Monday, October 26, 2009
Chairman Michael Fox called to order the executive session at 7:00 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Birch and McDonnell. Supervisors Prousi and Sarosky were absent. Also in attendance were Frank Bartle, John Nagel and Joe Rudolf. Personnel items were discussed.
Chairman Michael Fox called to order the action meeting at 8:06 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Birch and McDonnell. Supervisors Prousi and Sarosky were absent. Also in attendance were Frank Bartle, John Nagel, Bruce Shoupe, Kevin Costello, Richard Brady, Larry Gregan, Pam Gural-Bear and Deb Rivas.
Under public comment, Chairman Fox said that he wanted to clear up some information being generated as part of the election dialogue concerning increased taxes and deficits. Mr. Fox said that he has been approached by several residents who expressed a concern about the Township's financial situation. Mr. Fox said that the Board was just beginning to work on the budget for 2010, but he wanted to inform residents that a real estate tax increase is not being considered and there will be no deficit. Mr. Fox also confirmed with Finance Director Larry Gregan that the Township currently has 18 million dollars in its reserve fund and is in good financial shape.
There was no other public comment.
Solicitor Frank Bartle announced that the Board had met in an executive session prior to this meeting to discuss personnel matters and potential matters of litigation. Mr. Bartle indicated that these discussions were permissible in Executive Session under the guidelines of the Sunshine law.
Pam Gural-Bear introduced the Webelos of Cub Scout Den 5 who are based out of Montgomery Elementary School. The group is currently working on their Community Group badge and one of the requirements is to learn about different types of leadership in their community. The group met with Bruce Shoupe, Director of Planning, and explored the functions of planning and zoning. Mrs. Gural-Bear and Stacy Crandell also met with the Webelos and provided an overview of the role and duties of the Board of Supervisors. Chairman Fox read Resolution #1 which states that the Board hereby recognizes the Webelos of Cub Scout Den 699, Ryan McNamara, Edward Holzel, Eric Mondelblatt, Alex Meer, Evan Trump, Jared O'Rouke and their den leaders, Jim and Jacklyn Holzel, and wish them success in achieving their Community Group badge. The resolution was seconded by Supervisor Birch and unanimously approved.
Chief Richard Brady provided an update on the current transportation projects and detours in the Township. Chief Brady reported that Horsham Road was closed on October 19th at 9:00 a.m. for two weeks for the Route 463 widening project. Police officers were assigned during peak morning and afternoon traffic periods for the first few days and on Saturday and Sunday peak travel periods. There were no major problems reported other than increased traffic on surrounding roads. Chief Brady said that several complaints were received in regards to speeding in some developments off the detour route and patrols were assigned to those neighborhoods. Residents living in the closed area received placards for their vehicles to make the identification of authorized vehicle traffic easier for the police and quicker for the residents. Chief Brady indicated that the construction has been on schedule and hopefully the work will be completed on time. Chief Brady also mentioned that there would be some intermittent shutdowns and detours on Route 309 this Friday, October 30, 2009 between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. for the installation of the bridge span over Route 309 as part of the 202 Parkway project. The Township will continue to provide up to date information on road closures and detours on its website and email communications to residents. Mr. Fox inquired if there were going to be any more road closures and Chief Brady indicated that this was the last major road project planned for the Montgomery Township area at this time. Mr. McDonnell wanted to make it clear that no Township funds were being used for these projects and that the $350 million dollars spent on these improvement projects was being funded by the Commonwealth of PA. Mr. McDonnell also wanted to know if any other local municipalities in the state of Pennsylvania are currently receiving the level of benefit of such improvements, and no one was aware of any other projects whereby a new road was being constructed in the state.
John Nagel indicated that the FDMT was requesting the Board's approval to submit an application for a grant to receive $14,800 for the purchase of an additional Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) and related hardware and software for the volunteer Command Vehicles. This grant would allow the FDMT to complete the installation of MDTs in all of its vehicles. There are no matching funds required from the Township. Resolution #2 unanimously granted approval to the FDMT to apply for the PA Fire Commissioners Volunteer Firefighter / Ambulance Service 2009 Grant.
Under the consent agenda, the minutes of meeting of October 13, 2009 and payment of bills were approved as submitted. Resolution #3 approved the Pentamation Integration with Kronos agreement. Resolution #4 approved the escrow release for the Montgomery Square United Methodist Church. Resolution #5 approved the waiver request for the Montgomery Square United Methodist Church. All consent agenda resolutions were unanimously approved.
Under other business, Chairman Fox invited Richard Roller to introduce the Boy Scouts from his troop. Mr. Roller said that he was the Assistant Scout Leader for Troop 547 based at Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Church. Mr. Roller introduced Brady Gallagher and Stephen Thornton and indicated that they were in the process of acquiring their Citizenship in the Community merit badge and that they had some questions that they would like to ask of the Chairman of the Board as well as the Chief of Police. Mr. Fox indicated that he would adjourn the meeting and meet with the scouts privately.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:21 p.m.