MINUTES OF MEETING
MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
DECEMBER 18, 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 John Nagel, Richard Brady and Merle Ochrach. Several matters of personnel 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, Pam Gural-Bear, Richard Brady, Kevin Costello, Bruce Shoupe, Monica DeCaro, Bill Brightcliffe, Beverly Brown, Mike Galla and Shirley Snyder.
Monthly Reports for November were submitted by Department Heads. Richard Brady reported that the Police Department had responded to 1,998 calls for service last month. Bruce Shoupe reported that the Planning and Zoning Department had issued 267 permits and updated the Board on active developments within the township. Monica DeCaro reported that several matters involving the Police Pension Plan will be discussed at the action meeting this evening. Preliminary audits are scheduled to begin January 22, 2007. Bill Brightcliffe reported that the Fire Marshal’s office had completed 41 life safety inspections and responded to 59 incidents during the month of November. The Fire Department of Montgomery Township also transported Santa Claus to Montgomery Mall on November 10th.
Supervisor Witmer noted that one of his neighbors had experienced carbon monoxide in their home, and was pleased with the response of the Fire Department of Montgomery Township.
Bernd Heinze requested that the Board of Supervisors pass a resolution at tonight’s meeting recognizing the Fire Department of Montgomery Township on it’s four year anniversary. Chairman Sarosky will read the resolution during the action meeting.
David Keightly, President of the Montgomery Township Golf League, introduced Kevin O’Conner, the Captain of the Golf League Championship team. Mr. Keightly also recognized Eric Holmquist for being responsible for coordinating this year’s league. Resolution #1 unanimously recognized the Montgomery Township 2006 Golf League Championship Team: Eric Holmquist, Kevin O’Connor, Bill Petraitis, and Mike Patchell, and extended special recognition to Eric Holmquist for his efforts in coordinating and scheduling this year’s Golf League.
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, Matt Johnston, Richard Brady, Kevin Costello, Bill Brightcliffe, Monica DeCaro, Pam Gural-Bear, Bruce Shoupe and Shirley Snyder.
Under public comment, Mike Galla announced the winners of the 2006 Holiday Lights Contest: Mike Pierson, Norman & Susan Shaw, Thomas Coffey, Will Canum, Bob Menno, Mary Lou Ferrese. Winners will be recognized at the Tuesday, January 2, 2007 meeting. George Tradewell of AAA Auto Rental, 104 Bettys Avenue inquired about the township’s procedure to be considered to be the towing company for Montgomery Township. Chief Brady explained that the township towing company also has to have a salvage license, and have the capability to store a vehicle for 90 to 120 days. The staff mentioned that it is possible that the zoning at Mr. Tradewell’s place of business may allow him to store a vehicle for a maximum of 60 days. Chairman Sarosky requested that Bruce Shoupe look into the township guidelines pertaining to this matter and discuss with Mr. Tradewell. Raj Patel of 396 Gosling Drive in North Wales expressed his thanks to John Nagel and the staff at Montgomery Township for providing his daughter, Priti with an excellent and professional work environment in her first job. Mr. Patel then stated that several businesses are operating on Domorah Drive, and not all have licenses nor are paying taxes as required. Since this matter is in litigation, Chairman Sarosky recommended that Mr. Patel submit his documentation in written form to the township.
Joshua Overholt was sworn in as Deputy Fire Marshal for Montgomery Township. Resolution #2 unanimously appointed Joshua Overholt as the Deputy Fire Marshal for Montgomery Township, effective December 18, 2006.
Beverly Brown provided the Board with an Executive Summary of the Montgomery Township Sewer Authority 2007 Operating Budget, stating that there would be no increase in the sewer rental fees for 2007. Supervisor Kuhn inquired about the funds for the sidewalks needed to complete the project at the Eureka plant. Ms. Brown stated that money was included in the capital budget. Resolution #3 unanimously approved the Montgomery Township Municipal Sewer Authority Budget for the fiscal year 2007 for the period January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007.
Merle Ochrach announced that the Board had met in executive session to discuss several matters of personnel.
Tom Schatzman of Smith Barney provided the Board with an over view of the search for stock investment managers for the Police Pension Plan, and the three candidates selected. Mr. Schatzman answered questions raised by the Board concerning these investments. Resolution #4 unanimously approved the three investment managers for the Police Pension Plan: Lord, Abbett & Company, Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P., and Harbor International Instutional.
Residents of Davis Drive and Annabel Drive have requested “no parking” signs to be posted on Davis Drive from Kenas Road to Annabel Drive, and submitted a petition for this request. Chief Brady reiterated their concern with cars parking on both sides of the street, especially when there are sports events at Windlestrae Park. Resolution #5 unanimously approved Ordinance #06-210 – Traffic Sign Update to prohibit parking on both sides of the street for Davis Drive from Kenas Road to Annabel Drive.
Monica DeCaro presented the third quarter 2006 budget report summarizing the year-to-date operating results through September 30, 2006.
Monica DeCaro stated that the 2007 Montgomery Township Final 2007 Budget was the same as the preliminary budget, with a few changes that were recommended at the Budget Workshops. Resolution #6 unanimously adopted the 2007 Final Budget, as set forth in the proposed budget, as revised November 9, 2006, and the Capital Reserve Fund, as revised November 9, 2006. Resolution #7 adopted the 2007 Tax Levy Resolution, and maintained the Homestead Exclusion amount for 2007 at $25,000. Resolution #8 established the street light assessments for 2007.
Under the consent agenda, the minutes of the November 27, 2006 meeting and payment of bills were approved as submitted. Resolution #9 approved the Montgomery Township Police Pension Plan Document and Summary Plan Description. Resolution #10 authorized an amendment to the third quarter 2006 budget to reflect an increase in General Fund income of $146,000. The application for Montgomery Township to receive the Tree City USA Growth Award and approve the application for the Tree City USA Recertification was approved by Resolution #11. Resolution #12 approved the Montgomery Township Municipal Sewer Authority Tapping Fee Agreements. Resolution #13 approved the extension request for Montgomery Mall. Supervisor Kuhn inquired about the second letter that was to be sent to PennDOT, strongly suggesting that PennDOT take over Knapp Road between Route 309 and the proposed Route 202 Parkway. John Nagel advised that the letter should be ready in the next day or so.
Chairman Sarosky thanked the consultants, the staff and the Board of Supervisors for their encouragement and support during his year as Chairman of the Board.
Under other business, the four year anniversary of the Fire Department of Montgomery Township and recognition for having responded to a record of over 2,600 calls was acknowledged by Resolution #14. All consent agenda resolutions were unanimously approved.
There being no other business, the meeting adjourned at 8:43 p.m.