Monday, November 09, 2009
Chairman Michael Fox called to order the executive session at 7:00 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Birch and McDonnell. Supervisor Prousi was absent. Also in attendance were Frank Bartle and John Nagel. A personnel issue, a matter of potential litigation, and an existing litigation issue were discussed.
At 8:05 p.m. Chairman Michael Fox called to order the action meeting. In attendance were Supervisors Birch and McDonnell. Supervisor Prousi was absent. Also in attendance were Frank Bartle, John Nagel, Kevin Costello, Bruce Shoupe, Richard Brady, Bill Brightcliffe, Lawrence Gregan, Pam Gural-Bear and Shirley Snyder.
Under public comment Dot Beideman of the Village of Neshaminy Falls inquired whether there were any plans to widen Horsham Road from Stump to Hartman Roads. Ms. Beideman expressed a concern with the traffic pattern at the intersection of Horsham and Stump Roads, and would like to know why the right lane on Horsham Road at Stump Road is now a straight and right turn lane. Ms. Beideman and residents of Neshaminy Falls have a concern about the two lanes merging into one on the other side of Stump Road in a short distance. Cars in the straight through lane are being cut off by cars merging from the right lane. Kevin Costello noted that Horsham Road will be widened from Stump to the end of the property being developed on the corner, giving motorists a little longer time to merge. While the traffic signals are owned and operated by Montgomery Township, Chief Brady and Kevin Costello believe the lane designations are handled by PennDOT. Chairman Fox asked that staff research this matter and get back to Ms. Beideman with some facts and information.
Solicitor Frank Bartle announced that the Board had met in an executive session prior to this meeting to discuss a personnel matter, a matter of potential litigation and an existing litigation matter concerning PennDOT right-of-way and a condemnation issue. Mr. Bartle indicated that these discussions were permissible in Executive Session under the guidelines of the Sunshine law.
Montgomery Township was presented with the 2009 Green Future Achievement Award by the Montgomery County Lands Trust on October 27, 2009. The award was given for the completion of the Memorial Grove project, a quiet and contemplative park space for residents to visit and remember loved ones. The project was first conceived following the events of September 11, 2001. After much planning, ground was broken for the project in June 2007 and was dedicated on April 26, 2008. Memorial Grove offers a walking trail leading to a sitting area with a ten foot tall bronze sundial as its centerpiece. Chairman Fox thanked Shade Tree Commission members, Roy Rodriguez, John Antonucci and Rich Roller for their dedication and commitment to this project. Roy Rodriguez noted that the Montgomery County Lands Trust's main objective is to save Open Space. Memorial Grove was built on lands acquired through the Open Space program. Mr. Rodriguez also thanked former Shade Tree Commission member, Bob McConnell, as well as the consultants for their part in the project. Resolution #1 unanimously recognized the Shade Tree Commission for their efforts in successfully completing the Memorial Grove project and receiving the 2009 Green Futures Achievement Award on behalf of Montgomery Township.
Bruce Shoupe provided background on the final plan for Bertucci's Restaurant, which is to be located on Route 309 at Montgomery Mall. The building will be no more than 6,304 square feet, and no direct access to Route 309 is proposed. Access to the restaurant will be from the rear of the site, utilizing the Mall ring road. The applicant has requested five waivers, and all waivers have the approval of the Township Consultants. Eric Britz of Bohler Engineers, representing Bertucci's, advised that his client is in agreement with the revised resolution. Solicitor Bartle noted that the resolution was four pages in length. Resolution #2 unanimously approved the final plan for Bertucci's Restaurant.
The Montgomery Preserve & Montgomery Knoll final plan was summarized by Bruce Shoupe. A revision to the R3B Age Qualified District ordinance in June 2009 allowed for the type of development being proposed. Montgomery Preserve will contain 13 lot estate homes and Montgomery Knoll will contain 44 lot executive homes. The applicant has requested eight waivers, and most are supported by the Township Consultants. Richard McBride, representing the Cutler Group concurred that the newly amended resolution is acceptable with his client. Frank Bartle stated that this resolution is three pages in length. Roy Rodriguez of Country Club Drive inquired if any of the waivers pertained to landscaping issues. Mr. McBride noted that some of the waivers were landscape matters, but that the waivers have the full support of Judith Stern Goldstein of Boucher and James. Resolution #3 unanimously approved the final plan for Montgomery Knoll and Montgomery Preserve.
The consideration of the revised final plan for age restricted homes in Montgomery Walk was outlined by Bruce Shoupe. The revised plan reduces the total number of units from 254 to 174. The applicant has requested eleven waivers, which are identical to those previously approved with the original Montgomery Walk project. The Township Consultants have reviewed these waivers and have no concerns. Frank Bartle noted that the resolution is five pages in length. Resolution #4 unanimously approved the revised final plan for Montgomery Walk.
Bruce Shoupe provided background information on the consideration of plan for Montgomery Pointe, which is proposed as a 109 unit townhouse community. The applicant has requested ten waivers. Judith Stern Goldstein of Boucher & James supports most of the waivers. She would like to see street trees planted elsewhere on the tract, elsewhere within the Township, or have the applicant provide a fee in lieu of the required street trees. Richard McBride noted that the terms of the resolution are completely acceptable to his client. Richard Roller of Knapp Road inquired about whether these communities would have Homeowner's Associations. Montgomery Walk, Montgomery Pointe and Montgomery Knoll will have Associations. Montgomery Preserve and Montgomery Knoll, which will be comprised of single family homes will not have a Homeowner's organization. Resolution #5 unanimously approved the final plan for Montgomery Pointe.
Director of Finance, Lawrence Gregan provided an overall summary of the proposed 2010 Preliminary Budget for Montgomery Township. Mr. Gregan noted that public budget workshops had been held during the end of October and beginning of November to discuss all aspects of the proposed budget. After the approval of the preliminary budget, it must be made available for public inspection at the Township Building. After the budget has been available for public inspection for twenty (20) days, the Board of Supervisors shall, after making revisions as are appropriate, adopt a final budget no later than December 31st. Mr. Gregan noted that the Township has maintained an excellent bond rating, and is proposing no tax increases in the 2010 proposed budget. Mr. Gregan stated that 2009 was a difficult year, with the economic climate having an effect on the township. However, the 2010 proposed budget is a balanced budget. The Township will conclude 2009 with a surplus. Supervisor McDonnell thanked Mr. Gregan for all his hard work on the budget and this presentation. Sam Dugan of Pinecrest Lane asked whether the budget could be put on the Townships website. Mr. Gregan advised that due to the length of the overall budget, it would not be feasible. A condensed version of the proposed budget will be available on the website. Resolution #6 unanimously approved the proposed 2010 preliminary budget.
Under the consent agenda, the minutes of the meeting of October 26, 2009 and the minutes of the Budget Workshops were approved as submitted. The payment of bills was also approved as submitted. Resolution #7 unanimously approved the amended sewage facilities planning module application for the Enclave at Montgomery.
Under other business, Pam Gural-Bear requested the Board's approval to submit a grant application for "Sticks for Kids", a grant that will bring equipment and programming resources to local communities. The program introduces young people the fundamentals of golf etiquette, and the basic rules of the game. Resolution #8 unanimously approved the submission of the grant application for the 2010 Sticks for Kids program.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.