Board of Supervisors
Tuesday, December 08 2009
SUPERVISORS PRESENT: Edward J. Brandt, Chairman Dr. J. Richard Booth Kathleen Hunsicker STAFF:Larry M. Comunale, Township Manager Craig McAnally, Assistant Township Manager Carole Culbreth, Assistant Secretary Jim Garrity, Esq., Township Solicitor David W. Connell, Township Engineer Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Lower Gwynedd Township Municipal Building and led those in attendance in the pledge of allegiance. The Chairman stated the Board of Supervisors is required to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Chip Behr and made the following statement: As most of you know, Mr. Behr’s resignation was effective on December 1. Since reorganization for the New Year is coming up in January, we thought it would be a good idea to address that vacancy as soon as possible, so that the new Supervisor could be involved from the beginning in most of the planning for 2010. With that goal in mind, it seemed logical to consider people we already knew in Lower Gwynedd and particularly people who were already involved with the Township in one way or another. With Mr. Behr’s resignation discussed at the Volunteer dinner and appearing in the newspaper, a number of very good candidates actually approached us to express their interest. Since we already know those candidates and what each might bring to the Board, I think the three of us might be ready to consider nominations this evening and see if there is a consensus. Anyone chosen to the Board would be asked to serve from the date of their swearing in, to the reorganization meeting which next follows a municipal election (in this case, that would be until January of 2010). The Chairman asked if there are any nominations. Dr. Booth nominated Steve Paccione who has served on the Park & Recreation Board and the Zoning Hearing Board. The Chairman asked if there were any other nominations. There were no other nominations. Dr. Booth made a motion, seconded by Ms. Hunsicker to appoint Steve Paccione, to fill the vacancy in the Board of Supervisors created by the resignation of Chip Behr. The motion carried 3 – 0 to appoint Steve Paccione as a Supervisor. On behalf of the Board the Chairman thanked not only Steve Paccione, but also those other township residents who indicated a willingness to be of service. Every one of them would have made an excellent supervisor. Out of respect for their privacy the Chairman stated, he did not believe it would be appropriate to reveal their names. Receipt of Meeting Minutes: November 17, 2009 November 24, 2009 The Board of Supervisors received the minutes of the November 17, 2009 Workshop Meeting and the November 24, 2009 Regular Meeting. The Chairman asked if there were any questions. There were none. The Chairman announced that the above matter would be tabled until the next regular meeting of December 22, 2009. Receipt of Invoice History by General Ledger Account for October, 2009 The Board of Supervisors received the Invoice History by General Ledger Account for October, 2009. The Chairman questioned the Tyler Technologies Inc. invoice for $4,238.40. Mr. Comunale advised the invoice was for the licensing and support of the Township’s financial software package. The Chairman asked if there were any other questions. There were none. The Chairman announced that the above item would be tabled until the next Regular Meeting on December 22, 2009. PUBLIC COMMENTS The Chairman asked for public comment for items not on the agenda. There were none. No one was present except for the Board and township staff. BUILDING AND ZONING Public Hearing: “D Business District Ordinance” – continued Mr. Garrity stated additional residents were given notice of the “D Business District Ordinance”. He noted the record is now closed. Ms. Hunsicker made a motion, seconded by Dr. Booth to adopt Ordinance No. 469 changing the boundaries of the D Business District for five (5) properties along Bethlehem Pike. The motion carried 3 – 0. OTHER BUSINESS 2010 Budget & Fiscal Plan (December 22, 2009) The Chairman stated the 2010 Budget & Fiscal Plan is listed as an informational item and will be considered for adoption on December 22, 2009. Contract for Sanitary Sewer Pipe Rehabilitation Mr. Connell stated a bid opening was held on December 7, 2009 for the Sewer Rehabilitation Project. He noted there was only one bidder for the project. Mr. Connell said the one bidder was Tri-State Grouting of Newark, Delaware in the amount of $45,208. The project was estimated at about $42,000. He believes it would be appropriate to award the contract to Tri-State. Dr. Booth made a motion, seconded by Ms. Hunsicker to award the Sanitary Sewer Pipe Rehabilitation Contract to Tri-State Grouting in the amount of $45,208. The motion carried 3 – 0. MANAGER’S REPORT Report from the Manager – Municipal activities, projects Mr. Comunale stated he met with Foulkeways and PennDOT on the relocation of Meetinghouse Road project. He noted one item he found out was that PennDOT will not be moving ahead with the signalization at Meetinghouse Road which is distressing. Prior to the meeting it was understood that PennDOT would install the conduits and most arms and then the Township would install the traffic signal when warranted. He noted PennDOT stated that Rt. 202 would not be widened until Section 65S is constructed, creating problems to install the signal. The Chairman noted he and Mr. Comunale spoke with Rep. Kate Harper and she will look into it. He stated that Ken O’Brien of McMahon Associates will draft a letter stating the Township’s position. Mr. Comunale stated Montgomery County funding for Open Space maybe in jeopardy. He received a call from Phoebe Driscoll stating the County is backing off their Open Space commitments. He noted Ms. Driscoll said funds for many Open Space properties are in a “deferred” category. Mr. Comunale has a call in to Commissioner Matthews and he also wrote a letter in November regarding the status of the County’s Open Space funding. He noted the Township had commitments from the County for 80% for the Penllyn Pike trail and 90% on the trail connection to Whitpain Township. Mr. Comunale stated the Township has incorporated the match into the 2010 Budget Plan. He noted Mr. McAnally has acquired the four easements for the Penllyn Pike trail. Mr. Comunale stated the County needs to honor their commitment. Ms. Hunsicker stated the residents are waiting for the completion of the Penllyn Pike trail and we should aggressively pursue our allocation for this project. SUPERVISORS/STAFF COMMENTS Supervisors, Staff comments, concerns, questions The Chairman summarized the beginning portion of the meeting for Mr. Gray. There were no other comments. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:47 p.m. until the next regular meeting scheduled for December 22, 2009. Respectfully submitted, Carole Culbreth Assistant Secretary
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