MINUTES OF MEETING
MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
FEBRUARY 23, 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, John Chambers, Sam Dugan, Beverly Brown, and Jim Jacquette. An item of potential litigation 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, John Chambers, Sam Dugan, Beverly Brown, Jim Jacquette and Deb Rivas.
Chairman Fox welcomed representatives from the Montgomery Township Municipal Sewer Authority. Mr. Fox asked Beverly Brown to provide an update on the Sewer Authority’s Capital Improvement Plan. Ms. Brown indicated that the authority normally updates this improvement plan twice each year. Ms. Brown also indicated that the authority had just completed its last expansion and that the authority is built out to its maximum capacity. Ms. Brown stated that the authority must now turn to maintaining and repairing the existing system, some of which is at least 40 years old. Ms. Brown mentioned a few of the projects planned, such as the replacement of the Knapp Road pumping station, basin rehabilitation for Basins A & B, as well as the replacement of brick manhole covers. Ms. Brown stated that the authority has been putting funds away over the years to assist with these projects. Ms. Brown also noted that grant funding is being sought for these projects, but there is no guarantee that any funds will be acquired. Mr. Fox inquired if the authority would need to borrow money or raise rates to keep up with this capital improvement plan as presented. Ms. Brown stated that the authority would not need to borrow any money and that the projects can be paid for with current working cash. Mr. Fox thanked the authority representatives for the information presented.
John Nagel said that the Township is planning to celebrate Local Government week in April. This year the staff is planning a legislative breakfast for Friday, April 17 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Mr. Nagel noted that the recommended list of attendees included the Board of Supervisors and management of the Township, federal and state representatives, county commissioners, school board directors, chamber of commerce representatives, local business members and other volunteer committee and board chairpersons. Several sample agendas were presented and suggestions for topics were made which included grant money availability, personnel union matters, bid package limits and prevailing wage. A continental breakfast would be served prior to the discussion. All members of the Board were favorable to the idea.
The last item on the work session was the request for a donation to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Symphony Orchestra. John Nagel indicated that a letter had been received indicating that the Township will receive five season tickets for every $1,000 contribution. Mr. Prousi asked which organizations were currently receiving contributions from the Township. Mr. Nagel replied that the Norristown Public Library, the Montgomery Township Historical Society, the local Visiting Nurses Associations and the PEAK Senior Center were some of the non-profit organizations that received annual Township contributions. Mr. Prousi asked if the symphony was a non-profit organization and no one knew the answer. Mr. Prousi made the comment that if the Township starts to make such contributions, there will be many more organizations coming forward with requests. Mr. Birch stated that those should be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Mr. Fox indicated that he would be in favor of a donation if the tickets could be raffled off to residents to enjoy the performances. Mr. Fox indicated that any formal action would need to be taken at the regular Board meeting.
The work session was adjourned at 7:58 p.m.
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, Rich Brady, Bill Brightcliffe, Pam Gural-Bear, Kevin Costello, John Chambers and Deb Rivas.
Under public comment, Supervisor Sarosky indicated that he wanted to comment on the executive session and the topic which was discussed. Mr. Sarosky said that despite the topic being a potential legitimate issue regarding litigation, future meetings on the discussion of storm water management regulations should be held in the public forum for the public’s benefit. Mr. Sarosky felt that it was vital that residents understand the importance of this subject and how it will affect our way of life and it should be discussed in the public forum. Chairman Fox stated that the Board had met to discuss the regulations that are being promulgated by the EPA and enforced by the DEP that will affect all Townships throughout the country. Chairman Fox stated that the regulations being discussed are almost impossible for any Township to comply with the levels that are being required. Chairman Fox stated that the issue was initially brought to the Board’s attention last year by John Chambers, and the Board continues to try to find information that will allow the Township to proactively take as positive a stance as we can. Chairman Fox said that this topic was discussed in executive session because it will most likely lead many Townships to some form of litigation. Chairman Fox indicated that this is a serious issue that the Board is trying to work through. Chairman Fox said that updates will be provided as frequently as possible for all Township residents publicly.
Solicitor Frank Bartle announced that the Board had met in an executive session prior to this meeting to discuss the issue of potential litigation regarding the regulation by DEP through the EPA for sanitary sewer and storm water sewer regulations. Mr. Bartle said that members of the Sewer Authority were present to discuss what actions they have taken regarding such regulations. Mr. Bartle also indicated that a discussion was held regarding the Township’s rights for appeal periods and the timing of the regulations.
John Nagel announced that the Board had previously interviewed and decided to appoint two new members to the Pension Committee. Resolution #1 unanimously approved the appointments and Chairman Fox administered the oath to Diana Venkata Ramanan and Byron Yost to serve one year terms on the Pension Committee. Previously appointed by resolution, but not available to be sworn in at the time, Chairman Fox administered the oath to appoint James Kelly as a new member of the Finance Committee.
The next agenda item was the consideration of the Land Development Final Plan for the Dunkin Donuts Drive-Through. This development is located at County Line Road and Route 202. The applicant proposes to create a drive-through at this location. The applicant has requested a waiver of the requirement to show existing features within 400 feet of the site. There were no comments or discussion. Resolution #2 unanimously approved the land development final plan for the Dunkin Donuts Drive-Through.
Pam Gural Bear announced that appropriation requests are being accepted by Congresswoman Schwartz’s office until February 28, 2009. Ms. Gural Bear indicated that this was an excellent opportunity for Montgomery Township to submit a variety of projects to make Rep. Schwartz aware of what is needed. Montgomery Township staff is recommending the submission of the following projects for possible appropriations awards: In-Car Cameras for Police Department ($45,000) and Communications Center Technology Upgrade and Establishment of an Emergency Operations Center ($510,000). Resolution #3 unanimously approved the submission of the fiscal year 2010 appropriations requests to Rep. Schwartz’s office.
Autumn Festival committee representatives, Larry Fiel, Chairman, and Sudha Suryadevera, staff liaison, made a presentation to the Board regarding this year’s Autumn Festival. Mr. Fiel provided a draft solicitation brochure indicating various levels of donations and recognition of such donations. It is the Autumn Festival committee’s intent to begin fund raising for the event as soon as possible. The committee’s focus this year is to increase revenues and to decrease expenses. Mr. Fiel also announced that the committee would like to change the time to end the festival at 4:00 p.m. rather than 5:00 p.m. in order to save Township funds for staff time for clean up, etc. It was also noted that most attendees and vendors leave by 4:00 p.m. Lastly, a 5K Walk/Run was coordinated by a Township resident and was a successful part of the festival last year. The proceeds for the 5K Walk/Run were donated to the National Alopecia Foundation. The festival committee would like to keep the charitable organization the same for this year. Supervisor Prousi commented that all of the volunteers that run the Autumn Festival do an excellent job, raising lots of money and running the festival. Resolution #4 unanimously approved the 2009 Autumn Festival within the parameters set by the Board, which included use of the fund balance, the food vendor fee to remain at 15%, the 5K Race proceeds to continue to go to the National Alopecia Foundation and the Autumn Festival Committee recommended sponsor levels for donations.
Under the consent agenda, the minutes of the meeting for February 9, 2009 and the payment of bills were approved as submitted. Resolution #5 approved the 2009 capital expenditures for the Police Department. Resolution #6 approved the escrow release for Selective Development – Citi Bank. Resolution #7 approved the DEP Sewage Facilities Planning Module for Firefox subdivision. Resolution #8 approved the Vehicle and Travel Policy. Resolution #9 approved the Montgomery Township Purchasing Policies and Procedures. Resolution #10 authorized the Township Manager to advertise for a public hearing for Conditional Use - Verizon Wireless – Cell Tower (Industrial Park – 125 Hartman Road) for April 13, 2009. All consent agenda resolutions were unanimously approved.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.