Monday, September 28, 2009
Chairman Michael Fox called to order the executive session at 7:00 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Birch, McDonnell, Prousi and Sarosky. Also in attendance were Frank Bartle, John Nagel, Bruce Shoupe and Larry Gregan. Personnel items were discussed.
Chairman Michael Fox called to order the action meeting at 8:04 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Birch, McDonnell, Prousi and Sarosky. Also in attendance were Frank Bartle, John Nagel, Bruce Shoupe, Kevin Costello, Richard Brady, William Brightcliffe, Larry Gregan, Pam Gural-Bear, John Chambers, Valerie Spooner and Deb Rivas.
Under public comment, Bill Sarosky stated that his term in office is scheduled to end this year, and he wanted to take the time to thank the residents who voted for him twice and he hoped that he had served them well over the last twelve years. Mr. Sarosky also thanked the staff and John Nagel and all the consultants he has had the pleasure to work with over the years, especially John Chambers. Mr. Sarosky announced that circumstances have occurred whereby he will be resigning from his position as Supervisor as of November 1st of this year.
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. Mr. Bartle indicated that these discussions were permissible in Executive Session under the guidelines of the Sunshine law.
Pam Gural-Bear introduced Laurence Poli as a new member of the Open Space committee. Resolution #1 unanimously appointed Laurence Poli to a one year term on the Open Space committee.
The Board and staff noted that the Township is seeking volunteers for several committees that have vacancies, including the Sewer Authority and Senior Committee. Ms. Gural-Bear indicated that these vacancies are announced on the cable channels, as well as the Township website and newsletter. The Board encouraged Township residents to submit a letter of interest and resume to the Township if they are interested in serving on any Township committees.
Director of Fire Services Bill Brightcliffe announced that Fire Prevention week will be recognized from October 4th to October 10th. Mr. Brightcliffe said that the theme this year will be "Stay Fire Smart - Don't Get Burned". An educational fire display will be in the lobby at the Township building and the FDMT will be participating in the Autumn Festival with displays and demonstrations. The Fire Services Department will be conducing fire drills, fire safety inspections and fire prevention talks. Resolution #2 unanimously recognized October 4th through October 10th as Fire Prevention Week in 2009.
Larry Gregan announced that the annual funds allocated by the state to support the Volunteer Fire Relief Association of the volunteer fire company that serves the Township had been received. Chairman Fox presented the check to Fire Chief Chris Mann and Fire Relief Association President Dave Wolfe. Resolution #3 unanimously approved the presentation of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's check in the amount of $229,394.81 to the FDMT Fire Relief Association.
Fire Services Director Bill Brightcliffe announced that the Township and FDMT wished to recognize volunteer firefighter Steve Cohen for his service to the community, Township and country. Mr. Brightcliffe summarized that Steve Cohen began his basic training in November 2004. From October 2005 through September 2006, and again from October 2007 through November 2008, Mr. Cohen was deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, with Alpha Company, 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division - Air Assault. In February, 2009, Mr. Cohen was honorably discharged from the US Army and is serving a three year contract with the Army Reserves. Mr. Cohen started as a member of the FDMT in June 2003 and continues today serving our community. Resolution #4 unanimously recognized Steve Cohen for his service to community, township and country. FDMT Chief Chris Mann presented Mr. Cohen with a plaque from the FDMT honoring his service as well.
Technology Manager, Rich Grier, provided an update on the technology projects that are currently being researched or are underway in the Township. Mr. Grier specifically addressed the research that has been ongoing regarding the televising of board meetings and video streaming on the Township website. The Board discussed the varied costs associated with the different options available to record and televise meetings. Chairman Fox suggested that the Board consider the various options and costs when they work through the budget process. Mr. Prousi suggested that if the Township is expecting a deficit, the Board should stop wasting taxpayers' money and not consider televising at all. Mr. Birch confirmed that the Township does have a reserve set aside for technology improvements. Mr. McDonnell confirmed with Mr. Grier that the minimal purchase would be $2,000 for one fixed camera. Chairman Fox stated that any consideration would be part of the budget process. Mr. Grier also updated the Board on the Township's initiatives to provide more resident and business communications electronically and use less paper. Mr. Grier also announced that the Township would be rolling out a campaign at the Autumn Festival to have residents sign up for a weekly electronic email update. Mr. Grier also noted that the Township's website would be receiving an overhaul and redesign. Mr. Grier said that the audio/visual equipment room had just been reorganized, the email server upgraded, mobile data computers installed in the fire trucks, and a new business disaster continuity plan was being developed and implemented.
Larry Gregan announced that the Technology Manager, Rich Grier, has just recently completed the studies and tests necessary to achieve the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator certification. Mr. Gregan stated that this certification validates Mr. Grier's ability to manage and troubleshoot network environments in the Windows operating system. The Board commended Rich Grier unanimously by Resolution #5 for his achievement in obtaining the MCSA certification on September 1, 2009.
Bruce Shoupe announced that the Township currently owns and maintains 61 basins. The Shade Tree Commission has researched the benefits of allowing basins to return to a natural state and would like to recommend that certain basins be considered for this naturalization. After some discussion, Resolution #6 unanimously approved the concept of allowing the Township owned basins to be returned to a natural state, and required the staff to prepare a report identifying six basins as a pilot project, summarizing what work will be performed at each basin and associated costs, and present this information to the Board for final approval.
Bruce Shoupe announced that the County's Transportation program will provide some funding for roadway projects in local municipalities. The County will require the municipality to provide 20% of the funding. Mr. Shoupe said that if the municipality adopts the County's Comprehensive Plan, the required share becomes 10%. Mr. Shoupe stated that any specifics in the Township Comprehensive plan would override those in the County. Resolution #7 unanimously approved the adoption of the Montgomery County Planning Commission Comprehensive Plan.
Pam Gural-Bear said that the Environmental Advisory Committee has partnered with the Park and Recreation Board in researching recycling programs for our Township Parks. Ms. Gural-Bear stated that both groups were recommending that the Township implement a recycling program in the Township parks. The committees are proposing a pilot project in one of the parks to see how the program works. Ms. Gural-Bear said that the program would be rolled out at the Township Autumn Festival. Resolution #8 unanimously approved the pilot recycling program and the purchase of six recycling containers to be used at Spring Valley Park.
Pam Gural-Bear announced that the final plans were underway for the Township's annual Autumn Festival to be held on Saturday, October 10, 2009. The event takes place between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. A schedule of events and activities were presented and the sponsors of the event will be recognized prominently at the festival. Promotional activities have been underway to inform the residents that the festival will be held. Resolution #9 unanimously supported and encouraged all residents to attend the 2009 Autumn Festival.
Under the consent agenda, the minutes of meeting of September 14, 2009 and payment of bills were approved as submitted. Resolution #10 approved the FDMT Annual Fund Drive. Resolution #11 approved the distribution of the 2009 Act 205 General Municipal Pension System State Aid. Resolution #12 approved the Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement for Knapp Road with Lansdale Borough. Resolution #13 approved the Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement for Lower State Road with Horsham Township. All consent agenda resolutions were unanimously approved.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m. and the Supervisors reconvened an executive session to discuss the Costco Zoning Hearing Board matter. Supervisors Birch, Fox, McDonnell and Prousi were present. Supervisor Sarosky was absent. John Nagel, Bruce Shoupe and Frank Bartle were also present. The executive session adjourned at 10:05 p.m.