MINUTES OF MEETING
MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
AUGUST 13, 2007
At 7:35 p.m. Chairman J. Robert Witmer called to order an Executive Session. In attendance were Supervisors Greenberg, Kuhn, Prousi and Sarosky. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Merle Ochrach, and Richard Brady. A personnel matter was discussed. The Executive Session adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
Chairman Witmer called the work session to order at 7:55 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Greenberg, Kuhn, Prousi and Sarosky. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Merle Ochrach, Richard Brady, Bill Brightcliffe, Larry Gregan, Pam Gural-Bear, Bruce Shoupe, Richard Roller and Shirley Snyder.
Richard Roller, President of the Montgomery Township Historical Society, provided a progress report on the Knapp Farmhouse. Mr. Roller reported that stucco and re-pointing the underlying stone work has been completed, and the spring house wall has been rebuilt and the entire structure re-pointed. Window replacement and refurbishing has been completed. In the spring of this year, two Eagle Scout candidates, Nicholas and Andrew Shafer designated reconstruction of the spring house as their project. They cleared out the area around and within the spring house and applied a new roof to the structure. Chairman Witmer will be sending a letter of appreciation to the two young men who worked on this project, thanking them for a job well done.
A weekend was spent house cleaning in preparation for work to begin on the interior of the house. Presently, a contractor is being sought to rebuild the front porch of the house. The Historical Society has held their Board of Director’s meetings in the Farmhouse since June. Mr. Roller thanked the Board of Supervisors and staff for their continuing cooperation throughout this project.
Bruce Shoupe stated that he had received a request for permission for a 30 minute fire works display for a wedding to be held at the Joseph Ambler Inn. Concerns with safety issues, proximity to residential areas, insurance, and surrounding wooded area were all discussed. Merle Ochrach noted that there are existing restrictions on outdoor activities occurring at the site. Mr. Shoupe will advise the applicant, that fire works displays are not permitted in the Zoning District.
Monthly Reports will be heard at the action meeting. The work session adjourned at 8:08 p.m.
At 8:12 p.m. Chairman Witmer called to order the action meeting. In attendance were Supervisors Greenberg, Kuhn, Prousi and Sarosky. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Merle Ochrach, Richard Brady, Bill Brightcliffe, Larry Gregan, Pam Gural-Bear, Bruce Shoupe, Earl Armitage and Shirley Snyder.
Under Monthly Reports, Chief Brady reported that the department responded to 2337 calls for the month of July. A successful Junior Police Academy was held in July with 56 cadets participating. Bill Brightcliffe reported that the Fire Marshal’s office completed 46 life safety inspections. The Fire Department responded to 56 incidents for the month. Larry Gregan reported that the 2008 budget process has begun, and the 2007 financial audit is complete. Pam Gural-Bear reported that the township is making a submission to PSATS for our Volunteer Training Program. The 2006 Annual Report is expected this week, and the fall Communicator should be in resident’s homes within two weeks. The Kids University program concluded successfully last week. Autumn Festival is scheduled for Saturday, October 13, 2007. The Committee is planning to expand amusements, add food vendors and include an animal show.
There was no public comment on any item not on the regular agenda.
Merle Ochrach announced that the Board had met earlier in an Executive Session. A matter of personnel was discussed.
Earl Armitage of Pennoni Associates provided an update on the traffic issues associated with the Parkway and the area of Knapp Road and Witchwood Drive. There are several scenarios being considered by PennDOT in conjunction with Kimco, the owner of the Montgomery Square Shopping Center. Our traffic engineers will wait to see what PennDOT and Kimco have to offer, before making a recommendation to the township. Under public comment, Jason Lexer of 105 Society Circle raised a concern about the speed of traffic on the proposed Parkway, and how it could affect homeowners and residents using the proposed trail system.
Under the consent agenda, the minutes of the meeting for July 23, 2007, and the payment of bills were approved as submitted. The amended minutes for the June 25, 2007 meeting will be reviewed and discussed separately after the consent agenda is approved. Resolution #1 unanimously approved the execution of agreement with Harleysville Bank for FasTrack Deposit Capture Agreement.
The amended minutes for meeting of June 25, 2007 were discussed. Chairman Witmer noted that the Board was providing clarification of all stubs by listing each separately, and including an exhibit to show the stubs. The stub connection to the De LaSalle community was discussed. Rick Costello of 110 Newport Lane and former President of the Homeowner’s Association noted that all homeowners had received a letter advising them of the meeting to discuss this matter. It was noted that the Board of Directors of the Association would make the decision and convey that information to the township. David Ullman of 102 Society Circle stated that the majority of the homeowners who voted, do not want the stub. However, Jason Lexer of 105 Society Circle stated that only half of the homeowners had enough interest to vote. Mr. Ullman cited safety issues, parking concerns and loitering as reasons why they do not want the stub. Supervisor Prousi advised that throughout the County, there has been no increase in crime, or any major problems along the trail systems. Supervisor Greenberg noted that there are no known safety issues with trail systems. John Marcus of 137 Newport Lane stated that he was advised at the time he purchased his home that there would be a stub to access the proposed trail system at that location. He believes that people will use the trail once it’s there. Supervisor Kuhn stated that inquiries have been made of Lower Salford, who has a very extensive trail system. Lower Salford staff and residents found no increase in crime or safety issues stemming from the installation of the trail system. The Board unanimously approved the amended minutes for the June 25, 2007 minutes.
Under other business, Resolution #2 unanimously approved a Police Highway Safety Grant.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m.