Monday, November 23, 2009
Chairman Michael Fox called to order the executive session at 7:00 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Birch, McDonnell and Prousi. Also in attendance were Frank Bartle, John Nagel and Bruce Shoupe. Personnel, potential litigation and litigation items were discussed.
Chairman Michael Fox called to order the action meeting at 8:00 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Birch, McDonnell and Prousi. Also in attendance were Frank Bartle, John Nagel, Bruce Shoupe, Kevin Costello, Richard Brady, Bill Brightcliffe, Larry Gregan, Sudha Suryadevara and Deb Rivas.
There was no public comment from the residents. Chairman Fox asked Chief Brady to update the residents on the question posed at the last Board meeting regarding the intersection of Horsham and Stump Road. Chief Brady indicated that in 2000, PennDOT designed, reconstructed and widened three intersections along Stump Road including the intersection of Horsham and Stump Road. Chief Brady said that the construction provided additional turn lanes and accommodated an additional eastbound through lane on Horsham Road. PennDOT then reconstructed and widened Horsham Road a few years later between General Hancock Blvd. and Stump Road and the additional through lane was painted. Chief Brady also said that the current merge lane will be extended in conjunction with the site work currently being done along Horsham Road opposite the Neshaminy Village. Chief Brady concluded that although a longer merge lane may be desirable, the merge lane, as it currently exists, meets PennDOT's approval.
Solicitor Frank Bartle announced that the Board had met in an executive session prior to this meeting to discuss personnel, potential matters of litigation and litigation. Mr. Bartle said that the two litigation matters were the PennDOT condemnation of 143 Horsham Road and the zoning hearing board application of American Dental Designs at 717 Bethlehem Pike. Mr. Bartle indicated that these discussions were permissible in Executive Session under the guidelines of the Sunshine law.
Bruce Shoupe announced that the staff was requesting the approval of the purchase of a web based GIS system. Mr. Shoupe stated that Carrigan GEO Services, Inc. was selected for a variety of reasons, most importantly that the system can be hosted across the internet, offers on-site data storage capabilities, and has user-friendly operations. Mr. Tim Carrigan provided a hands-on demonstration of the system and described its capabilities. After a brief discussion, Resolution #1 unanimously approved the initial setup of Core System, Layer Mapping, Public Works and Permitting Modules as well as the first year hosting fees for a not to exceed price of $15,000.
Recreation Coordinator, Sudha Suryadevara, presented the 2010 Winter Recreation Program fees to the Board. Ms. Suryadevara indicated that there would be no increases to the fees for programs already offered, however, there were some new programs being introduced which would include new fees. Resolution #2 unanimously approved the amendments to the fee schedule to include the Winter 2010 Recreation Program fees.
Chairman Fox announced that as a result of the resignation of Board member William Sarosky as of November 1st, the Board would be appointing someone to fill the vacancy until the newly elected officials take office in January. Mr. Fox said that the Board made serious considerations when deciding on who they would like to appoint to the Board. Mr. Fox indicated that it was an opportunity for the Board to honor someone who has made a significant impact on Montgomery Township over the last 50 years. Mr. Fox announced that the Board would be appointing Salvatore Antonucci to the Board of Supervisors this evening. Mr. Fox read a brief biography of the many accomplishments of Mr. Antonucci. Mr. Antonucci has been a resident of the Township since 1960 and has owned Sal's Garden Center in Montgomery Township for 30 years. Mr. Antonucci has been actively involved in the local community since 1970 and has demonstrated a deep commitment to the Community by his many active roles, including a long-standing member of the Township's Park and Recreation Board. Mr. Antonucci was also an elected constable for Montgomery Township for 28 years. The Honorable John Murray administered the oath of office to Mr. Antonucci and Resolution #3 unanimously approved the appointment of Salvatore Antonucci to the position of Supervisor with Montgomery Township.
Under the consent agenda, the minutes of meeting of November 9, 2009 and payment of bills were approved as submitted. Resolution #4 approved the escrow release for Montgomery Square United Methodist Church. Resolution #5 approved the lease agreement for the rental of Windlestrae House. Resolution #6 approved the disposition of non-permanent records from the Planning and Zoning Department. Resolution #7 authorized the advertisement for a public hearing for a liquor license transfer for the Noboru Restaurant. Resolution #8 authorized the payment to Eureka Stone Quarry as per the release of $91,532.89. Resolution #9 approved the submission of the 2009 Transportation & Community Development Initiative Program (TCDI) Grant. All consent agenda resolutions were unanimously approved.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.