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Board of Commissioners
Meeting Minutes
Board of Commissioners Meeting - June 14,
2001
The stated meeting of the Board of
Commissioners of Abington Township was held on Thursday,
June 14, 2001, at the Township Building, Abington, Pennsylvania,
with President Barbara C. Ferrara presiding.
CALL
TO ORDER: 8:04 P.M.
ROLL
CALL: Present: Commissioners
AGOSTINE, WACHTER, RING,
GROSS, CARLIN, ZAPPONE, DeVORE, O’CONNOR,
MYERS,
GILLESPIE, KRETSCHMAN, FERRARA, LUKER,
McGRATH
TURCO
Township Manger CONWAY
Assistant Township Manager LAHAZA
Township Solicitor HERDER
Chief of Police KELLY
Treasurer Solomon
Township Engineer POWERS
Assistant Finance Officer 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
MINUTES
Commissioner Turco made a MOTION, seconded
by Commissioner McGrath, to approve the minutes of the
May 10, 2001 Board of Commissioners Meeting.
MOTION was ADOPTED 14-0
COMMENDATION
Commissioner Luker presented a commendation
to the Crestmont Clippers Swim Team and to Johnny Palmer
for representing the Township with pride. The swim team
was presented a commendation for their spirit of competition
on a yearly basis. Johnny Palmer was presented with
a bond to thank him for his hard work and dedication
to Crestmont Park.
Commissioner O’Connor presented
a commendation to Marie McGuirl for her participation
in the Adopt-a-Park Program. Ms. McGuirl started a program
to initiate community support. Her group participated
on April 22nd in the Clean Up Day sponsored
by the Township. She received a plaque which reads "Friends
of Scott Park" that will hang at Scott Park. Mr.
Wendell commended Ms. McGuirl’s group for their
work with the parks program.
PUBLIC
SAFETY
Commissioner DeVore made a MOTION,
seconded by Commissioner McGrath to appoint Sergeants
Earl Saurman, Michael Webb and Karl Knott as probationary
Police Lieutenants with the Abington Police Department,
effective June 15, 2001.
MOTION was APPROVED 14-0
(Commissioner Kretschman was absent)
District Justice Juanita Price issued
the oath of office to the officers. Chief Kelly introduced
Officer Earl Saurman who has been with the Department
since 1984. He served as a patrol officer until 1989
when he was promoted to Sergeant. From 1989-1994 he
served as a Sergeant and in 1994 he was promoted to
Detective Sergeant with the Department. In 1996 he was
put in charge of the Special Investigations Unit as
Detective Sergeant and has served in that capacity until
the present time. He will be taking over a patrol unit
as Lieutenant. He has extensive experience with the
Tactical Unit. He is a three-time winner of the PA Governor’s
Award and has received a Class II Award for bravery.
Lieutenant Saurman introduced his family members who
were in attendance.
Officer Michael Webb has been with
the Department since 1981. He was assigned as a Juvenile
Detective on 1987. In 1993 he was promoted to the rank
of Sergeant. In 1999 he was assigned to head up the
Community Policing Division. He has been the driving
force behind our community policing and youth involvement.
He is a certified law enforcement instructor and teaches
courses at the Montgomery County Community College and
also helps develop the training curriculum for our police
officers. Under his guidance the Youth Aid Panel was
started, the DARE program was expanded and he is involved
with the Abington Care and Community Academy. Lieutenant
Webb introduced his family.
Officer Karl Knott has been with the
Department since 1984. He was assigned to the Special
Investigations Unit in 1989 and served in that capacity
until 1996 when he was promoted to Sergeant. He has
been serving as Acting Lieutenant in the absence of
a platoon unit. He serves on the honor guard, is an
active member of the tactical unit and is the head of
the bicycle patrol unit. He is best known for his work
in undercover investigations. Lieutenant Knott introduced
his family members who were present.
Chief Kelly also presented a special
commendation on the 35th anniversary of Louis
Clewell, Special Projects Officer. He has extended family
involvement in the department. He coordinated the intern
program, the park police training, he is in charge of
recruits and in charge of deer management. He is responsible
for making Abington Police Department the first in the
Commonwealth of PA to have National Accreditation for
its Field Training Officers. Approximately one-half
of the officers in the Department have gone through
his training program. Officer Clewell introduced his
family members who were present.
GUEST
SPEAKER:
Congressman Joseph Hoeffel addressed
the Board regarding the upcoming redistricting in the
state in the fall. He commented that the "family
of Abington" was clearly demonstrated tonight.
He explained that there are currently 21 members now
and will be 19 with the planned redistricting. There
has been an 11% increase in the population in Montgomery
County while the nation has increased 3% in the last
ten years. He feels that it is in the best interest
of Abington and the county and he asks the Board to
consider approving a resolution to the state legislation
and to the Governor to have a representative in congress
representing the county.
ANNOUNCEMENT
There were Executive Sessions on June
4, 2001 at 7:00 p.m. to discuss litigation, and on June
6, 2001 at 6:30 to discuss personnel issues, and on
June 14, 2001 at 7:30 p.m. to discuss litigation.
APPOINTMENT
President Ferrara appointed a committee
to review Planning and Zoning needs comprised of Vice-President
Turco, Commissioner Agostine, Larry Matteo and Rex Herder.
PUBLIC
WORKS COMMITTEE
Bid Opening – Crestmont Park
Parking Lot Replacement
Commissioner Kretschman made a MOTION,
seconded by Commissioner Luker to amend the 2001 Permanent
Improvement Program to add $20,000 for the additional
drainage for replacement of the lot. To be funded from
Public Improvement Fund Reserve for Future Projects.
Motion to accept the bid and enter
into a contract with SJM Construction Co. in the amount
of $120,140.80 for replacement of the Crestmont Park
parking lot. To be funded from Account #07-24-800-7304.
MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0
Bid Opening – Police/Board Room Air Conditioning
Commissioner Kretschman made a MOTION,
seconded by Commissioner Luker to accept the bid and
enter into a contract with Michael Wink Plumbing, Heating
and Air Conditioning, Inc. in the amount of $148,500
for the Police and Board Room air conditioners and related
duct work, to be paid from various accounts.
MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0
Refuse Building Roof Bid
Commissioner Kretschman made a MOTION,
seconded by Commissioner Luker to reject one bid for
replacement of the roof on the Refuse Building and rebid
the project.
MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0
School District Trash and Recycling Contract
Commissioner Kretschman made a MOTION,
seconded by Commissioner Gross to renew our trash and
recycling contract with Abington School District for
an additional year for $56,546.
MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0
Budget Amendment – Payments to Municipalities
Commissioner Kretschman made a MOTION,
seconded by Commissioner Gross to increase the 2001
Sewer Fund Budget – Account #02-11-202-5333, Payments
to Municipalities – from $1,151,800 to $1,227,200.
MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0
Surface Milling of Streets
Commissioner Kretschman made a MOTION,
seconded by Commissioner Gross to approve addendum #4
to the contract with N. Abbonizio, Inc. for the 12 Plus
Project in the amount of $30,000 for the milling of
approximately 30,000 sq. yds. in various locations within
the Township. To be funded from Account #01-00-000-5804.
MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0
Tennis Avenue Sewer Reconstruction
Commissioner Kretschman made a MOTION,
seconded by Commissioner Gross to approve addendum #3
to the contract with N. Abbonizio, Inc. in the amount
of $257,646 for the reconstruction of the base pavement
on Tennis Avenue. To be funded from the Unallocated
Sanitary Sewer Fund.
MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0
Baeder Creek Project – Stream Widening Condemnation
Commissioner Kretschman made a MOTION,
seconded by Commissioner Gross to enter into an agreement
with Bart F. Brigidi, Inc. in the amount of $5,000 for
appraisals of four properties along Baeder Creek, to
be funded from Account #07-00-000-1031.
MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0
Easton Road Sidewalk Condemnation
Commissioner Kretschman made a MOTION,
seconded by Commissioner Gross to enter into an agreement
with Bart F. Brigidi, Inc. in the amount of $2,500 for
appraisals of two properties along Easton Road, and
an additional $500 for filing fees, to be funded from
Account #01-01-002-5299.
MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0
Rate Study Engineering Funding Allocation
Commissioner Kretschman made a MOTION,
seconded by Commissioner Gross to extend the contract
with the Arro Group, Inc. for services in connection
with the Sewer Rate Study and to increase the not-to-exceed
limit from $5,000 to $15,000 using funds budgeted in
Sewer Fund Account #02-10-200-5305.
MOTION was ADOPTED 13-2
(Commissioners Zappone and Carlin voted
no)
Commissioner Zappone asked what was
the result of the streets missing from the report. Manager
Conway stated that it will be followed up internally.
The Arro Group has been retained on a time and materials
basis and this authorization will allow us to finish
the projects we are obligated to.
Commissioner Carlin asked about the
problems with the data. Manager Conway stated this has
been a difficult project and we are working with the
consultant. This is not an issue of the quality of the
work of the consultant.
CODE
ENFORCEMENT AND LAND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Subdivision Plan SD-01-03 Edward Taxin – 934
Frog Hollow Terrace
Commissioner Agostine made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner
Ring to approve the Subdivision Plan for Edward Taxin,
as prepared by Showalter and Associates, Engineers,
Planners, Surveyors, proposing to convey 21,045 sq.
ft. from Lot No. 1 to the adjacent property owner. Lot
No. 1 will retain 51,977-sq. ft. of lot area. Both properties
will conform to the dimensional regulations of the Zoning
Ordinance. Property is located at 934 Frog hollow Terrace,
zoned in the (R-1) Residential District in Ward 1 of
the Township.
MOTION was APPROVED 15-0
Subdivision Plan SD-01-04 David R. Kaplan –
408 Easton Road
2319 and 2325 Geneva Avenue
Commissioner Agostine made a MOTION,
seconded by Commissioner Gross to approve the Subdivision
Plan for David R. Kaplan, as prepared by Charles E.
Shoemaker, Inc., Engineers and Surveyors, proposing
to subdivide the property at 2319 Geneva Avenue into
three parcels. Parcel A, entailing 4,381-sq. ft. will
be conveyed to the adjacent property at 2325 Geneva
Avenue. Parcel B will retain a lot area of 7,939-sq.
ft. for the single-family dwelling. Parcel C, entailing
2,454-sq. ft., will be conveyed to the adjacent property
at 408 Easton Road.
The Geneva Avenue properties are zoned in the (R-4)
Residential District, and the Easton Road property is
zoned in the (TC) Town Commercial District in Ward 13
of the Township.
MOTION was APPROVED 15-0
Subdivision Plan SD-01-05 Sautter Custom Homes –
1419 Woodland Road
Commissioner Agostine made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner
Ring to approve the Subdivision Plan for Sautter Custom
Homes, Inc. as prepared by Charles E. Shoemaker, Inc.,
proposing to subdivide the property into two lots. Lot
No. 1 fronting on Woodland Road, will have a lot area
of 1.51 acres, and Lot. No. 2, fronting on Washington
Lane, will have a lot area of 1.18 acres. Both parcels
will conform to the dimensional requirements of the
Zoning Ordinance. The existing single-family dwelling
was demolished, and the existing tennis court will be
demolished for the construction of a new single-family
dwelling. The property is known as 1419 Woodland Road,
which also fronts on Washington Lane, zoned in the (R-1)
Residential District in Ward 1 of the Township.
The motion is subject to the following
conditions:
Concrete monuments are required
to be set at all corners
Both properties will be connected
tot he proposed sanitary sewer line that will be
installed in the fall of 2001. Both properties will
be assessed separately.
Lot No. 2 will maintain a 20-ft.
wide sanitary sewer easement for Lot. No. 1 to connect
to Washington Lane.
The motion is subject to the following
waiver:
Waiver from Section 146-41(D)(4)
for the installation of a fire hydrant for Lot.
No.
Note: The existing fire hydrant
is 508 ft. from the property. The Code requires
a 500-ft. distance from property lines.)
MOTION was APPROVED 15-0
Land Development Plan LD-01-02 –
McKinley Fire Company Substation,
Huntingdon Pike and Susquehanna Road
Commissioner Agostine made a MOTION,
seconded by Commissioner Ring to approve the Land Development
Plan for the McKinley Fire Company, to renovate the
existing building and construct a 3,750-sq. ft. addition
for use as a Fire Company Substation. The property is
situated on the northwest corner of Huntingdon Pike
and Susquehanna Road, zoned in the (R-1) Residential
District in Ward 1 of the Township.
The motion is subject to the following
condition:
Subject to PennDOT’s approval,
the Fire Company is requested to install "Warning"
Signals on Huntingdon Pike and Susquehanna Road.
Applicant shall negotiate an easement
with Rydal Green Homeowners’ Association to
allow the Huntingdon Pike ingress/egress point shown
on the plan. Easement must be executed and recorded
prior to the time the plan is recorded with the
Montgomery County Recorder of Deeds. Failure to
meet this condition will render approval of this
plan null and void. This language shall be added
as a note on the plan.
MOTION was APPROVED 15-0
Commissioner McGrath asked how many
firefighters under the age of eighteen will be using
the dormitories. Chief Leary stated the dorm is for
the use of adults.
PUBLIC
SAFETY
Ordinance No. 1862 – Traffic
Regulatory Signs
Commissioner DeVore made a MOTION,
seconded by Commissioner Turco to adopt Ordinance No.
1862, amending Chapter 156, Vehicles and Traffic, of
the Code of the Township of Abington by incorporating
all of the Traffic Regulatory signs ordained by the
Board of Commissioners since November 2000.
MOTION was APPROVED 15-0
CAPT Car Seat Grant
Commissioner DeVore made a MOTION,
seconded by Commissioner McGrath to authorize Township
officials to accept a grant award from CAPT Citizens
and Police Together) in the amount of $1,500.
MOTION was APPROVED 15-0
Sobriety Checkpoint Grant
Commissioner DeVore made a MOTION,
seconded by Commissioner Turco to authorize Township
officials to accept a grant award from the Bureau of
Highway Safety and Traffic Engineering in the amount
of $40,000.
MOTION was APPROVED 15-0
Prohibition of Trucks on Grove Avenue
Between Rydal Road and Rodman Avenue
Commissioner DeVore made a MOTION,
seconded by Commissioner Agostine to prohibit trucks
on Grove Avenue (except for local deliveries) between
Rydal Road and Rodman Avenue.
MOTION was APPROVED 15-0
Prohibition of Trucks on Spring
Avenue Between Rydal Road and Rodman Avenue
Commissioner DeVore made a MOTION,
seconded by Commissioner McGrath to prohibit trucks
on Spring Avenue (except for local deliveries) between
Rydal Road and Rodman Avenue.
MOTION was APPROVED 15-0
Prohibition of Trucks on Rodman
Avenue at Old York Road
Commissioner DeVore made a MOTION,
seconded by Commissioner McGrath to prohibit trucks
on Rodman Avenue (except for local deliveries) at Old
York Road.
MOTION was APPROVED 15-0
Prohibition of Trucks on Noble Road
Between Rydal Road and Rodman Avenue
Commissioner DeVore made a MOTION,
seconded by Commissioner McGrath to prohibit trucks
on Noble Road (except for local deliveries) between
Rydal Road and Rodman Avenue.
MOTION was APPROVED 15-0
NO STOPPING OR STANDING – Horace
Avenue in Front of Abington Hospital
Commissioner DeVore made a MOTION,
seconded by Commissioner McGrath to approve the installation
of NO STOPPING OR STANDING signs on Horace Avenue in
front of Abington Hospital (north side) between Old
York Road and Highland Avenue.
MOTION was APPROVED 15-0
Removal of NO PARKING ANYTIME Signs
Horace Avenue at Abington Hospital
Commissioner DeVore made a MOTION,
seconded by Commissioner McGrath to approve the removal
of NO PARKING ANYTIME signs on Horace Avenue in front
of Abington Hospital (north side) between Old York Road
and Highland Avenue.
MOTION was APPROVED 15-0
Flashing Warning Device – Horace
Avenue in Front of Abington Hospital
Commissioner DeVore made a MOTION,
seconded by Commissioner McGrath to apply to PennDOT
for permission to install a flashing warning device
on Horace Avenue in front of Abington Hospital, as per
the Hospital’s request. All associated costs will
be borne by Abington Hospital.
MOTION was APPROVED 15-0
Appointment of Two Probationary
Police Officers
Commissioner DeVore made a MOTION,
seconded by Commissioner Turco to appoint Christopher
Obst and Alisha Brown from the current Civil Service
Eligibility list as Probationary Police Officers, effective
June 25, 2001, provided they successfully complete the
remaining portions of the appointment process, including
providing documentation that they have withdrawn their
names form any other police lists on which they are
currently active.
MOTION was APPROVED 15-0
PUBLIC
AFFAIRS
Commissioner Wachter made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner
Agostine to authorize expenditure of $5,200 from 2001
Contingency Fund to perform emergency repairs to the
Library boiler.
MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0
Commissioner Zappone asked about the service contract
for the boiler. Manager Conway stated the boiler was
covered under a one-year contract; there was no service
contract.
Commissioner Wachter made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner
Agostine to authorize an expenditure of an amount not
to exceed $13,314, for additional appraisal fees incurred
in connection with Hillside condemnation.
MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0
AUDIT COMMITTEE
Treasurer Solomon reported that Summit Bank is now
Fleet Bank. For the month of May, $1,300,000 was deposited;
$9,000,000 for the first six month. In May, over one
million dollars was collected in Real Estate taxes or
92%.
Investments
Commissioner Luker made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner
Ring to approve the investments for the month of April,
2001 as previously circulated to the Board. It was noted
that investments for the month totaled $850,602.56.
Interest rates ranged from 5.00% to 7.00%.
MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0
Expenditures/Salaries and Wages
Commissioner Luker made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner
Ring to:
Approve the April, 2001 expenditures as previously
circulated to the Board, in the amount of $2,097,932.04
and salaries and wages in the amount of $1,366,731.87.
Authorize the proper officials to sign vouchers
in payment of bills and contracts as they mature
for the month of July, 2001.
MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0
Training and Conference Expenses
Commissioner Luker made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner
Ring to approve the Advance and Travel Expense Activity
for April, 2001 as previously circulated to the Board.
Advances and Travel Expense Reports were $230 and $1,647.05
respectively. Four (4) month YTD expenses total $6,504.96.
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 April, 2001 as
previously circulated to the Board.
Petty Cash balances were approved as per Audit Committee
Report.
Clearing Fund receipts and disbursements for the month
of April, 2001 were $11,226.45 and ($11,228.98), respectively.
Deferred Revenue/Expense receipts and disbursements
for the month of April, 2001 were $13,448.77 and ($8,490.43),
respectively.
MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0
Operations Manual for Finance Office
Commissioner Luker made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner
Ring to authorize the acceptance of the proposal dated
April 17, 2001 from Bee, Bergvall and Co. to prepare
an operations manual for the Finance Office. Cost is
$7,000, to be paid from Account #01-00-00-2804.
MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0
COMMENTS:
Walter Allen, 1011 Roseland Avenue, Huntingdon Valley
expressed concern that his street had not been resurfaced
in years. He wrote a letter to Public Works and they
came out and patched the road. He would like it resurfaced.
President Ferrara asked if this street is on the list
of work to be done. Mr. Micciolo replied it is on the
long-term capital improvement list. He stated the road
is not in bad shape and it was patched recently.
President Ferrara told Mr. Allen that Public Works
will re-evaluate the street condition next year.
Tom Hall, 1005 Roseland Avenue, Huntingdon Valley,
commented that the problem on Roseland Avenue is drainage.
The water lays on the street. He also commented that
the creek at the bottom of the street needs to be cleaned
out.
Paul Carter, 1017 Huntingdon Pike, commented he cannot
enter his property on Huntingdon Pike, he uses Roseland
Avenue to access his property and stated that the road
is not in good condition.
Commissioner Gross congratulated Susan Matiza on her
recent graduation. He also acknowledged that Matthew
Lahaza has received from the Montgomery County Eastern
Chamber of Commerce their "Man of the Year"
Government Award. Tom Conway was recently elected First
Vice-President of the Association of PA Municipal Managers.
Commissioner Zappone thanked Doug Wendell and Ed Micciolo
for work on the Ardsley Park basketball court.
Commissioner Gillespie congratulated the three lieutenants
who were promoted tonight.
Commissioner O’Connor added that he wanted to
thank the following for their work on the Scott Park
Clean-Up: Sandy Clark, Greg Clark, Paul Epstein, Theresa
Baecza, Bill Storck and Jack Gray.
President Ferrara announced that a delegate and two
alternates are appointed for the State Association Convention.
Commissioner Gillespie will be the delegate, and Commissioners
DeVore and Turco will be the alternates.
ADJOURNMENT: 9:22
p.m.
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