Tuesday, May 26, 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 was John Nagel. An item of potential real estate acquisition was discussed.
Chairman Michael Fox called to order the work session at 7:35 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Birch, McDonnell, Prousi and Sarosky. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Frank Bartle, Bruce Shoupe, Ken Amey, Phil Wursta and Deb Rivas.
There was no public comment.
The first item discussed was the potential redevelopment of the intersection of southbound Route 309 at Stump Road. Bruce Shoupe stated that a meeting was held recently to discuss the conceptual road improvements for the re-development of the properties in the vicinity of the Stump Road and Route 309 intersection. Mr. Shoupe indicated that it was noted at this meeting by PennDOT representatives that there is no transportation funding available for this project. Mr. Shoupe also indicated that there were various improvements that were discussed to help traffic congestion in this area. Ken Amey indicated that Mr. Antonucci, one of the property owners at this location, wanted to move forward with the gathering of private funding if the Board of Supervisors agrees that Mr. Antonucci can utilize the commercial use in the HLI District. All Board members indicated their support for the proposed project as a benefit for the region and indicated that Mr. Antonucci should move forward as discussed.
Chairman Fox asked the Board members to consider signing a letter of support to urge our state legislators to support the passage of Senate Bill No. 48 in the House. Mr. Fox stated that the bill authorized the Commonwealth of PA to acquire from the United States the Willow Grove Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base and the Willow Grove Air Reserve Station as a joint interagency installation for use by the Pennsylvania National Guard and other Department of Defense components; federal, state and local government agencies; and associated users to perform national defense, homeland security and emergency preparedness missions. Resolution #1 unanimously approved the letter of support to be sent to State Representatives Harper, Taylor and Murt.
The work session concluded at 7:50 p.m. and the Board returned to an executive session at that time. An item of potential litigation was discussed.
Chairman Michael Fox called to order the action meeting at 8:00 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Birch, McDonnell, Prousi and Sarosky. Also in attendance were Frank Bartle, John Nagel, Larry Gregan, Bruce Shoupe, Richard Brady, Bill Brightcliffe, Pam Gural-Bear, Kevin Costello, John Chambers, Phil Wursta and Deb Rivas.
There was no public comment.
Solicitor Frank Bartle announced that the Board had met in an executive session prior to this meeting for matters of potential acquisition of real estate as well as potential litigation matters. Mr. Bartle indicated that these discussions were permissible in executive session under the guidelines of the Sunshine law.
Under the stormwater management update, John Nagel announced that the Montgomery County Consortium of Communities discussed this matter at their meeting on Friday, May 23, 2009. At the meeting, Montgomery Township was asked to distribute a draft intergovernmental cooperation agreement along with a draft resolution supporting the effort to all member municipalities. Mr. Nagel indicated that fifty percent of the cost will be funded by the consortium and other community organizations such as Montgomery County Association of Township Officials (MCATO) may also consider underwriting a portion of the costs. The balance of the cost would then be distributed among the participating municipalities based upon population. Mr. Nagel also said that the DEP has extended the period for comments to July 6, 2009. The Township will be working towards obtaining participation from municipalities by their approval of a resolution and intergovernmental agreement. Mr. Nagel also indicated that John Chambers would be checking with the engineering firms of those municipalities who will be participating to make sure that everyone has supplied their comments regarding the proposed changes. Mr. Nagel said that this subject will continue to be discussed at every Board meeting as well as the next consortium meeting on June 19th. Mr. Fox asked if there was a specific date for the other municipalities to commit to the project by and Mr. Nagel indicated that there was a firm deadline of the end of June. Mr. Chambers stated that timing is very important as the Township must make an application 180 days before our permit expires. Mr. Chambers also indicated that the Township may have to file for an individual permit, which would be very involved. Mr. Nagel also recommended that Montgomery Township take the lead to promote public information on this subject and asked the Board to consider a proposal from The Gailey Group for such a promotion. Mr. Nagel indicated that The Gailey Group currently works on the Township's quarterly residential newsletter and annual reports. The Board stated that they will welcome a proposal from Mr. Gailey.
Fire Service Director, Bill Brightcliffe, announced that the federal stimulus package includes specific funding to help fire services through the Department of Homeland Security's SAFER grant. Mr. Brightcliffe indicated that the grant would allow the fire services department to increase staff and deployment capability. Mr. Brightcliffe said that the grant would pay for 100% of a firefighter's salary for four years, with the commitment that the Township pays the salary for the fifth year. Mr. Brightcliffe said that the department would be applying for two full time firefighters under this grant. Mr. Prousi asked if the Township applied for and received the grant, would it have to be accepted. Mr. Brightcliffe did not know the answer, but offered to find out. Mr. Sarosky indicated that the grant made sense for the Township because as the volunteers decrease, the Township will need to add paid firefighters to the organization. Mr. Sarosky also said that it is a known fact that the volunteer base is gradually shrinking. Mr. Brightcliffe said that the application can be submitted now and those applications will be reviewed in blocks as they are submitted. Mr. Brightcliffe stated that the grant comes out on June 1st. After a brief discussion, Resolution #2 unanimously approved the application for the 2009 SAFER Grant by the Montgomery Township Department of Fire Services.
Under the consent agenda, the minutes of the meeting for May 11, 2009 and the payment of bills were approved as submitted. Resolution #3 approved the Verizon Internet Service Agreement. Resolution #4 approved the adoption of the Amended and Restated Police Pension Plan Document and Summary Plan. Resolution #5 approved the request for partial funding for Mobile Data Computers for Fire Services. Resolution #6 authorized the re-advertisement of proposed Ordinance #09-238 for Contractor Registration. Resolution #7 approved the Conditional Use Decision and Order for Cellco Partnership - Verizon Wireless & T-Mobile at 125 Hartman Road. Resolution #8 approved the Township's participation at the Delaware Valley Health Insurance Trust conference in June. All consent agenda items were approved unanimously.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.