MINUTES OF MEETING
MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OCTOBER 10, 2006
At 7:00 p.m. Chairman Bill 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, Phil Wursta, Kevin Costello, Bill Brightcliffe, Richard Brady and Shirley Snyder.
Jim Garrity, representing John Antonucci of Terra Vista LLC, and Cliff Stout of Stout, Tacconelli & Associates were present. Mr. Garrity provided the Board with an over view of the sketch plan for the property located along Stump Road. Mr. Garrity explained that Mr. Antonucci is proposing extending Witchwood Drive through his property to Route 309, at his expense. This proposed road would redirect some of the traffic away from the Stump Road and Route 309 intersection. This property will be tricky to develop due to the slope of the site, but would be suitable for small pad sites, provided the proposed extension of Witchwood Drive is approved. Discussions have been held with PennDOT, and they do not seem to have a problem with the concept of the proposed road. Supervisor Kuhn suggested that we should discuss improvements to the Rt. 309 and Stump Road intersection with Penn DOT, making dedicated left hand turn lanes in both directions, and deleting the jug handle. Phil Wursta suggested that consideration be given to model out both options in order to be able to make the best decision for the township. It was noted that the proposed extension of Witchwood Drive would be funded privately, and would not be the responsibility of Montgomery Township, but improvements to the existing intersection would require funding and approval from PennDOT. In addition to the traffic issues, the possible development of the adjoining property owned by Einstein Hospital was discussed. John Nagel will discuss this possible development with Bruce Shoupe, the new Director of Planning & Code Enforcement, who will contact Einstein Hospital to see what their plans may be for the site. If the Board feels the applicant’s proposal as outlined through the sketch plan and summary has merit, the applicant would need to consider the re-zoning of the property at a future time. The consensus of the Board was that Mr. Antonucci is going in the right direction with the proposed development of his property.
Merle Ochrach provided background on the process involved to adopt an Official Map for Montgomery Township. An Official Map would identify parcels of land within the township that the township may want to consider purchasing. The township would then have one (1) year to make a decision on the purchase. The Board was concerned with the statute of one year, and some felt it unwise to defer sale of a property for that period of time. Ms. Ochrach stated that the statute was clear, and there was no mention of reducing that time. Ms. Ochrach also stated that property owners with parcels identified on the Official Map are not required to notify the Township of proposed sales, but are required to notify the Township if the property owner desires to subdivide, develop or obtain building permits for the parcel shown on the Official Map. It was suggested that the township try other ways, such as letters and/or personal contact with owners, to have access to purchase these properties without adopting an Official Map. It was also noted that the newly formed Open Space Committee would be involved in identifying the available properties within the township. Supervisor Kuhn noted that the township has missed the opportunity to purchase one or two parcels of land recently, because they were sold before the township had an opportunity to consider the purchase. A “straw vote” was taken on this matter. The straw vote (3 – 2) resulted in not considering adoption of an Official Map.
Under Monthly Reports, Kevin Costello reported that the Meadowood Drive drainage project has been completed, under budget, by the Public Works Department. Bill Brightcliffe reported that the Fire Marshal’s office had conducted eight fire safety inspections and responded to 42 calls in the month of September. Richard Brady reported that the Police Department had responded to 2,057 calls during the month of September. The department has also received a grant to be used for the Child Identification System. The presentation of the check will be made at this evening’s meeting.
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 John Nagel, Merle Ochrach, Ken Amey, Richard Brady, Kevin Costello, Bill Brightcliffe, Monica DeCaro, Rick Tralies, Phil Wursta, John Chambers and Shirley Snyder.
Monica DeCaro provided her monthly report, noting that a DROP investment manager has been selected and that the MMO’s were submitted.
Representative Eugene McGill presented Officer Jim Matlack with a check in the amount of $9,495 which will be used for the Child Identification System.
Pam Gural-Bear was welcomed as the new Assistant Township Manager. Pam will be managing the Community Services Office and will begin her duties with the township on Tuesday, October 11, 2006. Resolution #1 unanimously appointed Pam Gural-Bear to the position of Assistant Township Manager of Montgomery Township.
Bruce S. Shoupe was sworn in as the new Director of Planning and Code Enforcement, Deputy Zoning Officer and Building Code Official, and will begin his duties with the township on Monday, October 16, 2006. Resolution #2 unanimously appointed Bruce S. Shoupe as Director of Planning and Code Enforcement, Deputy Zoning Officer and Building Code Official for Montgomery Township.
William E. Brightcliffe was unanimously appointed Emergency Management Coordinator by Resolution #3. Resolution #4 unanimously appointed William E. Brightcliffe as the Fire Marshal for Montgomery Township.
Chairman Sarosky presented a check to the Fire Department of Montgomery Township Fire Relief Association. The check in the amount of $232,221.27 was presented to Chief Dave Vasconez, Dave Wolff and Gene Zeiner. Resolution #5 unanimously approved the presentation of check in the amount of $232,221.27 from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to the FDMT Fire Relief Association.
Director of Fire Services, Bill Brightcliffe highlighted the events of Fire Prevention Week. Some of the highlights included: new exterior “Fire Prevention Sign” at Battalion 1 station; Fire Prevention messages on the FDMT website and tips in the Township newsletter, The Communicator; display at the township building; fire inspections; fire drills and fire prevention presentations at the local schools. An Open House was held on Saturday, October 7th at the Stump Road fire station. In conjunction with Fire Prevention Week, the FDMT is sponsoring an essay and poster contest for school students. The winners will be recognized at the October 23, 2006 Board of Supervisors meeting. Resolution #6 unanimously recognized the week of October 8th through 14th as Fire Prevention Week.
There was no public comment on any items not listed on the agenda.
Monica DeCaro provided the Board with the second quarter 2006 budget status.
Under the consent agenda, the minutes for the September 25, 2006 meeting and the bills were approved as submitted. Resolution #7 authorized the 2006 second quarter budget amendments. Resolution #8 approved the Memorandum, Findings of Face, Opinion and Order regarding the Conditional Use application of Greenway Development, L.P., for the Zehr Tract. Resolution #9 authorized the Township Manager to advertise for public hearing for conditional use application for American Gymnastics – 141 Commerce Drive. All consent agenda resolutions were unanimously approved.
Under other business, Chairman Sarosky requested that Merle Ochrach work with the Open Space Committee to aggressively identify land that the township may wish to acquire at some time in the future. He further asked that a letter and agreements be drafted to be used in conjunction with possible land acquisitions in the future. The Board voiced its concurrence in this request.
Supervisor Witmer extended an invitation to all to stop by the Autumn Festival on Saturday, October 14th from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.