Board of Supervisors
Tuesday, September 22 2009
SUPERVISORS PRESENT: Edward J. Brandt, Chairman Chip Behr, Vice-Chairman Kathleen Hunsicker Dr. J. Richard Booth ABSENT: George Hayeck STAFF: Larry M. Comunale, Township Manager Carole Culbreth, Assistant Secretary James J. Garrity, Esq. Township Solicitor David Connell, CKS Engineers, Township Engineer Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance The Chairman called the meeting to order at time 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 Regular Meeting. The Chairman asked if there were any question or corrections. There were none. Dr. Booth made a motion, seconded by Mr. Hunsicker to approve the minutes of the August 25, 2009 Regular Meeting. The motion carried 4 – 0. Receipt of Invoice History Report for August, 2009 The Board of Supervisors received the Invoice History for the month of August , 2009 in the amount of $1,032,401.81. The Chairman asked if there were any questions or comments. There were none. Ms. Hunsicker made a motion, seconded by Dr. Booth, to approve the Invoice History in the amount of $1,032,401.81 for the month of August, 2009. The motion carried 4 – 0. 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 stated the Board will table the Year-to-Date Report for August, 2009 until the October 13, 2009 Workshop Meeting. PUBLIC COMMENTS The Chairman opened the meeting for public comment for items not on the agenda. Vicki and Rick Tibberino, 351 Arbor Lane, discussed their problems with the trail along their property line. The Chairman stated that the supervisors and staff took a look at the Tibberino’s property and the Township trail. He said paving the path will make the trail boundaries more visible to the residents. The Chairman expressed that the trail should be made safe for all residents. He noted a fence on both sides was discussed. The Chairman stated dogs are the responsibility of their owners. He said the Township should accommodate the property owner so that trail walkers do not go onto their property. Mr. Behr stated walkers are using the driveway because it is easier. Ms. Tibberino stated there is opposition from some neighbors. The Chairman stated that Township staff had concerns from neighbors who were intimidated by his dogs. Mr. Tibberino asked what about those who intimidate his dogs. Mr. Behr said he should call the police. Ms. Tibberino stated they have pictures of those intimidating the dogs. Mr. Garrity stated everyone knows their rights. Mr. Tibberino asked for a timeline regarding the remedies. Mr. Comunale stated he will get back to them. Dr. Booth suggested we expedite the improvements. Ms. Tibberino questioned the Board’s unresponsiveness to her recent request. Mr. Behr said the Board has spent a tremendous amount of time on their problem. He stated he lived on a trail and the trail at the Tibberino’s property is unique. Mark Grey, 331 Arbor Lane, stated he was not aware there was an issue with the trail. He noted the issue with the dogs is a real source of contention. Mr. Grey stated a fence on both sides would go a long way. He questioned the set back that puts the trail onto the neighbors’ properties. Mr. Garrity stated he will check that out. There were no other comments. OTHER BUSINESS Authorize the Minimum Municipal Obligation for 2010 for the Township Pension Funds Mr. Comunale stated Kent Spade, Township Actuary, has completed the year 2010 estimated funding requirements for the Township’s Pension Plans. He stated the Township must budget $559,063 for the Police Pension Plan and $253,129 for the Non-Uniformed Employees Pension Plan. It was the consensus of the Board to authorize the Manager to include the stated amounts in the 2010 budget to meet its statutory obligations. Environmental Covenant and Agreement to Closeout the Underground Storage Tank Project at the Township Building Mr. Comunale explained this environmental covenant will hopefully close out the underground storage tank gasoline leak which occurred behind the Township building. He stated the Township has been reimbursed with state funds for the environmental management fees. Mr. Comunale stated the contaminants are now low enough that the Township can now enter into an agreement to closeout the Underground Storage Tank Project subject to DEP’s requirements. There were no questions or comments for the Board or public. Dr. Booth made a motion, seconded by Ms. Hunsicker to authorize the Chairman to execute the Environmental Covenant and Agreement to Closeout the Underground Storage Tank Project at the Township Building. The motion carried 4 – 0. MANAGER’S REPORT Report from the Manager - Municipal activities, projects Mr. Comunale stated a state aid check for $181,424.79 has been received. He noted this is a reduction of 2% from last year’s amount. Mr. Comunale stated the first meeting of the tax collection committee for Montgomery County has been schedule for October 28, 2009. Mr. Comunale stated that Mr. McAnally attend the Montgomery County Open Space Committee Meeting. He noted the committee recommended approval of a $456,000 grant from the County to assist the Township with 80% of the cost for the Penllyn Pike trail and 90% of the Green Ribbon Trail. Mr. Comunale stated the next step is approval by the County Commissioners. Mr. Comunale stated the MCATO Convention will be held on Friday, September 25th. SUPERVISORS/STAFF COMMENTS Supervisors, Staff comments, concerns, questions Chief Scholly stated Paul Kenny has completed his training at the FBI Academy and is back to work. He stated Lt. Kenny’s graduation was attended by Sgt. Mike Rogge, Officer Fowler and himself. Dr. Booth asked for prayers to be said for George Hayeck. He complimented Joe Zadlo on his memorandum on the Bethlehem Pike Improvement efforts and found the content extremely useful to gauge marketing on Bethlehem Pike. Mr. Comunale stated this information will be passed on to Tom Comitta. Mr. Behr asked for prayers for George Hayeck and hopes he does not suffer. The Chairman said he will be with the Lord soon and a memorial will be held. There were no additional comments. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m. until the next meeting scheduled for October 13, 2009. Respectfully submitted, Carole Culbreth Assistant Secretary
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