Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Chairman Michael Fox called to order the executive session at 7:00 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Birch, McDonnell and Prousi. Supervisor Sarosky was absent. Also in attendance were Jack Dooley and John Nagel. Litigation and personnel 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. Supervisor Sarosky was absent. Also in attendance were Jack Dooley, John Nagel, Bruce Shoupe, Kevin Costello, Richard Brady, William Brightcliffe, Larry Gregan, Pam Gural-Bear, John Chambers, Matt Johnston and Shirley Snyder.
There was no public comment at this evenings meeting.
Solicitor Jack Dooley announced that the Board had met in an executive session at the conclusion of the September 28, 2009 action meeting to discuss a matter of litigation. The Board also met in an executive session prior to this meeting to discuss litigation and personnel matters.
John Nagel provided an update on storm water management, advising that the Storm Water Consortium met with DEP representatives on October 7, 2009, with the following results. The DEP will follow up on these items: confirm DEP's flexibility regarding new Storm Water Ordinance, consider a larger selection of Best Management Procedures, consider joint credits, and consider carving out smaller applicants. The Storm Water Consortium will be following up on the following items: consider carving out MS4 pieces, consider Municipal Law issues, and consider redevelopment issues. Montgomery Township (and others) may be asked if there is an interest in pursuing a multi-municipal PAG-13 permit development process in conjunction with the PaDEP. This idea would effectively partner our own interested municipalities with the DEP and write the permit application together so that it becomes not only approvable, but also a model for others. John Chambers noted that the path Montgomery Township has chosen in order to get the MS4 program and Storm Water Ordinance moving forward, is one that the Township can live with and finance. The elimination of smaller building type permits, which is being considered by the DEP, would be a great benefit to the Township. By eliminating these smaller permits, the Township would realize a considerable monetary savings in not having to do drainage studies for smaller residential projects. There was some discussion on the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) and Mr. Chambers noted that the Township could receive more Best Management Practice choices and perhaps some credits. An executive session of the Storm Water Management Consortium will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2009. The DEP seems very interested in "partnering" with the Township and has been open and understanding of our concerns.
Matt Johnston provided a transportation update, noting that there are several projects under construction at the same time. The Horsham Road improvements continue with the utility relocations along the westbound side of Horsham Road, the replacement of an existing drainage pipe along the eastbound side, and the slated closure of Horsham Road for a two week period, beginning Monday, October 19th and ending November 2nd. The work on the Route 202 Parkway continues, and the widening of Bethlehem Pike to three lanes in each direction from Gwynedd Crossing and English Village to Welsh Road is ongoing. County Line Road is also slated to be widened to four lanes with a fifth lane for left hand turns. Mr. Johnston advised that the County is looking to partner with local municipalities to keep road projects moving forward. Chairman Fox inquired about the Horsham Road closure. Chief Richard Brady noted that there will be a meeting with PennDOT on October 15th to finalize the details of the closure. Access to the businesses located along Horsham Road, as well as residential homes will be permitted from Stump Road, with no access to Horsham Road from Upper State. Upper State Road will remain open through the intersection with Horsham, but no access to Horsham Road will be permitted from Upper State Road. Flyers have been distributed to the Fire Department, VMSC, local trash haulers, North Penn School District and other school districts who bus children through Montgomery Township. Some traffic signals will be modified to accommodate the change in traffic patterns during this period of time. Police officers will be working on the 19th and 20th in the morning and evening rush hours and on Saturday and Sunday during the hours that Costco is open to help with the flow of traffic.
Bruce Shoupe provided background information on the consideration of plan for the Cutler minor subdivision. This plan, if approved, will subdivide the parcel into four separate parcels; the existing age qualified 174 unit townhouse development (Montgomery Walk); a non-age qualified 109 unit townhouse development (Montgomery Pointe); 57 lot single family development (Montgomery Knoll and Montgomery Preserve); and the small commercial parcel fronting on Bethlehem Pike. Richard McBride was present representing the applicant. Resolution #1 unanimously approved the conditional, final approval of the land development plan for the Minor Subdivision Parcel Plan for the Cutler Group, Inc., located at Route 309 and Hartman Road.
Under the consent agenda, the minutes of meeting of September 28, 2009 and payment of bills were approved as submitted. Resolution #2 unanimously approved the renewal of the contract with the Montgomery County Planning Commission.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.