MINUTES OF MEETING
MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
MAY 9, 2005
At 7:00 p.m. Chairman Warren Greenberg called to order the Executive Session. In attendance were Supervisors Kuhn, Prousi, Sarosky and Witmer. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Merle Ochrach and Richard Brady. Personnel and litigation matters were discussed. The Executive Session adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
There was no Work Session held this evening. The Work Session agenda items will be included and discussed during the action meeting.
At 8:00 p.m. Chairman Warren Greenberg called the regular meeting to order. In attendance were Supervisors Kuhn, Prousi, Sarosky and Witmer. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Richard Brady, Kevin Costello, Monica DeCaro, Andrea Collins, Merle Ochrach, John Chambers, Matt Johnston, Rich Tralies, Carolyn Tukey and Shirley Snyder.
Chief Richard Brady presented Commendations for Merit and Letters of Commendation to several Montgomery Township police officers. Resolution #1 commended Sergeant Scott Bendig for the arrest of subjects that burglarized Costco on October 17, 2004. Detective Edward Davies was commended for the arrest and successful prosecution of a professional burglar involved in a residential burglary in Gwynmont Farms on December 17, 2002 by Resolution #2. Resolution #3 commended Officer Ward Thomas for the arrest of a subject having a quantity of marijuana in his possession on March 28, 2004. Resolution #4 commended Officer Mark Webster for the arrest of two subjects involved in an identity theft fraud. Officer Andrew Benner was commended for the arrest of a subject wanted for six bank robberies, and also received a letter of commendation for the arrest of a subject wanted in a robbery at Premier Bank by Resolution #5. Resolution #6 recognized Sergeant Scott Bendig and Canine Archie for their dedication and service to Montgomery Township. Canine Archie served Montgomery Township from June 14, 1997 until July 1, 2004, and has retired from police service. Resolution #7 recognized Officer Ward Thomas and Canine Aaras, who has retired from police service, for their dedication and outstanding service to Montgomery Township. Canine Aaras served Montgomery Township from July 1996 until April 2005, and was instrumental in numerous drug and criminal arrests. All resolutions for commendations were approved unanimously.
Chief Brady also recognized and commended Director of Public Works, Kevin Costello for his assistance to the Montgomery Township Police Department in apprehending a bank robbery subject on February 28, 2005. Resolution #8 unanimously commended Kevin Costello for his dedication and assistance in the apprehension of a robbery subject.
National Law Enforcement Week will be observed May 15th thru 21st. Residents may call the Police Department to schedule a tour of the facility. On Friday, May 20th and Saturday May 21st, various law enforcement agencies, including Montgomery Township Police Department, and emergency service agencies will be show cased at the Montgomery Mall.
Resolution #9 unanimously appointed Carolyn Tukey as the Deputy Zoning Officer for Montgomery Township.
John Nagel advised the Board that on May 10, 2005 a meeting is scheduled with PennDOT, Upper Gwynedd, Lower Gwynedd, Warrington and Montgomery Townships to continue discussions about the 202 Parkway.
On May 19, 2005 PECO will hold a PUC input hearing at the Montgomery Township building to discuss the PECO substation. Supervisor Stephen Prousi will represent Montgomery Township at this meeting.
Merle Ochrach has concluded her review of the Horvath Tract Open Space Restrictions. Ms. Ochrach has discussed this matter with Beth Pilling of the County Open Space Board, and provided the Board with a summary of her review. If the township wishes to have a consideration made to relieve ground acquired by County Open Space funds of their restrictive covenants, the township would need to officially present a request based on direction from the Board of Supervisors. The matter then would be referred to the County Open Space Board for their recommendation to the County Board of Commissioners for their consideration. Under public comment, David Keightly, representing the Park & Recreation Board of Montgomery Township stated that the documents contain no definition of “open space”. The Park & Recreation Board would like to see a written definition of “open space”. William Maule, Chairman of the Park & Recreation Board stated that the intention is not to change the entire site, but to make a few sports fields. Merle Ochrach and the staff will continue to look for a copy of the original documents for everyone’s review.
Under public comment, Richard Roller of 1142 Knapp Road and representing the Montgomery Township Historical Society requested permission to erect a sign along Route 202 in front of the Knapp House. The Historical Society will apply for a permit, but requested that any fees be waived. John Nagel requested that Mr. Roller submit his request in writing. David Keightly, representing the Montgomery Township Golf League provided an update on the League’s activities. Bernie Heinze, of the Fire Department of Montgomery Township advised that the Fire Department is working with staff to provide the necessary budget reports and source documents. Mr. Heinze also commented on the progress of the fire substation, referred to as Battalion #2, and stated that the sign for the substation was erected today. Mr. Heinze also reported that a $5,000 grant had been received and would be used toward the purchase of fire hose.
John Nagel reported that Chambers Associates had completed a study of the Doylestown Road Basins as requested by the Board of Supervisors. Mr. Chambers report was submitted to the Board for review. Since the report is quite lengthy, the Board suggested postponing any discussions on this matter until the May 23, 2005 meeting. Mr. William Cooper was in agreement with that recommendation and requested a copy of the study.
Merle Ochrach announced that the Board met in an Executive Session earlier this evening. Matters of personnel and litigation were discussed. The matters of litigation discussed were: Montgomery Mall Tax Assessment Appeal, Montgomery Township vs. Frank Rich, Montgomery Township vs. Franklin Realty Development Corporation. Ms. Ochrach also stated that all Franklin Realty matters have been settled.
There was no Manager’s Report.
Under Monthly Reports, Chief Brady summarized the April 2005 police department report. Canine Officer Harry Vitello was commended and received an Academic Achievement Award presented by District Attorney Bruce Castor for maintaining a perfect 4.0 academic average for the entire Criminal Justice Associates Degree Program at Montgomery County Community College. The elementary school DARE programs are nearing completion and graduation ceremonies will be held in the near future. Kevin Costello reported that the scheduled work on the Line Street Culvert was proceeding. Hatfield Township is taking the leading role in this project, and letters will be sent to the residents advising them of a meeting on May 31, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. Andrea Collins reported that 250 trees were given away on April 30, 2005 at the Shade Tree Commission’s annual Arbor Day event. Ms. Collins also reported that Montgomery Township has been awarded the 2004 Tree City USA Award for the 8th consecutive year. John Nagel stated that a status of transportation projects had been supplied to the Board by Pennoni Associates.
The public hearing for Proposed Ordinance #05-195Z – Age Qualified Zoning District Cutler/Toll Rezoning Proposal was continued until June 13, 2005. Resolution #10 unanimously postponed the public hearing until June 13, 2005.
The public hearing for Proposed Ordinance #05-196Z - Amending the Zoning Map for the Rezoning of Route 309 and Hartman Road for Age Qualified Development was also continued. Resolution #11 unanimously postponed the public hearing until June 13, 2005.
Monica DeCaro provided the First Quarter Budget Report. Ms. DeCaro reported that significant excess revenues were received in earned income taxes, and significant savings were realized in wages and benefits due to the postponed replacement of three police officers.
Under the consent agenda, the minutes of the meeting for April 25, 2005 and the payment of bills were approved as submitted. Resolution #12 authorized the Township Manager to advertise for bids for the flashing emergency signal for the fire substation. The electrical bid alternate for the fire substation was awarded to MJF Electrical by Resolution #13. Resolution #14 approved the land development agreement between the Township of Montgomery, and JVD Carpentry and Cabinetry, LLC d/b/a Van Dame Custom Builders and Mar-Cor Enterprises, LP. Resolution #15 authorized the Township Manager to advertise for a public hearing for Proposed Ordinance #05-195Z – Age Qualified Zoning District. Resolution #16 authorized the Township Manager to advertise for Proposed Resolution #05-196Z – Amending Zoning Map for the Rezoning of route 309 & Hartman Road for Age Qualified Development. All consent agenda resolutions were approved unanimously.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.