Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes
Board of Commissioners Meeting September 9, 2004

The stated meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the Township of Abington was held on Thursday, September 9, 2004 at the Township Administration Building, Abington, PA., with Commissioner Gross presiding.

CALL TO ORDER: 7:30 p.m.

ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners AGOSTINE, MYERS,

WACHTER, TURCO, ZAPPONE, CARLIN, O’CONNOR,

WEILHEIMER, LUKER, MCGRATH, GILLESPIE,

RING, GROSS

Excused: DEVORE, DIJOSEPH

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

The Abington Township Board of Commissioners’ Recognition Awards were held at the Police/Fire Memorial in front of the Township Building at 7:30 p.m., recognizing the first-year accomplishments of McKinley Fire Company’s Recovery and Revitalization Program.

Commissioner Gross stated we are here this evening to recognize all of the fine work that has taken place over the past year to revitalize the McKinley Fire Company.

It was one year ago that the Board of Commissioners found it necessary to take formal action to establish the McKinley Oversight Committee. Although the work of the Committee is not yet complete, there has been significant improvement and a complete turnaround that is worthy of recognition.

Board of Commissioners Meeting September 9, 2004

Commissioners O’Connor, Agostine, and Wachter presented awards to President of the McKinley Fire Company, Christopher A. Bors and Fire Chief Mark Maxwell for their leadership. With the assistance and guidance of the Oversight Committee, the McKinley Fire Co. has been totally reorganized and rejuvenated with increased membership and training requirements, renovation of facilities and equipment, improved business practices, and a return to hosting community activities.

The Commissioners thanked them for restoring community pride to the tradition of the McKinley Fire Co., and wished them the best as they continue this progress and approach the celebration of 100 years of service in 2006.

Commissioner Gross stated when the Township determined to establish a working group to guide the efforts at McKinley Fire Co., what better source than to call upon the leadership and expertise from our four other volunteer fire companies. Each has a long history of professional service. The McKinley Oversight Committee consisted of the following volunteers: Abington Chief, John Bothwell, Weldon Deputy Chief, Charles (Bud) Gerhard III, Edge Hill Chief, Charles Rohrer, and Roslyn Chief, Ed Wurster.

The experience and expertise of these leaders has been an invaluable resource to guide the McKinley revitalization effort. Over the past year these gentlemen have spent an enormous amount of time working with the new McKinley leadership on such matters as organizing the firehouse, rewriting the bylaws, recruitment and training of members, and the establishment of standard operational guidelines. Early on in the process, these leaders participated in a critical planning process to provide fire protection for the McKinley district in the event of a shutdown of the McKinley Fire station. Each member was presented an award commending their professionalism and dedication for their efforts to strengthen the Abington Township Fire Department by applying their expertise and time to the rejuvenation process.

Commissioner Gross presented awards to Daniel Buckley and Dolores Downs in recognition for providing invaluable assistance to the Oversight Committee.

Dan is a member of the Roslyn Fire Co., and he has volunteered numerous hours as Acting Treasurer of the McKinley Fire Co. during the revitalization. He has established a budget and new financial procedures, and he has worked hard to restore good financial management to the McKinley Fire Co. during this crucial transition period.

Board of Commissioners Meeting September 9, 2004

Dolores, who grew up in McKinley, is to be commended for volunteering her time as Fire Co. Secretary by attending and recording all meetings, and establishing organization to the Fire Company’s record keeping.

It is interesting sometimes to note that when one part of a system becomes weak, the other parts of the system often become stronger during the healing process. And that is exactly what happened here. As the McKinley Fire Company stumbled, the other four volunteer fire companies not only picked up the slack, but they have willingly shared their time, effort and resources to ensure the public safety.

Commissioner Gross stated much of the burden over the past 12 months has fallen on the members of the Abington Fire Co., who to this day are still responding to calls in the McKinley district. This has thus far resulted in these volunteers responding to an additional 200 calls for service, which is over and above their normal 500 calls per year.

President William Ernst, Weldon Fire Company, President James Caine, Edge Hill Fire Company, and Acting President Phil Aylward, Roslyn Fire Company were presented with awards for their companies for providing invaluable support over the past year, from cleaning and organizing the McKinley Firehouse, to participation in joint training with the new membership and inspecting equipment to ensure safety and compliance.

Commissioner Myers stated there is a member of the Oversight Committee who deserves special recognition this evening. She presented an award to Fire Marshal Clark for his extraordinary leadership, demonstrated over the past year in making the Oversight Committee process work. His wisdom, integrity and dedication to the fire service have been instrumental in the success thus far of the revitalization of the McKinley Volunteer Fire Co.

The meeting adjourned to the Township Building Board Room.

A Moment of Silence was held in memory of an Abington employee, Cathrine Hardmon, who worked for the Township for 21 years, and recently passed away, and in memory of two 19 year old men, Matthew Bythrow and Michael Hepler, who were killed in a traffic accident.

Commissioner Ring made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Carlin to approve the minutes of the Board of Commissioners Meeting of August 12, 2004.

Board of Commissioners Meeting September 9, 2004

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

Commissioner Wachter made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Zappone to make final payment to Joao & Bradley Construction Company in the amount of $9,975 for construction of Sanitary Sewer Project - Contract 126. Payment will be made after receipt of a one-year maintenance bond.

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

Commissioner Wachter made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Zappone to authorize final payment in the amount of $4,155 to R. L. Tschopp for the installation of raw sewage pump drives and motors at the WWTP, to be paid from Acct. #02-00-000-7002.

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

Commissioner Wachter made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Zappone to adopt Resolution 04-018, authorizing the proper officials to enter into a contract with PennDOT for snow and ice removal on PennDOT highways for the years 2004 to 2009.

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

Resolution 04-018

Board of Commissioners Meeting September 9, 2004

Commissioner Wachter made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Luker to approve addendum #5, increasing N. Abbonizio Contractors’ contract an additional $163,800 to construct Basin #4, and to extend completion date to October 1, 2004, to be funded as follows:

Reallocation of unused project funds

Addendum #5 (Acct. #07-07-962-7325) $75,000

North Hills Storm Sewer (Acct. #07-07-566-7002) 57,150

Fund Balance 31,650

TOTAL $163,800

Commissioner Wachter thanked Commissioner Zappone for bringing this to the attention of the Finance Committee, and for submitting a list of questions in writing. In the future, he would like the Public Works Committee to work with our Solicitor to set guidelines for contracts in general.

Solicitor Herder agreed.

Commissioner Wachter stated there were a lot of additional costs incurred, and he is concerned about our options.

Commissioner Zappone asked is $57,150 coming from the North Hills Storm Sewer project?

Commissioner Wachter replied yes. There were two additional invoices totaling $104,000, and the contractor has agreed to waive them.

Mr. Conway stated he has a letter dated 9/3/04 signed by Vice President, Steven Abbonizio, agreeing that they would cap the cost at $163,800. It is stated in a letter dated 9/3/04 from DEP that the large mound of dirt on the right side of the construction is allowed to stay because it is not in the flood plain.

MOTION was ADOPTED 10-3. Commissioners Zappone, Carlin and McGrath opposed.

Commissioner Wachter made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Luker to set a date of 9/30/04 at 7:30 p.m. for a public workshop to discuss variable rate refuse alternatives.

Board of Commissioners Meeting September 9, 2004

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

Commissioner Weilheimer stated she polled all of the residents in her ward who live within 500 feet of a property that is in excess of five acres. The majority of the responses were in opposition to a Cluster Ordinance, and the discretion that it gave the Board. At that time she asked the Board to continue the hearing to work on revising Ordinance 1905. Because there are properties in her ward that are in excess of 10 acres, she asked the Board to pass this ordinance, and informed them she will be coming back for revisions or repeal depending on what is in the best interest of the community.

Commissioner Gross made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Agostine to adopt Ordinance 1905, to amend the Zoning Ordinance with regard to Cluster Development.

Commissioner Gross opened the Public Hearing at 8:15 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 O’Connor to close the Hearing.

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0. The Hearing was closed at 8:16 p.m.

MOTION to adopt this ordinance passed 13-0.

Ordinance 1905

Ordinance 1905

Ordinance 1905

Board of Commissioners Meeting September 9, 2004

Commissioner Agostine made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner O’Connor to approve the subdivision plan of Roslyn Presbyterian Church, as prepared by Donald John Boucher, dated 11/25/02. Applicant proposes to subdivide the parcels and relocate the lot line to create a conforming lot. Lot 1 will contain the existing single-family dwelling and be reduced from 12,628 sq. ft. to 11,553 sq. ft. Lot 2 is vacant and will be increased from 6,425 sq. ft. to 7,500 sq. ft. Applicant does not plan to develop the vacant parcel at this time. Property is located at 2215 Trotter Avenue, zoned in the R-4 Residential District in Ward 11 of the Township.

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

Commissioner Agostine made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner O’Connor to approve the subdivision plan of Dr. Adam Denish, as prepared by Donald John Boucher, dated 6/18/04. Applicant proposes to relocate the existing property line of the two existing parcels. Lot 1 contains the existing building that is used as office space and will be reduced from 24,095 sq. ft. to 15,040 sq. ft. Lot 2 contains the Veterinary Clinic and will be increased in size from 19,319 sq. ft. to 28,374 sq. ft. Properties are located at 315 and 327 Township Line Road, zoned in the Mixed Use District in Ward 4 of the Township.

Motion is subject to the following waivers:

Section 146-11(A) Property Identification Plan

Section 146-11(B) Existing Features Plan

Section 146-11(C) Proposed Layout Plan

Section 146-11(D) Grading Plan

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

Commissioner Agostine made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Luker to approve the revised Preliminary Land Development and Subdivision Plan for Susquehanna Investment Company as prepared by Van Cleef Engineering Associates. Proposal is to construct 84 new single-family dwellings on 34.7 acres. Application will need relief from the Zoning Hearing Board for steep slope encroachments and grading changes. Properties are located at 1790 Brook Road, zoned in the AO Apartment Office District and R-1 Residential District in Ward 7 of the Township.

Board of Commissioners Meeting September 9, 2004

Motion is subject to the following waivers:

Section 146-10(A)(6) Profile plan

Section 146-11(B)(7) Existing features within 400 ft.

Section 146-(F)(B)(1) Width of the proposed right-of-way

Section 146-14(D)(3) ZHB relief prior to formal submission

Section 146-24(B)(2) Grading of the roadways

Section 146-25(1) 90 degree intersections

Section 146-27 Concrete curbing

Section 146-33(7) #1 style inlets

Section 146-33(3)(A) Gravity feed sanitary sewer lines

Section 146-40(2)(a) Recreation land - fronting on public street

Commissioner Agostine stated she asked the applicant to meet with Mr. Dooley, the resident’s attorney, to discuss an alternative plan. Mr. Matteo, Mr. Dooley, and herself met with the applicant who showed them this alternate plan, which was engineered by Van Cleef Engineering Assoc. It includes preservation of the nicer areas of the district, which involve some zoning changes. She asked Solicitor Herder to prepare a condition to the preliminary plan approval.

Solicitor Herder stated there are two conditions. Preliminary approval of this plan is conditioned upon the submission by the applicant of an amended final plan incorporating the recommendations of the Montgomery County Planning Commission; PROVIDED that the Township adopts and enacts zoning map and text amendments, which become final and unappealable, to permit development of the property in accordance with the recommendations of the Montgomery County Planning Commission without the need for use variances.

Preliminary approval is conditioned upon the applicant’s reconfiguration of the intersection of Huntingdon Road and the new Route 611 access road in such a way as to prevent or limit access to Huntingdon Road by residents of the proposed Rydal Waters development. The applicant will consider a "porkchop" - type configuration, subject to the approval of the Township, to satisfy this condition.

Commissioner Agostine made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Ring to AMEND the MOTION, to include the two amendments prepared by Solicitor Herder.

Commissioner Turco asked is stone curbing noted on the plan?

Mr. Jonas replied yes.

Board of Commissioners Meeting September 9, 2004

Marc Jonas, of Eastburn and Gray, 775 Penllyn Blue Bell Pike, Blue Bell, PA., Attorney representing the applicant, stated this is a 34.7 acre parcel, and the applicant proposes 84 new homes. This is a preliminary plan application that was filed six months ago. We have had many discussions with Township staff, neighbors, neighbors’ counsel, and the Montgomery County Planning Commission. Before the Board is a full set of preliminary plans that are by right and consistent with the R-1 and AO zoning and require special exception relief from steep slopes. This application has taken an extraordinary route with alternatives to the plan that disregard zoning. Meetings have been held to discuss alternatives relating to lot configuration and access. He asked the engineer to present the original plan and the alternative plan.

Karl Janetka, of Van Cleef Engineering Associates, stated we will vacate Brook Road between the property line of the Tempens Medical building and the Marquardt property to allow direct access from Huntingdon Road onto the private road. The "pork

chop" makes it difficult for cars to come out of the development and go up Huntingdon Road, and encourages them to exit by the entrance onto Old York Road.

Mr. Jonas stated the property owned by Tempens Assoc. maintains its access to Brook Road, and so does the Marquardt family. The new residents of Rydal Waters will be discouraged from going north on Huntingdon Road. Those residents will have a direct access to Rt. 611. The Schiffman property remains untouched by this application. The alternative plan does not respect current zoning. This plan requires text and map amendments. There is a half acre more of open space on this plan, and we have tracked the MCPC road layout to include an "eyebrow" feature. All of the houses along the north and the east have been moved back. The lots do not go right to the property lines. We moved all of the houses off of the property line with Brook Road to provide shared green space and buffer along the northern, eastern, and some of the southern property lines.

We are proposing an emergency access off of drive "A" that goes through the property of Temple Beth Am, and we will provide them with parking on our property.

Our by right plan is ready for preliminary plan approval, which has been reviewed by everyone. We are prepared to accept the condition that would bind and obligate the applicant to submit a final plan based upon this plan provided that this Township meets us half way, and we will work together with public input. If this plan is approve tonight, the process will continue to follow the MPC process and Abington Township’s zoning ordinance regarding text and map amendments. Those amendments will be reviewed by the Township Planning Commission, the MCPC, subject to public meetings, go before the Code Enforcement Committee, and come back to the full Board for action.

Board of Commissioners Meeting September 9, 2004

The final plan application will be reviewed by the Township Planning Commission, the MCPC, Code Enforcement Committee, and the full Board before it is passed. Commissioner Agostine asked us to commit that if and when this goes to the ZHB, we will go back to the Township Planning Commission and look at this plan before obtaining the relief we need.

Commissioner O’Connor stated the alternative plan is a much better plan. Why can’t the alternative plan be resubmitted as the final plan?

Mr. Jonas replied we can not come back with this plan until the zoning is in place. If the zoning is not in place, this applicant wants to move forward with the by right plan. But if the zoning ordinance amendments are upheld, we will move forward with a final plan consistent with that.

Commissioner Agostine stated the preliminary plan is a full set of plans, and they spent a lot of time working with us on it. At the Code Enforcement meeting, Commissioner O’Connor said, "Isn’t it a leap of faith to act on this until we know the applicant will keep their word?" She asked the applicant to meet with her residents’ attorney to show an alternative plan. They not only did that, but engineered it as well. That is a measure of good faith.

Commissioner Weilheimer asked is this the plan that will be built by the developer if zoning relief is obtained and the map amendments and changes by the Board of Commissioners are completed?

Mr. Jonas replied yes.

Commissioner Gillespie asked is this an adult community, and if not, what impact will this have on the Abington School District?

Mr. Jonas replied it is not intended to be regulated as an age-restricted community. It will be very attractive to the empty nester group, and therefore it will not have a large impact on the school district. The lots are 3,000 - 4,000 sq. ft. with two-story houses.

Commissioner Gillespie asked what is the cost of these homes?

Mr. Jonas replied about $600,000.

Commissioner Wachter asked did the prior plan meet all of the requirements?

Mr. Dooley replied it complied with the zoning ordinance.

Commissioner Wachter stated the code says the Board of Commissioners shall approve.

Board of Commissioners Meeting September 9, 2004

Mr. Jonas stated the concept plan is based upon the County layout and engineered by Van Cleef Assoc.

Commissioner Wachter stated the code states for final plan approval, "The Board of Commissioners shall approve a final plan of subdivision or land development provided that all of the protections and safeguards expressed for the approval of the preliminary plans are upheld."

Mr. Jonas stated if the motion is passed subject to the condition, and ordinances are passed that permit this to be built, and if the applicant comes in with anything different; the Township has the right to deny it.

Commissioner Wachter stated egress and ingress will be from Old York Road not Susquehanna.

Mr. Jonas replied that is correct.

Commissioner Wachter asked how will the trees be impacted?

Mr. Jonas replied we will preserve the foliage along Brook Road, and there is one-half acre of open space.

Commissioner Gross stated there was discussion at the Code Enforcement meeting about access to Old York Road. Is there anything further to be added?

Commissioner Agostine replied after several meetings with Mr. Matteo and her constituents, one major issue is that this development accessed onto Brook Road. She suggested an alternative entrance to Rt. 611. In order for that to be done, Brook Road was not able to be kept open to Rt. 611 because that would be two roads adjacent to each other. She suggested vacating a small portion of Brook Road from Rt. 611 to the property line between the Marquardt property and the Tempens Medical building. This road would be beneficial for the medical building, and it aligns with one of our entrances to the Abington Library.

Commissioner Gross asked is it possible that there will be a traffic light at this intersection?

Commissioner Agostine replied yes.

Commissioner Gillespie asked will the Homeowners Association take care of snow plowing and trash pick-up for these private roads?

Mr. Jonas replied yes.

Board of Commissioners Meeting September 9, 2004

Commissioner Gillespie stated we have other private developments, and once they created their association, they asked the Township to take over these services. It should be written in their code they can not do that.

Mr. Jonas stated it will be written in all of the documentation that this is a private community, and that they control and pay for these services.

Jack Dooley, of Dischell, Bartle, Yanoff, & Dooley, 1800 Penbrook Parkway, Lansdale, PA., Attorney representing 13 families living north of this development, stated he agrees with Mr. Jonas with what he has indicated. On behalf of his clients, he is in favor of the amendments to the plan. The alternative plan is a better plan, but a gated community creates problems. He suggested limiting the movement from the new homes traveling out to Huntingdon Road. The language of the amendment says we need to work this out. The "porkchop" road needs to be even better. The trees should be saved to the greatest extent, and he sees 86 units listed on the plan including the Harbison home. On behalf of his clients we urge the developer to take back a lot.

Commissioner Zappone asked does the new road go out to Old York Road?

Mr. Janetka replied yes.

Commissioner Zappone asked is there a traffic light there?

Mr. Janetka replied no.

Commissioner Zappone asked has any paperwork been submitted to PennDOT for a traffic light?

Mr. Jonas replied no. It is the policy of PennDOT not to review any applications for highway occupancy permits until there is preliminary plan approval.

Commissioner Zappone asked what happens if they oppose the traffic light?

Mr. Jonas replied there would be no signal at this intersection.

Commissioner Agostine stated she discussed with Mr. Micciolo that our zoning ordinance provides that we can direct an independent traffic study of this intersection.

Ken Krawchuk, 117 West Avenue, stated Mr. Jonas mentioned there will be private trash collection. Isn’t it required that all trash go through Abington Township’s steam plant?

Board of Commissioners Meeting September 9, 2004

Solicitor Herder replied the Homeowners Association is responsible for trash collection on private roads.

Commissioner Gross stated even a private contractor has to take it to the steam plant.

Julie Greenbaum, 1420 Lewis Road, President of the RMCA, asked is a traffic study required for this project of 86 houses?

Mr. Matteo replied it is required before final land development and subdivision approval.

Ms. Greenbaum asked is the traffic study paid for by the developer?

Mr. Matteo replied yes.

MOTION to AMEND the MOTION to include the two amendments prepared by Solicitor Herder passed 12-1. Commissioner Zappone opposed.

MOTION to APPROVE the revised Preliminary Land Development and Subdivision Plan as AMENDED passed 12-1. Commissioner Zappone opposed.

LD-04-03 - Roslyn Elementary School - 2525 Susquehanna Road

Commissioner Agostine made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner O’Connor to approve the Land Development application of Abington School District for the demolition and reconstruction of a new elementary school, parking lots, bus and student drop-off lanes, play areas, and ball fields. Property is located at 2525 Susquehanna Road, zoned in the Community Service District of Ward 15 of the Township.

Motion is subject to the following condition:

1. There will be no construction work conducted on this property on Sundays.

Motion is subject to the following waivers:

Section 146-(B)(1) Fire Prevention Requirements

Section 146-43(D)(4) Erosion and Settlement Control

Section 146-10-(A) Drafting Standards

Section 146-11(A)(4) Identify all tax parcels within 400 ft.

Section 146-11(B)(7) Identify all utilities within 400 ft.

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

Board of Commissioners Meeting September 9, 2004

Waiver of Abington Schools Permit Fees

Commissioner Agostine made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Luker to approve the permit fees for the new Highland Elementary School project, Overlook Elementary School project, and the New Sports Facility for an amount of $112,820. Fee will include demolition costs, new construction costs, HVAC, electrical and plumbing costs.

Mr. Conway stated Dr. Amy Sichel, Superintendent of Abington School District, said at the Public Affairs meeting last week that at the meeting of the Township/School Liaison Committee to be held on September 23, 2004 we will discuss terms.

Commissioner Ring made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Agostine to AMEND the MOTION, to TABLE this item until such meeting takes place between the School District and the Township.

MOTION to TABLE passed 12-1. Commissioner Turco opposed.

Commissioner Agostine made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner O’Connor to enter into a five-year lease agreement with the School District to utilize the Huntingdon Road Pump Station property for private vehicle parking by bus drivers. All improvements to the property will be made by the School District.

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McGrath to authorize Township officials to accept a grant award from the PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency in the amount of $50,000 for "Communities That Care."

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McGrath to authorize Township officials to expend no more than $470,750.90 to remodel the Abington 9-1-1 Communications Center and replace radio communications equipment, as needed, with $130,761.95 coming from the Capital Improvement Fund and $339,988.95 being financed by General Obligation Notes.

Board of Commissioners Meeting September 9, 2004

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

Commissioner Carlin made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Turco to approve Resolution #04-016 for a Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources Community Conservation Partnership grant that will be used for Phase I of the development of the Alverthorpe Manor Cultural Park. Local match not to exceed $25,000.

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

Board of Commissioners Meeting September 9, 2004

Commissioner Carlin made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Turco to approve the reallocation of $5,215 from Acct. #07-24-800-7356, Alverthorpe Manor Air Conditioning, for repair of the Orthodox Meetinghouse.

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

Commissioner Carlin made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Turco to approve agreement between Parks & Recreation and the Abington Art Center for use of the Orthodox Meetinghouse for an art installation. The Art Center’s use agreement will run from 9/1/04 to 12/31/05.

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

Commissioner Carlin made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Turco to approve the controlled deer hunt on Valley Road between Washington Lane and Mill Road (Boy Scout Nature Study area and Karebrook) for the 2004-2005 hunting season.

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

TABLED.

Commissioner Carlin made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Turco to authorize amendment to the Abington Township/School Board 1996 Agreement on the purchase of the Hillside/Susquehanna Woods property for the purpose of clarifying the School Board’s financial obligation.

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

Board of Commissioners Meeting September 9, 2004

Commissioner Luker stated the Treasurer’s Report is attached to the agenda.

Commissioner Luker made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Carlin to approve the investments for the month of July, 2004 as previously circulated to the Board. It was noted that investments for the month totaled $1,135,000. Interest yields ranged from 2.150% to 3.974%.

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

Motion to:

Approve the July, 2004 expenditures as previously circulated to the Board, in the amount of $1,673,937.99 and salaries and wages in the amount of $1,419,873.54.

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

Roll Call resulted in motion being passed 13-0.

Commissioner Luker made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Carlin to approve the Advance and Travel Expense activity for July, 2004 as previously circulated to the Board. Advances and Travel Expense Reports were $360 and $5,009.77, respectively. Seven (7) month expenses totaled $41,811.21.

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

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 July, 2004 as previously circulated to the Board.

Petty Cash balances were approved as per Finance Committee Report.

Board of Commissioners Meeting September 9, 2004

Clearing Fund receipts and disbursements for the month of July, 2004 were $4.92 and ($7.50), respectively.

Deferred Revenue/Expense receipts and disbursements for the month of July, 2004 were $8,860.89 and ($7,687.66), respectively.

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

Commissioner Luker made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Carlin to advertise Ordinance #1917 calling for the issuance of $592,598 in Abington Township General Obligation Non-Electoral Debt for the purpose of purchasing the following capital equipment: two refuse trucks, radio room project, and costs of issuance.

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

Commissioner Gross wished Treasurer Max Solomon a speedy recovery.

Commissioner Wachter made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Carlin to adopt Resolution #04-107 recognizing that the Township’s minimum municipal funding obligation for the calendar year 2005 with respect to the Municipal Employee and Police Pension Plans is $712,446 and $588,920, respectively.

Commissioner Wachter stated by law we have to enact this by September 30, 2004, and it might have to be amended later.

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

Resolution 04-017

Board of Commissioners Meeting September 9, 2004

None.

Commissioner Gillespie commented Commissioners Gross and Myers did a good job conducting the McKinley Fire Dept. ceremony, and it was a nice event. He will be participating in the MS150 on September 18-19, and he is looking for sponsors.

Commissioner Luker wished Max Solomon a speedy recovery, and recognized Victor Krievens who assisted our tax collector in the pursuit of delinquent taxes. Unity Day is September 11, 2004 at Crestmont Park, and commendations will be made to the police and fire company at that time.

Commissioner Weilheimer announced that the Meadowbrook Bird Sanctuary has been recognized again by the PA Horticultural Society. October 4, 2004 is the last day for voter registration.

Commissioner Wachter commented we had some difficult issues to resolve over the summer, and thanked everyone involved.

Commissioner Zappone stated our newly adopted policy must be, "That staff can allow vendors’ work with taxpayers’ money, and this Board does not have to be notified." There is no justification for the $160,000 expenditure. Studies were done, and we knew there was trash there. If we knew trash was there, why wasn’t the cost entered into the contract at the time of the initial bid process? He never received a letter from DEP telling the Township that what they deem unsuitable material was changed to suitable material, and with their authorization we were allowed to keep the rubbish in the collar of the basin. Was the work done for $163,000 and $104,000 put out to bid? There is a letter dated 10/11/01 from the Township to DEP telling them that the basins erected in this time frame were free of broken asphalt. His pictures tell a different story.

Commissioner Carlin announced the Roslyn Car Show and Fall Festival will be held on September 25, 2004. He is hosting a Golf Outing on September 24, 2004 in Alverthorpe Park, and the cost is $20. There is no controller function in this form of government, and in the First Class Township Code that role falls on the Commissioners. The Finance Committee should spearhead the bidding and contract process.

Board of Commissioners Meeting September 9, 2004

Commissioner Gross wished Commissioner DiJoseph’s mother a speedy recovery. He thanked Mr. Lahaza for his technical assistance for the Hillside video. He wished Mr.

Powers and Commissioner Myers a Happy Birthday, and congratulated Commissioner Ring on becoming a first time grandfather.

ADJOURNMENT: 9:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Burton T. Conway, Secretary

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