Monday, August 24, 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 Eric Frey, John Nagel, Bruce Shoupe and Larry Gregan. Items of personnel, litigation and real estate matters were discussed.
Chairman Michael Fox called to order the action meeting at 8:01 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Birch, McDonnell, Prousi and Sarosky. Also in attendance were Eric Frey, John Nagel, Bruce Shoupe, Kevin Costello, Richard Brady, William Brightcliffe, Larry Gregan, Pam Gural-Bear and Shirley Snyder.
There was no public comment.
Solicitor Eric Frey announced that the Board had met in an executive session prior to this meeting to discuss personnel, litigation and real estate matters. Mr. Frey indicated that these discussions were permissible in Executive Session under the guidelines of the Sunshine law.
John Nagel updated the Board on transportation issues throughout the Township. Mr. Nagel noted that the bids for the northern section of the Route 202 parkway came in 30% lower than estimates, due to the competitive construction market and low costs for materials. James D. Morrissey, Inc of Philadelphia submitted the low bid. The contract covers construction of a 3.4 mile section of the Parkway between Pickertown Road in Warrington and Route 611, where the Parkway ends. Construction should begin in October.
PennDOT plans to open bids on September 3, 2009 for construction of the final section, from Route 463 to Pickertown Road.
Progress of the Parkway throughout Montgomery Township was updated via a slide show presentation, showing the progress of the work to date.
Kevin Costello stated that the milling of Route 202 from five points to County Line Road will begin on August 31, 2009, weather permitting. The work will be done between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. and is expected to take about 3 - 4 days. Paving on this stretch of roadway will take place about one week later.
Chief Brady provided information on the upcoming detour of Horsham Road, noting that PennDOT is requesting permission to use Stump Road as the detour route. Horsham Road is slated to be closed for a two week period sometime in September. Local traffic will have access to homes and businesses via Stump Road. Traffic will not be able to access that section of Horsham Road from Upper State Road. Under public comment Dwight Wilkinson, owner of the Kiddie Academy on Horsham Road stated that he had talked with Nof Fusca from PennDOT several times and was told that Horsham Road would not be closed for an extended period of time. Mr. Wilkerson also inquired why the businesses along that stretch of road have not been updated on this closing. Mr. Wilkinson also asked whether the Township had any say in keeping the road open. John Nagel noted that his concerns will be addressed and discussed at the next meeting with PennDOT. Chairman Fox inquired as to who will be in attendance at this meeting. Chief Brady will be attending, as well as one of the Lieutenants, Bill Brightcliffe and representatives from the Volunteer Medical Service Corp. Supervisor Birch stated that he will attend the meeting as well, and will make certain that Mr. Wilkinson's concerns are addressed. Resolution #1 unanimously approved the Horsham Road closure, utilizing Stump Road as the detour route.
John Nagel updated the Board on the on-going storm water management meetings, noting that the committee met with representatives from DEP on August 11th. The meeting was productive and a follow up meeting was scheduled for September with the group of 28 members. Chairman Fox noted that the Township had received word that the state has agreed to a one year extension given the amount of concerns being expressed. The original date the new regulations were to take effect was March 2010.
John Nagel provided information on the email news program, stating that the Township currently offers residents the option to subscribe to our electronic news sources. The Township currently has about 800 addresses in our data base, for about 8,500 households. Electronic distributions of our news would greatly reduce costs. Supervisor Prousi inquired what method of communication would be available for those who do not have computer access or who may not be computer savvy. Chairman Fox stated that we can tailor the dispersing of information, based on residents needs, offering email news information, as well as providing hard copies. John Nagel stated that the Township currently has three vendors who have shown an interest in this project. Supervisor McDonnell noted that he had received information about a company that will put together a newsletter at no charge to the Township, by providing advertising opportunities to local businesses. Mr. Nagel will research a public information campaign to solicit residents to apply through the website to create a residential list for emailing purposes.
Under the consent agenda, the minutes of the meeting for August 10, 2009 and the payment of bills were approved as submitted. Resolution #2 approved the temporary portable lighting at the Windlestrae-Zehr soccer fields. Resolution #3 approved the reconfiguration of the basketball courts at Spring Valley Park at a cost not to exceed $23,500. Resolution #4 accepted the 2010 Minimum Municipal Obligation for the Montgomery Township Police Pension Fund in the amount of $371,881, and the 2010 Minimum Municipal Obligation for the Montgomery Township Non Uniform Employees Pension Fund in the amount of $228,180. Resolution #5 approved Police Officer contributions to the Police Pension Plan in the amount of 5% of Base Salary, Longevity and Holiday pay for the year 2010 and directed that notice of the contribution be provided to the representatives of the police collective Bargaining Unit. All consent agenda resolutions were approved unanimously.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.