Board of Supervisors
Tuesday, October 13 2009
SUPERVISORS PRESENT: Edward J. Brandt, Chairman Chip Behr, Vice-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 7:35 p.m. in the Lower Gwynedd Township Municipal Building and led those in attendance in the pledge of allegiance. The Solicitor stated an Executive Session for an update on a litigation matter was held prior to this meeting. Receipt of Meeting Minutes: September 8, 2009 September 22, 2009 The Board of Supervisors received the minutes of the September 8, 2009 Workshop Meeting and the September 22, 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 October 27, 2009. Receipt of Invoice History by General Ledger Account for September, 2009 The Board of Supervisors received the Invoice History by General Ledger Account for September, 2009. The Chairman asked if there were any questions. The Chairman asked about a payment to Krupp, Meyers & Hoffman. Mr. Comunale stated he will report back on that item in a memorandum to the Board next week. There were no other questions. The Chairman announced that the above item would be tabled until the next Regular Meeting on October 27, 2009. Receipt of the Year-to-Date Budget Report for August, 2009 The Board of Supervisors received the Year-to-Date Budget Report for August, 2009. The Chairman asked if there were any questions. There were none. The Chairman announced that the above item would be tabled until the next Regular Meeting on October 27, 2009. PUBLIC COMMENTS The Chairman asked for public comment for items not on the agenda. There were none. BUILDING AND ZONING The Solicitor noted that Clearwire, US, LLC is not on the agenda. Authorization to Advertise “D Business District Ordinance” Mr. Garrity stated that a development plan for the Pike Restaurant. He stated portions of four (4) other properties to the north should also be rezoned to “D Business District Ordinance”. Mr. Garrity stated this ordinance will be advertised for a public hearing on November 24, 2009. The Chairman stated the “D Business District Ordinance” will give more flexibility for the redevelopment of the former Pike Restaurant property (820 Bethlehem Pike). Mr. Behr made a motion, seconded by Dr. Booth to authorize the advertisement of the “D Business District Ordinance” for November 24, 2009. The motion carried 4 – 0. Ordinance No. : Building Permit Site Plan Ordinance Mr. Garrity stated this is an announcement that a public hearing of the Building Permit Site Plan Ordinance is scheduled for October 27, 2009. He noted this ordinance will clarify what is required in building permit site plans before a permit is obtained, at the completion of the foundation and the as-built plan when completed. The Chairman asked for this to be put on the website. Authorization for Conditional Use Hearing: T-Mobile Northeast LLC 634 Houston Road Mr. Garrity stated the T-Mobile Northeast conditional use application involves an additional antenna on a water tower located at 634 Houston Road. He noted authorization to advertise the conditional use hearing by the Board is requested tonight. Dr. Booth made a motion, seconded by Ms. Hunsicker to authorize advertisement of the conditional use hearing for T-Mobile Northeast. The motion carried 4 – 0. OTHER BUSINESS Authorization for the Chairman to Execute the Brandywine Traffic Signal Maintenance Agreement Mr. Garrity stated a traffic signal at the on ramp of Rt. 309 (Norristown Road & Spring House Corporate Center East Driveway) by Brandywine was approved by PennDOT. He stated a traffic signal maintenance agreement was negotiated by the Township and Brandywine Realty Trust. Mr. Comunale stated the Township is responsible for the traffic light maintenance and Brandywine Realty Trust will reimburse the Township $3,000 a year for maintenance. Mr. Garrity asked if there were any questions. There were none. Dr. Booth made a motion, seconded by Ms. Hunsicker to authorize the Chairman to execute the Brandywine Traffic Signal Agreement. The motion carried 4 – 0. Dr. Booth left the meeting at 7:50 p.m. to return at 7:53 p.m. Ordinance No. : Fire and Ambulance services Ordinance (October 27, 2009) Mr. Garrity stated there will be a public hearing on October 27, 2009 which clarifies worker’s compensation coverage for volunteer firemen and emergency workers. The Chairman questioned the coverage for those headquartered in boroughs. Mr. Garrity stated North Wales and Ambler Borough were informed of the ordinance. He stated the ordinances will put a burden on the fire companies and emergency services to provide a list of activities to be covered. MANAGER’S REPORT Report from the Manager – Municipal activities, projects Mr. Comunale noted that Lt. Paul Kenny graduated from the FBI Academy and will attend the next meeting to be recognized by the Board. Mr. Comunale stated Rt. 202 Section 65S (Hancock to Swedesford) will be delayed until 2014. He will ask McMahon Associates to look into this and report on any impact the delay might have. The Chairman asked to have Representative Harper look into the delay and asked for a report to be sent to the Board. SUPERVISORS/STAFF COMMENTS Supervisors, Staff comments, concerns, questions The Chairman stated George Hayeck’s empty chair will remain at the dais until the end of the year. He said Mr. Hayeck was gravely ill and passed on September 23, 2009. The Chairman asked for a moment of silence for Mr. Hayeck and that he rest in peace. He noted Mr. Hayeck’s many contributions to the community. Ms. Hunsicker said Mr. Hayeck will be missed and she was lucky to have known him. Dr. Booth also echoed the sentiment. Mr. Behr said Mr. Hayeck was a class act. The Chairman also noted that Peggy Tilson, a former member of the Planning Commission, passed away. There were no other comments. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m. until the next regular meeting scheduled for October 27, 2009. Respectfully submitted, Carole Culbreth Assistant Secretary
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