LOWER GWYNEDD TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS REGULAR MEETINGTuesday, March 25, 2008
SUPERVISORS PRESENT: Edward J. Brandt, Chairman
George T. Hayeck
Kenneth W. Bright
Dr. J. Richard Booth
Chip Behr, Vice-Chairman
STAFF: Larry M. Comunale, Township Manager
Craig McAnally, Assistant Township Manager
Carole Culbreth, Assistant Secretary
James J. Garrity, Esq. Township Solicitor
Joseph A. Zadlo, Township Planner
David M. Connell, Township Engineer
Mr. Garrity stated the Board met in Executive Session prior to the meeting to discuss the Spring House Village Shopping Center litigation matter and also the Siman real estate matter.
Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. in the Lower Gwynedd Township Municipal Building and led those in attendance in the pledge of allegiance.
BUSINESS & FINANCIAL
Receipt of Meeting Minutes:
The Board of Supervisors received the meeting minutes of February 12, 2008. The Chairman asked if there were any question or corrections. There were none.
Dr. Booth made a motion, seconded by Mr. Bright to approve the minutes of the February 12, 2008 Workshop meeting. The motion carried 5 - 0.
The Board of Supervisors received the meeting minutes of February 26, 2008. The Chairman asked if there were any question or corrections.
The Chairman asked that a footnote be added indicating the change in square footage to the Ambler YMCA to 109,000 sq. ft. to the bottom of page 3 as noted in Mr. Weaver’s letter dated March 6, 2008. There were no other corrections. Mr. Hayeck made a motion, seconded by Mr. Behr to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of February 26, 2008 as corrected. The motion carried 5 -0.
Receipt of Invoice History Report for January and February, 2008
The Board of Supervisors received the Invoice History for the months of January and February, 2008 in the amount of $1,569,143.73. The Chairman asked if there were any questions or comments. There were none.
Mr. Behr made a motion, seconded by Mr. Bright, to approve the Invoice History in the amount of $1,569,143.73 for the months of January and February, 2008. The motion carried 5 - 0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
The Chairman opened the meeting for public comment for items not on the agenda.
Mr. Mark Gray, Arbor Lane, thanked the Chairman, Dr. Booth and Mr. Comunale for taking time to meet with him to discuss some issues in his development.
There were no other comments.
BUILDING AND ZONING
Land Development: Gwynedd Mercy College Stadium
Resolution No. 2008 - 06
Mr. Zadlo noted that the applicant presented their positions before the Zoning Hearing Board twice and received conditional approval. He stated the applicant will now move forward to the Land Development process. Mr. Connell stated the third revised set of plans was received. He stated the project is large with a number of issues remaining. Mr. Connell stated a meeting with the applicant, Township staff and consultants have dealt with three issues; the widening of Sumneytown Pike, the walkways on Sumneytown Pike and the emergency access requested by Mr. Comly, Fire Marshal. Mr. Garrity asked the applicant to review Resolution No. 2008-06 Gwynedd Mercy College – Athletic Complex Preliminary/Final Land Development Approval. Mr. Connell had concerns on 1. b. of the resolution requiring widening along an existing road and the relocation of the entrance to commence within three years of the executed Land Development Agreement. He said in the event the construction does not begin within the time frame, then the design of a left-turn lane and other improvements recommended by the Township’s Traffic Consultants at the present signalized intersection shall proceed, with completion required within five years of the execution of the Land Development Agreement.
James Wenger, applicant’s engineer, made a presentation to the Board of Supervisors noting the signalized entrance, softball fields which will be relocated, grandstands with 1,000 seats, restrooms, concession stands, storage areas and parking spaces. The Chairman stated in the master plan the entrance lined up across from Stonebridge Road. He stated he is concerned with emergency access and parking overflow. Mr. Wenger stated two parking lots which include over 750 paved parking spaces are available with two overflow grass lots. Mr. Garrity reviewed possible conditions of approval prepared by the Township staff. Mr. Garrity asked if the applicant had any problem with the conditions as reviewed.
Mr. Bright asked if the track will be fenced. Mr. Wenger said yes with an 8 foot high decorative fence. Mr. Bright asked if there is an area for emergency vehicles to enter the fields. Mr. Wenger said yes, at the field level. Mr. Bright asked if the emergency vehicles can traverse over the track to enter the fields. Mr. Wenger stated emergency vehicles can drive on the artificial turf. The Chairman questioned the adequacy of parking directly behind the new stadium and is it adequate for visiting teams. Mr. Wenger stated the visiting teams are transported by buses and dropped off at the stadium.
Mr. Comly stated he is concerned that emergency vehicles must have a viable path for to circulate around the campus. He noted Rhododendron Drive has two bridges which must support emergency apparatus. He noted access off Evans Road to meet College Drive may be accepted as the direct access. Mr. Comly recommended that construction of a new building more than 40,000 square feet should trigger the construction for an additional emergency access. Ms. Owens and Mr. O’Flaherty representing Gwynedd Mercy College asked that the threshold be set at 50,000 square feet.
Mr. Garrity asked if Gwynedd Mercy College’s security personnel will assist in directing traffic to paved parking spaces before they park on the grass lots. Ms. Owens stated on those occasions the college will have security personnel available for that purpose. Mr. Zadlo stated the college’s security personnel will keep people from parking on surrounding residents lawns, adjacent streets and college driveways. Ms. Callegari, Claudia Way, questioned the adequate amount of parking for stadium events. Mr. Connell stated the college did a comprehensive study on parking spaces eight months ago. Ms. Callegari asked if the stadium would be used for outside concerts. Mr. Zadlo replied no outside concerts or events will be allowed in the stadium. He stated condition No. 10 of the Lower Gwynedd Township Zoning Hearing Board’s Order of January 17, 2008 stated that prior to the utilitization of any amplified sound system at the athletic complex, the applicant will confirm that the sound system will not result in a nuisance to the surrounding community. Mr. Wenger stated the sound system will project sound away from the surrounding community.
Mr. Hayeck stated Mr. Comly mentioned renaming streets and complexes and he asked if the Community Ambulance can meet with the college to discuss this new system. John Grigger, 1105 Evans Road, asked where the 8 foot wide macadam walkway will be located. The Chairman stated the walkway will be one link to the Spring House Village Shopping Center so that students can walk safely. Mr. Comunale stated the new master trail map will indicate where the links will connect.
Mr. Behr recused himself from voting because he serves on the college’s board of directors.
Mr. Garrity stated No. 4 (security personnel directing traffic to parking areas), No. 2 (sound issue), and construction of a 50,000 square foot building to trigger additional emergency access will need to be written in the resolution. The Chairman asked to compromise on the trigger for the additional emergency access to be a 45,000 square feet building. Dr. Booth stated he recommends a 50,000 sq. ft building. Mr. Comly said that is 25% more building. Dr. Owens stated the 50,000 sq. ft. building will give the college more classrooms. Mr. Hayeck agreed with the college that it is not a big difference. Mr. Bright agreed with 50,000 sq. ft. also.
The Chairman asked if there were any other questions or comments. There were none. Mr. Hayeck made a motion, seconded by Dr. Booth to include in the Land Development Resolution, along with the other conditions discussed by the Solicitor, that construction of a building over 50,000 sq. ft. will trigger the need for a second emergency access. The motion carried 4 – 0.
Mr. Hayeck made a motion, seconded by Mr. Bright to approve Resolution No. 2008-06 with conditions as discussed. The motion carried 4 – 0. Mr. Connell noted the applicant must understand that they need to submit a revised plan to the Township. Mr. Garrity stated he will get the revised resolution to the applicant.
Ordinance No. 455 : Recreation Impact Fee
The Chairman stated the Township surveyed other neighboring townships and most have
already adopted a Recreation Impact Fee. He noted the amount proposed is $500 per new single-family dwelling and $500 for each 1,000 square foot of non-residential construction.
Mr. Gray asked if the Recreation Impact Fee was a new tax. Mr. Comunale replied this is a method of generating additional monies for the Recreation Fund from new homeowners and non-residential construction which will help maintain the trail system, and allow developers to pay their fair share for facilities already built which they will utilize.
The Chairman stated the Park and Recreation Committee recommended the ordinance. The Chairman asked if there were any other questions or comments. There were none. Mr. Behr made a motion, seconded by Mr. Hayeck to adopt Ordinance No. 455: Recreation Impact Fee. The motion carried 5 – 0.
Conditional Use Decision: YMCA (Pending)
Mr. Comunale stated the Board will render a decision on the new YMCA Conditional Use
Application on April 8, 2008 if an extension is not granted.
2008 Roadway Program Bids
Mr. Connell stated the Board received the 2008 Roadway Improvement Program bid tabulation for bids opened on March 19, 2008. He noted an extensive amount of work will be performed on Houston, Knight, and Hoover roads. Mr. Connell noted eight bidders participated in the 2008 Roadway Improvement Program. He said the low bid is $556,182.60 from Drum Construction which is 20% below the budget estimate of $650,000. He noted Drum Construction is well known in the area and won last year’s roadway contract. Mr. Connell said an addendum of $8,776 is for wing walls for a cross pipe on Houston Road which will be paid by the Wissahickon School District. He noted the total bid of $564,958.60 includes the addendum.
The Chairman asked if there were any questions or comments. There were none. Mr. Hayeck made a motion, seconded by Mr. Behr to approve the 2008 Roadway Improvement Program bid of $564,958.60 including the $8,776 addendum. The motion carried 5 – 0.
Sanitary Sewer Bids
Mr. Connell stated Robert Pierson, the Public Works Director and he recommended the Township go out to bid to televise approximately 15,000 lineal feet of sewer lines in Basins H and G. He stated ten bidders participated and the low bid was $11,191.60 from Musser Sewer & Septic, LLC. Mr. Connell noted the estimate for televising the 15,000 feet was $28,000. He said he called to discuss the project with Musser Sewer & Septic, LLC which is a relatively new company. Mr. Connell said Musser’s references and documentation were in order.
Mr. Connell stated this bid is for televising and identifying the leaks and the next contract will be to fix them. The Chairman asked if there were any comments. There were none.
Dr. Booth made a motion, seconded by Mr. Behr to approve the Sanitary Sewer Bid of $11,191.60. The motion carried 5 – 0.
MANAGER’S REPORT
Report from the Manager - Municipal activities, projects
Mr. Comunale stated he wrote to Rep. Kate Harper on the Route 202 65S delay and she is carrying it forward to PennDOT. He stated Morris Road and the section before Hancock Road will be saddled with traffic congestion. Mr. Comunale stated the firehouse access and Meetinghouse Road reconfiguration will be stalled. Mr. Bright asked what the excuse was for not placing a traffic light at Route 202 and Meetinghouse Road. The Chairman stated the developer will pay for the light. Mr. Comunale noted the traffic counts did not warrant a traffic light.
Mr. Comunale stated Chief Scholly and Lt. Gerry Gray met with Ron Saurman, Wissahickon School District to discuss a new entrance on Dager Road to allow students to directly exit the high school parking lot. He said letters were sent to the Kyle Lane residents and the response was negative. Mr. Comunale stated staff should meet with the school district and Kyle Lane residents to work out a compromise. The Chairman suggested that McMahon Associates attend the meeting. He stated if the Kyle Lane residents hear from Chief Scholly and McMahon Associates they will realize it will be safer for Wissahickon High School students and themselves. Chief Scholly said he would like to meet with them and that McMahon Associates should be present. The Chair asked Mr. Comunale to set up the meeting.
Mr. Comunale stated a large tree in the open space of Meadowcreek Circle must be removed because it is a potential hazard. He said three quotes were received and the lowest was $2,700 from Advanced Tree Service.
Mr. Comunale stated the municipal buildings voice mail system is not functioning. He said it is twelve years old and is worn out. Mr. Comunale stated a quote of $2,963 was received from GALCO to repair the system. Mr. Comunale said we must repair the voice mail system. Mr. Comunale said a new telephone system will be investigated during the 2009 Budget.
Mr. Comunale stated a joint meeting with the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors is scheduled for April 3rd. He noted Mr. Connell and Ms. Fountain will review the proposed new subdivision ordinance at that time.
Mr. Comunale stated Spring House Estates could be the venue for the April 22nd Board Meeting because the Municipal Building will be used for Election Day. The Chairman asked to move the meeting to April 21st.
Mr. Comunale said he will be attending a PELRAS conference in State College on Labor Relations on March 27 and 28.
SUPERVISORS/STAFF COMMENTS
Supervisors, Staff comments, concerns, questions
There were no additional comments. There being no further business, the meeting was
adjourned at 9:25 p.m. until the next meeting scheduled for April 8th.
Respectfully submitted,
Carole Culbreth
Assistant Secretary
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