UPPER HANOVER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 11, 2008

 

 

Call to Order and Roll Call

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Fain.  Township Supervisors in attendance were Shannan Bieler, Richard Fain, Eugene Fried, Mary Gibbs Kershner and Eugene Marks.  Township staff in attendance were Ed Skypala, Township Solicitor, Chris Mowery, Larry Buck, Road Foreman, Jeffrey Ashman, Fire Marshall and Stanley Seitzinger, Jr., Township Manager.

 

Citizen Comments

 

Citizen in attendance did not present comments.

 

Knoll, Inc. Zoning Text Amendment

 

Alan Boroff, Esquire, presented information regarding a proposed zoning text amendment in order to allow the use of the Comley property on Peevy Road as a showroom and museum for Knoll, Inc.  Discussion ensued regarding the possible zoning ordinance text change with an option for a required conditional use hearing.  The Board of Supervisors expressed an openness for further consideration, but indicated that a definite decision could not be finalized until a review of the overall plan and the specific proposed zoning ordinance text amendment.

 

Lighthouse Gospel Tabernacle Church – The Knabb Partnership

 

Representatives of the Lighthouse Gospel Tabernacle Church presented a proposal for the development of frail elderly senior housing adjacent to the Lighthouse Gospel Tabernacle Church along Route 663.  Discussion ensued.  No action was taken.

 

Fruitville Road Bridge Project

 

Don Colossimo of the Montgomery County Department of Roads and Bridges and Thomas Cushman, Engineer, reviewed the options for the repair or replacement of the Fruitville Road Bridge.  Discussion ensued concerning the pros and cons of the various options. 

 

Mrs. Kerhner and Mrs. Bieler expressed an interest in rehabilitating and maintaining the existing bridge.  Mr. Marks, Mr. Fried and Mr. Fain expressed support for the demolition of the exiting bridge to be replaced by a new two lane bridge without weight restrictions with a pedestrian walking path and a dry fire hydrant incorporated into the design.

 

Mr. Colossimo indicated that arrangements could be made for Upper Hanover Township to obtain the steel truss bridge for use at other locations.

 

County-CTY Alert System

 

Discussion ensued concerning whether or not Upper Hanover Township wishes to participate with the County-CTY Alert System.  Mr. Fried raised a question regarding the need for the program.  Mr. Marks, Mrs. Kershner, Mrs. Bieler and Mr. Fain expressed support for the concept. The Township Manager was directed to request a written proposal from the private company involved with the program. 

 

Traffic Signal Official Specification Proposal

 

The Board of Supervisors indicated that they are not interested in McMahon Associates preparing an official Township traffic signal specification.

 

VFW – Memorial Day Parade – Temporary Road Closings

 

The Board of Supervisors approved the temporary road closings relating to the VFW Memorial Day Parade and requested that the organizers of the parade assure the presence of fire police throughout the parade route.

 

Uniform Construction Code Regional Appeals Board

 

The Board of Supervisors requested that Mrs. Bieler review options for the development of a uniform construction code regional appeals board through the Upper Perkiomen Valley Regional Planning Commission.

 

Mower Proposals

 

Mr. Buck presented the following proposals for mowers through the State Costars Piggyback Purchasing Program:

 

            Robert E. Little, Inc.

            John Deere 997 Z-Track 72” Side Discharge Mower

            $12,460.50

 

            Robert E. Little, Inc.

            John Deere HX15

            Rotary Cutter

            $9,827.99

 

Mr. Marks moved to award the contracts for the two mowers to Robert E. Little, Inc.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Kershner and carried unanimously.

 

DCNR Grant Application

 

The Board of Supervisors requested the submittal of a grant application to PA DCNR for the construction of a pavilion at Camelot Park to include restrooms, a snack bar and a covered seating area. 

 

 

Review of February 12, 2008 BOS Regular Meeting Agenda

 

(With a substantial snow and ice storm expected for February 12, 2008, the Board of Supervisors decided to take actions, as required, at the February 11, 2008 Workshop Meeting.)

 

Zoning

 

Gruner Jahr Printing and Publishing Company Zoning Hearing

 

Mrs. Bieler moved to allow the installation of the message sign at the property with an eight second rotation limitation and a requirement for participation with Amber Alerts and Public Service Announcements.  The motion was seconded by Mrs. Kershner and carried unanimously.

 

Subdivisions and Land Developments

 

Christopher and Pamela Mullaney Lot-Line Adjustment Final Approval

 

Mr. Fried moved to provide preliminary and final approval for the Christopher and Pamela Mullaney Lot-Line Adjustment.  As per the plan prepared by Urwiler and Walter, Inc. dated October 1, 2007 and last revised December 20, 2007 as per the LTL Consultants review letter dated December 31, 2007 with the additional condition that the outstanding balance on the escrow account be finalized.  The motion was seconded by Mrs. Kershner and carried unanimously.

 

Wal-Mart Lot #4 Minor Subdivision Plan

 

Mr. Marks moved to provide preliminary and final approval of the Wal-Mart Lot #4 Minor Subdivision Plan as per the plan prepared by Core-State Engineering and CPS Surveys, Inc. dated January 31, 2007 and last revised April 11, 2007 as per the LTL Consultants review letter dated April 23, 2007.  The motion was seconded by Mrs. Kershner and carried unanimously.

 

Zander Subdivision Final Release from 18 Month Maintenance Escrow

 

Mrs. Kershner moved to approve the Zander Subdivision Final Release from 18 Month Maintenance Program.  The motion was seconded by Mrs. Bieler and carried unanimously.

 

Previously Paid Bills and Monthly Bills to be Paid

 

Mr. Marks moved to approve the previously paid bills authorization and the monthly bills to be paid.  Previously paid bills in the amount of $77,163.40 from the Machinery Fund; $785.00 from the Open Space Fund; $70,000.00 from the State Aid Fund and $9,010.82 from the Municipal Facility Fund.  Monthly bills payment in the General Fund in the amount of $76,972.23; Municipal Facility Fund in the amount of $341,345.72; Open

 

Space Fund in the amount of $333.50 and Escrow Fund in the amount of $30,034.70.  The motion was seconded by Mrs. Kershner and carried affirmatively with Mr. Fried abstaining from the vote due to his position with the Upper Perkiomen Valley Regional Police Department.

 

Escrow Reports

 

Mrs. Kershner moved to approve The Vineyards Phase I Escrow Release #9 in the amount of $23,890.91.  The motion was seconded by Mrs. Bieler and carried unanimously.

 

Mrs. Kershner moved to approve The Vineyards Phase II Escrow Release #8 in the amount of $51,152.55.  The motion was seconded by Mrs. Bieler and carried unanimously

 

Mr. Marks moved to approve the Gillespie Electric Final Maintenance Escrow Release in the amount of $700.12.  The motion was seconded by Mrs. Bieler and carried unanimously.

 

Mrs. Bieler move to approve the Parklands Escrow Release in the amount of $88,320.04.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Marks and carried unanimously.

 

Old Business

 

Ordinance #2008-01, R-2 Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment – Authorization to

Advertise

 

Mr. Marks moved to authorize advertisement of proposed Ordinance #2008-01.  The motion was seconded by Mrs. Bieler and carried unanimously.

 

Ordinance #2008-03, Street Opening Ordinance – Authorization to Advertise

 

Mr. Marks moved to authorize advertisement of proposed Ordinance #2008-03.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Fried and carried unanimously.

 

Resolution #2008-04, Quakertown National Bank Signature Authorization

 

Mr. Marks moved to adopt Resolution #2008-04.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Fried and carried unanimously.

 

Mezzanine Partition Wall Proposal – Maintenance Building

 

Mrs. Kershner moved to accept the proposal from John Membrino in the amount of $3,575.00.  The motion was seconded by Mrs. Bieler and carried unanimously.

 

 

 

 

Propone Bid Award

 

Mr. Marks moved to award the propane bid award to the low bidder, Farm and Home Oil Company.  The motion was seconded by Mrs. Bieler and carried unanimously.

 

Access Easement – East Greenville Borough/Peevy Road Open Space Area

 

Mr. Marks moved to approve the access easement for the East Greenville Borough/Peevy Road open space area as prepared by the Township Solicitor.  The motion was seconded by Mrs. Kershner and carried unanimously.

 

Resolution #2008-05, Authorization to Acquire East Buck Road Right-of-Way

From J.P. Mascaro by a Deed in Lieu of Condemnation

 

The resolution was tabled for further review.

 

Real Estate Tax Refund – William and Tina Cairns, 3217 Old School Road

$247.00

 

Mr. Marks moved to approve the real estate refund for William and Tina Cairns of 3217 Old School Road in the amount of $247.00 as certified by the Township Tax Collector.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Fried and carried unanimously.

 

Roll Back Tax Forgiveness – 1124 Church Road

 

Mrs. Kershner moved to approve the roll back tax forgiveness for 1124 Church Road.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Marks and carried unanimously.

 

Authorization to Advertise Road Materials and Equipment Rental Bids

 

Mr. Marks moved to authorize advertisement for the annual road materials and equipment rental bids.  The motion was seconded by Mrs. Kershner and carried unanimously.

 

Authorization to Advertise for Otts Road Storm Drainage Improvements

 

Mr. Marks moved to authorize advertisement for the Otts Road storm drainage improvements project.  The motion was seconded by Mrs. Bieler and carried unanimously.

 

Schoolhouse Road, Church Road, Water Street Improvements Phase II –

Authorization to Advertise

 

The matter was tabled for further review in order to further consider the proposed scope of services.

 

 

Authorization to Proceed with Bridge Inspection Program (20 Feet or Less)

 

Mr. Marks moved to authorize LTL to proceed with the bridge inspection program for bridges 20 feet or less.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Fried and carried unanimously.

 

Maintenance Building Change Order – BSI – Telephone Cable

 

Mrs. Kershner moved to approve the Galco quotation in the amount of $1,200.00 to provide telephone cabling services for the new maintenance building.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Marks and carried unanimously. 

 

DeCo Change Orders

 

Change orders were reviewed.  No action was taken.

 

Adjournment

Mr. Marks moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:00 p.m.  The motion was seconded by Mrs. Kershner and carried unanimously

 

 

                                                            Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

 

 

                                                            Stanley W. Seitzinger, Jr.

                                                                        Township Manager