Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes
Board of Commissioners Meeting - May, 2004

The stated meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the Township of Abington was held on Thursday, May 13, 2004 at the Township Administration Building, Abington, PA., with Commissioner Gross presiding.

CALL TO ORDER: 8:00 p.m.

ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners AGOSTINE, MYERS,

WACHTER, DIJOSEPH, TURCO, ZAPPONE, CARLIN,

O’CONNOR, WEILHEIMER, LUKER, MCGRATH,

DEVORE (9:00 p.m.) GILLESPIE, RING, GROSS.

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

Commissioner Gross announced that Vincent DiAntonio, Kevin O’Connor, and William Schroeder of the Abington Police Dept. have been called to active military duty for initial assignments of one year. A moment of silence was observed for all individuals and families affected by the war in Iraq.

Lt. Mike Webb stated Detective Joseph Dalton is a 22 year veteran of the Abington Police Dept., and recipient of the Special Community Service Award from the Women’s Center of Montgomery County. Commissioners Gross and Myers presented a commendation in recognition for his many years of dedicated community service.

Deputy Chief Livingood stated in 2003-2004, Abington Police along with other police departments noticed a familiar pattern of residential burglaries. On March 2, 2004, Officer Edward Howley went above and beyond the call of duty. He arrested two suspects involved with the burglaries, and recovered several million dollars.

Board of Commissioners Meeting May 13, 2004

Commissioners Gross and Myers presented him with a Class III commendation for his bravery.

Commissioner Gross announced an Executive Session was held this evening to discuss potential litigation.

Commissioner Ring made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Agostine to approve the minutes of the April 8, 2004 meeting.

MOTION was ADOPTED 14-0.

Commissioner Gross recognized a member of the Zoning Hearing Board for 22 years, Lin Bigelow, who was in the audience.

Commissioner Wachter made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Zappone to approve final payment to Joao& Bradley in the amount of $12,500 for the Rossiter/Lindbergh Aves./Woodland Rd./St. Charles Place Storm Sewer Project, funded under the 2002 Permanent Improvement Program.

MOTION was ADOPTED 14-0.

Commissioner Wachter made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Zappone to ratify the purchase of a UPS system purchased during an emergency.

MOTION was ADOPTED 14-0.

Commissioner Wachter made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Zappone to advertise Ordinance 1911 establishing the organization and bylaws of the Economic Development Committee and setting a date for a public hearing on the ordinance.

Board of Commissioners Meeting May 13, 2004

MOTION was ADOPTED 14-0.

Commissioner Agostine made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Gillespie to approve the Land Development and Subdivision plan of Philadelphia Presbytery Homes, Inc., as prepared by Charles E. Shoemaker, Inc., Engineers and Surveyors, dated (revised) February 13, 2004. Applicant proposes to subdivide 20.44 acres of ground on the northwestern side of the property and create a separate parcel. In addition, applicant proposes to construct the Parkside and the Health Care Center. The area (of Parcel A) will be reduced to 21.87 acres and will contain all existing and proposed structures relating to the Land Development application. All dimensional criteria of Section 403.3 of the Township Zoning Ordinance have been addressed.

Motion is subject to the following conditions:

Driveway onto Susquehanna Road near the proposed Parkside Building is presently subject to a condition, imposed by the Zoning Hearing Board, limiting the use of the driveway to emergency vehicles and requiring the driveway to be chained and locked. Philadelphia Presbytery Homes is appealing this restriction. If successful on this appeal, Philadelphia Presbytery Homes will agree to a condition of land development approval that limits (non-emergency) use of this driveway to right turns in and right turns out only.

The applicant has agreed to increase the size of the detention basin by 5%. This will

allow greater control of stormwater situations.

All proposed landscaping will be accomplished in accordance with the Landscaping

Plans dated March 12, 2004, prepared by John G. Fellows, Registered Landscape

Architect.

Applicant will escrow $40,000 for improvements to the traffic signals at the

intersection of Susquehanna and Valley Roads.

Motion is subject to the following waivers:

1. Section 146-11.A.4. - Identify all property owners, tract boundaries and parcel

numbers within 400 feet of the site.

Board of Commissioners Meeting May 13, 2004

Section 146-11.B.3 - Identify all property owners within 400 feet of the site.

Section 146-11.B.7 - Identify all utilities within 400 feet of the site.

Section 146-11.D.8 - Identify all cut and fill areas.

Paul Baker Bartle, introduced Thomas Rees, Attorneys representing the applicant, of High, Swartz, Roberts & Seidel, 40 East Airy Street, Norristown, PA., and Gary Tilford, Engineer of Charles E. Shoemaker, Inc., 1007 Edge Hill Road, Abington, PA., and Andrew Warren, Representative of PennDOT.

Andrew Warren, PennDOT Rep., confirmed that a valid highway occupancy permit has been applied for, reviewed, and is in order for the Presby Homes development.

Commissioner Wachter asked is that section on Susquehanna Road a State highway?

Mr. Warren replied yes.

Commissioner Wachter asked is that permit in effect at the present time?

Mr. Warren replied yes.

Commissioner DiJoseph asked when an application has been received; does PennDOT customarily visit the site?

Mr. Warren replied yes.

Commissioner DiJoseph asked has a representative from PennDOT looked at this site?

Mr. Warren replied a member of the traffic unit reviewed the site, the site distance, the conditions of the highway, and the egress/ingress conditions.

Commissioner DiJoseph asked when did that occur?

Mr. Warren replied during the last 6 to 18 months.

Commissioner Gross asked was it looked at before the permit was issued?

Mr. Warren replied yes.

Commissioner Zappone asked is the site visit documented?

Mr. Warren replied yes.

Board of Commissioners Meeting May 13, 2004

Commissioner Zappone asked does PennDOT deem this road safe?

Mr. Warren replied yes.

Commissioner O’Connor asked did a member of PennDOT visit the site in 2001?

Mr. Warren replied yes.

Commissioner O’Connor asked isn’t the Township supposed to be involved in the permitting process?

Mr. Warren replied it is at the Township’s discretion.

Commissioner Myers stated at the time the permit was issued (in 2001), the Township was not on the municipalities’ review list. As a result of that permit, we requested to be on that list. When a supplemental highway permit is issued, can we be notified?

Mr. Warren replied if the Township is on the list; they will be notified.

Commissioner Myers stated she does not believe we were notified when an extension was given in June, 2003. We were on the list at that time because we requested to be on it in 2001.

Mr. Warren stated members of the Board knew about the application.

Commissioner Weilheimer asked for documentation of the initial review of the permit, and what was considered at that time.

Mr. Warren replied he does not have that information tonight.

Commissioner Weilheimer asked should the Township be notified when a permit is about to expire, and being considered for renewal?

Mr. Warren replied he does not know.

Commissioner Weilheimer asked when PennDOT decides to renew an application, do they take into consideration the municipalities’ concerns about the road?

Mr. Warren replied no. We base our criteria on what is necessary to make ingress/egress accessible to State standards.

Commissioner Weilheimer asked when considering reapplication and renewal of a permit; are the amount of traffic accidents in that area considered?

Board of Commissioners Meeting May 13, 2004

Mr. Warren replied they will be reviewed.

Commissioner Weilheimer asked could the amount of accidents be a basis for denying a permit?

Mr. Warren replied there is a mathematical formula of recorded crashes, and if the increase is over that figure; it would be considered.

Commissioner Wachter asked does the Township have the authority to overturn or challenge a valid permit?

Solicitor Herder replied no.

Commissioner Wachter asked can an intervener’s attorney challenge it?

Solicitor Herder replied yes, because no municipality has the right to veto an issuance of a highway occupancy permit.

Mr. Bartle asked the Board if they would like a presentation of the land development and subdivision plan or just a statement.

Commissioner Gross replied a statement.

Mr. Bartle stated we request approval of the final land development plan owned by Presby Homes and Services. Since 2001, his client has been trying to gain permission from the Township to make renovations and improvements to Rydal Park. We have worked with staff, the surrounding neighbors, and the Civic Associations to meet their regulations and concerns. We have cooperated with the Township to allow a sewer pipe on our property avoiding a legal dispute. The only issue remaining is the access from Susquehanna Road. We have met all of PennDOT’s requirements, and we have their approval for a full service intersection. In an attempt to come to a compromise; we have agreed to limit this access if we should win the appeal on the emergency service limitation imposed by the ZHB. We have a note recorded on the plan to limit the movements of the Susquehanna entrance to right in/out.

Until May 3, 2004, no one from the Township or Civic Associations had taken the position that the emergency access driveway should be prohibited. No one appealed the

ZHB decision. We have met every legal requirement for permission to build, and have our land development and subdivision plans approved. We have a right under the Pennsylvania law to develop our land in accordance with the MPC, and the appropriate permits. Chief Kelly testified against a full service driveway. He said a right in/out driveway would be safer. He quoted him from the ZHB hearing:

Board of Commissioners Meeting May 13, 2004

"Chief Kelly, with regards to the proposed intersection or access driveway on

Susquehanna Road; would you feel that this would be a safer intersection if traffic

can only make a right-hand turn?"

A. "I do think it would be a much safer intersection if only those two movements

were allowed, and engineered properly. I still have concerns because we have many

rear-end accidents in that area. It would reduce accidents, and the severity of

accidents that occur."

There are many residents of Rydal Park here tonight who support this application.

Eli Zucker, 1256 Valley Road, stated a PennDOT official came here with no documentation. We were promised that a representative would review the site, and be notified. That was never done.

Commissioner Agostine stated PennDOT has jurisdiction over this road. Mr. Warren does not owe us any documentation because Presby Homes has a legal and valid permit.

Mr. Zucker stated the Board should have questioned Mr. Warren more thoroughly. We have a 700 signature petition of concerned residents.

Commissioner Wachter read from the zoning code: "The Board of Commissioners shall approve a final plan if it adheres to our parameters."

Commissioner Gross asked Mr. Zucker if he is for or against the development.

Mr. Zucker replied he is for it, but in the last year there has been 31 accidents on Susquehanna and Valley Roads.

Commissioner Gross stated that statistic is for the entire length of the road.

Frank Felton, Rydal Park resident, stated he is in favor.

Steve Berkowitz, 1426 Bryant Lane, suggested the driveway issue should be tabled for a month. If someone gets killed or seriously injured; there will be a lawsuit against the

Township. He appealed the PennDOT permit, and filed a "Right To Know" request. Nothing in those records said they viewed the site, held a hearing, or even had a

discussion about it. PennDOT representatives said these curb cuts are never acted upon unless someone objects. This was a rubber stamped permit.

Board of Commissioners Meeting May 13, 2004

Commissioner Gross asked if he is in favor of the plan with the exception of the driveway.

Mr. Berkowitz replied yes.

Commissioner DeVore entered the meeting at 9:00 p.m.

Mr. Berkowitz stated Solicitor Herder told him the three pending lawsuits will be successful.

Solicitor Herder replied he never made statements about any items of litigation.

Mr. Berkowitz stated we should have special counsel to pursue those lawsuits.

Commissioner Agostine stated there was no irregularity regarding this application. It went through the review process with a valid permit. Is that correct?

Mr. Matteo, Mr. Powers, and Solicitor Herder replied that is correct.

Commissioner Agostine stated the pending litigation is as follows: two mandamus actions are seeking deemed approvals. The other is the condition that was placed by the ZHB, limiting the access driveway to emergency use only, which was appealed by Rydal Park. Rydal Park is seeking to overturn the condition, which causes it to be emergency only, and if they are successful, they will limit it to right turn in/out.

Solicitor Herder stated the application shows a fully chained driveway to be used by emergency vehicles only. The applicant proposes to provide the Township with the keys, and distribute the keys to emergency personnel. If the ZHB decision is overturned by the courts; they will limit it to right turn in/out only.

Commissioner Wachter asked if we do not approve this; will they make it a full access?

Solicitor Herder replied yes. If the deemed approval litigation is approved; they will have a full access driveway.

Commissioner Weilheimer stated the right turn in/out driveway is nothing more than a notation on the plan. There is nothing binding them to it.

Solicitor Herder replied the note on the plan is binding.

Commissioner Myers stated the emergency access driveway was requested by our Public Safety Dept., and Abington Fire Dept.

Board of Commissioners Meeting May 13, 2004

Commissioner O’Connor asked did the fire department request that particular road or just another access way?

Chief Kelly replied that particular access was not requested.

Julie Greenbaum, 1420 Lewis Road, President of the RMCA, stated to the residents of Rydal Park that she appreciates their presence here this evening. In 2001, Mr. Matteo asked if she objects to the Rydal Park expansion, and she replied no. Rydal Park said on record that we will tell our people not to use the road because it is unsafe. The traffic data was collected in April 2000, and how can that permit be valid based on information that is four years old.

Solicitor Herder stated the protestants made their case to PennDOT, but the permit stands.

Ms. Greenbaum asked who was notified since that permit was issued?

Solicitor Herder replied being on the list does not mean that PennDOT will contact us every time they renew a permit. We can ask to be notified when the permit is renewed.

Ms. Greenbaum stated the study was done from Old Huntingdon Road to Valley Road during a three-year period, and it was done from Old Huntingdon Road to Valley Road during a one-year period. The PA Code states: "Issuance of a permit under these regulations does not relieve anyone from any additional responsibility to secure Federal, State or Local approvals or permits that may be required by law."

Commissioner Gross stated we are voting on emergency access only.

Ms. Greenbaum stated that is not what the motion reads on the agenda.

Solicitor Herder read the conditions of the motion listed on the agenda.

Ms. Greenbaum stated the right turn in/out driveway is part of the motion.

Solicitor Herder stated if it is not stated in the motion, and they prevail in Court; it will be a full access driveway.

Commissioner Gross asked if Ms. Greenbaum is in favor of the development except for the road.

Ms. Greenbaum replied yes, she is in favor of the Rydal Park expansion facility.

Board of Commissioners Meeting May 13, 2004

Mr. Conway stated he reviewed the petition entitled "Formula For Disaster," which contains concerns about health, safety, and welfare, the new entrance on Susquehanna,

and the construction in the flood plain. He asked Ms. Greenbaum if this is consistent with her position of being in favor of the plan.

Ms. Greenbaum replied in March, 2003, this Board rejected Rydal Park’s expansion plans for numerous omissions; however those issues would be resolved.

Mr. Conway stated this petition is dated three years ago.

Commissioner Gross stated this petition is not applicable to what is being voted on tonight.

Commissioner Agostine voted yes.

Commissioner Myers commented she is voting for a driveway limited only to emergency vehicles, and voted yes.

Commissioner Wachter commented he does not have any alternative but to vote yes.

Commissioner DiJoseph commented she represents the residents of Glenside, and voted yes.

Commissioner Turco voted yes.

Commissioner Zappone commented Mr. Warren testified that many site visits were documented, and PennDOT deemed that road safe. He voted yes.

Commissioner Carlin voted yes.

Commissioner O’Connor voted no.

Commissioner Weilheimer commented it is a dangerous intersection, and Mr. Warren should have brought documentation showing the basis for approving the permits. There has been a significant increase in accidents, and based on the health, welfare, and safety of the community, she voted no.

Commissioner Luker voted yes.

Commissioner McGrath voted yes.

Board of Commissioners Meeting May 13, 2004

Commissioner DeVore commented as President of the State Assoc., the Commissioners’ discretionary powers are limited. If it meets our requirements; we are obligated to approve the plan, and voted yes.

Commissioner Gillespie voted yes.

Commissioner Ring voted yes.

Commissioner Gross commented he is aware of the traffic situation in this Township, and he continually tries to find ways to upgrade the safety of our roads. At the next Public Safety meeting, he would like to review the entire situation at Valley and Susquehanna Roads, and look for ways to reduce the number of accidents. He voted yes.

MOTION to adopt the Land Development and Subdivision plan of Philadelphia Presbytery Homes, Inc., passed 13-2.

The meeting recessed at 9:40 p.m., and resumed at 9:45 p.m.

Commissioner Gross opened the Public Hearing at 9:46 p.m., and made a MOTION to adopt Ordinance 1905, which will amend Section 201 of Article II of the Zoning Ordinance of the Township pertaining to definitions, and Section 601 of Article VI, pertaining to Land Preservation District Overlay - Cluster Development.

Commissioner Gross asked for any comments from the Commissioners.

Commissioner Agostine made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Wachter to continue the hearing until our September, 2004 Board meeting.

MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.

Commissioner Gross made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Wachter to adopt Ordinance 1910, the Stormwater Management Ordinance, as mandated by the PA Environmental Protection Agency.

Commissioner Gross opened the Public Hearing at 9:47 p.m.

Board of Commissioners Meeting May 13, 2004

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 this ordinance.

Mary Ellen Steinberg, 1209 Rydal Road, stated she has a creek running through her driveway, and has a lot of problems with stormwater run off. She asked does this ordinance provide for the safety of the properties that are downhill from the new development?

Mr. Powers replied this ordinance gives the Township authority to require developers to make sure that stormwater management requirements are being met.

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

MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0. The Hearing was closed at 9:48 p.m.

MOTION to adopt this ordinance passed 15-0. Ordinance 1910 is attached hereto and made a part hereof.

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING:

Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McGrath to create a parking permit area on Menlo Avenue from 2238 to 2253, between Easton and Woodlyn Roads.

MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.

Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McGrath to delete Parking Prohibited Between 8:00 a.m. & 5:00 p.m. signs on Menlo Avenue (north side) from Easton and Woodlyn Roads.

MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.

Board of Commissioners Meeting May 13, 2004

NO PARKING HERE TO CORNER - Webster Avenue

Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McGrath to approve the installation of one NO PARKING HERE TO CORNER sign on Webster Avenue (west side) 30 feet south of Old Welsh Road.

MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.

Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McGrath to advertise Ordinance 1912, amending Chapter 156 of the Township Code, to incorporate all of the traffic regulatory signs approved by the Board since June 2003.

MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.

Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McGrath to transfer $8,000 from Contingency into Police Operating Acct. #01-04-042-5305 to cover cost of the 2004 Sergeants’ test.

MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.

Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McGrath to accept additional funding from C.A.P.T. in the amount of $1,400 to train car seat safety technicians.

MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.

Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McGrath to accept a grant from PAL in the amount of $5,000.

MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.

Board of Commissioners Meeting May 13, 2004

Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McGrath to accept a grant form PCCD for $9,617, requiring a 10% match of $1,069. C.A.P.T. will donate $481; $588 will come from Police Overtime Funds (Acct. #01-04-044-5445).

MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.

Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McGrath to adopt Resolution 04-010 designating May 15, 2004 as Police Memorial Day in Abington Township.

MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.

Resolution 04-010

Board of Commissioners Meeting May 13, 2004

Commissioner DeVore made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Carlin to reject all bids for the Alverthorpe Manor fence replacement project.

MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.

Bid Proposal - Alverthorpe Manor Retaining Wall Repair

Commissioner DeVore made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Carlin to accept the lowest responsible bid of Mangan Masonry in the amount of $19,360 to repair the Alverthorpe Manor retaining wall along Meetinghouse Road.

MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.

Commissioner DeVore made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Carlin to adopt Resolution 04-009 authorizing Board President Gross to sign the senior citizen bus transit agreements with PennDOT until May 13, 2007.

MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.

Resolution 04-009

Board of Commissioners Meeting May 13, 2004

Commissioner DeVore made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Carlin to contract with Vollmer & Associates for expert engineering in the matter of Hillside condemnation litigation for an amount NTE $15,000 from the 2004 Contingency Account.

MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.

Commissioner DeVore made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Carlin to authorize an expenditure NTE $30,000 from Contingency Acct.#01-00-002-5299 for the Hillside Cemetery condemnation matter.

MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.

Commissioner DeVore made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Carlin to approve an expenditure of $4,450 to Gearhart Tree Service from Contingency Acct. #01-01-002-5299 to remove dangerous trees on the Indian Creek Road side of Alverthorpe Park.

MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.

Commissioner Luker stated that Treasurer Solomon had to leave; if anyone has any questions, contact him.

Commissioner Luker made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Carlin to approve the investments for the month of March, 2004 as previously circulated to the Board. It was noted that investments for the month totaled $1,808,000. Interest yields ranged from 1.97% to 5.02%.

MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.

Board of Commissioners Meeting May 13, 2004

Motion to:

Approve the March, 2004 expenditures as previously circulated to the Board, in the amount of $2,633,898.46 and salaries and wages in the amount of $1,272,945.94.

Authorize the proper officials to sign vouchers in payment of bills and contracts as they mature for the month of June, 2004.

Roll Call resulted in motion being passed 15-0.

Commissioner Luker made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Carlin to approve the Advance and Travel Expense activity for March, 2004 as previously circulated to the Board. Advances and Travel Expense Reports were $1,160.00 and $10,474.58, respectively. Three (3) month expenses totaled $12,223.87.

MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.

Clearing Fund/Deferred Revenue and Expense/Petty Cash

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 March, 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 March, 2004 were $.90 and ($0.00), respectively.

Deferred Revenue/Expense receipts and disbursements for the month of March, 2004 were $5,916.38 and (97,866.67), respectively.

MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.

Commissioner Wachter made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Carlin to enter into one-year agreement with Aon Investment Consulting on a "full service" (retainer) approach for investment consulting services for both the Police and Non-Uniformed

Pension Plans. Annual total cost to exceed $25,000. Costs will be billed directly to the pension plans on a percentage of assets ratio.

Board of Commissioners Meeting May 13, 2004

MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.

Commissioner Wachter made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Carlin to adopt Resolution 04-007, to provide revisions in language and asset allocations of previously adopted investment policy - Resolution 01-028.

MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.

Resolution 04-007

Board of Commissioners Meeting May 13, 2004

Commissioner Wachter made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Carlin to adopt Resolution 04-008, to provide revisions in language and asset allocations of previously adopted investment policy - Resolution 01-029.

MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.

Resolution 04-008

Board of Commissioners Meeting May 13, 2004

Commissioner Wachter made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Carlin to authorize Plan Administrator to enter into a contract with Municipal Employers Insurance Trust (MEIT), underwritten by Standard Life, for "survivor income life insurance policies" for full-time police officers participating in the Abington Township Police Pension Plan.

MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.

Commissioner Wachter made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Carlin to approve the appointment of Walter Wakefield as the Per Diem Union representative to the Township’s Non-Uniformed Pension Plan.

MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.

Victor B. Krievens, 840 Maple Avenue, commented he was traveling through Glenside, and saw Commissioner Gillespie volunteering as a crossing guard. He suggested having a permanent crossing guard at that intersection.

Commissioner Gross stated we will discuss it at the next Public Safety meeting.

Commissioner Carlin asked are crossing guards covered by insurance?

Mr. Conway replied no.

Commissioner DeVore commented five years ago we assessed all of the crossing guard intersections, and we had a number of requests for additional guards.

Ken Krawchuk, 117 West Avenue, asked for the docket numbers of the litigation that was discussed in executive session.

Solicitor Herder replied there are no docket numbers. We discussed litigation matters of Rydal Park.

REMARKS OF COMMISSIONERS:

Commissioner Agostine commented she attended the D.A.R.E. Graduation, and it was an exciting event. She spoke on behalf of Barbara Ferrara’s mother, who wanted us to know

Board of Commissioners Meeting May 13, 2004

that she is very proud of Barbara, our first female President, and thanked us for placing her portrait in the Board room.

Commissioner Myers thanked the Environmental Council for planting two trees in her ward, and in addition they erected a townhouse bird house.

Commissioner Wachter commented there was fire in his ward, and the McKinley Fire Dept. was the first to respond.

Commissioner DiJoseph acknowledged the hard work of Solicitor Herder, Commissioner Agostine, Mr. Matteo and Mr. Powers on the Rydal Park plan.

Commissioner Turco congratulated Susan Matiza on a job well done getting a 5.2% interest rate.

Commissioner Gillespie congratulated Office Howley on his commendation. This Saturday is Police Memorial Day, and May 22-23 is the 24-Hour Relay Challenge. He congratulated Commissioner Gross on a job well done this evening.

Commissioner DeVore apologized for being late this evening.

Commissioner McGrath commended Officer Howley, and complimented our Police Dept.

Commissioner Weilheimer commented the police presence in her ward has been seen often.

Commissioner Gross thanked the Board, Mr. Conway, Commissioners Turco, McGrath, and DeVore for their support of the Rydal Park issue. Commissioner Myers has done a great job on the Oversight Committee for McKinley Fire Company. His fire alarm sounded and within minutes the McKinley Fire Dept. (Greg Breyer who is a member of our Code Enforcement Dept.) arrived at his house. He thanked staff and Solicitor Herder for their guidance in the Rydal Park matter, and for the support of Chief Kelly and Mr. Matteo.

ADJOURNMENT: 10:10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Burton T. Conway, Secretary

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