Monday, July 27, 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 John Nagel and Frank Bartle. Items of personnel, potential litigation and a general review of litigation matters were discussed.
Chairman Michael Fox called to order the action meeting at 8:05 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Birch, McDonnell, Prousi and Sarosky. Also in attendance were Frank Bartle, John Nagel, Matt Johnston, Bill Brightcliffe, Larry Gregan, Bruce Shoupe, Richard Brady, Pam Gural-Bear, Kevin Costello and Shirley Snyder.
Under public comment Dorothy Beideman of the Village of Neshaminy Falls raised a concern about a pond of water which is harboring mosquitoes and is located at the work site at the corner of Horsham and Stump Roads. Ms. Beideman would like to know what is being done about the problem. Ms. Beideman also spoke of a concern with traffic back ups along Horsham Road. When lanes on Horsham Road are closed due to the road construction, it is difficult to make a left hand turn onto Horsham Road due to the back up of traffic. Ms. Beideman would like to have a police officer to direct traffic.
Chairman Fox stated that there would be two additions to tonight's agenda. After the Budget Report, the Board will discuss the zoning hearing appeal for Costco. Under the consent agenda, the Board will consider consulting services for a police radio antenna and building grounding system study.
Solicitor Frank Bartle announced that the Board had met in an executive session prior to this meeting to discuss two personnel matters, Costco litigation, and a general review of litigation matters. Mr. Bartle indicated that these discussions were permissible in executive session under the guidelines of the Sunshine law.
Larry Gregan introduced Meg Swiggard, Montgomery Township's new Payroll and Benefits Associate who began her employment with the Finance Department of the Township the end of June. Resolution #1 unanimously welcomed Meg Swiggard as the Payroll and Benefits Associate, effective June 29, 2009. Bruce Shoupe then introduced Amy Saylor, who is the Township's Project Coordinator. Amy started in her position in the Planning & Zoning Department on July 13, 2009. Resolution #2 unanimously welcomed Amy Saylor as the Township's Project Coordinator.
Chairman Fox presented donation checks to the following non-profit organizations: The PEAK Center, Inc., the Montgomery Township Historical Society; the North Penn Visiting Nurse Association and the Visiting Nurse Community Association. Richard Roller received a $3,000 check for The PEAK Center, Inc., in the absence of Amy Cummings-Leight. Mr. Roller also accepted a check for the Montgomery Township Historical Society in the amount of $6,000. Jane Brainard accepted a check in the amount of $2,000 for the North Penn Visiting Nurse Association, and Ginny Coombs was present to accept a $1,500 check for the Visiting Nurse Community Association. All recipients expressed their thanks for the generosity of the Township in making these donations possible.
Nick Fortune, chair of the Environmental Advisory Committee noted that Temple University's Center for Sustainable Communities completed the Sustainability Audit of Montgomery Township. Present this evening to provide an overview of this study from Temple University are Bradley Flamm and Dr. Jeffrey Featherstone. This audit sets a baseline against which to measure future efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the environmental impacts of the Township's
use of public services. It also provides recommendations for specific steps that municipal government can take to further manage these processes. The presentation provided information on both municipal and community emissions, and water and wastewater recommendations. Resolution #3 unanimously accepted the Sustainability Audit results and recommendations as presented by Temple University's Center for Sustainable Communities.
John Nagel provided an update on the storm water management committee's progress. An extension request directed to the DEP has been drafted by Doug Blazey. The committee is planning to contact State legislators to meet with them and brief them on the issues concerning storm water management. Presentations will also be prepared for the MCATO and MCABO conferences.
Matt Johnston of Pennoni Associates updated the Board on the road constructions occurring within the Township. The Horsham Road project began in late June 2009 and is expected to be completed around July 2010. Rough grading the site in advance of utility relocations has begun. Utility relocations have started with new utility poles being installed along the westbound side of Horsham Road. An existing 42" culvert will be replaced in August when the intersection of Horsham Road and Upper State Road is reconstructed. A weekend detour is required from August 7th to August 10th, with detours being set for that time period. A one to two day project between Lansdale Avenue and Valley Brook Drive will provide for a paver laid seal coat (Novachip) and will begin on August 4th. Mr. Johnston noted that while the road will remain open, delays can be expected. An Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) is in the process of being installed from Easton Road to 5 Points. This system will provide traffic monitoring cameras, message signs and traffic data detectors.
Larry Gregan gave an overview of the 2nd quarter budget report, noting that, even with the economic impact, the Township is operating in a fiscally responsible manner. All departments are operating within their budget expenditures. Mr. Gregan also reported that the Township can report positive fund balances.
Solicitor Frank Bartle advised that the Board had discussed the Costco Zoning Hearing Application in respect to the opposition to gas pumps at Costco during the Executive Session. The Board raised the question whether gasoline service would be provided to full service members only. Mr. Bartle advised that he would be willing to discuss this matter with counsel for the applicant, and provide the Board and staff with information as it is available, prior to the scheduled appeal hearing in August. Motion #1 unanimously authorized the Township Solicitor to represent the Township in opposing the zoning application of Costco, which is scheduled for August 2009.
Under the consent agenda, the minutes of the meeting for July 13, 2009 and the payment of bills were approved as submitted. Resolution #4 authorized the use of "municibid" to conduct an online auction of township equipment and authorize the sale of surplus equipment. Resolution #5 approved the Easement Agreement for Montgomery Square Methodist Church. Resolution #6 authorized the staff to enter into a contract with VCOMM Telecommunications LLC., to perform an analysis of the police radio tower grounding systems and related work at a cost of $7,500. All consent agenda resolutions were unanimously approved.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.