MINUTES OF MEETING
MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
APRIL 11, 2005
At 7:00 p.m. Vice Chairman William Sarosky called to order the Executive Session. In attendance were Supervisors Kuhn, Prousi and Witmer. Chairman Greenberg was absent. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Merle Ochrach and Edward Hoffman. Personnel and potential litigation matters were discussed. The Executive Session adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
At 7:34 p.m. Vice Chairman William Sarosky called the work session to order. Supervisors Kuhn, Prousi and Witmer were present. Chairman Greenberg was absent. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Richard Brady, Kevin Costello, Andrea Collins, Merle Ochrach and Shirley Snyder.
Andrea Collins provided an update on the three phases of the sign project. Signs are to be placed throughout the township to help residents and visitors locate the Township Building, Police Station, Fire Station and our parks. There was some discussion about the pictures being used to depict the various facilities. Ms. Collins will research to see what other options are available. The second phase, the double sided cross street banner which will be used to advertise upcoming events in the Township, is on hold because of the Horsham Road improvement project. The staff is hopeful that this banner can be displayed in time to advertise the Autumn Festival. The third phase is the purchase of seven additional “street banners” which will be located in the Municipal Township Building parking lot. The staff is currently collecting designs for these additional banners.
PennDOT has requested that each municipality affected by the 202 Parkway, appoint one representative to the newly formed 202 Task Force. Since the township has few details about this new committee, the Board recommended that John Nagel represent the township at the first meeting.
A discussion was held on “draft” House Bill #151, proposed to amend the act of May 1, 1933, concerning the terms of supervisors in townships of the second class. Supervisor Witmer requested that the staff check to see if Representative Kate Harper is still one of the sponsors of the Bill, and also talk to Representative Harper and possible Representative Watson to inquire what prompted this proposed legislation, and obtain additional details.
The Work Session adjourned at 7:52 p.m.
At 8:00 p.m. Vice Chairman William Sarosky called the regular meeting to order. In attendance were Supervisors Kuhn, Prousi and Witmer. Chairman Greenberg was absent. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Merle Ochrach, John Chambers, Earl Armitage, Rick Tralies, Mike Solomon, Richard Brady, Kevin Costello, Gerald Grover, Monica DeCaro, Andrea Collins, and Shirley Snyder.
Director of Fire Services, Gerald Grover thanked Michael Bean for his dedication and commitment in keeping the fire trucks ready to respond to emergencies within the township. Resolution #1 unanimously commended Michael Bean for his commitment to excellence in insuring that the fire trucks are ready to respond to emergency calls within Montgomery Township.
Chief Richard Brady introduced Ricardo DeJesus, a new cadet patrolman, and Joseph McGuigan, a police recruit. Resolution #2 unanimously authorized the hiring of Joseph McGuigan as a police recruit, with the official date of hire to be determined by the Chief of Police. Resolution #3 unanimously authorized the hiring of Ricardo DeJesus as a cadet patrolman, with the official date of hire to be determined by the Chief of Police.
Public Works Director, Kevin Costello commended Ray Barndt for being awarded the SportsTurf Field of Distinction Honors for Windlestrae Park – Connie Mack Field from the SportsTurf Managers Association. Resolution #4 unanimously commended Public Works Park Foreman, Ray Barndt for his dedication and commitment to Montgomery Township, and for being awarded the SportsTurf Award – Field of Distinction Honors for the Windlestrae Park Connie Mack Field.
Vice Chairman William Sarosky noted that the appointment of Environmental Advisory Committee Candidate was still being considered and a candidate would be appointed at a future meeting.
Assistant to the Township Manager, Andrea Collins stated that the week of April 11th to 15th is Local Government Week, which recognizes the valuable contributions made by citizens serving their communities in public office. Montgomery Township will be hosting students from Montgomery Elementary School at the Township Building on Wednesday, April 13, 2005. The students will meet with representatives of the Police Department and the Fire Department of Montgomery Township. Resolution #5 unanimously recognized Local Government Week and honored area elementary schools, including Montgomery Elementary and Mary, Mother of the Redeemer, that sponsor student government programs for their commitment to developing the leaders of the future.
Merle Ochrach announced that the Board had met in an Executive Session earlier this evening to discuss matters of potential litigation, personnel and litigation. The matters of litigation discussed included Montgomery Mall Tax Assessment Appeal and the Franklin Realty Land Use Appeal.
Under public comment, Andrew Martin of 218 Warwick Way, representing the Homeowner’s Association of Hampton Greene voiced his concern with the crumbling sidewalks and door stoops at homes within Hampton Greene. The Association has tried contacting Moulton Builders, but have not been successful in their attempt to resolve the issues. It was noted that the Township should still have money in escrow for the sidewalks. Supervisor Steve Prousi stated that this issue has previously been before the Board. After some discussion, it was noted that Kevin Costello and John Chambers will be available for the final inspection. Merle Ochrach stated that the Township will be unable to be of assistance in the door stoop issue, as it is private property. This matter would have to be discussed with the developer. Mr. Martin inquired if the Homeowner’s Association will be notified prior to the release of escrow. John Chambers advised that the members of the Homeowner’s Association will be invited to the final inspection, which will occur prior to the release of any escrow money.
There was no Manager’s Report at this evenings meeting.
Vice Chairman William Sarosky noted that the update on Route 202 – Parkway had been discussed in the Work Session earlier in the evening.
Under Monthly Reports Chief Brady reported that the Police Department had responded to 2,349 calls in the month of March. In March the Police Department was informed that they received a Pennsylvania Highway Safety Grant in the amount of $28,325, which will be used for the Montgomery Township Regional Sobriety Checkpoint and Expanded DUI/Underage Drinking Enforcement Program. Chief Brady also announced that the first Citizens Police Academy started in March with18 residents participating. Gerald Grover reported that ground breaking for the new fire substation will take place on Saturday, April 23, 2005 at noon. Also on the 23rd of April, a Fire Fighter Recruit “Boot Camp” will be held to encourage new recruits for the fire department. Andrea Collins reported that the Environmental Advisory Committee will be hosting a public meeting concerning their Growing Greener Grant Project on April 12, 2005. Ms. Collins also reported that Montgomery Township has received second place honors in PSATS 37th Annual Township Citizen Communication Contest in the “Other Publications” category for our informational magnet. On April 18, 2005, Township staff, Board of Supervisors and consultant Tom Gailey will be hosting a workshop at the 83rd Annual State Convention of Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors titled “Communicating with your Residents”. Ms. Collins also advised that the Communicator, the Township newsletter is scheduled to arrive in homes the last week of April. On Saturday, April 30, 2005 residents of Montgomery Township will be able to receive a free tree in celebration of Arbor Day. Trees will be available at Gazebo Park located behind the township building beginning at 9:00 a.m. Residents must provide proof of residency to receive a tree.
Mike Solomon provided a summary of the consideration of plan for 110 Country Lane. The applicant is requesting approval for a flag lot in the R-2 Zoning District on Country Lane, and is requesting two waivers. Tom Calhoun, representing Moulton Builders gave a brief review of the proposed project. There was some discussion concerning a shared driveway, storm water drainage and sidewalks. Resolution #6 unanimously approved the plan for 110 Country Lane.
Under the consent agenda, the minutes of meeting for March 28, 2005 and the payment of bills were approved as submitted. Resolution #7 recognized Arbor Day through the Shade Tree Commission Tree “Give Away” on April 30, 2005 and the Arbor Day Proclamation. Resolution #8 authorized the Township Manager to advertise for a public hearing for Proposed Ordinance #05-197Z – Minor Amendments to the Zoning Ordinance for Monday, May 23, 2005 after 8:00 p.m. in the township building. The bid for the fire substation concrete flatwork was awarded to Drumheller Construction by Resolution #9. All consent agenda resolutions were approved unanimously.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.