Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes
Board of Commissioners Meeting November 18, 2004

The stated meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the Township of Abington was held on Thursday, November 18, 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,

LYNOTT, GILLESPIE, RING, GROSS

Township Treasurer SOLOMON

Township Manager CONWAY

Assistant Township Manager LAHAZA

Township Solicitor HERDER

Deputy Chief LIVINGOOD

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

Deputy Chief Livingood stated Officer Richard Beaghley has served our community since 1996, and has been assigned to the Montgomery County District Drug Task Force, Montgomery D.U. I. Task Force and a Field Training Officer Program. He has been recognized by M.A.D.D. (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) for his outstanding D.U.I. enforcement. His arrests and prosecutions are among the top in the entire county. On two occasions, Officer Beaghley received commendations for valor when his actions saved the lives of two individuals, a twelve-year old stabbing victim, and a woman trapped in her vehicle during severe flooding. He has been recognized for the arrests of two suspects who assaulted and robbed an armored car driver. His efforts in this case helped recover over $600,000. In May, he saved a life of an 84-year old Glenside resident, who was choking on a piece of bread. In recognition of his outstanding police service to the community, he has been named Officer of the Year by the Glenside Rotary Club.

Commissioners Gross and Myers presented the commendation of Officer of the Year to Officer Beaghley.

Board of Commissioners Meeting November 18, 2004

Wendy Klinghoffer, representing State Representative Ellen Bard, congratulated Officer Beaghley on behalf of the House of Representatives for the wonderful service he has provided to the community and the police department.

Deputy Chief Livingood stated on October 15, 2004, Randy Jackson was recognized by Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell as one of 27 citizen volunteers throughout Pennsylvania to receive the 2004 Governor’s Award for Outstanding Citizen Crime Prevention. Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency Chairman, Walter M. Phillips Jr. stated, "Citizens throughout Pennsylvania and the law enforcement community benefit from Randy Jackson’s selflessness dedication to the safety and well being of all who reside in the areas he serves." Randy Jackson is a senior at Abington High School, and for the past five years assisted the Abington Police Department. He dresses McGruff as the Crime Dog for crime prevention presentations and Darren the Lion for D.A.R.E. presentations. He also serves as a member of the CAPT Board, and coaches for one of PAL’s basketball teams. For the last three years, he served as Master of Ceremonies for the Rock-a-thon and assisted in the 24-hour Relay Challenge.

Commissioners Gross and Myers presented a commendation in recognition of Mr. Jackson’s being a recipient of the Governor’s Award.

Wendy Klinghoffer congratulated Randy Jackson on behalf of the House of Representatives and presented him with a citation.

Josh Shapiro, State Representative elect of the 153^rd District, thanked Ellen Bard for her work in this community. He will work with the Commissioners to accomplish good things for the Abington community. His office will be located across the street from the Township building, and that will take place on December 1, 2004. He is interested in meeting with each Commissioner to hear about their needs and concerns in their wards.

Commissioner Gross announced that with the resignation of former Commissioner DeVore, Commissioner Carlin assumes the role of Director of Public Affairs Committee, and he appointed Commissioner Turco as Assistant Director. He is resigning from the position on the Economic Development Committee, and appointed Commissioner Ring to succeed him at the beginning of January.

Board of Commissioners Meeting November 18, 2004

Commissioner Gross stated the Board interviewed three prospective candidates and reviewed their qualifications. He thanked Commissioners Agostine, Wachter, O’Connor, DiJoseph and Luker for their assistance in this procedure. He opened the floor for nominations.

Commissioner O’Connor nominated Michael Markman, seconded by Commissioner Lynott as a candidate to be appointed to the ZHB.

Commissioner Agostine nominated John DiPrimio, seconded by Commissioner Turco as a candidate to be appointed to the ZHB.

Commissioner Gillespie nominated David Ennis, seconded by Commissioner DiJoseph as a candidate to be appointed to the ZHB.

Commissioner Gross asked Solicitor Herder for instructions on the procedure.

Solicitor Herder replied during the first vote the candidate has to receive the majority votes, if not, then there will be a run-off between the two candidates with the highest votes.

Commission Gross called for a vote in favor of John DiPrimio. He received 6 (six) votes.

Commissioner Gross called for a vote in favor of Michael Markman. He received 6 (six) votes.

Commissioner Gross called for a vote in favor of David Ennis. He received 3 (three) votes.

Solicitor Herder stated there is a tie between Mr. Markman and Mr. DiPrimio. The Board should proceed with a run-off between the two candidates.

Commissioner Gross called for a vote in favor of John DiPrimio. He received 8 (eight) votes. Commissioners Luker, Myers, McGrath, Turco, DiJoseph, Agostine, Wachter, and Ring voted in favor of John DiPrimio. He is our newly appointed ZHB member.

Commissioner Ring made a MOTION, seconded Commissioner DiJoseph to approve the minutes of the October 14, 2004 Quarterly Budget meeting.

Board of Commissioners Meeting November 18, 2004

Commissioner O’Connor amended the minutes to reflect that he was absent not excused from the Quarterly Budget meeting.

Commissioner Weilheimer stated she was late, but attended the Quarterly Budget meeting.

MOTION was AMENDED and passed 15-0.

Commissioner Ring made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Luker to approve the Board of Commissioners meeting of October 14, 2004.

MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.

Commissioner Ring made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner DiJoseph to approve the minutes of the special meeting to fill the Commissioner Vacancy of October 28, 2004.

MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.

Mr. Conway announced the Board of Commissioners met in Executive Session this evening to discuss matters of litigation.

Commissioner Wachter made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Zappone to accept the lowest responsible bid and enter into a contract with Jesse Baro, Inc. to remove and dispose of approximately 2,400 tons of dewatered sludge at $38.78 per ton. To be paid from Sewer Fund Operating Acct. #02-10-200-5305.

MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.

Commissioner Wachter made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Zappone to accept the lowest responsible bid and enter into a contract with General Highway Products, Inc. in the amount of $139,277 for LED (Light Emitting Diode) traffic signal bulbs, as per bid specs.

MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.

Board of Commissioners Meeting November 18, 2004

Commissioner Agostine made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner O’Connor to approve the land development and reverse subdivision plan for WXZ/Penn, LLC as prepared by Bohler Engineering, Inc., dated August 27, 2004. Applicant proposed to consolidate two parcels and construct a 7,000-sq.ft. building for use as an auto parts store. Applicant proposes ingress and egress from both Easton Road and Weldon Avenue. Off-street parking stalls, loading bay and trash enclosure area are also proposed. The development will conform to the dimensional requirements of Section 401.3 of the Zoning Ordinance. Property is located at 462 Easton Road, zoned in the Special Commercial District in Ward 13 of the Township.

Motion is subject to the following conditions:

The rear elevation of the building must be screened from view of any rooftop

mechanical equipment.

Applicant will adhere to the recommendation of the Traffic Safety Officer that a

situation, when the applicant will contact the Code Enforcement office.

Motion is subject to the following waivers:

Waiver from Section 146-11(A)(4) - Tract boundaries with tax parcel numbers,

owners’ names, and approximate acreage of lots surrounding any portion of the

site for a distance of 400 ft.

Waiver from Section 146-11(B)(7) - The location, size and ownership of all

underground and above-ground public or private utilities on the site and within 400

ft. of any portion of the site, including water lines, sanitary sewer lines, storm sewer

lines, electric lines, telephone lines, gas mains, fire hydrants, and street lights.

Waiver from Section 146-11(K) - Sewage Facilities Planning Modules for subdivision

and land development, as required by Sewage Facilities Act.

MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.

Board of Commissioners Meeting November 18, 2004

Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McGrath to direct the Police Department to donate to Bikes for Tykes, c/o Sussman Automotive, all unclaimed bicycles or bicycle parts confiscated by the Department.

MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.

Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McGrath to accept additional funding from CAPT in the amount of $1,400 and from Target in the amount of $1,250.

MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.

STOP Sign - Church Street & Old Orchard Road

Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McGrath to approve the installation of one STOP sign on Church Street at Old Orchard Road.

MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.

NO PARKING - Keith Road at Post Office

Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McGrath to approve the removal of two 15 MINUTE PARKING signs, and the installation of two NO PARKING signs in front of the Abington Post Office on Keith Road.

MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.

Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McGrath to authorize payment of $6,390 from Contingency Fund for licensing and service fees for the C-PLIMS mobile interface package to Archonix Services, LLC. The software interface enables patrol cars to link with the C-PLIMS network at the Police Station.

MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.

Board of Commissioners Meeting November 18, 2004

Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McGrath to authorize Township officials to accept a grant award from FEMA in the amount of $115,850 for the Abington Township Fire Department. Township match will be $49,650.

MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.

Commissioner Carlin welcomed Commissioner Lynott to our committee.

Commissioner Carlin made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Turco to adopt Resolution #04-025 authorizing the Township to file an Open Space application with Montgomery County.

MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.

Resolution 04-025

Board of Commissioners Meeting November 18, 2004

Commissioner Carlin made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Turco to authorize an expenditure NTE $20,000 from Contingency Acct. #01-01-002-5299 for the Hillside Cemetery condemnation matter.

MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.

Commissioner Carlin made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Turco to:

Award the bid for bus service in Abington on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays

(Cheltenham Township on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays) to Laidlaw Transit

Services, Inc. at $43,146 for 2005; $46,359 for 2006; $47,124 for 2007; and $49,280

for 2008.

Enter into a municipal agreement with Cheltenham Township.

Advise Metro Care, Inc. (current provider) that we will not renew the 2005 contract;

however, we will enter into an agreement with Metro to provide service for the month

of January 2005.

Commissioner Gross asked how much money will be saved by entering into this contract?

Mr. Conway replied $47,000 per year.

MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.

Commissioner Carlin made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Turco to increase expenditure budget line item #01-24-156-5331 in the amount of $11,500.

MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.

Treasurer Max M. Solomon stated for October 2004, $2,268,708 was deposited into Bank of America, YTD $15,426,116. We collected $52,102 in Real Estate Taxes, YTD $19,789,433. On December 3, 2004, he will celebrate his 14^th year with the Township, and complimented Larry Matteo for collecting over $1 million.

Board of Commissioners Meeting November 18, 2004

Commissioner Luker made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Carlin to approve the investments for the month of September, 2004 as previously circulated to the Board. It was noted that investments for the month totaled $790,000. Interest yields ranged from 2.30% to 5.09%.

MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.

Motion to:

Approve the September expenditures as previously circulated to the Board, in the

amount of $2,066,811.31 and salaries and wages in the amount of $1,321,310.33.

Authorize the proper officials to sign vouchers in payment of bills and contracts as

they mature for the month of December, 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 September, 2004 as previously circulated

to the Board. Advances and Travel Expense Reports were $111.00 and $3,231.28, respectively. Nine (9) month expenses totaled $48,607.00.

MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.

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 September, 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 September, 2004 were $5.04 and ($0.00), respectively.

Deferred Revenue/Expense receipts and disbursements for the month of September 2004 were $10,460.75 and ($170,822.87), respectively.

Board of Commissioners Meeting November 18, 2004

MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.

Commissioner Luker made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Carlin to authorize an expenditure from Unallocated Permanent Improvement Fund balance (Acct. # 07-00-000-5999) in the amount of $45,910, to be distributed equally among the five volunteer fire companies serving Abington Township.

MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.

Commissioner Wachter made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Carlin to adopt Resolution #04-024 affirming the elimination of officer contributions to the Police Pension Plan unless and until they are needed to keep the plan fully funded.

MOTION was ADOPTED 15-0.

Resolution 04-024

Resolution 04-024

Board of Commissioners Meeting November 18, 2004

None.

Commissioner Agostine wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.

Commissioner Wachter commented Commissioner Gillespie and Mr. Matteo handled the land development application that was approved this evening very well.

Commissioner DiJoseph commented the leaf collection in her ward has been done well.

Commissioner Gillespie thanked Mr. Matteo for doing a great job with his constituents. His Glenside constituents wish to be on the end of the list for leaf collection.

Commissioner McGrath congratulated Mr. Matteo for collecting over $1 million.

Commissioner Luker welcomed Commissioner Lynott to the Board.

Commissioner Weilheimer commented the appointment process for the ZHB was a great step for the Board, and she hopes the other candidates stay involved with the Township.

Commissioner Gross stated there will be two openings on the Township’s Planning Commission, and we will make that appointment at our December meeting.

ADJOURNMENT: 8:35 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Burton T. Conway, Secretary

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