Monday, November 10, 2008
At 7:00 p.m. Chairman Jeff McDonnell called to order the executive session. In attendance were Supervisors Birch, Fox, Prousi and Sarosky. Also in attendance were Bob Iannozzi, John Nagel, Larry Gregan, Rich Brady, Officer Gerald Dougherty, Officer William Peoples, Officer Robert Hart, Officer Glenn Davis and Pam Gural-Bear. Items of personnel and matters of litigation were discussed.
Chairman Jeff McDonnell called to order the action meeting at 8:00 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Birch, Fox, Prousi and Sarosky. Also in attendance were Bob Iannozzi, Kevin Costello, Bruce Shoupe, John Nagel, Larry Gregan, Richard Brady, Bill Brightcliffe, Pam Gural-Bear, Phil Wursta and Shirley Snyder.
There was no public comment at this evenings meeting.
Solicitor Bob Iannozzi announced that the Board had met in an executive session prior to this meeting to discuss matters of personnel and matters of litigation.
Chief Richard Brady introduced Officer Daniel Rose who is being promoted to the rank of Patrol Officer II, effective October 13, 2008 and Officer Ricardo DeJesus who is being promoted to the rank of Patrol Officer I, effective October 14, 2008. Resolution #2 unanimously recognized the promotions of Officer Ricardo DeJesus and Officer Daniel Rose.
Four police officers are being promoted to the rank of Corporal, effective November 10, 2008. Chief Richard Brady introduced the following officers: Officer Glenn Davis, Officer Gerald Dougherty, Officer Robert Hart and Officer William Peoples. Officer Davis is an 11 year veteran of the department and is an accident reconstruction specialist. Officer Dougherty started with Montgomery Township in 1986 and is presently a canine officer, and a firearm and taser instructor. Officer Hart, who joined the department in 1988 is presently the canine unit supervisor. Officer Peoples has been with the department for 11years and is the department's accreditation manager. The wives of the newly promoted Corporals were present to pin the badges on the officers. Resolution #1 unanimously recognized the promotions of Officer Glenn Davis, Officer Gerald Dougherty, Officer Robert Hart and Officer William Peoples to the rank of Corporal, effective November 10, 2008.
Chairman McDonnell announced that the discussion on televising Board meetings would be deferred to a future meeting.
Bruce Shoupe provided a summary of the consideration of plan for Real Pro Enterprises, LP, which proposes to create a two lot subdivision. Lot #1 is the location of the existing house, with the remaining open space of approximately 2.79 acres proposed to be dedicated to the township. Lot #2 will be developed as a flag lot. The house to be built on the flag lot will have a residential sprinkler system installed to meet the fire Department's concern of not meeting fire access requirements. The applicant has requested two waivers, which pose no concerns for the township. It is being recommended that a fee in lieu of the installation of sidewalks be submitted by the applicant. Kirk Clauss of Schlosser and Clauss noted that the applicant accepts the resolution as presented. Resolution #3 unanimously approved the plan for Real Pro Enterprises, LP at 150 Hartman Road.
John Nagel noted that negotiations have been on going between the township and PennDOT regarding the matter of Knapp Road in conjunction with the Route 202 Parkway plans. PennDOT has decided to eliminate the construction of a traditional "on" ramp to the 202 Parkway and use a portion of Knapp Road for that entrance, thus saving PennDOT several million dollars. Mr. Nagel thanked Chambers Associates and the firm of Dischell, Bartle, Yanoff and Dooley for their assistance in providing the legal descriptions needed. Resolution #4 unanimously transferred ownership of a portion of Knapp Road from Montgomery Township to PennDOT to be used as an entrance ramp for the Route 202 Parkway.
Montgomery County has been pursuing a Transportation Program for funding for key infrastructure improvement projects within the County. Montgomery Township will be sending a letter to the County stating that the township will be looking forward to working with the County to finalize the details of the County program, which will provide the means to provide needed transportation projects constructed in an acceptable timeframe. Nora O'Malley of 181 Pine Crest Lane asked if a copy of the letter was available to the public. Mr. Nagel advised that a copy of the letter may be obtained at the township office. Resolution #5 unanimously supported the Montgomery County Transportation Funding Initiative at its conceptual stage, contingent upon further review and comment as details are developed.
Director of Finance, Larry Gregan provided a comprehensive Powerpoint presentation of the 2009 Preliminary Budget. The township's budget policy consists of four main criteria: to balance expenditures with current year revenues, maintain a 10% to 20% reserve in Fund Balances, maintain an excellent bond rating, and to transfer surplus Fund Balance to Capital Reserve Fund for potential operating deficits and future projects. Mr. Gregan also noted that there will be no real estate tax rate increase for 2009, and residents will benefit from an increase in the Homestead Exemption from $25,000 to $30,000. The presentation included revenue comparisons, general fund revenues, expense comparison, expense highlights, general fund net surplus, other operating funds, work force changes, capital projects and capital reserve fund balances. Supervisor Birch thanked the Board for concurring on an increase in the Homestead Exemption. Supervisor Fox expressed concern with the Park Capital Plan, which was determined at the time of economic strength. Supervisor Fox requested that the Park & Recreation Board postpone or cut back some of the spending for a year or so, and until the economy is more certain. The board concurred with Mr. Fox's recommendation, and it will be discussed at the next meeting of the Park & Recreation Board on Wednesday, November 12, 2008. Sam Dugan inquired about the Environmental Fund and what it is used for. Mr. Gregan cited such items as environmental education, leaf recycling programs, sustainability audit and recycling efforts throughout the township. Mr. Dugan also inquired about the Replacement Tree Fund, and was advised that it provides maintenance of Memorial Grove as well as other landscape projects and replacement of trees in the parks throughout the township. Patricia Gallagher commended the Board for providing detail in the Preliminary Budget. Ms. Gallagher requested that figures be provided to show actual to proposed costs, rather than its current standard. Resolution #6 unanimously adopted the 2009 Preliminary Budget and set Monday, December 15, 2008 after 8:00 p.m. in the township building, as the date, time and place for the public meeting for consideration of adoption of the 2009 Final Budget.
Larry Gregan gave a budget status report on the recently completed Stump Road fire station, noting that the project has been completed, with the exception of a few small estimated expenses which are still outstanding. The project costs are under budget and within the funds set aside for this project.
Under the consent agenda, the minutes of the meeting for October 27, 2008, the budget workshop minutes and the payment of bills were approved as submitted. Resolution #7 approved the 2008 Third quarter Budget Amendment , adopting amendments to the 2008 General Fund, Fire Fund and Capital Reserve Fund Budgets. Resolution #8 approved payment to the Archibalds for Horsham Road right-of-way. Resolution #9 approved the grant application for a video system for $5,000 for the police department. Resolution #10 approved an escrow release for Montgomery Office Park. Escrow release for Keystone Community Fellowship Church was approved by Resolution #11. All consent agenda resolutions were unanimously approved.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:24 p.m.