MINUTES OF MEETING
SEPTEMBER 26, 2011
Chairman Robert Birch called to order the executive session at 7:00 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Candyce Fluehr Chimera, Michael Fox, Jeffrey McDonnell and Joseph Walsh.
Also in attendance were Lawrence Gregan, Frank R. Bartle, Esquire, Police Chief Richard Brady, Deputy Police Chief J. Scott Bendig and Peter Byrne. Two matters of personnel and one matter of potential litigation were discussed.
Chairman Robert Birch called the regular action meeting to order at 8:09 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Candyce Fluehr Chimera, Michael Fox, Jeffrey McDonnell and Joseph Walsh. Also in attendance were Frank R. Bartle, Esquire, Lawrence Gregan, Richard Brady, Scott Bendig, Bruce Shoupe, Kevin Costello, Ann Shade, Shannon Drosnock, Stacy Crandell, Vicki Zidek, Richard Grier and Deborah Rivas.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Chairman Robert Birch called for public comment from the audience and there was none.
Chairman Robert Birch announced that the report on the Open Burning Complaint from the Director of Fire Services would be postponed until the next Board meeting.
Frank R. Bartle, Esquire, reported that the Board met in an executive session earlier in the evening at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Bartle reported that there were two matters of personnel and one potential litigation matter that were discussed. Mr. Bartle reported that all of these matters are legitimate subjects of executive session pursuant to Pennsylvania's Sunshine Law.
Chairman Robert Birch made a motion to approve the minutes of the September 12, 2011 Board meeting and Supervisor Michael Fox seconded the motion. The minutes of the meeting were unanimously approved as submitted.
Township Manager Lawrence Gregan announced the observance of Fire Prevention Week to be held from October 9th through October 15th. Mr. Gregan reported that this year's theme is "Protect Your Family from Fire". Mr. Gregan reported that the fire department will be having fire safety education displays at the Township building, as well as the FDMT participation in the annual Autumn Festival on October 1, 2011. Resolution #1, adopted unanimously, officially recognizes October 9th through October 15th, 2011 as Fire Prevention Week.
Ruth Hardin, Co-Chair of the Autumn Festival Committee, and Stacy Crandell, Public Information Coordinator, reported on the highlights and summary of activities relative to the upcoming Autumn Festival event. Mrs. Hardin reported on the schedule of activities for the day, the sponsors for the event, the food vendors and all other vendors attending. The Board thanked the Committee members and Township staff for all of the hard work that was done to plan for the event.
Township Manager, Lawrence Gregan, reported that it was time for the Board to begin to review the proposed 2012 Budget and requested that the Board select four dates to hold the Budget workshops. The Board offered to send their available dates to Mr. Gregan within the next few days. Resolution #2, adopted unanimously, authorized the Township Manager to advertise for public meetings for the proposed 2012 Budget Workshops to be held on the four dates agreed upon.
Finance Director, Shannon Drosnock, reported that the Minimum Municipal Obligation (MMO) is the calculated funding obligation to the Township's Police and Non Uniformed Employee pension plans. Ms. Drosnock explained that Act 205, Section 304, requires that the Chief Administrative Officer submit the MMO for the upcoming budget year to the Board on or before the last business day in September. Ms. Drosnock reported that the MMO figure for the Police Pension Plan in 2012 would be $464,060. The Township contribution to the MMO figure for the Non Uniform Plan would be $232,954. Resolution #3, adopted unanimously, adopted the MMO figures for 2012.
Township Solicitor, Frank Bartle, reported that staff has been reviewing the Billboard Overlay District (BLI) Regulations in the Zoning Code because the Township has been receiving inquiries and zoning hearing board appeals relative to modernizing and adding digital billboards to the district. Mr. Bartle explained that his position on this matter is that while our regulations are defensible and consistent with current case law. However, with the advances in digital billboard technology, the significant revenues generated by such signs, and the number of challenges occurring in municipalities around the region, he suggested that the Township may want to be proactive and develop regulations to permit digital billboards within the BLI District subject to size limitations and other conditions desired by the Township. Mr. Bartle reported that the committee has drafted proposed amendments to the Billboard Overlay District regulations. After some discussion, the Board agreed to review the proposed ordinance and provide any comments, additions or deletions to staff prior to the next meeting at which time the Baord will consider setting a date for a public hearing on the proposal.
Planning Director, Bruce Shoupe, reported on the proposed Amendments to the Snow and Ice Removal Regulations. Mr. Shoupe reported that the amendments would clarify the language in the code as to what can be designated as a nuisance, the responsibilities and method of snow and ice removal under maintenance standards, and enforcement; as well as allowing the Police Department to respond to complaints and to issue citations up to $600 if necessary. Mr. Shoupe explained that the proposed amendments were created due to the problems experienced last winter when private snowplows were pushing snow back onto Township streets which had been cleared by the Public Works crews. Resolution #4, adopted unanimously, approved Ordinance #11-249, Amendments to Chapter 201, Streets and Sidewalks, Article II, Removal of Snow and Ice.
Planning Director, Bruce Shoupe, reported that in the past, it has been the policy of the Board of Supervisors to waive permit fees for non-profit and religious organizations. The Township has received a request from the Montgomery Baptist Church to waive the roofing permit fee for the building at 510 Bethlehem Pike. The amount of the permit is $342. Resolution #5, adopted unanimously, approved the request of Montgomery Baptist Church to waive the roofing permit fee.
Planning Director, Bruce Shoupe, reported that the Ashburn Village Subdivision project, LDS#592, has been inspected by the Township consultants and they are recommending the release of the final construction escrow as all public improvements have been completed. Resolution #6, adopted unanimously, approved the final construction escrow release in the amount of $120,000.00.
Chairman Robert Birch made a motion to approve the payment of bills. Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera seconded the motion. The payment of bills was unanimously approved as submitted.
Chairman Robert Birch reported that there is a vacancy on the Environmental Advisory Committee and that an applicant has expressed an interest in joining this committee. Barry A. Baker has fourteen years of environmental experience as the Manager of URS Fort Washington Office of the Environmental Services Department. Chairman Birch reported that Mr. Baker would be appointed by resolution this evening and would take his oath of office at a later date. Resolution #7, adopted unanimously, appointed Barry A. Baker as a member of the Environmental Advisory Committee.
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 8:42 p.m.