Bonnie Rosen. After many meetings and considerable discussions between the Rosens, Tom Calhoun, Township Engineer John Chambers, and Marc Jonas, an agreement could not be reached whereby allowing Mr. Calhoun to use a portion of the Rosen property to resolve storm water drainage issues. Therefore, Mr. Calhoun is planning to manage storm water drainage on site. The revised plan was reviewed by the Planning Commission, Chambers Associates, and PennDot. The applicant is requesting several waivers, all of which had been approved with the original plan. Supervisor Kuhn stated that since the applicant will not be expending money for storm water management on adjoining properties, as was part of the original plan, he would like to see the applicant provide the items listed in the waivers. These items include sidewalks, curbs, road widening. After considerable discussion, Motion #4 postponed the consideration of plan for Montgomery Chase to a future date pending discussion with Township Engineer, John Chambers. Under public comment, Mitchell Barrer of 108 Holly Drive stated that some incorrect statements were made about this matter that he would like to clear up. Mr. Barrer expressed concern that no “good faith negotiations” were discussed with him or other Holly Drive neighbors, only with Mr. Rosen. He also stated that the Holly Drive residents have tried many times to get the storm water problem resolved, but with no success. Chairman Sarosky stated that the residents of Holly Drive will be notified in writing of the new date for considering the plan for Montgomery Chase, and also requested that residents of Holly Drive submit their concerns in writing to the township. Mr. Robert Rosen of 106 Holly Drive stated that many things that were said about him at this meeting were unprofessional and untrue. Mr. Rosen stated that he made no monetary demands, and that he was only fulfilling an obligation to his client.
Under Monthly Reports, Chief Brady reported that the Police Department had responded to 2,138 calls for service. Rick Petersen stated that the Public Works monthly report had been submitted. Bill Brightcliffe reported that the Fire Marshal’s office had completed 19 safety inspections and the fire department had responded to 55 incidents during the month of August.
Under consent agenda, the minutes of meeting of August 28, 2006 and payment of bills were approved as submitted. Resolution # 5 approved the DEP Planning Module for Cutler Age Restricted Project. Supervisor Kuhn recommended that approval of the DEP Sewage Facilities Planning Module for Montgomeryville Business Campus at 1350 Welsh Road include the recommendation of the Montgomery County Planning Commission that the stormwater basin be naturalized and planted with native vegetation. Resolution #6 approved the DEP Planning Module for Montgomeryville Business Campus to include Supervisor Kuhn’s recommendation stated above. Resolution #7 approved the DEP Planning Module for Park Creek Sewage Pumping Station. A wavier of land development for 1050 Bethlehem Pike – Blue Mountain Loading Dock was approved by Resolution #8. Resolution #9 approved the Park & Recreation Capital Plan. All consent agenda resolutions were unanimously approved.
Under other business, Supervisor Kuhn noted that the road work at Kenas and County Line Roads has not been completed. The work was to be completed no later than today, September 11th, but had not been done. Chairman Sarosky requested that Merle Ochrach discuss the matter with Judith Starkin, Zoning Officer and John Nagel to see that the project is completed immediately.
Supervisor Kuhn also commented on the proposed new road thru Sal’s Nursery property. There are some good points to this proposed road, but also many points that need to be reviewed. The matter will be discussed at a future date.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.