Board of Supervisors
Tuesday, September 08 2009
SUPERVISORS PRESENT: Edward J. Brandt, Chairman Dr. J. Richard Booth Kathleen Hunsicker ABSENT: Chip Behr, Vice-Chairman George Hayeck STAFF: Larry M. Comunale, Township Manager Craig McAnally, Assistant Township Manager Jim Garrity, Esq., Township Solicitor David Connell, Township Engineer 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: August 25, 2009 The Board of Supervisors received the meeting minutes of the August 25, 2009 Board Meeting. The Chairman asked if there were any question or corrections. There were none. The Chairman explained any motion will be tabled until the September 22, 2009 Meeting. Receipt of Invoice History Report for August 2009 The Board of Supervisors received the Invoice History for the month of August in the amount of $1,032,401.81. The Chairman asked if there were any questions or comments. There were none. The Chairman stated this matter will be tabled until the September 22, 2009 Meeting. PUBLIC COMMENTS
The Chairman opened the meeting for public comment for items not on the agenda. There were no public comments for items not on the agenda.
BUILDING & ZONING Conditional Use Application: Clear Wire U.S. 801 Tennis Avenue- Old York Road Country Club Mr. Garrity opened the Conditional Use Hearing for Clear Wire U.S. to install one (1) microwave dish antennae at the 103’ height of the existing 120’ cell tower at the Old York Road Country Club. The applicant’s attorney, Joseph Deal, Esq., explained the new microwave dish is a 14” dish on the existing pole owned by Sprint. Joseph Frega, CMX Engineering Firm, informed the Board there would be no expansion of the existing building on the ground and all the equipment will be installed in the interior of the building and electric would run inside the pole itself. Dr. Booth questioned whether any other external cables on the pole could be run through the inside of the pole. Mr. Frega explained that there should be enough room inside the pole to run all the necessary cables. Mr. Brandt questioned the need for an additional dish on the pole. Luis Velazco, Clear Wire U.S. Radio Frequency Engineer, explained there is a problem getting clear frequency between the two points on the pole. The Chairman opened questions and comments for the public to ask but there were no inquiries. Mr. Brandt asked about the “foliage” on the existing pole and whether this has to be upgraded. Mr. Connell believes the new “foliage” has been installed per Joe Zadlo’s comments last month. A motion was made by Dr. Booth, seconded by Ms. Hunsicker to approve the installation of one (1) microwave dish antennae at the 103’ height of the existing 120’ cell tower at the Old York Road Country Club contingent upon compliance with the new applicant’s drawings as compared to the original application and concealing the cables internally. The motion passed 3-0. The Official Transcript of this conditional use hearing will be available at the Township Building during regular business hours. Conditional Use Application (DECISION): Sprint PCS Ambler Water Tower A brief discussion about this application arose and it was determined the Conditional Use Application for height issues were addressed at the previous meeting. A motion was made by Dr. Booth, seconded by Ms. Hunsicker to approve the installation of a new antenna on the Ambler Water Tower by Sprint PCS, subject to conditions enumerated for previous applicants. The motion passed 3-0. Easement Agreement: Beckman/M.J.E. Builders, Inc. Addendum to original dated September 19, 2005 Mr. Garrity explained that Lower Gwynedd was a party of the original easement agreement of September 19, 2005 and now there is an addendum to this private easement between the Beckman’s and M.J.E. Builders, Inc which the Township needs to sign. Mr. Garrity informed the Board that the agreement was reviewed and some new language was added to the agreement per his request. A motion was made by Dr. Booth, seconded by Ms. Hunsicker to authorize signing the addendum to the easement agreement between the Beckman’s and M.J. E. Builders as recorded by the Solicitor. The motion passed 3-0. Resolution No. 2009 -23: Granting Signature Authority for the Rt. 202 & Hancock Road Traffic Signal Agreement with PennDOT Mr. Comunale explained the traffic signal at DeKalb Pike (202) & Hancock Rd will be upgraded/replaced during the 65N portion of the 202 Parkway project. Lower Gwynedd Township will continue to maintain the signal as we do today however we have to sign a maintenance agreement with PennDOT. The agreement does not include any maintenance on the cameras. Dr. Booth questioned the expense of maintaining traffic signals in the township. Mr. Comunale estimated the cost of routine maintenance to be approximately $2,000-$3,000 per traffic signal. There were no questions from the public. A motion was made by Ms. Hunsicker, seconded by Dr. Booth to authorize the Chairman to execute the Rt. 202 & Hancock Road Traffic Signal Agreement with PennDOT. The motion passed 3-0. Consultant for Bethlehem Pike Revitalization Mr. McAnally provided an overview of the results of the Bethlehem Pike Improvement Committee’s (BPIC) recommendation for a consultant for the revitalization project. The BPIC recommends Thomas Comitta Associates, Inc (TCA) of West Chester, PA as their consultant for this project. The consultant will provide a study of the Bethlehem Pike corridor, conduct both public and private meetings with property/business owners, evaluate wants and desires of public and produce a “Vision Plan” along with detailed report including recommendations. The proposal consists of a 5 month study and an amount not to exceed $25,000 total for time and expense. Dr. Booth suggested this is part of an overhaul of the comprehensive plan. Ms. Hunsicker suggested she is confident with the expertise of the consultant. A motion was made by Dr. Booth, seconded by Ms. Hunsicker to approve hiring TCA as the Consultant for Bethlehem Pike Revitalization Project with two condtions: 1.) The total cost does not exceed $25,000; 2.) The proposal is reviewed and approved by the Township Solicitor. The motion passed 3-0. MANAGER’S REPORT Report from the Manager - Municipal activities, projects Mr. Comunale stated MCATO agenda has been provided to the Board and asked members to RSVP to Carole or Larry. Mr. Brandt commended Mr. Comunale for his time and effort with MCATO. Mr. Comunale stated a new policy on by-pass meters increased the annual charge to $50. Meter readings are currently underway and a report will be forthcoming upon completion of the inspections. Mr. Comunale suggests holding off on the 2nd charge this year until the results are confirmed. As a reminder the readings were previously done on an honor system with the homeowners calling in their readings. Mr. Brandt agreed on delaying the second round of fees until the report is reviewed. Mr. Comunale stated budget prep for 2010 is underway. Mr. Brandt suggested an incentive to reduce costs in 2010 to reduce expenses. Mr. Comunale stated the Earned Income Tax is down which is our major source of revenue. Mr. Comunale informed the Board about an article in today’s paper on the stormwater fees to be implemented by DEP. Mr. Comunale explained the legislatures have to know the cost to a homeowner should they disturb 1000 SF of ground cover. Responsibility should be on the rule makers not the township. Mr. Connell suggested the current ongoing program costs the township several thousand dollars a year to comply and this will increase costs. Chief John Scholly suggested changing the hiring policy for future police officers to eliminate the ACT 120 certification requirement. The ACT 120 Certification is passing the police officers exam and training. Dr. Booth asked what the timeframe is to get the certification. Chief Scholly said it is a six month training and if we hire someone without the certification we would pay their salary to go to school. Ms. Hunsicker asked what this ACT allows them to do and why ask for this change. Chief Scholly said they would have full-time police officer duties upon ACT 120 Certification and this change would not exclude people applying without the certification. Mr. Brandt suggested an ordinance be prepared by Solicitor to make this change. Chief Scholly suggested the township would now mimic the Civil Service requirements and procedures for hiring. Dr. Booth asked whether scholarships are given out for this type of training. The Chief answered “No”. The Chief informed the Board that Paul Kenny graduates from the FBI Academy on September 18, 2009. The Chief will be going to the graduation. Ms. Hunsicker asked for an update on Dager Road monitoring. Chief Scholly suggested the counters and speeds are being reviewed. A resident from Marie Road informed the Board that the paving work in her neighborhood has never been completed. Mr. Connell has it noted and will investigate. There were no additional comments. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m. until the next meeting scheduled for September 22, 2009. Respectfully submitted, Craig T. McAnally Assistant Township Manager
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