MINUTES OF MEETING
MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
NOVEMBER 13, 2006
At 7:00 p.m. Chairman Bill Sarosky called to order an executive session. In attendance were Supervisors Greenberg, Kuhn, Prousi and Witmer. Also in attendance were Merle Ochrach, John Nagel, Ken Amey, Pam Gural-Bear, Gil High and Bruce Shoupe. Matters of litigation were discussed.
At 7:45 p.m. Chairman Bill Sarosky called to order the work session. In attendance were Supervisors Greenberg, Kuhn, Prousi and Witmer. Also in attendance were Merle Ochrach, John Nagel, Bill Brightcliffe, Rich Brady, Pam Gural-Bear, Bruce Shoupe, Ken Amey, Monica DeCaro, Kevin Costello, and Shirley Snyder. Monthly Reports were presented by Department Heads. Bruce Shoupe provided a summary of the Planning and Zoning activities during the month of October. Richard Brady reported that the Police Department had responded to 2,140 calls during the month of October. Cadet Daniel Rose graduated from the Municipal Police Officers Education and Training Commission Basic Recruit Police Officers Program and earned the highest academic score in the class. Officer Todd Walter was activated by the U.S. Army and is preparing to go to Iraq. Chief Brady also reported on the status of several grants. The Finance Department report was submitted. Kevin Costello reported that the Public Works Department is working on preparations for the coming winter months. Bill Brightcliffe reported that the Fire Marshal’s Office conducted 17 safety inspections during the month of October, and the Fire Department responded to 73 calls.
At 8:00 p.m. Chairman Bill Sarosky called to order the regular meeting. In attendance were Supervisors Greenberg, Kuhn, Prousi and Witmer. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Merle Ochrach, Rich Brady, Kevin Costello, Bill Brightcliffe, Monica DeCaro, Pam Gural-Bear, Rick Tralies, Bruce Shoupe and Shirley Snyder.
There was no public comment on any item not listed on the agenda from the audience.
Supervisor Kuhn mentioned under public comment that on Sunday, November 12, 2006 members of the Montgomery Township Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES)/Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) participated in a Montgomery County Simulated Emergency Test. This exercise tested the abilities of the group as to how an emergency would be handled. Supervisors Bob Kuhn and Bob Witmer participated.
Merle Ochrach announced that the Board had met in executive session to discuss matters of litigation on the Land Use Appeal for Greenway Development.
John Nagel provided a summary of the preliminary 2007 budget. With a few minor changes, it is the same budget that was discussed at the Budget Workshops. Resolution #1 unanimously approved the adoption of the preliminary 2007 budget for all funds, and set Monday, December 18, 2006 after 8:00 p.m. at the township building as the date, time and place for consideration of the final 2007 budget.
At 8:08 p.m. Chairman Sarosky opened the public hearing for the conditional use application for American Gymnastics. Notes of testimony were taken by Court Reporter, Byron Battle. Merle Ochrach stated that the business has been located on Stump Road for several years, and is looking to relocate to another building in the same industrial park. George Valdez, owner of American Gymnastics stated that he has been in business in Montgomery Township for approximately 12 years. He teaches gymnastic classes for boys and girls from pre-school through high school, as well as team gymnastics. His business and hours of operation will remain the same at the new location. The public hearing was closed at 8:14 p.m. Resolution #2 unanimously approved the conditional use application for American Gymnastics.
Under the consent agenda, the minutes of the October 23, 2006 meeting, the 2006 Budget Workshop minutes and payment of bills were approved as submitted. Resolution #3 approved the construction escrow release for Indian Lake Farm. Resolution #4 authorized the Township Manager to advertise for proposed Ordinance #06-210 – Traffic Sign Update to be heard on Monday, November 27, 2006. All consent agenda resolutions were approved unanimously.
Under other business Supervisor Kuhn apologized publicly to Tony Mauriello, owner of Fast Signs for having incorrectly stated at the meeting of October 23, 2006 that signs were placed around the township by his business.
Chairman Sarosky acknowledged the resignation of Public Information Coordinator, Priti Patel. Priti has taken a job in the private sector. Chairman Sarosky and John Nagel complimented Priti on her accomplishments and professionalism during her employment with Montgomery Township.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:19 p.m.