Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes
Board of Commissioners Meeting - February 10, 2005

The stated meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the Township of Abington was held on Thursday, February 10, 2005 at the Township Administration Building, Abington, PA., with Commission Gross presiding.

CALL TO ORDER: 8:00 p.m.

ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners AGOSTINE, MYERS,

WACHTER, DIJOSEPH, ZAPPONE, CARLIN,

O’CONNOR, WEILHEIMER, LUKER, MCGRATH,

LYNOTT, GILLESPIE, RING, GROSS

Excused: TURCO

Township Treasurer SOLOMON

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 Code Enforcement MATTEO

Director of Public Works MICCIOLO

Superintendent of W.W.T.P. LEBER

Mr. Matteo stated P. Daniel Vollrath started working as an Assistant Building Inspector in 1973. He was appointed Building Inspector and Zoning Officer in 1978 reviewing zoning, subdivision and land development applications. In his employment of 31 years, Dan reviewed over 46,552 building permits. Dan was instrumental in implementing the Property Maintenance Code in 1996, which this Township was the first to enact. He will be retiring and moving to Florida. We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

Commissioner Agostine presented Dan Vollrath with a commendation in recognition of his 31years of loyal service and dedication to Abington Township.

Commissioner Gross thanked Dan on behalf of the Board of Commissioners for an outstanding job.

Chief Kelly stated Marie Strenger, who is retiring after 22 years of service, was hired as a Police Clerk in September, 1982 and became the Assistant Dispatcher in 1984-1989. She worked in our Clerks and Records Information Office from May,1989 until present.

Board of Commissioners Meeting February 10, 2005

Commissioners Gross and Myers presented Marie Strenger with a commendation in recognition of her 22 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Abington Township from September 27, 1982 to March 1, 2005.

Chief Kelly stated Officer Jim Hurtado, who is retiring after 22 years of service, has been with the Police Department since September, 1980 prior to that he was with the U.S. Navy from 1971-1974 serving on a ship in Vietnam. He was a patrol officer, a member of the K-9 unit, a member of the Tactical Team, a fire arms instructor and range officer. He received numerous commendations during his career including saving people from a house engulfed in flames. He was involved in an arrest of a suspect who shot Corporal Michael Evangelista at the armed robbery that took place at Sears Department store in the 1980’s.

Commissioners Gross and Myers presented Officer Jim Hurtado with a commendation in appreciation of his 25 years of service to the citizens of Abington Township from September 2, 1980 to January 31, 2005.

Deputy Chief Livingood and Elizabeth Webb presented Officer Jim Hurtado, in recognition of his 25 years of dedicated service, with his badge and his badge number will be retired and never worn again.

Tom Ami, President of the Montgomery County Lodge #14 Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and Dan Fisicaro presented Officer Jim Hurtado a retirement award in recognition of his dedicated service to the community and his fellow officers, and congratulated him for a job well done.

Chief Kelly stated Officer Lou Clewell, who is retiring after 39 years of service, was an Army Security Agent-Spec 4 in the military police prior to joining the Abington Township Police Department in February, 1966. He was a patrol officer for 22 years before being assigned as the Special Projects Officer. He was involved with the intern program, the park ranger program, and he telecommunicated in the dispatcher training program, and served as the Abington Township Police Association President, Vice President and Secretary. He was the Department’s FOP Director and Community Policing Instructor for the Citizen’s Police Academy.

Due to Lou’s efforts, Abington Township Police Department became the first department in Pennsylvania to have a Nationally Certified Field Training Officer program. 52 of our officers came through Lou’s field training program.

Commissioners Gross and McGrath presented a commendation to Officer Louis J. Clewell in recognition of his 39 years of dedicated service to the citizens of the Abington Township from February 19, 1966 to February 20, 2005.

Board of Commissioners Meeting February 10, 2005

Several Field Training Officers presented Officer Lou Clewell an award by the 2005 FTO’s in appreciation for his dedication and commitment to the excellence of the Abington Police Field Training Program.

Tom Ami and Dan Fisicaro presented Officer Lou Clewell with a retirement award from the MCFOP Lodge #14 in recognition of his dedicated service to the community and his fellow officers.

Fire Marshal Ken Clark stated the Board of Commissioners commends Abington, McKinley, Weldon, Edge Hill, and Roslyn Fire Companies for their outstanding firefighting that took place on December 28, 2004 that resulted in the rescue of two adults and one child.

Commissioners Gross and Myers presented commendations to Abington, McKinley, Weldon, Edge Hill, and Roslyn Fire Companies for their continuing efforts, their volunteer spirit, and their outstanding firefighting on December 28, 2004.

Chief John Bothwell of the Abington Fire Company on behalf of the officers and members of the five fire companies of the Abington Township Fire Department presented commendations to Commissioner Myers and Mr. Conway in recognition and appreciation for their support, time, and effort in working with the Abington Township Fire Department. Their guidance and direction has been invaluable.

Commissioner Ring made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Zappone to approve the minutes of the Budget Hearing of December 16, 2004, and the Board of Commissioners Meeting of January 13, 2005.

Commissioner DiJoseph stated she would like her remarks to be included in the January 13, 2005 minutes that she appreciates what Max Solomon has done for the Township.

MOTION was ADOPTED 14-0.

Commissioner Gross announced that an Executive Session was held on Thursday, February 10, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. to discuss litigation.

Board of Commissioners Meeting February 10, 2005

Commissioner Wachter made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Zappone to accept the lowest responsible bid and enter into a contract with George S. Coyne Chemical Co., Inc. to supply and deliver approximately 12,000 lbs of polymer for a price of $1.6888 per pound, to be paid from Sewer Fund Operating Account No. 02-10-200-5326.

MOTION was ADOPTED 14-0.

Commissioner Wachter made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Zappone to amend Contract 127 by an increase in total contract amount of $7,721.00 to $568,733.00 for additional work required to complete Contract 127, using funds from Sewer Operating Fund Retained Earnings, and to approve the final payment for completion of the contract.

MOTION was ADOPTED 14-0.

Commissioner Wachter made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Zappone to approve the 2005 Capital Improvement Program from the following:

Permanent Improvement Fund $732,000

Fund Balance 439,712

2004-In-Lieu-of-Tax Funds 330,000

Proposed Bond Issue 10,800,000

Sewer Capital 614,025

Sewer Operations- Retained Earnings 118,200

MOTION was ADOPTED 14-0.

Commissioner Wachter made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Zappone to authorize the advertising of Ordinance No. 1923, calling for the issuance of approximately $10.8 million in Abington Township General Obligation non-electoral debt for the purpose of funding various capital projects.

Board of Commissioners Meeting February 10, 2005

MOTION was ADOPTED 14-0.

Commissioner Wachter made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Zappone to authorize the proper Township officials to enter into an agreement with Public Financial Management (PFM) at a cost not to exceed $16,000, including out-of-pocket expenses, to provide financial services in conjunction with borrowing of new money.

MOTION was ADOPTED 14-0.

Commissioner Wachter made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Zappone to authorize the proper Township officials to enter into an agreement with McTighe, Weiss, O’Rourke, Troncelliti & Morgan, P.C., at a cost not to exceed $22,000 to provide bond counsel services.

MOTION was ADOPTED 14-0.

Commissioner Wachter made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Zappone to accept the proposal from BCM Engineers at a fee not to exceed $89,370.00 for engineering services for the Ardsley Sanitary Sewer Project. To be funded from sewer capital retained earnings that will be reimbursed from the 2005 bond issue.

MOTION was ADOPTED 14-0.

Commissioner Wachter made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Zappone to authorize proper Township officials to enter into an agreement with an underwriter(s) for the 2005 Bond Issue after review of proposals at the February 15^th Finance Committee meeting.

MOTION was ADOPTED 14-0.

Board of Commissioners Meeting February 10, 2005

Commissioner Agostine made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner O’Connor to approve the Land Development application of the Abington School District, for the addition and renovation of the Willow Hill Elementary School. The property is located at 1700 Coolidge Avenue, zoned in the (R-4) and Community Service District in Ward No. 5.

The motion is subject to the following condition(s).

The applicant will be required to explore planting and other landscape options

for the shared property line between the staff parking lot and the residential properties fronting Old Welsh Road.

The applicant will be required to replace the existing chain link fence with

solid fencing or otherwise provide a buffer from vehicle headlights.

The applicant will be required to explore the redevelopment of the canopy

over the front entrance to the school.

 

The motion is subject to the following waiver(s):

Waiver from Section 146-10-A.2 - Submission of Plan Size.

Waiver from Section 146-11-A.4 – List of Property Owners.

Waiver from Section 146-11-B.7 – Listing of Utilities within 400 feet.

MOTION was ADOPTED 14-0.

Commissioner Agostine made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner DiJoseph to approve the subdivision plan of John Campion, as prepared by Pahutski Land Surveying, dated November 22, 2004. The applicant proposes to subdivide the property into two parcels and construct a single-family dwelling on Lot No. 2 for himself. Both parcels will conform to the entire dimensional requirement of Section 304.3 of the Zoning Ordinance. The properties are located at 2935 Meyer Avenue, zoned in the R-4 Residential District in Ward No. 9 of the Township of Abington.

The motion is subject to the following waivers:

Waiver from Section 146-11 (A) – Property Identification Plan.

Waiver from Section 146-11 (B) – Existing Features Plan.

Waiver from Section 146-11 (C) – Proposed Layout Plan.

Board of Commissioners Meeting February 10, 2005

Waiver from Section 146-11 (D) – Grading Plan.

Waiver from Section 146-11(L) – Architectural Plan.

Waiver from Section 146-30- Lot Shape.

MOTION was ADOPTED 14-0.

Commissioner Agostine made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner DiJoseph to approve the subdivision plan of Dr. and Mrs. Green as prepared by Charles E. Shoemaker, Inc., Engineers and Surveyors, to relocate an existing lot line. The proposal is to transfer 12,027 square feet from Unit 009 to Unit 006 and transfer 4,635 square feet from Unit 006-to Unit 009. There is no new construction contemplated on either parcel at this time. The property is located at 1543 Old Welsh Road, zoned in the R-1 Residential District in Ward No. 1 of the Township of Abington.

The motion is subject to the following waivers:

Waiver from Section 146-11 (A) – Property Identification Plan.

Waiver from Section 146-11 (B) – Existing Features Plan.

Waiver from Section 146-11 (B.11) – Landscape Plan.

Waiver from Section 146-11 (D) – Grading Plan.

Waiver from Section 146-11 (L) – Architectural Plan.

Waiver from Section 146-11 (M) – Documentation Plan – Public Sanitary Sewers.

Waiver from Section 146-24 – Street Right-of-Way Width.

Waiver from Section 146-27 – Sidewalks and Curbs.

MOTION was ADOPTED 14-0.

Commissioner Agostine made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner DiJoseph to advertise a Public Hearing on March 10, 1005, for Ordinance No. 1920 creating a (VR) Village Residential District Ordinance and Ordinance No. 1921, for map amendment.

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-1. Commissioner Zappone opposed.

Board of Commissioners Meeting February 10, 2005

Treasurer Max M. Solomon stated for January, 2005 $1,395,285 was deposited into Bank America for an increase of $651,906 over last year. There was no collection of Real Estate Taxes because the tax bills went out on February 1, 2005.

Commissioner Luker made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Carlin to approve the investments for the month of December, 2004 as previously circulated to the Board. It was noted that investments for the month totaled $696,000. Interest yields ranged from 3.00% to 5.00%.

MOTION was ADOPTED 14-0.

Motion to:

Approve the December, 2004 expenditures as previously circulated to the Board, in the amount of $1,703,964.71 and salaries and wages in the amount of $1,293,486.33.

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

Roll Call resulted in motion being passed 14-0.

Commissioner Luker made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Carlin to approve the Advance and Travel Expense activity for December, 2004 as previously circulated to the Board. Advances and Travel Expense Reports were $0.00 and $2,886.16, respectively. Twelve (12) month expenses totaled $62,306.94.

MOTION was ADOPTED 14-0.

Board of Commissioners Meeting February 10, 2005

Commissioner Luker made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Carlin to approve the Clearing Fund, deferred revenue/expense activity and petty cash balances for the month of December, 2004 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, 2004 were $0.12 and ($0.00), respectively.

Deferred Revenue/Expense receipts and disbursements for the month of December, 2004 were $622,943.09 and ($507,429.67), respectively.

MOTION was ADOPTED 14-0.

Commission Gross made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Luker to adopt Ordinance No. 1922, amending Ordinance No. 1812 and Ordinance No. 1813, approving interest and attorney fee schedule for work in collecting delinquent accounts.

Commissioner Gross opened the Public Hearing at 8:40 p.m.

Commissioner Gross asked for any comments from the Commissioners. There were none.

Commissioner Gross asked for any comments in favor of this ordinance. There were none.

Commissioner Gross asked for any comments in disfavor of the ordinance. There were none.

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

MOTION was ADOPTED 14-0. The Hearing was closed at 8:41 p.m.

MOTION to adopt this ordinance passed 14-0.

Ordinance 1922

Ordinance 1922

Ordinance 1922

Ordinance 1922

Board of Commissioners Meeting February 10, 2005

Commissioner Luker made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Carlin to adopt Resolution No. 05-003, setting the compensation for the office of Abington Township Treasurer for the period of 2006- 2009 as follows:

$10,000 Salary for tax collector/treasurer duties

6,000 Billing and collection of current sewer rentals.

6,000 Billing and collection of current refuse fees

$22,000 Total Township Compensation

MOTION was ADOPTED 14-0.

Resolution 05-003

Board of Commissioners Meeting February 10, 2005

Commissioner Luker made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Carlin to authorize a transfer of $10,935.25 from 2004 Contingency Expense Account #01-01-002-5299 to Fire Companies Account #01-15-091-5236.

MOTION was ADOPTED 14-0.

Commissioner Wachter made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Luker to appoint Tim Clark to act as the salaried employee representative to the Abington Township Non-Uniformed Employees’ Pension Plan effective immediately.

MOTION was ADOPTED 14-0.

None.

Commissioner Myers wished the best of luck to the recently retired employees, and she is proud of how our five fire companies are working together.

Commissioner Wachter announced that he and his wife celebrated their 35^th wedding anniversary, and wished everyone a "Happy Valentines Day."

Commissioner DiJoseph congratulated all of the retirees. Dan Vollrath knew a lot about Glenside and the Keswick area and she respects his knowledge. She commended Commissioner Myers and Mr. Conway for their time and efforts they gave to the fire companies. She is proud of them as well as the five fire companies.

Commissioner Gillespie remembered two retirees from the police department who passed away, Frank O’Donnell and Detective Richard Williams. He worked with both of them on the police department. He announced there will be a fund raiser for the 4^th of July Parade on February 25, 2005. He commented Commissioner Myers and Mr. Conway have done a great job with the fire companies.

Board of Commissioners Meeting February 10, 2005

Commissioner McGrath congratulated the retirees, and welcomed Maria Wyrsta to the Manager’s office.

Commissioner Luker wished Dan Vollrath and Lou Clewell a "Happy Retirement." He thanked Commissioners Myers, Gross, and O’Connor, and also to Maria Wyrsta, Dolores Downs, and Matt Lahaza for their help with the Martin Luther King program.

Commissioner Weilheimer announced the Metropolitan Ballet Company will be having a fund raiser at the Baja Fresh Mexican Grill on February 14, 2005 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and 15% of the proceeds will go to the ballet company. This is the first year she has been involved with the budget process, and we all worked together to focus on what is important in our wards as well as for the entire Township.

Commissioner Ring announced that Mrs. Ring’s future City Competition Team for the fifth time in 10 years has won the Regionals out of Villanova University, and their model was Abington Township.

Commissioner Gross commended the staff for their hard work on the bond issue that was passed this evening. He wished Commissioner Weilheimer a "Happy Birthday."

ADJOURNMENT: 8:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Burton T. Conway, Secretary

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