MINUTES OF MEETING
MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
NOVEMBER 27, 2006
At 7:00 p.m. Chairman Bill Sarosky called to order an executive session. In attendance were Supervisors Kuhn, Prousi and Witmer. Supervisor Greenberg was absent. Also in attendance were Merle Ochrach, John Nagel and Chief Rich Brady. Matters of personnel were discussed.
At 7:05 p.m. Chairman Bill Sarosky called to order the work session. In attendance were Supervisors Kuhn, Prousi and Witmer. Supervisor Greenberg was absent. Also in attendance were Merle Ochrach, John Nagel, Rich Brady, Pam Gural-Bear, Bruce Shoupe, Phil Wursta, Eric Frary, Leo Bagley and Deb Rivas.
An update on the status of the 202 Parkway was provided. Supervisor Kuhn indicated that Penn DOT has agreed to assume ownership of Knapp Road from the 202 Parkway to Route 309. However, Supervisor Kuhn stated that a problem exists whereby the Township will still own and maintain Knapp Road from the 202 Parkway to DeKalb Pike. This will be the only access road to the proposed parkway to be locally owned by a municipality, and it will present a difficult maintenance scenario when it comes to plowing the roadway and stopping at the parkway. Supervisor Kuhn suggested that Penn DOT take over that section of Knapp Road as well. Eric Frary, a Penn DOT consultant, indicated that Penn DOT would most likely request an equal swap of a State owned road. Leo Bagley of the Montgomery County Planning Commission suggested that perhaps a special contract could be created with the maintenance group of Penn DOT to cover the Township’s cost of plowing the state road, should that occur. After considerable discussion, it was suggested that the Township send a letter to Penn DOT with a strong argument for why Penn DOT should take over that section of Knapp Road as well. Phil Wursta suggested that the consideration is worth pursing and offered to draft something for the Township.
Next on the work session, Chairman Sarosky indicated that previous land development applications caused the Board to consider the general zoning of the Township and the Board’s desire to review various parcels and their current zoning. It is the Board’s suggestion that the current Zoning Committee, which is reviewing zoning ordinances, also review and look at how properties are zoned along the 309 corridor. This review should be integrated with the Planning Commission’s recommendations, and as noted by Roy Rodriguez, should be done under the guidance of the Comprehensive Plan.
Next on the work session, Merle Ochrach and Kevin Costello discussed the issue of Penn DOT requiring that local municipalities assume the maintenance and repair of storm drainage systems within state owned highways. Various organizations such as PSATS and MCATO are addressing this issue at the state level. Local municipalities and public works associations are adopting resolutions insisting that Penn DOT continue to provide this maintenance. The Board unanimously adopted Resolution #1 which insisted that Penn DOT continue to provide this maintenance.
The last item on the work session was the consideration of a new codification of the zoning code and subdivision and land development ordinance. Merle Ochrach indicated that as a result of a recent Supreme Court decision whereby a Township Ordinance may be declared invalid due to any type of problem with the advertising, public hearing, etc., most municipalities are adopting their Zoning Code and Subdivision and Land Development Ordinances to alleviate any possible problems. Merle indicated that it is advisable to advertise and codify the ordinances. No changes will be made.
Bill Sarosky indicated that the Montgomery County Planning Commission Planning Assistance Contract was up for renewal at tonight’s meeting. The Board indicated that the partnership with the County has proven to be very successful. Supervisor Kuhn indicated that planner, Matt Schelly, is one of the best planners from the County that the Township has worked with.
John Nagel recognized Supervisor Prousi and thanked him for the donation of the Christmas tree which is on display in the lobby of the Township building. The work session concluded at 7:40pm.
At 8:00 p.m. Chairman Bill Sarosky called to order the regular meeting. In attendance were Supervisors Kuhn, Prousi and Witmer. Supervisor Greenberg was absent. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Merle Ochrach, Rich Brady, Kevin Costello, Bill Brightcliffe, Monica DeCaro, Pam Gural-Bear, Rick Tralies, Phil Wursta, John Chambers and Deb Rivas.
Under public comment, Spencer Nickel of 1318 Lansdale Avenue, indicated that when he first moved to the Township, burning of leaves was permitted for a three month period, but burning has now been banned. Mr. Nickel indicated that he has a considerable leaf problem on his property and asked if the Board might reconsider the burning ordinance. He stated that the waste hauler will not take the leaves. David Keightly came forward and said that his mother lives in Upper Dublin Township and the Township collects the leaves for the residents. The Board asked Mr. Nickel to give the Township some time to review the matter and give it some thought. The Board asked Merle Ochrach and Kevin Costello to review options and costs. Ms. Ochrach suggested that they also speak to the Recycling Commission, the Montgomery Township Environmental Advisory Committee and the DCED. Mr. Nickel provided his contact information to the staff.
The recognition of the Montgomery Township Golf League Champions was postponed until the next meeting.
Merle Ochrach announced that the Board had met briefly in executive session to discuss a matter of personnel.
The next item for consideration was the plan for Selective Development. Robert Iannozzi, representing the applicant, indicated that the applicant wanted to postpone the application until further notice.
Under the consent agenda, the minutes of the November 13, 2006 meeting and payment of bills were approved as submitted. Resolution #2 approved the award of bid for the Guide Rail Improvements on Richardson Road project to Long Fence Company at a cost of $13,995. Resolution #3 approved the extension request for the Bell Run Offices. Resolution #4 approved the escrow release for 675 Bethlehem Pike. Resolution #5 approved the renewal of the Montgomery County Planning Commission consultant’s contract. Resolution #6 approved the off-site data storage project. Resolution #7 authorized the Township Manager to advertise for a public hearing for the adoption of the Zoning and Subdivision and Land Development Ordinances to be held on February 12, 2007. All consent agenda resolutions were approved unanimously.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:06 p.m.