Board of Supervisors
Monday, January 04 2010
SUPERVISORS PRESENT: Edward J. Brandt, Chairman Kathleen Hunsicker Dr. J. Richard Booth Stephen Paccione Mark G. Grey STAFF: Larry M. Comunale, Township Manager Craig McAnally, Assistant Township Manager Carole B. Culbreth, Assistant Secretary James J. Garrity, Esq., Solicitor David W. Connell, Township Engineer Joseph A. Zadlo, Township Planner Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance The Chairman called the meeting to order at 4:05 p.m. in the Lower Gwynedd Township Municipal Building and led those in attendance in the pledge of allegiance. Mr. Brandt announced that Judge Murray conducted the swearing-in ceremony prior to the meeting for Newly-Elected Supervisor, Mark G. Grey and Re-Elected Supervisor, Edward J. Brandt and Kathleen Hunsicker and Appointed Supervisor, Stephen Paccione. Nominations for the position of Temporary Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. Ms. Hunsicker made a motion, seconded by Mr. Grey to appoint Dr. Booth as temporary Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. The motion carried 5-0. Nominations for the position of Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Ms. Hunsicker made a motion, seconded by Mr. Paccione to appoint Edward J. Brandt as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. The motion carried 5-0. Nominations for the position of Vice-Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Mr. Brandt made a motion, seconded by Mr. Paccione to appoint Kathleen Hunsicker as Vice-Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. The motion carried 5-0. Appointment of Delegate and Alternate Delegate for PSATS Convention Mr. Brandt made a motion, seconded by Mr. Paccione to appoint Mark Grey as Delegate and Steve Paccione as Alternate Delegate for the PSATS Convention. The motion carried 5 – 0. Supervisor’s comments – Chairman’s comments Mr. Brandt thanked everyone for showing confidence in him to continue as Chair and proceeded with the meeting. Establishment of meeting dates for the Board of Supervisors for the year 2010 The Chairman stated that the meeting dates will continue with the Workshop Meeting on the 2nd Tuesday of each month and the Regular Meeting on the 4th Tuesday of the month with the exception of June, July and August scheduling only Regular Meetings on the fourth Tuesday. Dr. Booth made a motion, seconded by Ms. Hunsicker to approve the 2010 Meeting Schedule as distributed. The motion carried 5 – 0. Township Appointments Appointment of Secretary – Larry M. Comunale Appointment of Treasurer - Larry M. Comunale Appointment of Assistant Secretary – Carole B. Culbreth Appointment of Assistant Treasurer – Craig McAnally Appointment of Solicitor – James J. Garrity, Esq., Wisler, Pearlstine, Talone, Craig, Garrity & Potash. Appointment of Township Engineer – David W. Connell, CKS Engineers Appointment of Building Inspector – Joseph A. Zadlo; Joseph A. Zadlo, Architects Appointment of Township Planner - Joseph A. Zadlo; Joseph A. Zadlo, Architects Appointment of Zoning Officer - Joseph A. Zadlo; Joseph A. Zadlo, Architects Appointment of Assistant Zoning Officer – Craig T. McAnally Appointment of Lower Gwynedd representatives to Ambler Wastewater Treatment Plant – Thomas Timoney, Esquire, Timoney, Knox, Hasson, Weand Appointment of Chief Administrative Officer for Pension Plans – Larry M. Comunale Appointment of Certified Public Accounting Firm (CPA) – Maillie, Falconiero & Company, LLP Appointment of Fire Marshal and Assistant Fire Marshals Al Comly, Jr. – Fire Marshal John Leadbeater, Wissahickon Fire Co. & William Goltz, North Penn Fire Co. – Asst. Fire Marshals Dr. Booth made a motion, seconded by Ms. Hunsicker to approve the appointments of the persons listed above in a single motion. The motion carried 5 – 0. Resolution #2010-01: Adoption of a Resolution establishing approved depositories for Lower Gwynedd Township Funds in 2010. Dr. Booth made a motion, seconded by Mr. Paccione to adopt Resolution #2010-01 establishing approved depositories for Lower Gwynedd Township Funds in 2010. The motion carried 5 – 0. Resolution #2010-02: Adoption of a Resolution establishing Holidays for Township Employees for the year 2010. Ms. Hunsicker made a motion, seconded by Mr. Paccione to adopt Resolution #2010-02 establishing Holidays for Township Employees for the year 2010. The motion carried 5 – 0. Resolution #2010-03: Adoption of a Resolution approving the execution and signing of payroll between regular meetings for the year 2010. Dr. Booth made a motion, seconded by Ms. Hunsicker to adopt Resolution #2010-03 approving the execution and signing of payroll between regular meetings for the year 2010. The motion carried 5 – 0. Resolution #2010-04: Appointment and adoption of a Resolution establishing the Business Privilege, Mercantile and Earned Income Tax Collector for the year 2010. Ms. Hunsicker made a motion, seconded by Mr. Paccione to adopt Resolution 2010-04 appointing Lower Gwynedd Township Associates to the position of Business Privilege Tax, Mercantile Tax and Earned Income Tax Collector for the year 2010. The motion carried 5 – 0. Resolution #2010-05: Uniformed Employees’ Pension Plan Ms. Hunsicker made a motion, seconded by Dr. Booth to adopt Resolution #2010-05, continuing the 5% payroll contributions to the Uniformed Employees (Police) Pension Plan. The motion carried 5 – 0. Motion to approve the mileage rate (50 cents per mile) for reimbursement of Township Employees Ms. Hunsicker made a motion, seconded by Dr. Booth to approve the mileage rate of 50 cents per mile for reimbursement of Township employees a Township business consistent with the IRS guideline. The motion carried 5-0. Appointments to Commissions and Boards The Chairman read the following names offered for re-appointments: Planning Commission, 4-year terms – Beth Pilling Municipal Authority, 5-year term – Phillip G. Damm Zoning Hearing Board, 3-year term – Frank Vitetta, Dennis Daly Vacancy Board, 1-year term – James McCrudden Industrial Compact, 1-year term – Harvey Salwen, Robert Reitenbaugh Park and Recreation Board, 5-year term – Michael Goebner and Scott Gallant Bethlehem Pike Improvement Committee, 1 year term – Michael Del Rossi, Joel Cohen, Maggie Fillinger The Chairman suggested that members of the Bethlehem Pike Improvement Committee serve an indefinite term at the pleasure of the Board of Supervisors rather than the one-year term. Ms. Hunsicker stated the Committee should be informed of the change. Dr. Booth made a motion, seconded by Ms. Hunsicker to appoint the individuals listed above to the various commissions and boards with the suggested change to the terms for the Bethlehem Pike Improvement Committee. The motion carried 5 – 0. Supervisor Committees The Chairman announced the following Supervisor Committees: Building & Zoning: Brandt and Hunsicker Business Community/Bethlehem Pike Improvements: Booth and Hunsicker Industrial Compact: Brandt and Paccione Investment Advisory: Booth & Grey Emergency Management Services Committee: Booth and Grey Park & Recreation: Paccione and Hunsicker Personnel/Administration: Hunsicker and Brandt Public Works: Booth and Paccione Recycling: Brandt and Grey Members were in agreement with the committee assignments. BUSINESS & FINANCIAL Receipt of Meeting Minutes: 12//08/09 Workshop and 12/22/09 Regular Meetings The Board of Supervisors received the minutes of the December 8, 2009 Workshop and the December 22, 2009 Regular Meetings. 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 January 26, 2010.
Receipt of Invoice History by General Ledger Account for December, 2009 The Board of Supervisors received the Invoice History by General Ledger Account for December, 2009. The Chairman asked if there were any questions. There were none. The Chairman announced that this item would be tabled until the next Regular Meeting on January 26, 2010. Receipt of the Year-to-Date Budget Report, November, 2009 The Board of Supervisors received the Year-to-Date Budget Report for November, 2009. The Chairman asked if there were any questions. There were none. The Chairman announced that this item would be tabled until the next Regular Meeting on January 26, 2010. PUBLIC COMMENTS The Chairman asked for public comment for items not on the agenda. There were none. BUILDING AND ZONING Public Hearing: Wireless Telecom Facility Overlay Ordinance (Jan. 26th) Mr. Comunale stated the Wireless Telecom Facility Overlay Ordinance was reviewed by the Planning Commission. He stated the ordinance eliminates the Conditional Use process for Wireless Telecom Facility Overlay. The Chairman asked if the Ordinance pertains only to overlays without an extension. Mr. Garrity stated this ordinance pertains only to attachments without an increase in height. Mr. Comunale noted this item is for announcement purposes only and will be heard at the January 26, 2010 Regular Meeting. OTHER BUSINESS Manager’s Employment Contract The Chairman stated the Manager’s Employment Contract was received by the Board. Mr. Comunale stated this contract consolidated the original contract and addendums. The Chairman noted the Township must give 120 days notice and severance for termination except for termination by cause. He noted the Manager must give 45 days to the Township before he resigns. Ms. Hunsicker made a motion, seconded by Dr. Booth to approve the Manager’s Employment Contract. The motion carried 5 – 0. Agreement for Services – Joseph Zadlo The Chairman stated the Board received the Agreement for Joseph A. Zadlo, Architect and Lower Gwynedd Township for Building/Zoning/Planning Services for 2010 and 2011. He stated Mr. Zadlo has been the Zoning Officer for years. Dr. Booth asked if $1 million liability insurance is adequate. Mr. Paccione noted Mr. Zadlo has a $1,000,000 million liability insurance coverage policy with Lower Gwynedd Township as the certificate holder and a $1,000,000 umbrella policy for a total of $2,000,000 in coverage. The Chairman asked Mr. Zadlo for comments. Mr. Zadlo stated the contract list the duties, office hours, compensation, meeting attendance, fees, and benefits. Mr. Grey stated it was not clear what was agreed to in the $2,000,000 insurance coverage. Mr. Zadlo stated he reissued the contract with $1,000,000 liability insurance and the $1,000,000 personal liability umbrella policy for a total of $2,000,000 in insurance coverage. He stated he will not be increasing his rates for the next two years and the contract for services is effective for years 2010 and 2011. Ms. Hunsicker made a motion, seconded by Mr. Paccione to approve Joseph Zadlo’s Agreement for Services with the amendments represented by Mr. Zadlo. The motion carried 5 – 0. MANAGER’S REPORT Mr. Comunale stated an Elected Auditors Reorganization meeting will be held tomorrow, January 5, 2010 at 8:00 a.m. Mr. Comunale acknowledged that Mr. Paccione and Mr. Grey have requested to be enrolled in the Township’s health care plan and will also receive a life insurance benefit. SUPERVISORS/STAFF COMMENTS The Chairman stated the following are his 2010 Priorities for Lower Gwynedd Township: 1. Continue to manage the fiscal affairs of the Township in a conservative manner. 2. Complete Phase II of the Bethlehem Pike Improvement Project, including the construction of sidewalks, fencing and plantings to provide a walkable downtown and to create an attractive place to do business. 3. Continue to work with the Bethlehem Pike Improvement Committee and our consultant to encourage downtown improvements. 4. Continue to improve the Township’s website and maximize the use of technology to make Lower Gwynedd Township government friendly and more transparent to our residents and business community. 5. To develop a financial plan to finance the Meetinghouse Road Fire and Ambulance Station. 6. Promote recycling and environmental stewardship in Lower Gwynedd Township by appointing and energizing a Recycling Committee. Chief Scholly stated he is recovering from his automobile accident. The Chairman thanked Betty Lou Yost for the great job in collecting the Township’s tax dollars. Ms. Yost thanked the Chairman for his kind words. Mr. Connell thanked the Board for his reappointment. He said it is his 13th year at Lower Gwynedd Township and he appreciates the Board’s confidence. Mr. Zadlo thanked the Board for his approved contract and said it is an honor to serve in Lower Gwynedd Township. Mr. Garrity thanked the Board for their continuing confidence. Mr. McAnally wished everyone a Happy New Year. Ms. Culbreth looks forward to a great 2010 and wished everyone a Happy New Year. Mr. Comunale stated he is looking forward to a good 2010 and thanked the Board for their confidence in him and the Lower Gwynedd staff. Mr. Grey thanked the taxpayers for electing him as Township Supervisor and is looking forward to the change in the next six years. Ms. Hunsicker thanked all the Lower Gwynedd Township volunteers on the Boards and Commissions for their time. She welcomed Mr. Paccione and Mr. Grey to the Board. Mr. Paccione thanked Ms. Yost and the Lower Gwynedd Township staff for their outstanding work. He stated he looks forward to the learning experience of becoming a member of the Board. Mr. Paccione wished everyone a Happy New Year. Dr. Booth thanked Ms. Yost for her work as Tax Collector. He welcomed the new members to the Board. Dr. Booth wished everyone a Happy New Year. The Chairman thanked the Board for his Chairmanship. He welcomed Mr. Grey and Mr. Paccione to the Board and hopes the Board can tap into their talents and work with their fellow supervisors for the betterment of Lower Gwynedd Township . He noted that Lower Gwynedd Township has a fine reputation and a solid fiscal rating. The Chairman noted his major priority is to continue and develop a strong financial plan for the future. He agreed with Ms. Hunsicker that the volunteers serve diligently giving many hours to the Township. The Chairman stated he wants to resurrect the Recycling Committee. Lastly he thanked his wife, Rosemary, who allows him to dedicate significant time to the Township. He wished everyone a Happy New Year. Adjournment There being no further questions or comments, the meeting was adjourned at 5:00 p.m. until the next Regular Meeting scheduled for January 26, 2010. Respectfully submitted, Carole B. Culbreth Assistant Secretary
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