MINUTES OF MEETING
MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OCTOBER 23, 2006
At 7:30 p.m. Vice Chairman Bob Witmer called to order an executive session. In attendance were Supervisors Kuhn and Prousi. Chairman Sarosky and Supervisor Greenberg were absent. Also in attendance were Merle Ochrach, John Nagel, Bill Brightcliffe, Pam Gural-Bear and Bruce Shoupe. Matters of personnel were discussed.
At 7:55 p.m. Vice Chairman Bob Witmer called to order the work session. In attendance were Supervisors Kuhn and Prousi. Chairman Sarosky and Supervisor Greenberg were absent. Also in attendance were Merle Ochrach, John Nagel, Bill Brightcliffe, Rich Brady, Pam Gural-Bear, Bruce Shoupe, Matt Johnston and Deb Rivas. Vice Chairman Witmer made a motion to authorize the Emergency Management Coordinator to research and recommend a plan to determine what is needed to bring the Fire Services Department up to date with the current County 800 MHz Radio System. Supervisor Prousi seconded the motion and Motion #1 carried by unanimous vote. Next on the work session, Matt Johnston of Pennoni Associates provided an update on the current transportation projects within the Township, including those currently in the design phase and those in the construction phase. There was particular interest in the work being done at the intersection of Horsham and Upper State Roads.
At 8:06 p.m. Vice Chairman Bob Witmer called to order the regular meeting. In attendance were Supervisors Kuhn and Prousi. Chairman Sarosky and Supervisor Greenberg were absent. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Merle Ochrach, Rich Brady, Kevin Costello, Bill Brightcliffe, Monica DeCaro, Pam Gural-Bear, Rick Tralies, Matt Johnston, Lonnie Manai and Deb Rivas.
Fire Chief Dave Vasconez, Gene Zeiner and Ed Skrzat from the FDMT were present to recognize the 4th annual Fire Prevention Poster and Essay Contest Winners from the three local elementary schools. Resolution #2 recognized the following Montgomery Elementary, Bridle Path and Mary Mother of the Redeemer students for their participation and winning entries in the 2006 Fire Prevention Poster/Essay Contest: Ally Satterthwaite, Kiera Gallagher, Matthew Shafer, John Gabrys, Patrick Shafer, Kathleen Gross, Bradley Smilowitz, J.T. Stavely, Sarah Jones, Jacob Gallo, Jacqueline James, Andy Cherney, Gianna Rainone, Erin Palm, Jeffrey Morrison, Hannah Shade and Brittany Rorer.
There was no public comment on any items not listed on the agenda from the audience. Supervisor Kuhn mentioned under public comment that the Board had received a letter from a resident who lives on Vilsmeier Road complaining about the lights from the stores. Supervisor Kuhn indicated that there were certain restrictions agreed to when the development was created and apparently those were not being followed. Also, Supervisor Kuhn mentioned that there were many election signs being placed around the Township and that it appears that Fast Signs is taking advantage of this time of year by placing “Elect Fast Signs” signs which are advertising and not political signs. Supervisor Kuhn asked the Township staff to make contact with Fast Signs and have them remove the signs immediately. John Nagel indicated that Bruce Shoupe would handle both matters.
Merle Ochrach announced that the Board had met briefly in executive session to discuss matters of personnel.
Thomas Ludgate, representing AAA Montgomeryville, presented the revised plan for the Dunkin Donuts development on Route 309. Previously when the plan was presented, there were some concerns about traffic. The applicant met with the traffic engineer and made revisions to the plan based on the traffic engineer’s recommendation. One common access driveway is now proposed to be shared with Mastroeni and Sons Furniture store. A discussion was held concerning sidewalks and trees. It was suggested that in lieu of trees, sidewalks should be installed along Route 309 and include the Mastroeni frontage, if agreeable to the Mastroeni owners. If not, offsite landscaping will be performed in lieu of replacement trees. Mr. Ludgate also mentioned that an easement agreement existed between the applicant and the English Village Apartments at the back of the properly. Merle Ochrach asked to receive a copy of the easement agreement for the Township’s review. Resolution #3 unanimously approved the consideration of plan for the Dunkin Donuts.
Under the consent agenda, the minutes of the October 10, 2006 meeting and payment of bills were approved as submitted. Resolution #4 approved the extension request for Selective Development. Resolution #5 approved the extension request for the Montgomery Office Park. Resolution #6 approved the allocation of State Aid. Resolution #7 authorized the Township Manager to advertise for bids for guide rail improvements on Richardson Road at Fox Run Creek. All consent agenda resolutions were approved unanimously.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.