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Board of Commissioners
Meeting Minutes
Board of Commissioners Meeting - February
13, 2003
The stated meeting of the Board of Commissioners of
the Township of Abington was held on Thursday, February
13, 2003 at the Township Administration Building, Abington,
PA., with President Barbara C. Ferrara presiding.
CALL TO ORDER: 8:10 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners AGOSTINE,
WACHTER,
LUKER, TURCO, ZAPPONE, RING, GROSS,
O’CONNOR, CARLIN, MYERS, MCGRATH,
DEVORE, GILLESPIE, KRETSCHMAN, FERRARA
Township Manager CONWAY
Assistant Township Manager LAHAZA
Township Solicitor HERDER
Chief of Police KELLY
Treasurer SOLOMON
Township Engineer POWERS
Director of Finance MATIZA
Director of Public Works MICCIOLO
Director of Code Enforcement MATTEO
Director of Parks and Recreation WENDELL
Superintendent of W.W.T.P. LEBER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
COMMENDATIONS:
Mr. Wendell and Trish Shaw recognized the Abington
Raiders Football Team, 2002 Champions and presented
them with a banner for the school on behalf of the Township
and the Parks and Recreation Dept.
Mr. Matteo and Commissioners Ferrara and DeVore recognized
Arthur Lindley Bigelow retiring after 22 years from
the Zoning Hearing Board and John N. Weiss retiring
after 13 years from the Zoning Hearing Board, and presented
them with commendations for their many years of dedication
and service.
Chief Kelly honored some volunteer members of the Abington
Township Special Police Unit, and Lt. James Leary and
Commissioner Ferrara presented commendations to Lt.
Robert Kerstetter, 33 years of service, Sgt. John
Board of Commissioners Meeting February 13, 2003
Assman, 24 years of service, Officer Ralph Watkins,
14 years of service, Sgt. Eugene Taddei, who is retiring
with over 33 years of service.
PRESENTATION:
Commissioner Gillespie introduced Roger Myers, President
of CAPT (Citizens and Police Together) who presented
a check for $10,000 to Lt. John Livingood for the Police
and Fire Memorial fund.
Lt. John Livingood stated this project would not be
possible without the assistance of CAPT and he thanked
them, Chief Kelly, and Mike Webb on behalf of the Board
of Directors for their help with the project.
MINUTES:
Commissioner Kretschman made a MOTION, seconded by
Commissioner Ring to approve the minutes of the Final
Budget meeting and Earned Income Tax Ordinance Hearing
of December 18, 2002.
MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.
Commissioner Kretschman made a MOTION, seconded by
Commissioner Ring to approve the minutes of the Board
of Commissioners meeting of January 9, 2003.
MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.
Commissioner Kretschman announced an executive session
was held this evening to discuss legal and personnel
matters. The Redistricting Committee’s plan is complete.
He asked Mr. Powers to make copies of the plan and distribute
to the Commissioners for review and that we formally
put a MOTION to advertise the plan on the Public Affairs
agenda next month. We also need to send a copy of the
map to Greg Holt, Chairman of the Democratic Party.
Solicitor Herder stated a copy of that needs to go
to the County Board of Elections.
Commissioner Kretschman replied we will send a final
plan.
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE:
Penmore Place Street Dedication - Ordinance #1890
Board of Commissioners Meeting February 13, 2003
Commissioner Gross made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner
Ring to advertise Ordinance #1890 providing for the
dedication of Penmore Place.
MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.
Electronic Access to PennDOT Computer Systems -
Resolution #03-003
Commissioner Gross made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner
Ring to approve Resolution #03-003 approving an agreement
to authorize electronic access to PennDOT computer systems
and initiating the on-line registration procedure.
MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.
Engineering Funding Request - Wissahickon Watershed
Partnership
Commissioner Gross made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner
Ring to authorize engineering fee expenditures, not
to exceed $10,000, from Wastewater Account #02-10-200-5305
to Environmental Engineering & Management Associates,
Inc. in connection with the Wissahickon Watershed Partnership.
MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.
Anaerobic Digester Upgrade - Engineering Design
Commissioner Gross made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner
Agostine to authorize CET Engineering to design and
bid improvements to T-19 anaerobic digester at an engineering
cost of $71,200, to be funded from Sewer Operating Fund
Account #02-00-962-7326.
MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.
Highway Aid Unallocated Fund Balance Transfer
Commissioner Gross made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner
Ring to increase Highway Aid Account #01-13-148-5320,
Equipment and Materials Major Purchases, by $12,000
to purchase two new 2003 dump trucks. Funds to come
from 2002 Unallocated Highway Aid fund balance.
MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.
Baeder Creek Flood Study - Engineering Proposal
Board of Commissioners Meeting February 13, 2003
Commissioner Gross made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner
Ring to accept the proposal from URS Corporation at
a lump sum fee of $27,300 for the preparation of the
Growing Greener application regarding the Baeder Creek
Flood study. To be funded from the 2002 Capital Improvement
fund.
MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.
Sewer Rates
Commissioner Gross made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner
Agostine to advertise Ordinance #1889 amending Ordinance
#1883.
MOTION was ADOPTED 14-1. Commissioner Turco opposed.
Police/Fire Memorial Project
Commissioner Gross made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner
Ring to authorize an expense NTE $11,495 from 2003 Contingency
fund for the Police/Fire Memorial project, with the
understanding that future fund raising may replenish
this amount.
MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.
Commissioner Gross commented our Public Works Department
has done an outstanding job with the snow, cold weather
problems, and the leaf pick-up.
Commissioner DeVore commented he was notified that
a $3,000 contribution was received for the Police/Fire
Memorial project.
Commissioner Gillespie thanked Commissioner DeVore
for his help on the project.
CODE ENFORCEMENT AND LAND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
Electrical Inspection Agency
Commissioner Agostine made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner
Ring to approve Liberty Inspection Group to perform
electrical inspections in Abington as a third-party
agency.
MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.
Subdivision Plan SD-02-03 - Waiver of Curbing Along
Parkview Avenue
Board of Commissioners Meeting February 13, 2003
Commissioner Agostine made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner
Ring to waive requirements for the installation of curbing
along Parkview Avenue in front of Lots 3 and 4, as requested
by K & R Builders, Koslowski Construction Co. Curbing
was required in Subdivision Plan SD-02-03 approved on
May 9, 2002.
MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE:
DCED Grant, Year II - Bomb Detection K-9 Dog
Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner
McGrath to accept a grant from the PA Department of
Community and Economic Development in the amount of
$10,000, to be used for purchase and training of an
explosives detection dog.
STOP Signs - Washington Lane and
Cox Road
Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner
McGrath to approve the installation of STOP signs
on Washington Lane at Cox Road. Cox Road has traffic
control signs.
MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.
FY 2001 Public Housing Drug - Elimination Program
(PHDEP)
Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner
McGrath to authorize Township officials to accept an
increase to the existing grant award from the Montgomery
County Housing Authority in the amount of $4,300. This
will increase the total amount of the award to $11,300.
MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE:
County Municipal Transit Grant
Commissioner Wachter made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner
Gillespie to accept a grant of $20,000 from the Montgomery
County Municipal Transit Grant program for calendar
year 2003.
MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.
Board of Commissioners Meeting February 13, 2003
Environmental Advisory Council - Abington Township
Green Program Memorial Trees
Commissioner Wachter made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner
Gillespie to authorize staff to erect a roster board
in the Administration lobby recognizing the Memorial
Tree Program participants, to be paid from General Expense
Account #01-002-5340, at a cost not to exceed $175.
MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.
FINANCE COMMITTEE:
Treasurer’s Report:
Treasurer Max M. Solomon stated for the month of January,
2003, $898,656 was deposited into Fleet Bank. There
has been no increase in Real Estate taxes for the Township
and County.
Investments
Commissioner Luker made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner
Ring to approve the investments for the month of December,
2002 as previously circulated to the Board. It was noted
that investments for the month totaled $2,214,000. Interest
rates ranged from 2.15% to 5.50%.
MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.
Expenditures/Salaries and Wages
Motion to:
Approve the December, 2002 expenditures as previously
circulated to the Board, in the amount of $2,453,149.51
and salaries and wages in the amount of $1,230,313.49.
Authorize the proper officials to sign vouchers in
payment of bills and contracts as they mature for
the month of March, 2003.
Roll Call resulted in MOTION being PASSED 15-0.
Training and Conference Expenses
Commissioner Luker made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner
Ring to approve the Advance and Travel Expense activity
for December, 2002 as previously circulated to the
Board of Commissioners Meeting February 13, 2003
Board. Advances and Travel Expense Reports were $0.00
and $1,734.01, respectively. Twelve (12) month YTD expenses
total $41,629.80.
MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.
Clearing Fund/Deferred Revenue and Expense/Petty
Cash
Commissioner Luker made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner
Ring to approve the Clearing Fund, deferred revenue/expense
activity and petty cash balances for the month of December,
2002 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 December, 2002 were $19,343.32 and (19,343.32), respectively.
Deferred Revenue/Expense receipts and disbursements
for the month of December, 2002 were $18,871.00 and
($44,776.04), respectively.
MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.
Petty Cash Fund - WWTP
Commissioner Luker made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner
Ring to authorize the establishment of a Petty Cash
Fund in the amount of $50 for use by the Wastewater
Treatment Plant. Fund will be administered by the Plant
Superintendent and subject to annual audit by the Finance
Office.
MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.
Account Transfer Authorization
Commissioner Luker made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner
Ring to authorize a transfer of $7,354.75 from 2002
Contingency Expense Account #01-01-002-5299 to Fire
Companies Account #01-15-091-5236.
MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.
Appointment of Earned Income Tax Administrator
Commissioner Luker made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner
Ring to authorize the proper Township officials to contact
with H.A. Berkheimer, Inc. as tax administrators
Board of Commissioners Meeting February 13, 2003
for the collection of Earned Income Taxes, as set forth
in the contract dated January 2003.
Commissioner Kretschman stated he read that Hatboro
has had some problems with Berkheimer and asked have
we done extensive research on tax collection companies?
Commissioner Ring replied yes.
Commissioner Kretschman asked how many companies were
interviewed?
Ms. Matiza replied we interviewed two companies. Two
smaller firms could not handle us.
MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Julie Greenbaum, 1420 Lewis Road, Rydal, asked for
explanations on items PW2 - Electronic Access to PennDOT
Computer Systems and PW12 - Sewer Rates.
Mr. Lahaza replied PennDOT has adopted a policy where
by any grants, project monies, or funding has to go
through their web site and go through their computerized
tracking system. The Board has to sign a Resolution
to formally sign-on to their site.
Commissioner Ferrara stated PW12 is a MOTON to advertise
for a Hearing for the amendment to the sewer rate. It
is a Hearing to discuss the amendment to allow residents
to connect their own meter.
REMARKS FROM COMMISSIONERS:
Commissioner Agostine commended Mr. Matteo, the Planning
Commission, and the Zoning Hearing Board for their hard
work and long hours.
Commissioner Luker thanked Ed Micciolo and Angelo Pontelandolfo
for doing an excellent job salting the streets. He thanked
Larry Matteo, Ronnie Fish, the Commissioners and staff
who attended the Martin Luther King program. He also
thanked Larry Matteo and Dan Buckley who found a resident
living alone with no running water and no heat and made
the situation better.
Commissioner Gross thanked all of the volunteer panels
who help make the community better.
Board of Commissioners Meeting February 13, 2003
Commissioner Gillespie thanked the Board for their
support on the Police/Fire Memorial project and wished
everyone a Happy Valentines Day. There will be a fund
raiser for the 4th of July Parade on February
28, 2003 at the North Penn VFW.
Commissioner DeVore stated his neighbor Mr. Bigelow
left high school in his senior year to join the Navy
during WWII, then switched to the Air Force where he
received the Distinguished Flying Cross and several
commendations during WWII. He retired at the rank of
Lieutenant Colonel. He also had a business in Abington
and has been married for 52 years.
Commissioner McGrath commented Public Works has done
a good job.
Commissioner Myers thanked Mike Powers and Tim Clark
for the on-going storm water project at Rossiter and
Lindbergh Avenues.
Commissioner Carlin thanked Larry Matteo for his professionalism
in handling a serious situation with a resident in Ward
15.
Commissioner Ferrara wished everyone a Happy Valentines
Day.
ADJOURNMENT: 8:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Burton T. Conway, Secretary
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