Monday, April 13, 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, Lawrence Gregan, Roy Rodriguez, Jay Glickman, Bill Maule and Pam Gural-Bear. Items of personnel and litigation were discussed.
Chairman Michael Fox called to order the action meeting at 8:15 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 and Shirley Snyder.
There was no public comment this evening.
Solicitor Frank Bartle announced that the Board had met in an executive session prior to this meeting for personnel matters concerning surviving spouse benefits and staffing issues for the Police Department. Also discussed were committee volunteer positions and real estate and potential real estate acquisitions. Mr. Bartle indicated that these discussions were permissible in executive session under the guidelines of the Sunshine law.
Chairman Michael Fox called to order the conditional use hearing for Cellco Partnership at 8:20 p.m. Bruce Shoupe provided a summary of the conditional use application under consideration for Cellco Partnership (Verizon Wireless & T-Mobile) for construction of a cell tower at 125 Hartman Road. The applicant proposes to construct a 113 foot monopole with 12 antennas for Verizon and 9 antennas for T-Mobile. With the inclusion of a 3 foot lightening rod, the total height of the tower would be 116 feet. There will be a 50 x 50 foot fence around the property. Notes of testimony for the public hearing were taken by Byron Battle. Township Solicitor Frank Bartle stated that the public hearing was properly advertised and added that exhibits B-1 through B-4 were to be included. Nicholas Cuce, Jr., attorney for the applicant, summarized the testimonies of each of the four witnesses present. Andrew Petersohn, P.E., radio frequency engineer for Verizon, Bryan Grebis, radio frequency engineer for T-Mobile, Kenneth Farrall, of CMC Engineering and Project Manager for Verizon, and James Rodgers, Site Acquisition Consult for Verizon, all testified that Mr. Cuce's statements were accurate and true statements. Chief Brady inquired whether the equipment would conflict with any police radio or EMS equipment and was advised by Mr. Petersohn that there would be no problem. Chairman Fox inquired whether there would be any on-site storage and was told by Mr. Farrall that there would be no on site storage, and the only equipment on the site will be the propane tank and generator, and two equipment cabinets. Mr. Farrall also noted that all cabinets are locked and equipped with alarms that alert Verizon and T-Mobile of any problems. Mr. Farrall also advised the Board that a technician performs routine maintenance every four to six weeks. Mr. Farrall noted that the tower would be galvanized so as to blend in with the horizon. Supervisor Birch inquired about the questions raised by the Montgomery County Planning Commission, and whether they were being addressed. Mr. Cuce advised that he would run down the list later if it pleased the Board. Bruce Shoupe inquired whether the generator will meet township requirements for noise standards, and was advised by Mr. Farrall that it is in compliance. Supervisor McDonnell questioned whether a screen buffer would be provided. Mr. Cuce advised that a buffer was included in the plan. Mr. Cuce then addressed each item raised in the Montgomery County Planning Commission letter. The public hearing concluded at 8:55 p.m. Resolution #1 unanimously approved the conditional use application for the construction of a cell tower at 125 Hartman Road.
Richard Brady advised the Board that several complaints have been received from vehicle owners concerning the services and fees assessed by Burkees Towing. Burkees Towing entered into a towing agreement with Montgomery Township in April 2008. Supervisor Prousi questioned whether Mr. Tradewell had been notified on these violations and was informed that he had been notified. Supervisor Birch inquired whether we had received any type of reply from Mr. Tradewell. Chief Brady advised that there had been no reply. Supervisor Fox asked if the township has operated with only one towing company in the past. Chief Brady noted that the township has operated with only one towing company for many years. Based on the findings of the Police Department concerning these complaints, termination of Burkees towing license and agreement is being recommended. Frank Bartle will compose a letter of termination for George Tradewell/Burkees Towing and will forward it to Chief Richard Brady for his signature and mailing. Resolution #2 unanimously terminated the towing license and agreement by and between George Tradewell/Burkees Towing and Montgomery Township dated April 22, 2008, and effective April 13, 2009.
During the PSATS Conference proposed resolutions and bylaw changes for PSATS will be discussed and voted on by Montgomery Township's delegate, Supervisor Birch. John Nagel asked the Board if there were any concerns with the proposed PSATS resolutions and bylaw changes. Hearing no concerns from the Board, Resolution #3 unanimously approved the proposed PSATS resolutions and bylaw changes as recommended or amended.
A Legislative Breakfast is scheduled for Friday, April 17th. Federal, State, County and Local officials have been invited to attend. The event will be hosted by Montgomery Township.
Under the consent agenda, the minutes of the meeting for March 23, 2009 and the payment of bills were approved as submitted. Resolution #4 approved contracts for purchase of a 2008/2009 Dodge Charger to be used by the Township Manager for business and commuting purposes. Resolution #5 approved the Arbor Day Proclamation. Resolution #6 approved submission of application for a PA DCED 2009 Grant in the amount of $4,817.50 to be utilized to purchase the "I Am Responding" software system to enhance fire safety in the township. Resolution #7 affirms that Montgomery Township intends to follow the schedules and procedures for disposition of records as set forth in the Municipal Records Manual approved on December 16, 2008. Resolution #8 authorized an inter-fund transfer of $213,000 from the Park Development Fund to the Capital Reserve Fund and that these funds be "designated" in the Capital Reserve Fund for Park Improvement projects. Resolution #9 approved the amendments to the Fee Schedule to include the summer 2009 Kids University trip fees. All consent agenda resolutions were unanimously approved.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.