Monday, April 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, Frank Bartle, Bruce Shoupe, Larry Gregan, Richard Brady, Doug Blazey and Gil High. Items of personnel, potential litigation and potential real estate acquisition were discussed.
Chairman Michael Fox called to order the action meeting at 8:10 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 personnel as well as potential litigation matters. Chairman Fox indicated that the Board had also met with special counsel to discuss matters of the potential acquisition of real estate. Mr. Bartle indicated that these discussions were permissible in executive session under the guidelines of the Sunshine law.
Chairman Fox and John Nagel made a brief statement regarding the potential new requirements of the PA Storm Water Management Ordinance and the PA General Permit 13 and its impact on Montgomery Township and surrounding municipalities. Mr. Fox indicated that our engineer, John Chambers, had previously informed the Board about the upcoming changes to the storm water management requirements which could cause considerable mandates to the Township and its residents. Mr. Nagel announced that a meeting was held on Thursday with many municipal representatives and their engineers to discuss what the group could accomplish as a whole. Mr. Nagel said that the group would be meeting again tomorrow to discuss the creation of a letter to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection asking for an extension of time for comments and also to discuss retaining the services of Doug Blazey as special counsel for these negotiations. Doug Blazey provided a brief resume and statement regarding what services he will provide for the Township and other municipalities. After a brief discussion, Resolution #1 unanimously authorized the Township Manager to prepare a letter to the PA DEP requesting an extension for the comment period and also to retain the services of Doug Blazey for the purposes of representation related to the proposed changes to the storm water management program. The cost of Mr. Blazey's representation will not exceed $15,000 for services and $500 for expenses and will be shared among the comparable municipalities that join in the effort.
Bruce Shoupe provided a brief update as to the direction the Board of Supervisors had directed staff on the review of the proposed text amendment changes involving the Cutler proposal for the Montgomery Walk and Enclave at Montgomery developments and forward additional comments to the Board for review. The staff reviewed the proposed text amendment and the preliminary traffic impact evaluation which focused on the elimination of the mid-rise units. The traffic evaluation showed a slight reduction in trip generation for the residential uses. Mr. Shoupe indicated that an impact on the proposed commercial area could not be evaluated, since the total square footage of building area and types of uses are unknown. The Planning Commission requested that the hearing be postponed until after their next meeting and that staff and the Montgomery County Planning Commission meet to further discuss the proposed text amendment with the developer. Supervisor McDonnell requested that the Board be provided any written materials on this matter as soon as they become available. Supervisor Birch was also concerned about what types of uses would be allowed and whether or not the developer was aware of the Board's comments regarding low traffic impact. Supervisor Sarosky indicated a concern about notifying the residents who already live there that there is a potential of commercial development occurring instead of additional housing in their development. It was agreed that the matter would come before the Board after the Planning Commission has an opportunity to review it at their meeting. Resolution #2 unanimously approved the postponement and re-advertisement of the public hearing for the proposed Ordinance #09-237Z - Montgomery Walk and Enclave at Montgomery. It was also agreed that the residents of Montgomery Walk should be notified of the proposed changes to their development.
Chairman Fox opened the public hearing for the proposed Ordinance #09-236Z - Amendments to the Sign Ordinance at 8:35 p.m. Notes of testimony were taken by court reporter, Byron Battle. Frank Bartle read the notice of advertisement and provided the details of the recommended changes which included setback requirements, non-conforming signs, minimum and maximum allowable sign sizes and a separate standard for the regional mall. There was no discussion and the hearing concluded at 8:40 p.m. Resolution #3 unanimously approved Ordinance #09-236Z - Amendments to the Sign Ordinance.
Bruce Shoupe introduced the next item on the agenda, a waiver request from the Montgomery Township Historical Society for the driveway installation of the Knapp Farm House. The requirement is for the driveway to be paved and the Historical Society is requesting that they be allowed to use crushed stone to preserve the historical nature of the site. After a brief discussion, Resolution #4 unanimously approved the waiver request.
Finance Director Larry Gregan provided the first quarter 2009 budget report. Mr. Gregan highlighted the current financial status of the Township. The report summarized the year-to-date operating results through March 31, 2009 and identified the significant activities in fund balance, revenues and expenditures. Overall, the Township financial picture is sound and additional information will be available as the year progresses.
Bruce Shoupe indicated that Gambone Development, developer of the Gateway Plaza Shopping center at Welsh Road and DeKalb Pike, had proposed to construct a welcome sign at the site. Due to the inability to construct the sign at the site because of a detention basin, the developer has offered to make a $5,000 donation towards the construction of a sign at the Montgomery Township Fire Department station on Doylestown Road. After a brief discussion, Resolution #5 unanimously approved and accepted the $5,000 donation from Gambone Development.
Under the consent agenda, the minutes of the meeting for April 13, 2009 and the payment of bills were approved as submitted. Resolution #6 approved the completion of the Rose Twig park project. Resolution #7 approved the first quarter 2009 budget amendments. Resolution #8 approved the first amendment to subdivision & construction escrow agreement for the Enclave at Montgomery-Phase I. All consent agenda items were approved unanimously.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.