Board of Commissioners Meeting June 9, 2005
The stated meeting of the Board of Commissioners of
Abington Township was held on Thursday, June 9, 2005
at the Township Administration Building, Abington, PA,
with Commissioner Ring presiding.
CALL TO ORDER: 8:05 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners
AGOSTINE, MYERS,
WACHTER, TURCO, ZAPPONE, CARLIN,
O’CONNOR, WEILHEIMER, MCGRATH,
LYNOTT, GILLESPIE, RING
Assistant Township Manager LAHAZA
Township Treasurer SOLOMON
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
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
COMMENDATIONS:
Commissioner Ring presented a commendation to
former Commissioner Stanford A. Gross in appreciation
for his 10 years of service to Abington Township Board
of Commissioners – Ward 4 from 1995 to 2005 for his
leadership as Chairman of the Public Works Committee,
the Pension Committee, School Liaison Committee, Civic
Association Liaison Committee, Board Liaison for the
Economic Development Committee, and President of the
Board of Commissioners from 2004-2005.
Commissioner Zappone made a MOTION, seconded by
Commissioner McGrath to adopt Resolution 05-010
accepting the resignation of Stanford A. Gross
effective June 9, 2005.
MOTION was ADOPTED 12-0.
Resolution #05-010
Board of Commissioners Meeting June 9, 2005
Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by
Commissioner Zappone to appoint Jay O’Connor to fill
the position as Commissioner of Ward 4 effective
6/9/05 through 12/31/05.
MOTION was ADOPTED 12-0.
Commissioner Jay O’Connor was sworn in by
District Justice Juanita Price, and took a seat on the
Board.
Commissioner Ring presented a commendation to
Township Treasurer Max M. Solomon in appreciation for
his many years of service to the citizens of Abington
Township. Township Auditor from 1966 to 1970, Township
Commissioner for Ward 2 from 1970-1978, and Township
Treasurer from 1990-2005 for his professionalism and
dedication who modernized the Tax Office, stabilized
the Township’s taxes and restored the public’s
trust in the Township’s time of need.
Max M. Solomon stated 14 ½ years ago on December
14, 1990, he was sworn in as Township Treasurer. At
that time there was a dark cloud hanging over the Tax
Office. It was so bad that the Board of Commissioners
decided that the Tax Office should be an independent
contractor. By being an independent contractor, we
saved the Township thousands and thousands of dollars.
After taking office, he soon learned that over 40
liens were recorded improperly. It took him over three
years to remove those liens. In addition, some
taxpayers were not very kind to him. He was asked
often how much money will he steal.
On December 14, 1990 he promised he would restore
the honesty and integrity of the Tax Office. He also
promised to design and put in place a set of controls
that would ensure proper operation and accountability
in the future. He believes he has kept all of these
promises. The Abington Township’s Treasurer’s
Office is now frequently cited as being one of the
Commonwealth’s most efficient and credible Tax
Office.
Some of the changes he has made are: Checks and
payments of taxes are now made payable to the Abington
Township Treasurer. Real Estate taxes are rendered and
paid on whole dollar amounts. These simple changes
have resulted in considerable cost savings for the
Township. This procedure was recognized by the
Montgomery County officials and they adopted this
procedure on January 1, 2001.
In his tenure, we have collected over $70 million
in business taxes. Our aggressive pursuit of this
important source of Township revenue has played an
important part in our Board of Commissioner’s
successful determination to avoid any increases in
taxes. We computerized the records of nearly 3,000
businesses while eliminating some printed forms and
consolidated others. Saving several thousands of
dollars in printing and
Board of Commissioners Meeting June 9, 2005
postage costs each year. The savings of the
Township manifested as savings to the taxpayers. This
created a surplus of over $11 million in which the
Township could spend on important projects. With the
help of the Code Enforcement Dept. we instituted a
system that requires taxpayers to pay the business
privilege tax in advance before permits are issued.
The Tax Office collects annually $100 million in
taxes each year and are deposited by the Tax Office
into Bank of America. Not one single dime was ever
missing from these deposits. These changes took a lot
of hard work on the part of his dedicated staff. He
thanks them on behalf of the taxpayers of Abington
Township. The mailing of tax bills is not fully
computerized. Over payment by taxpayers is identified
and properly refunded. Eight separate checkbooks have
been consolidated into one. Tax bills are color coded.
He decided to get direct deposits from the School
Board, and generated $25,000 in interest the first
year.
Almost two years ago we contracted a company to
print and mail the Township taxes. No longer does the
Tax Office need a week for two staff members to mail
the returns, which is no additional cost to the
Township. In 14 ½ years the Tax Office collected over
a billion dollars in taxes, and for the School Board
over $800 million. None of these improvements would
have been accomplished without a dedicated and honest
staff.
The Tax Office has kept the promise to restore the
honesty, dedication and integrity of this office. He
quoted Edmund Berk, a British Philosopher, "The
only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for
good men to do nothing. In a democracy the place to
improve the quality of leadership is in a voting
booth. You should have spoken up."
Commissioner Agostine made a MOTION, seconded by
Commissioner Turco to adopt Resolution 05-011
accepting the resignation of Max M. Solomon as
Abington Township Treasurer effective June 30, 2005.
She read the Resolution into the record.
MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.
Resolution 05-011
Board of Commissioners Meeting June 9, 2005
Commissioner Lynott made a MOTION, seconded by
Commissioner Agostine to appoint Jay Blumenthal to
fill the office of Abington Township Treasurer
effective July 1, 2005 through January 1, 2006.
MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.
Jay W. Blumenthal was sworn in by District Justice
Juanita Price.
Ms. Matiza stated the Board of Commissioners have
encouraged and supported the pursuit of excellence in
all areas of the Township’s operations. As members
of the Government Finance Officers Association, which
is a national association serving government finance
professionals; the Township Finance staff is able to
keep informed of industry changes and are challenged
to meet higher standards. Jack McGinley, President of
GFOA is here to present to the Board and the Finance
Dept. the Township’s first awards for Excellence in
Financial Reporting.
Mr. McGinley stated the Township of Abington
submitted their Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
(CAFR) for the year ending December 31, 2003 to the
Government Financial Offices Association (GFOA). This
report has been judged by an impartial panel, and has
met the high standards of the program, including
demonstrating a constructive spirit of full
disclosure, and to clearly communicate its financial
story and motivate potential users to read the CAFR.
Mr. McGinley presented Commissioner Carlin and
Jeanette Herman with a Certificate of Achievement of
Excellence in Financial Reporting for the year ending
2003.
Chief Kelly stated Lt. Michael T. Webb has served
as a Police Officer, Detective, Patrol Sergeant, and a
Lieutenant. He was in charge of the Community Policing
Division and supervised all of our youth programs.
Recently he was reassigned to run our entire Patrol
Division. He spearheaded our Accreditation program,
and our International Accreditation program. The
Montgomery County Advisory Council to the PA Human
Relations Commission awarded Mike for his years as
Commander of the Community Policing Division.
Commissioners Ring and Myers presented Lt. Michael
Webb with a commendation for being the recipient of an
award from the Montgomery County Advisory Council to
the PA Human Relations Commission for his outstanding
leadership in Community Policing and youth oriented
programs.
Board of Commissioners Meeting June 9, 2005
Chief Kelly stated Ed Momorella, who is in charge
of our Emergency Management program, was an Executive
for HUD for many years, an Executive for the Federal
Government and worked in the Fire Marshal’s office
in Upper Moreland. He helped develop the Eastern
Montgomery County Regional Emergency Management
program. He received the Governor’s Award for
Excellence for local government. At the recent EDITS
Conference he was presented with the "Eagle
Award" for his work.
Commissioners Ring and Myers presented Ed Momorella
with a commendation for being the recipient of the
EDITS "Eagle Award" for his outstanding
leadership in Emergency Management in our area.
Commissioner McGrath presented George Edward with a
commendation in recognition of his outstanding
leadership and devotion to Abington Township as a
community leader and volunteer.
Dave Rondinelli, Chairman of the Joint Town Watch
Council presented George Edwards with the John H.
Evans Memorial 2005 Town Watcher of the Year Award in
recognition of his volunteer service.
Commissioners Ring and Agostine presented Randolph
Clifford Jackson with a commendation for obtaining the
Eagle Scout rank for Troop #208. His Eagle Scout
project of designing, implementing and supervising a
basketball event for five and six year old children at
the Huntingdon Valley Athletic Association is
reflective of his love of sports, coaching and deep
community concerns.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Commissioner Turco made a MOTION, seconded by
Commissioner Agostine to approve the minutes of the
Board of Commissioners meeting of May 12, 2005.
MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.
Commissioner Ring appointed Commissioner Gillespie
to serve as our Delegate, and Commissioner McGrath to
serve as Alternate for the Pennsylvania State
Association of Township Commissioner’s Convention
Board of Commissioners Meeting June 9, 2005
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE:
Ardsley Liner Project Engineering Authorization
Commissioner Wachter made a MOTION, seconded by
Commissioner Zappone to authorize the proper Township
officials to enter into an agreement with WRc D&B
Engineers at a cost not to exceed $77,250.00, to
provide engineering services for the design and
construction of sewer liner installation in Ardsley.
Funds to be drawn from the 2005 Bone Issue.
MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.
Bid Award DAF Thickener Assembly
Commissioner Wachter made a MOTION, seconded
Commissioner Zappone to accept the lowest responsible
bid and enter into a contract with Polychem Systems,
Division of Brentwood Industries, to supply and
deliver one DAF Skimmer Assembly in the amount of
$39,140.00. To be paid from Sewer Fund Account No.
02-00-000-7350.
MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.
CODE ENFORCEMENT AND LAND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
Ordinance No. 1927 – Ordinance to Amend Ordinance
No. 1753 Increasing the minimum lot area for
"AO" Apartment-Office District
Commissioner Agostine made a MOTION, seconded by
Commissioner O’Connor to advertise Ordinance 1927,
for a public hearing to be held, Thursday, July 14,
2005, at 8:00 p.m. Purpose of hearing is to amend
Ordinance No. 1753 known as the Zoning Ordinance of
the Township of Abington, by increasing the minimum
lot area for single-family dwellings in Apartment
Office Zoning District from 5,000 square feet to 7,500
square feet.
MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE:
PAL Van
Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by
Commissioner McGrath to authorize Township officials
to accept a 15 passenger van from Abington Police
Athletic/Activities League valued at $21,767.50.
Board of Commissioners Meeting June 9, 2005
MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.
1928 and 1804-1822 Acorn Lane – No Parking
Between Signs
Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by
Commissioner McGrath to install signs indicating No
Parking Between Signs in front of the residences
on the west side of Acorn Lane at 1928 and also
between 1804 and 1822 Acorn Lane.
MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.
Handicapped Parking Sign – 126 Woodlyn
Avenue
Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by
Commissioner McGrath to approve the installation of
one Handicapped Parking Sign in front of 126
Woodlyn Avenue.
MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE:
Amendment No. 1 to 2004 CDBG Budget – Parkview/Berrell/
Washington Avenues Street Reconstructions
Commissioner Wachter made a MOTION, seconded by
Commissioner Turco to approve Amendment No. 1 to the
2004 CDBG Budget.
MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.
FINANCE COMMITTEE:
Investments
Commissioner Carlin made a MOTION, seconded by
Commissioner Gillespie to approve the investments for
the month of April, 2005 as previously circulated to
the Board. It was noted that investments for the month
totaled $716,000. Interest yields ranged from 3.30% to
4.72%.
MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.
Board of Commissioners Meeting June 9, 2005
Expenditures/Salaries and Wages
Motion to:
(A) Approve the April expenditures as previously
circulated to the Board, in the amount of
$2,772,076.72 and salaries and wages in the amount of
$1,970,082.29.
(B) Authorize the proper officials to sign vouchers
in payment of bills and contracts as they mature for
the month of July, 2005.
Roll Call resulted in motion being passed 13-0.
Training and Conference Expenses
Commissioner Carlin made a MOTION, seconded by
Commissioner Gillespie to approve the Advance and
Travel Expense activity for April, 2005 as previously
circulated to the Board. Advance and Travel Expense
reports were $500.00 and $2,844.37, respectively.
Four-month expenses totaled $7,467.20.
MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.
Clearing Fund/Deferred Revenue and Expense/Petty
Cash
Commissioner Carlin made a MOTION, seconded by
Commissioner Gillespie to approve the Clearing Fund,
deferred revenue/expense activity and petty cash
balances for the month of April, 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 April, 2005 were $13,997.11 and ($13,996.57),
respectively.
Deferred Revenue/Expense receipts and disbursements
for the month of April 2005 were $1,065.75 and
($3,602.39), respectively.
MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.
Board of Commissioners Meeting June 9, 2005
Approval of 2004 Financial Statements and
Management Letter
Commissioner Carlin made a MOTION, seconded by
Commissioner Gillespie to accept December 31, 2004
Township of Abington Audited Tax Office Financial
Statements and Management Letter as presented by the
Township auditors, Bee, Bergvall, & Company, P.C.
MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.
Approval of 2004 Tax Office Financial Statements
and Management Letter
Commissioner Carlin made a MOTION, seconded by
Commissioner Gillespie to accept December 31, 2004
Township of Abington Audited Tax Office Financial
Statements and Management Letter as presented by the
Township auditors, Bee, Bergvall & Company, P.C.
MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.
Approval of 2004 Single Audit Report
Commissioner Carlin made a MOTION, seconded by
Commissioner Gillespie to accept December 31, 2004
Township of Abington Single Audit Report as presented
by the Township auditors, Bee, Bergvall & Company,
P.C.
MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.
Resolution No. 05-005 – Plan Document and
Amendment and Restatement of IRC Section 125 Flexible
Benefit Plan for the Township of Abington.
Commissioner Carlin made a MOTION, seconded by
Commissioner Gillespie to expand the list of pretax
benefits allowable under IRC Section 125 and restate
substantially the Plan Document effective July 1,
2005.
MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.
Resolution #05-005
Board of Commissioners Meeting June 9, 2005
Establishing a Petty Cash Fund for Public Works
Department
Commissioner Carlin made a MOTION, seconded by
Commissioner Gillespie to authorize the establishment
of a petty cash fund in the amount of $50.00 for use
by the Public Works Department. The fund will be
administered by the Director of Public Works and
subject to annual audit by the Finance Department.
MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.
Amendment to Lincoln 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
(Automatic Rollover of Mandatory Distributions)
Commissioner Carlin made a MOTION, seconded by
Commissioner Gillespie to adopt Lincoln Financial
Group 457 (b) plan amendment pertaining to automatic
rollover of mandatory distributions effective March
28, 2005.
MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.
Treasurer’s Report:
Max M. Solomon stated for May, 2005 $914,116 was
deposited into Bank of America, YTD $9,467,158. We
collected $860,844 in Real Estate Taxes, YTD
$18,625,856. We had a $243,068 increase as compared to
last year.
REMARKS OF COMMISSIONERS:
Commissioner Agostine recognized Max Solomon for
all of his great achievements and wished him well in
his retirement. She welcomed Jay O’Connor and Jay
Blumenthal. Congratulations to Susan Matiza and the
Finance Department.
Commissioner Myers echoed Commissioner Agostine’s
comments.
Commissioner Wachter welcomed Jay O’Connor and
Jay Blumenthal. He knew Max Solomon would be a success
when he was sworn in on December 14th
because that is his birthday. He congratulated
Commissioner Ring for doing an excellent job this
evening.
Commissioner Turco welcomed Jay O’Connor and Jay
Blumenthal. Max has done an excellent job over the
years and he will be missed.
Commissioner Zappone welcomed Jay O’Connor and
Jay Blumenthal. He wished best of luck to Max Solomon.
He thanked Mr. Powers for getting the Ardsley Storm
and Sewer project off to a good start.
Board of Commissioners Meeting June 9, 2005
Commissioner Carlin stated it is a shame that
Commissioner Luker could not be here this evening
because he works so hard on the Finance Committee, and
he would be proud of this award. He first met Max
Solomon in 1972 and he was always very kind to him. He
congratulated Jay O’Connor and Jay Blumenthal.
Commissioner Michael O’Connor congratulated Max
Solomon for 14 years of outstanding service to the
Township. He congratulated Jay O’Connor and Jay
Blumenthal. He also congratulated Susan Matiza on the
outstanding job she has done taking over the Finance
Dept.
Commissioner Weilheimer congratulated Jay O’Connor
and Jay Blumenthal. She will miss the wise advice she
gets from Max Solomon. She thanked Mr. Micciolo for
his help with a problem in her ward. She thanked Mr.
Lahaza for the great job he did on the Hallowell
proposal.
Commissioner McGrath welcomed Jay O’Connor and
Jay Blumenthal. She wished Max Solomon good health and
many more good years. She thanked Mr. Matteo, Officer
Allen Freed and Officer Chris Posey for their help in
her ward. She thanked Mr. Powers for his help in her
ward. She thanked Mr. Micciolo and Mr. Pontelandolfo
for some work being done in her ward. Congratulations
to Susan Matiza and Commissioner Ring for doing a good
job. "Happy Father’s Day."
Commissioner Lynott congratulated Jay O’Connor
and Jay Blumenthal. He thanked Max Solomon for the
marvelous job he has done for the Township and for the
great friendship he has treasured over the years.
Commissioner Gillespie stated Max Solomon is an
icon and good friend and he will miss him. He welcomed
Jay O’Connor and Jay Blumenthal. The 4th
of July Glenside Parade will be one of the fabulous
parades this year. The Governor and the 28th
Infantry Division Band will attend. Commissioner Ring
will be in the parade this year.
Commissioner Jay O’Connor thanked the Board for
their warm welcome this evening. He wished Max Solomon
the best of luck. He thanked his family and friends
for being here this evening, and he is looking forward
to working with this Board. He thanked Mr. Matteo for
his help while serving on the Zoning Hearing Board.
Commissioner Ring welcomed Jay O’Connor and Jay
Blumenthal. Max Solomon’s retirement dinner will be
held at the Blair Mill Inn on Wednesday, June 29, 2005
at 6:30 p.m. He thanked his fellow Commissioners and
staff for their help with his first Board meeting as
President.
Board of Commissioners Meeting June 9, 2005
ADJOURNMENT: 9:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Burton T. Conway, Secretary
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