Waiver from Section 146-(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 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 streets lights.
Waiver from Section 146-11(K) - Sewage Facilities
Planning Modules for subdivision and land development, as required by the Sewage
Facilities Act.
Joe McGrory, Attorney representing the applicant,
stated we do not agree to Condition # 4. We do agree
with prohibiting right turns onto Weldon, and with
installing the appropriate signage; however the curving
will create dangerous traffic movements. A "pork
chop" is usually done in the middle of an
intersection to prohibit a left-hand turn.
Commissioner Agostine stated Commissioner Gillespie
had meetings with the residents and there are concerns
about traffic cutting through the neighborhood. There
are other areas in the Township where we have been
successful using this kind of curve line design. It
makes it difficult to make that turn into the
neighborhood, but it does not affect the flow into the
property.
Mr. McGrory stated he understands about truck
traffic, and we can self-regulate any trucks that come
to our facility. We can also put up a sign prohibiting
right-turn movements, but the trucks are large tractor
trailers, and they need the full ingress and egress
through this site. The traffic trying to avoid those
curves would be thrown into oncoming traffic. We will
work with the residents to alleviate their concerns.
Commissioner Weilheimer asked does the applicant
intend to abide, appeal, or withdraw the application if
the motion is passed as stated?
Mr. McGrory replied the Township ordinance permits
our design, and there are three waivers as part of this
motion. If the Township feels those waiver requests are
unreasonable, his client will comply. The last waiver
deals with planning modules, which are not necessary for
this application because the sewer capacity is already
there from the existing use. This is a fully compliant
plan, and we would appeal.
Commissioner Agostine asked what is the time frame
for this application?
Mr. Matteo replied we have until November 25, 2004.
Commissioner Agostine asked the applicant if they are
willing to work with our Traffic Safety Officer and the
neighbors regarding Condition #4, and continue this
until next month.
Mr. McGrory replied yes, but we only have a certain
amount of time. These are sites that are designed all
over the nation, and there is a certain criteria that
has to be met; however we do have some flexibility.
Commissioner Gillespie stated there are narrow
streets with no sidewalks. The neighbors are concerned
about the safety of the children.
Commissioner Turco asked is this site proposed on
Easton Road?
Mr. Matteo replied yes.
Commissioner Turco stated we might be creating a
problem with tractor trailers pulling out onto a small
street. We don’t want them backing out onto a major
highway either.
Mr. McGrory stated we need to have that entrance
there to function for tractor trailer deliveries.
Commissioner Turco stated he would like to see a copy
of the full plans.
Commissioner Agostine stated we need more time to
work out the details of this entrance. She asked the
applicant if they are willing to meet with Commissioner
Gillespie, the neighbors, our Traffic Safety Officer and
the Code Enforcement staff.
Mr. McGrory agreed.
Commissioner Gross stated this will be referred back
to the Code Enforcement Committee, and postponed until
next month.
Subdivision SD-04-07 - George Giberson & K&R
Builders, LLC
Commissioner Agostine made a MOTION, seconded by
Commissioner Wachter to approve the subdivision plan of
George Giberson and K&R Builders, LLC, as prepared
by Pahutski Land Surveying, dated July 20, 2004.
Applicant proposes to relocate the existing property
line of the two existing parcels. Lot A contains the
existing single-family dwelling and will be reduced in
size from 17,251 sq. ft. to 14,950 sq. ft. Lot B is a
vacant lot and will be increased in size from 5,755 sq.
ft. to 8,056 sq. ft. Applicant has received the approval
of the ZHB. Properties are located at 940 Kirkwood
Avenue, zoned in the (R-3) Residential District
in Ward 3 of the Township.
Waiver from Section 146-(11)(A) - Property
Identification Plan - Township name plus any other municipality in which the subdivision
or land development is located.
Waiver from Section 146-(11)(B) - Existing Features
Plan - Complete boundary survey of the property to be subdivided or developed,
showing all courses, distances, areas, and tie-ins to all adjacent street
intersections.
Waiver from Section 146-(11)(C) - Proposed Layout
Plan - The plan shall show the
layout, width, length, center line elevation and
names of all proposed cartways, streets, alleys, together with location of all
associated curbs, sidewalks, and gutters.
Waiver from Section 146-(11)(D) - Grading Plan -
Existing topography lines shall be
measured at vertical intervals of two feet for land
with an average natural slope of 10% or less.
Waiver from Section 146-27 - Sidewalks and Curbs -
Where required, sidewalks shall be provided along all streets except where, in the
opinion of the Board of Commissioners, they are
unnecessary for the public safety and convenience.
MOTION was ADOPTED 12-1. Commissioner O’Connor
opposed.
Amendment to Lease Agreement -
Huntingdon Road Pump Station Property
Commissioner Agostine made a MOTION, seconded by
Commissioner Wachter to amend the Lease Agreement with
the School Board for the use of the Huntingdon Road Pump
Station property by changing the term from five years to
11 years.
MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE:
Chief Kelly announced that the PA State Police went
under cover at the spas on Easton Road and Old York
Road, and received solicitations for sex for pay at both
locations. Our detectives served search warrants and
arrest warrants this evening, and several people have
been arrested.
PA Drug Education and Law
Enforcement Grant Program (DARE)
Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by
Commissioner McGrath to authorize Township officials to
accept a grant award for DARE from the PCCD in the
amount of $62,418.
MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.
NO PARKING ANYTIME
- Hamilton Avenue
Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by
Commissioner McGrath to approve the installation of NO
PARKING ANYTIME signs on the north side of Hamilton
Ave. from Easton Road to Summit Ave.
MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.
Multi-Way Stop Signs - Sunset Avenueat Wellington Terrace/Road
Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by
Commissioner McGrath to approve the installation of STOP
signs on Sunset Avenue at Wellington Terrace/Road.
MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.
HANDICAPPED PARKING - 210 Osceola Avenue
Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by
Commissioner McGrath to approve the installation of one HANDICAPPED
PARKING sign to allow for the parking of one vehicle
in front of 210 Osceola Avenue.
MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE:
Renewal of In-Lieu-of-Tax Agreement
with Abington Memorial Hospital
Commissioner DeVore made a MOTION, seconded by
Commissioner Carlin to authorize a new five-year
agreement with Abington Memorial Hospital for
in-lieu-of-tax payments.
Commissioner Gillespie asked has some of this money
gone towards Parks & Recreation?
Mr. Wendell replied no.
Commissioner Gross stated we will discuss this at our
budget meeting.
MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.
Board of Commissioners Meeting October 14, 2004
Ardsley Community Center Lease Renewal
Commissioner DeVore made a MOTION, seconded by
Commissioner Carlin to authorize renewal of the Lease
Agreement with the School Board for the Ardsley
Community Center for a ten-year term, to September 26,
2015.
MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.
FINANCE COMMITTEE:
Treasurer’s Report:
Treasurer Max M. Solomon stated for September, 2004
$766,281 was deposited into Fleet Bank, YTD $13,157,408.
We collected $61,126 in Real Estate Taxes, YTD
$19,737,331.
Investments
Commissioner Carlin made a MOTION, seconded by
Commissioner Gillespie to approve the investments for
the month of August, 2004 as previously circulated to
the Board. It was noted that investments for the month
totaled $843,000. Interest yields ranged from 1.60% to
5.00%.
MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.
Expenditures/Salaries and Wages
Motion to:
Approve the July, August expenditures as previously
circulated to the Board, in the
amount of $1,672,057.76 and salaries and wages in the
amount of $1,342,018.18.
Authorize the proper officials to sign vouchers in
payment of bills and contracts as
they mature for the month of November, 2004.
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 August, 2004 as previously
circulated to the Board. Advances and Travel Expense
Reports were $330 and $3,644.52, respectively. Eight (8)
month expenses totaled $45,375.72.
Board of Commissioners Meeting October 14, 2004
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 August, 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 August, 2004 were $2.52 and ($0.00),
respectively.
Deferred Revenue/Expense receipts and disbursements
for the month of August, 2004 were $2,430.45 and
($6,904.03), respectively.
MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.
PUBLIC HEARING - Ordinance #1917 - $592,598 of Non-Electoral Debt - General Obligation Note Series B
2004
Commissioner Gross made a MOTION, seconded by
Commissioner Carlin to adopt Ordinance #1917 calling for
the issuance of $592,598 in General Obligation
Non-Electoral Debt to purchase two refuse vehicles,
Motorola MCC 5500 radio console base infrastructure
(radio room project), and cost of issuance.
Commissioner Gross opened the Public Hearing at 8:37
p.m.
Commissioner Gross asked for any comments from the
Commissioners. There were none.
Commissioner Gross asked for any public comments in
favor of this ordinance. There were none.
Commissioner Gross asked for any public comments in
disfavor of this ordinance. There were none.
Commissioner Gross made a MOTION, seconded by
Commissioner Wachter to close the Hearing.
MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0. The Hearing was closed at
8:38 p.m.
MOTION to adopt this ordinance passed 13-0, and it is
attached to these minutes.
Board of Commissioners Meeting October 14, 2004
Resolution #04-014 - Financing of General Obligation
Note Series B 2004 for Capital Equipment
Commissioner Carlin made a MOTION, seconded by
Commissioner Gillespie to adopt Resolution No. 04-014
awarding Earthstar Bank the financing of two refuse
vehicles and radio room capital project in the amount of
$592,598.
MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.
Contingency Expense Authorization
Commissioner Carlin made a MOTION, seconded by
Commissioner Gillespie to authorize a transfer of
$10,000 from Contingency Acct. #01-01-002-5299 to Tax
Collector Contracted Services Acct. #01-02-021-5305.
MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.
Audit Proposal
Commissioner Carlin made a MOTION, seconded by
Commissioner Gillespie to appoint the firm Bee, Bergvall
& Company as Township auditors for a five-year
period commencing 2005 and ending with the completion of
audit procedures for the year 2009.
To authorize the Township officials to enter into a
five-year agreement commencing 2005 with Bee, Bergvall
& Company for the performance of Township and Tax
Office audit services at an annual cost of $32,650 to
the Township. Township share is $29,450; CDBG Program
share is $3,200.
MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.
New Local and Long Distance Phone Carrier
Commissioner Carlin made a MOTION, seconded by
Commissioner Gillespie to authorize proper Township
officials to enter into a contract with US - Lec for
local and long-distance charges for phone service at the
Municipal Building for a three-year period.
MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.
COMMENTS FROM STAFF:
Treasurer Max Solomon commented the Finance Dept.
deserves a lot of credit for obtaining an interest rate
of 5%, and for their fine choice of investments.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Chris Robinson, 454 Elk Street, stated the citizens
are not in favor of the auto parts store. He feels the
Board should not grant those waivers. There will be 65
ft. tractor trailers making deliveries early in the
morning several times a week. Those trucks will be
exiting onto Weldon Avenue, and the real reason they do
not want the "pork chop" is because it would
interfere with those trucks exiting onto a very small
side street.
Annette Dougherty, 450 Elk Street, stated if the
Board does not grant relief from the "pork
chop" condition the applicant will withdraw their
application.
Commissioner Wachter stated the applicant said they
would appeal, and if they do, none of these requirements
will be upheld by a judge.
Ms. Dougherty stated there are three elementary
schools within ¼ mile of this site. The only path to
those schools is directly in front of that site. The
only crossing guard is within 50 feet of the exit and
entrance to that building.
Commissioner Wachter suggested no deliveries be made
during school hours.
Ms. Dougherty stated the neighbors on Elk and Weldon
Avenue are in agreement to make Weldon a one-way out to
Easton Road, and Elk Street a one-way.
Commissioner Gross stated this will be discussed with
our Traffic Safety Officer.
Ms. Dougherty stated they will have to perform
traffic and water impact studies, and they need to put
in an underground retention basin rather than tying into
the existing storm sewers that are already at capacity.
REMARKS OF COMMISSIONERS:
Commissioner Myers congratulated Chief Kelly and Lou
Kline for a wonderful PAL event.
Commissioner Wachter commented he is happy to see Max
Solomon at this meeting.
Commissioner Carlin announced the Dedication Ceremony
will be held on Saturday, October 16, 2004 at Roslyn
Park at 11:00 a.m. to celebrate the introduction of the
new trail system into the Roslyn/Ardsley Park area.
There will be a Beef-n-Beer on Saturday, October 23,
2004 at the Willow Grove VFW from 7-11 p.m. for general
fund raising purposes.
Commissioner Weilheimer commented the new fence
surrounding Brentwood Manor looks good.
Commissioner McGrath commented the PAL Food Festival
was wonderful. She welcomed back Max Solomon, and
thanked Chief Kelly and our police department for the
arrests made at the spas. She thanked Mr. Wendell, Mr.
Micciolo, Mr. Powers, and Mr. Pontelandolfo for their
assistance in resolving some problems in her ward. She
wished Commissioner DeVore and his family the best of
luck.
Commissioner Gillespie announced there will be an
Octoberfest on October 22, 2004 at the VFW in Ardsley to
raise money for the football stadium at Abington High
School.
Commissioner Gross thanked Ms. Matiza for doing a
great job with the budget. How did the deer hunt go on
Monday?
Mr. Wendell replied we got four deer out of the park,
and everything went well.
Commissioner DeVore announced his resignation, and
stated he will be working for the Governor of
Connecticut. He thanked everyone for the opportunity to
be civicly involved since 1971 in Ward 11, and it has
been a great honor and privilege. It has been wonderful
to be associated with such a fine government as we have
in Abington Township.
Commissioner Gross thanked Commissioner DeVore on
behalf of the entire Board and staff for his 13 years of
excellent service to the Township as Commissioner of
Ward 11. We greatly appreciate it.
ADJOURNMENT: 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Burton T. Conway, Secretary
sev
