Boards & Commissions: Meeting Minutes

Board of Commissioners Meeting August 11, 2005

The stated meeting of the Board of Commissioners of Abington Township was held on Thursday, August 11, 2005 at the Township Administration Building, Abington, PA, with Commissioner Ring presiding.

CALL TO ORDER: 8:00 p.m.

ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners AGOSTINE, MYERS,

WACHTER, DIJOSEPH, ZAPPONE, CARLIN,

JAY O’CONNOR, MICHAEL O’CONNOR,

WEILHEIMER, LUKER, MCGRATH, LYNOTT,

GILLESPIE, RING.

Excused: TURCO

Township Treasurer BLUMENTHAL

Township Manager CONWAY

Assistant Township Manager LAHAZA

Township Solicitor HERDER

Chief of Police KELLY

Township Engineer POWERS

Finance Director MATIZA

Director of Parks & Recreation WENDELL

Director of Public Works MICCIOLO

Superintendent of W.W.T.P. LEBER

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

PRESENTATIONS:

Save a Life Presentation

Commissioner Myers stated on Sunday, July 24, 2005 "Rocky" Jarden was reading the paper when he heard screaming from the Twin Brooks Condominium pool behind his townhouse. He proceeded to the pool area to find three children and an adult pointing to the bottom of the deep-end of the pool where he saw a lifeless drowning body of a child. Rocky dove in, retrieved the 6-year old boy, placed him on the deck of the pool, and began C.P.R. He soon realized that was not working and turned the boy over and attempted to evacuate the water from inside of him. It worked, and he proceeded with C.P.R. until the police and the Second Alarmers arrived. The unconscious child was transported to Abington Hospital and then onto Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Two days later, this young boy was released from Children’s Hospital fully recovered. If it had not been for the quick thinking and the ability of Rocky Jarden, this child would not have survived. Rocky is 78 years old, and a hero of our community. We are very proud of him.

Board of Commissioners Meeting August 11, 2005

Commissioners Myers and Ring presented Rocky Jarden with a certificate honoring him for his quick thinking, bravery, and unselfish service for coming to the assistance of a 6-year old boy and saving him from drowning.

Military Presentation to the Board

Marine Corps Warrant Officer Vincent DiAntonio, who is also a member of Abington Township’s Police Force, stated he has been a police officer for nine years and this from June, 2004 until May, 2005 he was called for active duty with the United States Marine Corp Reserves to serve in Iraq. During that time, the Township and the Police Department gave outstanding support to his wife and daughter while he was gone. It was a difficult time for his family and their support went a long way in making that time bearable for us. He presented a certificate to the Township from the National Committee for Employer’s Support of the Guard and Reserve recognizing the Abington Township Board of Commissioners and the Police Department as a Patriotic Employer for contributing to national security and protecting liberty and freedom by supporting an employee participation in America’s National Guard and Reserve Forces.

Presentation of State Re-Accreditation

Chief Kelly introduced Dick Hammon, Executive Director of the PA Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission and Chief Robert Ruxton, Vice President of the PA Chiefs of Police Association.

Mr. Hammon stated in 2001, the PA Chiefs of Police introduced this program to PA Law Enforcement. One-year later, Abington Township became the first agency in the State to become accredited, and the first to be re-accredited after three years.

Mr. Ruxton stated Chief Kelly has been the forefront of this program from the very beginning. There are 200 police departments in the pipeline waiting to be accredited. To be accredited, all policies and procedures are compared to a set of high standards that are set by the Commission.

Commissioners Ring and Myers received the award along with Liz Webb and Chris Bois.

Commissioner Myers stated having been through this process from the beginning, she is very proud of our police department.

Board of Commissioners Meeting August 11, 2005

Promotion to the Rank of Lieutenant

Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McGrath to promote Sergeant Steven Hochwind to the rank of Probationary Lieutenant effective August 12, 2005.

MOTION was ADOPTED 14-0.

Chief Kelly stated Lieutenant Hochwind has been a member of our police department for 22 years. He served the last eight years as a Sergeant, and he has twice served as an acting Lieutenant for nine months in 2001 and over 13 months from June, 2004 until the

present. He has been a member of the Police Tactical Unit for over 18 years, and he is the Assistant Commander of that 17-member Tactical Unit. In addition, Steve is Supervisor and Police Liaison to the Special Unit, which handles 4,000 hours of non-hazardous duties for the Township every year at no cost to the taxpayers. He also serves as the Police Department’s Liaison to the Township’s Park Rangers.

District Justice Joseph Dougherty swore in Lieutenant Steve Hochwind.

Appointment to Economic Development Committee

Commissioner Ring appointed Commissioner McGrath to take his place on the Economic Development Committee as the representative for the Board of Commissioners.

Proposed Environment Award

Commissioner McGrath stated Robert Montgomery passed away recently, and on behalf of herself and Commissioner Lynott she asked that the Abington Township Board of Commissioners establish an Annual Award in memory of Robert Montgomery, who served unselfishly as Chairman of the Abington Township Environmental Advisory Council for 25 years. The award would be presented in July of each year to the individual, who in the previous year, has done the most to promote, preserve, and protect the environment of Abington Township. The EAC would recommend candidates each year of the Montgomery award to the Board of Commissioners for their consideration. This item will be placed on the Public Affairs agenda for approval.

Commissioner Lynott stated Bob Montgomery has left an indelible mark on the community that he loved and served. His dedication and protection of the environment is well known among the Commissioners and the citizens of this Township.

Board of Commissioners Meeting August 11, 2005

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Commissioner Carlin made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Zappone to approve the minutes of the Board of Commissioners meeting of 7/14/05.

MOTION was ADOPTED 14-0.

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE:

Public Hearing – Ordinance No. 1928 – Ordinance to Amend Chapter 92 Article VII Entitled Separation, Storage and Collection of Recyclable Materials

Commissioner Ring made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Wachter to adopt Ordinance No. 1928 – Ordinance to Amend Chapter 92 Article VII Entitled Separation, Storage and Collection of Recyclable Materials.

Commissioner Ring opened the Public Hearing at 8:35 p.m.

Commissioner Ring asked for comments from staff.

Mr. Conway stated this is a proposed ordinance that would institutionalize our recycling system as we know it.

Mr. Micciolo stated this amendment brings the ordinance up-to-date to include collecting all kinds of paper and junk mail.

Commissioner Ring asked for comments from the Commissioners. There were none.

Commissioner Ring asked for public comments in favor of this ordinance. There were none.

Commissioner Ring asked for public comments in disfavor of this ordinance.

Ken Krawchuk, 117 West Avenue, stated he is against this ordinance. What is the Board’s authority to require him to be an unpaid trash collector, and how much will the Township pay him?

Solicitor Herder replied no one is forcing Mr. Krawchuk to be a trash collector.

Mr. Krawchuk stated there is a penalty of $300 if he does not separate his trash.

Commissioner Ring stated to file suit and let a Judge decide.

Board of Commissioners Meeting August 11, 2005

Mr. Krawchuk stated the Board cannot force him to do these things. How can he opt-out of this ordinance?

Solicitor Herder replied the First Class Township Code grants the First Class Townships’ the authority and obligation to provide for trash collection and protect the health, safety and welfare of the community. This is an extension of that power.

Commissioner Ring made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Agostine to close the Hearing.

MOTION was ADOPTED 14-0. The Hearing was closed at 8:40 p.m.

MOTION to adopt this ordinance passed 14-0.

Ordinance 1928

Board of Commissioners Meeting August 11, 2005

1150 Dixon Lane – Storm Sewer Replacement

Commissioner Wachter made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Zappone to reject all four (4) bids.

Commissioner Weilheimer stated we are in the process of obtaining other bids and this plan is still in action.

Mr. Powers replied that is correct.

MOTION was ADOPTED 14-0.

Chelsea Avenue – Street Reconstruction

Commissioner Wachter made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Zappone to approve a not-to-exceed expenditure of $19,000.00 to reimburse Upper Dublin Township for the reconstruction of Abington’s portion of the 300 block of Chelsea Avenue.

MOTION was ADOPTED 14-0.

PennDOT Snow and Ice Agreements:

Commissioner Wachter made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Zappone to continue with the agreement for the 2005-06 winter season.

MOTION was ADOPTED 14-0.

Montgomery County Snow and Ice Agreements

Commissioner Wachter made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Zappone to authorize the proper officials into an agreement with Montgomery County for Snow and Ice removal on Easton Road from Route 63 to Cheltenham Township for a payment of $8,455.40.

MOTION was ADOPTED 14-0.

CODE ENFORCEMENT AND LAND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:

The Committee had no business at this time.

Board of Commissioners Meeting August 11, 2005

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE:

Commissioner Gillespie asked that a motion to approve a handicapped sign be installed at 405 Sylvania Avenue be listed as PS10 on tonight’s agenda. Mr. Quinn, our Traffic Safety Manager has recommended it.

Commissioner Ring agreed.

No Parking Here to Corner – Wheatsheaf Lane

Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McGrath to approve the installation of one No Parking Here To Corner sign on the southwest corner of Wheatsheaf Lane, 35’ from Woodland Road.

MOTION was ADOPTED 14-0.

No Parking Anytime – 1900 Harte Road

Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McGrath to approve the installation of No Parking Anytime signs on the south side of the 1900 block of Harte Road.

MOTION was ADOPTED 14-0.

Parking Time Limited – Mt. Carmel Avenue

Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McGrath to approve the installation of Four Hour Limit parking signs on the north and south sides of Mount Carmel Avenue between Woodlyn Avenue and Easton Road.

MOTION was ADOPTED 14-0.

Edgecomb Avenue and Sylvania Avenue – Yield Right of Way

Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Gillespie to install one Yield sign on Edgecomb Avenue (east) at Sylvania Avenue.

MOTION was ADOPTED 14-0.

Board of Commissioners Meeting August 11, 2005

Stop Sign – Keith Road and Grovania Avenue

Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McGrath to approve the installation of one Stop Sign on Keith Road at Grovania Avenue.

MOTION was ADOPTED 14-0.

Transfer of Funds

Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McGrath to authorize the transfer of $5,000.00 previously allocated capital improvement funds as detailed in attached memo.

MOTION was ADOPTED 14-0.

PAL Grant

Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McGrath to authorize Township officials to accept a grant award from Abington Police Athletic/Activities League in the amount of $10,000.00.

MOTION was ADOPTED 14-0.

Ordinance No. 1929 – Limiting Residency Location for Persons Convicted Of Certain Offenses

Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McGrath to advertise a Public Hearing for September 8, 2005.

MOTION was ADOPTED 14-0.

Install a Handicapped Sign at 405 Sylvania Avenue

Commissioner Gillespie made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Carlin to install a Handicapped sign at 405 Sylvania Avenue.

MOTION was ADOPTED 14-0.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE:

Board of Commissioners Meeting August 11, 2005

Department of Community and Economic Development Home Grant

Commissioner Carlin made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Lynott to accept a grant in the amount of $400,000.00 from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for the Township’s Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Program.

MOTION was ADOPTED 14-0.

Community Revitalization Grant – Roslyn Town Center Streetscape

Commissioner Carlin made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Lynott to approve an award of the Roslyn Town Center Streetscape Project Phase I to Associated Paving Contractors, Inc., in the amount of $101,150.00 for crosswalk installation, and a not-to-exceed amount of $89,000.00 to be applied toward utility pole relocation by Verizon and PECO. Payment in full to utilize the Abington Township fund balance account will be reimbursed by Montgomery County to a maximum of eighty-five percent (85%) of the project cost.

MOTION was ADOPTED 14-0.

Treasurer’s Report:

Township Treasurer Jay Blumenthal stated for July, 2005 $587,671 was deposited into Bank of America, YTD $10,923,608. This was a decrease as compared to last year of ($272,271) for the month, and YTD ($54,989). We collected $99,309 in Real Estate Taxes for July, 2005, YTD $20,568,376. This was a decrease of ($7,581) as compared to last year.

Investments

Commissioner Luker made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Carlin to approve the investments for the month of June 2005 as previously circulated to the Board. It was noted that investments for the month totaled $10,906,000. Interest yields ranged from 3.300% to 4.078%.

Board of Commissioners Meeting August 11, 2005

Expenditures/Salaries and Wages

Motion to:

Approve the June expenditures as previously circulated to the Board, in the amount of $3,127,778.78 and salaries and wages in the amount of $1,335,464.92.

Authorize the proper officials to sign vouchers in payment of bills and contracts as they mature for the month of September, 2005.

Roll Call resulted in motion being passed 14-0.

Training and Conference Expenses

Commissioner Luker made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Carlin to approve the Advance and Travel Expense activity for June, 2005 as previously circulated to the Board. Advance and Travel Expense reports were $92.00 and $6,016.49, respectively.

Six-month expenses totaled $18,262.23.

MOTION was ADOPTED 14-0.

Clearing Fund/Deferred Revenue and Expense/Petty Cash

Commissioner Luker made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McGrath to approve the Clearing Fund, deferred revenue/expense activity and petty cash balances for the month of June, 2005 as previously circulated to the Board.

Petty Cash balances were approved as per Finance Committee Report.

Clearing Fund receipts and disbursements for the month of June, 2005 were $6.60 and ($0.00), respectively.

Deferred Revenue/Expense receipts and disbursements for the month of June, 2005 were $14,950.00 and ($469.44), respectively.

MOTION was ADOPTED 14-0.

Board of Commissioners Meeting August 11, 2005

PENSION COMMITTEE:

Alliance Bernstein – US Style Blend Portfolio

Commissioner Wachter made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Luker to authorize Chief Administrative Officer to enter into an agreement with Alliance Bernstein, Institutional Investment Management for the purpose of managing the equity growth and value segments of the Non-Uniformed and Police Pensions Plans under the "US Style Blend" investment.

MOTION was ADOPTED 14-0.

COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS:

There were none.

REMARKS OF COMMISSIONERS:

Commissioner Wachter thanked Mr. Micciolo for the street improvement work done at Chapel Manor.

Commissioner Zappone stated the sanitary and storm sewer projects in Ardsley are moving along ahead of schedule with minimal problems and complaints. The contractor, Joao & Bradley is doing a spectacular job. The Ardsley/Roslyn walking path project is underway.

Commissioner Carlin thanked the Commissioners for their support of that walking path project.

Commissioner Jay O’Connor thanked Mr. Lahaza for his help getting Township Line Road open last Friday night. He thanked Mr. Micciolo for his help with fixing a large pothole in his ward. He also thanked Mr. Quinn for his help with the traffic issues in his ward.

Commissioner Luker thanked Mr. Micciolo and Angelo Pontelandolfo for the street overlay project that was done over the summer. He thanked Maria Wyrsta for her help in getting him a plaque at the last minute.

Commissioner McGrath thanked the Board for any consideration given for the Robert Montgomery Award. She also thanked them for passing a stop sign that was needed at Keith and Grovania Avenues. While at the Roslyn Fire House, she met Jennifer Kratzer, who is the Center Manager for "Best Friends." They have a rescue oxygen mask for

Board of Commissioners Meeting August 11, 2005

animals and the Roslyn Fire Company is the second fire company to have it. Best Friends will match every dollar donated to support this cause. Eventually all fire companies will have them.

Commissioner Gillespie stated 50 years ago, he played defensive end and line backer for the 1955 Football Team at Abington High School. He has been on the stadium committee, and September 9, 2005 is the first home game with Plymouth-Whitemarsh at 7:00 p.m. He asked that the Township buy an engraved brick towards their new stadium.

Commissioner Ring stated we will place that item on the next Public Affairs Committee meeting agenda.

Commissioner Wachter complimented Commissioner Gillespie on his work at the Roslyn Antique Car Show.

ADJOURNMENT: 9:00 p.m.

Respectively submitted,

Burton T. Conway, Secretary

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