Regular Meeting
Monday, June 07 2010
UPPER MORELAND TOWNSHIP
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
June 7, 2010
CALL TO ORDER: The stated Regular Board meeting of the Board of Commissioners
of Upper Moreland Township was called to order by President of the Board of Commissioners, Commissioner Sam Valenza
at 7:05 p.m.
A MOMENT OF SILENCE WAS FOLLOWED BY THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PRESENTATIONS/ANNOUNCEMENTS: None.
ROLL CALL: David Dodies, Township Manager took roll call. Present:
Commissioners Lisa Romaniello, Kevin Spearing, Donna Parsell, Joseph Lavalle, Kip McFatridge, Sam Valenza and James
McKenna.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - NON-AGENDA ITEMS ONLY: None.
TREASURER'S ACTIVITY REPORT:
Commissioner Romaniello made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McFatridge to approve the
Treasurer's Activity Report for May, 2010.
Commissioner Valenza asked for any comments from Commissioners. There were none.
Commissioner Valenza asked for any public comments. There were none.
MOTION was ADOPTED 7-0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Commissioner Romaniello made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Spearing to approve the minutes
of the May 3, 2010 Regular Board meeting as submitted.
Commissioner Valenza asked for any comments from Commissioners. There were none.
Commissioner Valenza asked for any public comments. There were none.
MOTION was ADOPTED 7-0.
Regular Board MeetingJune 7, 2010
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE:
Appointments:
Commissioner Valenza made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Lavalle to reappoint Stewart J.
Greenleaf, Jr., for the At-Large position to the PRAC for a term of two-years to expire 5/5/2012.
Commissioner Valenza asked for any comments from Commissioners. There were none.
Commissioner Valenza asked for any public comments. There were none.
MOTION was ADOPTED 7-0.
Commissioner Valenza made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Lavalle to reappoint Ronald
Sanceciz for the At-Large position to the PRAC for a term of two-years to expire 5/5/2012.
Commissioner Valenza asked for any comments from Commissioners. There were none.
Commissioner Valenza asked for any public comments. There were none.
MOTION was ADOPTED 7-0.
List of Bills Payable:
Commissioner Valenza made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McFatridge to approve the list of
bills payable as follows:
General Fund Checks:Beginning Check #92531
Ending Check #92828
General: $439,842.76
Debt:2,416.90 (Check #92531, 92532)
Total:$442,259.66
Voids:92651
Escrow Fund Checks:Beginning Check #7305
Ending Check #7321
Total: $30,645.40
Voids: None
Regular Board MeetingJune 7, 2010
Liquid Fuel Fund Checks:Beginning Check #2005
Ending Check #2012
Total: $16,925.36
Voids: None
Commissioner Valenza asked for any comments from Commissioners. There were none.
Commissioner Valenza asked for any public comments. There were none.
MOTION was ADOPTED 7-0.
OTHER ITEMS:
Cooperation Agreement between Township and Redevelopment Authority of MC:
Commissioner Valenza made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Lavalle to approve the Cooperation
Agreement between Township and Redevelopment Authority of Montgomery County.
Solicitor Harper explained that this is the agreement that will allow the Settlement Music
School to get financing through the Montgomery County Redevelopment Authority. It does require that the Township
agree to guarantee some of the debt, but as discussed in committee, the procedures that are in place for making the
payments should insure that it is rare that the money would be spent illegally and that is what the Township is
guaranteeing. It is required that the Township sign this agreement so they can get this money. The risk is that if
they use the money fraudulently or incorrectly and it is not caught by the Redevelopment Authority's processes and
procedures when they make the reimbursement.
Commissioner Valenza noted that this item was discussed at length in committee and the
consensus was that everyone was in favor of it. He asked for any comments from Commissioners.
Commissioner Romaniello asked what is the Redevelopment Authority's obligation because this was
brought to our attention at the last minute? This is clearly a document that should have been signed two years ago
and it was just brought to our attention.
Solicitor Harper replied she does not think they applied for the money two years ago. They
received land development approval within the last year and then they applied for financing. The money is paid as a
reimbursement as opposed to directly. The Township as well as the Redevelopment Authority can see whether anything is
being built. The Township will be watching the development because the Township Engineer has some responsibility for
public improvements, etc.
Regular Board MeetingJune 7, 2010
Commissioner Romaniello asked who is watching the Redevelopment Authority?
Solicitor Harper replied no one she is aware of. The money is borrowed by the school and they
owe it back. The only way that the County is willing to participate is if the Township takes the lead on guaranteeing
it if the money is spent not in accordance with the law. The committee discussion focused on the Redevelopment
Authority's attorney's assertion that the procedures are in place to make sure that the money is spent
appropriately.
Commissioner Valenza said the Township is not responsible for the loan repayment; we are only
responsible for the work that is being done at Settlement Music School.
Solicitor Harper replied the Township is not responsible for the loan payment unless the money
is spent illegally.
Mr. Dodies said the extent of the Township's exposure is only in the event that Settlement
Music School does not comply with the State's regulations.
Solicitor Harper replied that is correct. The RDA has a responsibility to look at the request
for payments and to dole the money out because they believe it is being done correctly.
Commissioner Valenza asked for any public comments.
Steve Semens, resident, asked what is the dollar value of the responsibility that they are
trying to push down?
Commissioner Romaniello replied it is a $3 million dollar grant from the State.
Mr. Semens asked so, theoretically, if things go wrong, are we on the hook for $3 million, and,
if we accept it, are we doing anything to mitigate our risk by taking out an insurance policy to insure cosigning a
loan.
Solicitor Harper replied we are not cosigning a loan. If they spend the money correctly then
the Township is not responsible. We are not a general guarantor of their loan, but we are a guarantor for monies
spent illegally.
Mr. Semens said he does not think the Township should accept that responsibility without an
insurance policy in place.
Commissioner Spearing said there are substantial amount of improvements that have been done to
that property. If we have to pay out of Township pocket; do we have the ability to place a lien on that property for
that money?
Solicitor Harper replied yes.
Regular Board MeetingJune 7, 2010
Mr. Dodies said the County Commissioners have structured this program in such a way for every
municipality, and Mr. Nicholson was asked, "Has any municipality going through this process incurred any problem with
penalty from the State," and the answer was, "No."
Commissioner Spearing agreed with Commissioner Romaniello's comments that it seemed late in the
game to ask for this particular resolution.
Jonathan deJonge commented there has been enough oversight on this project and he would rather
see the Township be the guarantor for the Settlement Music School than someone from Wall Street and this should be
approved.
Commissioner Valenza asked for the total amount of this project?
Commissioner Romaniello replied $8 million dollars.
Commissioner Lavalle said it is a fact that we have a development agreement in place with the
school, and all permits; a contractor's agreement; escrow monies; projections of cost need to be in place for
financial institutions to make a move. Gilmore & Associates has consistently provided oversight on the project as
they do with other projects in the Township under construction. So the system of checks and balances are in
place.
Solicitor Harper said this is actually a grant for the school. The repayment obligation arises
if the money is spent illegally, inappropriately.
Commissioner McKenna commented that from a local viewpoint; if there is any fraudulent action,
the County has made it clear that it would be our responsibility. We do have a history in the past where there were
speculated fraudulent activities and the Board did not act. The Board did not use local police authority to go after
that fraudulent activity.
MOTION was ADOPTED 7-0.
Motion to waive the Zoning Hearing Board application fee, for a variance, requested by Sonic
to install a "Welcome to Upper Moreland" sign on their property:
Commissioner Valenza made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Lavalle to waive the Zoning
Hearing Board application fee for a variance requested by Sonic to install a "Welcome to Upper Moreland" sign on
their property.
Commissioner Valenza asked for any comments from Commissioners.
Regular Board MeetingJune 7, 2010
Commissioner McFatridge commented that Sonic would like to put a sign at the corner of Mill and
Easton Roads. The sign would be two pillars made of brick with stone capping around the top of it and it would say,
"Welcome to Willow Grove or Upper Moreland." They would be paying for it and the sign will not say, "Sonic" or
anything else on it. It needs a variance because it is an additional sign on the property. The sign would have the
same brick and stone that is on the building so it would match the entire project.
Commissioner Lavalle commented that it is an attractive-looking sign; however, we do not have a
picture of it this evening. It would be rectangular, ground-mounted with an inlay in the brick that does say,
"Welcome to Willow Grove." It is a nice gesture and it is in a prominent location coming off of the Turnpike. This
welcoming attitude is an attitude that we need and he supports it.
Commissioner Romaniello asked was this not discussed in committee due to a time
schedule?
Commissioner Valenza replied yes.
Commissioner Romaniello said the developer indicated there will not be any other advertising,
but do we need an agreement in place so we do not find advertisers or sponsored logos in the future?
Solicitor Harper replied that it would be a good idea for the Township to cooperate with them
at the ZHB and make that part of the conditions.
Commissioner Romaniello said we should send Solicitor Harper to the ZHB meeting or send a
letter accompanying the applicant.
Solicitor Harper replied let's see if we can work something out in advance with the applicant.
Does the Board want the sign to say, "Welcome to Upper Moreland" or "Welcome to Willow Grove?"
Commissioner Romaniello replied "Upper Moreland."
Commissioner Valenza agreed that the sign should say, "Upper Moreland."
Commissioner McKenna commented that we do not need another sign there, although, he appreciates
the gesture. He does not feel we should take a gift in the form of a sign. If the applicant wants to make a
contribution to an entity within the Township; they could. This location is not a place for scenery and suggested the
applicant make a donation to the Township so we can start paying down our debt on the $5 million dollar road that
went in.
Commissioner Romaniello asked for the height of the sign?
Regular Board MeetingJune 7, 2010
Commissioner Valenza replied it is less than what our ordinance calls for.
Solicitor Harper suggested that this matter could be placed on the Community Development
Committee meeting agenda because the Board will probably have an application for the sign to review by then.
Commissioner Romaniello made a MOTION to TABLE the MOTION on the floor, seconded by
Commissioner McKenna.
MOTION to TABLE FAILED 2-5. Commissioners Spearing, Parsell, Lavalle, McFatridge and Valenza
opposed to table the motion.
Commissioner Valenza asked for any public comments.
Jonathan deJonge commented that this is a wonderful opportunity for the Township and for the
business-community because the applicant is doing this for us, gratis, and there is no sign from that direction
saying "Welcome to Upper Moreland." He asked the Board to approve it.
MOTION on the floor was ADOPTED 6-1. Commissioner McKenna opposed.
Commissioner Valenza noted that the dimensions of the sign and what type of variance would be
needed will be placed on the Community Development Committee meeting agenda for discussion.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
List of Upcoming Zoning Board Application(s):
Commissioner Lavalle noted that we have a ZHB application for property located at 2910 Byberry
Road, and the request is for relief for a rear yard setback and the property is located in the R-3 Zoning District.
The intent is to install an access drive for a proposed subdivision and that hearing will be held on Thursday, June
10, 2010 at 7:30 P.M.
Request extension for placement of construction Trailer - 318 Davisville Road:
Commissioner Lavalle made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Romaniello to approve request for
extension for placement of construction trailer at 318 Davisville Road.
Commissioner Valenza asked for any comments from Commissioners.
Regular Board MeetingJune 7, 2010
Commissioner Lavalle noted that the location is Settlement Music School property and the
request is being made by TN Ward Company Builders. Construction is ongoing and this is for a trailer they utilized
for day-to-day office functions and project meetings.
The intent is that construction will be concluded at the end of the year so the need for the
trailer will be until the fall.
Commissioner Valenza asked for any public comments. There were none.
Solicitor Harper noted that there is a date-certain for the trailer to be onsite and that is
11/2/10 and she wants to make sure the motion includes the date.
Commissioner Lavalle made a MOTION to AMEND the MOTION to include the scheduled date for the
trailer to be onsite through 11/2/10 located at 318 Davisville Road, seconded by Commissioner Romaniello.
MOTION as AMENDED PASSED 7-0.
Request for permission to place two PSU's in the street at 105 Fitzwatertown
Road:
Commissioner Lavalle made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Romaniello to approve request for
permission to place two PSU's in the street at 105 Fitzwatertown Road.
Commissioner Valenza asked for any comments from Commissioners.
Commissioner Lavalle noted that a resident, Mr. Butler, had a tree fall on his house on January
25, 2010 and contractors will be initiating construction for the repair of his residence, and the request is for
permission to place two portable storage units in the street at 105 Fitzwatertown Road. They would be parked in the
street and not in the driveway to store his personal belongings while the house is under repair.
Wilgins Butler said he is the owner of 105 Fitzwatertown Road and he submitted a letter
requesting permission to have two portable storage units located on Sheldon Road.
Commissioner Spearing asked are they legal parking spaces?
Mr. Butler replied as far as he can tell they are legal.
Commissioner Lavalle noted the lots in this ward are essentially tight lots. Delivery of
materials will be dropped off in the driveway and any deliveries necessitated by this construction would be delivered
as close as possible to installation. It is reasonable for the storage units to be parked on the street in a legal
parking space.
Regular Board MeetingJune 7, 2010
Commissioner Valenza asked is there any liability if the storage units do not have reflectors
on them.
Mr. Butler replied they do have reflectors and there are cones.
Solicitor Harper noted the Township would not have any responsibility anyway, but the homeowner
does.
Commissioner McKenna asked for the size of the units.
Mr. Butler replied 8' X 12' wide.
Commissioner Valenza asked for any public comments. There were none.
Commissioner Valenza made a MOTION to AMEND the MOTION to approve request for permission to
place two PSU's (Portable Storage Units) on Sheldon Road at 105 Fitzwatertown Road until 11/2/10, seconded by
Commissioner Lavalle.
MOTION as AMENDED PASSED 7-0.
Proposal from McMahon Associates for recommended course of action for removal of
sign/flashers and proposed New MPH posting for area:
Commissioner Lavalle made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Romaniello to approve proposal
from McMahon Associates for recommended course of action for removal of sign/flashers and proposed new MPH posting
for area.
Commissioner Valenza asked for any comments from Commissioners.
Commissioner Lavalle noted the area is overhead school flashers on York Road located at Brook
Street and Sampson Avenue. We have a PennDOT memo followed by a memo from Jack Snyder, Public Works Director.
Mr. Dodies said these lights were installed 20 years ago at the request of the Board. PennDOT,
through routine inspection, has looked at it again and asked that it conform to the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code
and PennDOT is requiring this modification.
Commissioner Valenza asked will this area begin at Green Willow Run to Lakeview Drive?
Mr. Dodies replied that will be determined in discussions with PennDOT. The proposal from
McMahon is to prepare plans and submit it to PennDOT and, ultimately, they will have the final say.
Regular Board MeetingJune 7, 2010
Commissioner Valenza said he understands that the flashers need to be a certain amount of feet
from a school. Is that correct?
Mr. Dodies replied that is correct. PennDOT wants the Township to amend the current situation
as the 20 MPH is not enforceable at this location.
Commissioner Spearing commented that he does not understand why this didn't come before
committee. Do we have any feedback from officials of the School District?
Mr. Dodies replied we were asked that this be done as soon as possible. If the Board wants to
defer it to committee, that can be done, but he would ask that this matter be handled expeditiously so action can be
taken by the full Board. There was no feedback from the School District as the Township was asked to work this out
with PennDOT. What is being proposed would provide a significant degree of safety and enforcement.
Commissioner Spearing said he does not understand the level of enforcement that we would get
from this recommendation.
Mr. Dodies explained that what is there now is being recognized as unenforceable. PennDOT wants
the Township to prepare a plan that they would approve of and that would enable the Township to enforce.
Commissioner Lavalle added that it is five miles an hour in excess of what is enforceable. We
have enough trouble on York Road with the rate of speed of traffic.
Mr. Dodies said at the time these lights were put in; PennDOT opposed the Township's request to
install those lights. We had to exercise a considerable amount of pressure to do something, and PennDOT has revisited
the issue, which triggered this letter.
Commissioner Spearing said he finds it interesting that PennDOT spent time auditing the
signaling along York Road yet we have deplorable highway conditions and nothing is done about that. He would like to
see some of the other correspondence regarding this matter and he recommended taking this back to committee.
Commissioner Romaniello commented that this is the second item on the agenda tonight that was
not presented in committee. The cost for McMahon to do the work is $1,550 and PennDOT says they don't agree with the
20 MPH speed limit flasher and Township staff is recommending overhead school flashers at 15 MPH. So PennDOT is
moving in the opposite direction.
Commissioner Spearing said just because PennDOT says it is not an enforceable speed limit;
maybe it should be.
Mr. Dodies replied the only way to determine that is to proceed with the study.
Regular Board MeetingJune 7, 2010
Commissioner Valenza said he is 100% in favor of making this area safer and enforceable for the
children of Upper Moreland Township.
Commissioner Lavalle noted that PennDOT's Title 67, Chapter 212.501 (a) (1) - indicates that,
"A 15 MPH school zone is for roadways adjacent to school property where students walk to and from school. A 15 MPH
school zone would not seem to be appropriate at this location." Based on their technical specifications this property
is not adjacent to the school property, which is true as there are residential properties on York Road. However, it
wasn't adjacent to a school property when Cold Spring Elementary School was in operation, but it has been a school
zone for as long as he has lived in Upper Moreland Township. He does not know what we would discuss in committee
without a plan before us.
Commissioner Valenza said the plan is what we need to discuss.
Commissioner McKenna said the lights are there and the speed is reduced because the kids need
to get across the street. Put in the flashing lights and the crosswalk and let the kids get across the street. Let's
not waste $1,500 for a study by McMahon and just address the issue of getting people across the street.
Commissioner Valenza asked for any public comments.
Susan Worth, 1850 Edge Hill Road, Huntington Valley, Co-President of the Upper Moreland High
School Home & School Association, commented that the Association endorses extending the safety zone in front of
the high school from Eastern Tech down past the bridge. We have been asking for a response from the School Board and
SEPTA for a long period of time and, finally, that has occurred. That 20 MPH area is so long from Willow Lake to the
Dairy Queen and we were hoping that SEPTA would put a light there as there are young people leaving the high school
to go to work and they are trying to make a left turn against traffic traveling at various speeds, which is taking
your life into your own hands.Then there are kids trying to cross the street and we want to see speeds slowed down
near the school. 15 MPH and a traffic signal is the recommendation of the Home & School Association.
Scott Derbin, 200 Gilbert Road, commented that York Road is a dangerous road and traffic speeds
are at 60 MPH. It is a dangerous place, and he agrees that it should be 15 MPH.
Brian Shannon, Quigley Avenue, commented that he believes flashers were originally installed
after two students were hit by cars around that part of York Road. PennDOT created that zone at the request of the
Township because of those two incidents and it was a compromise with PennDOT.
Mr. Dodies clarified that PennDOT was initially opposed to the posting of that zone.
Regular Board MeetingJune 7, 2010
Commissioner Romaniello asked why can't we just leave it the way it is?
Mr. Dodies asked Township Solicitor what the ramifications would be if we disregard
recommendations by PennDOT that were submitted in writing.
Solicitor Harper asked are the police currently enforcing the 20 MPH speed limit?
Chief Nestel replied the police do enforce it, so if we ignored PennDOT's recommendation, then
everyone who was found in violation could then sue the Township for not following the guidelines and we would have to
reimburse them for all fines paid. We need a traffic engineer's report in order to say we would like to have it be 15
MPH.
Solicitor Harper said the question before the Board tonight is whether or not to authorize
McMahon to do a study.
Chief Nestel added that in order to get PennDOT to review a proposal of 15 MPH, we need a
traffic engineer's report.
Commissioner Lavalle noted that PennDOT has provided the Township with an "out" to not have any
traffic control there at all by stating, "That a 15 MPH school zone would not seem to be appropriate at this
location."
Chief Nestel replied that is because they do not have a traffic engineer's report to say that
it is necessary at that location.
Commissioner Lavalle said there should be a school zone there and it should be posted at 15 MPH
and he advocated approving the cost for a study.
Chief Nestel added that it should be a school zone and that roadway is a speedway and we would
like to have an enforceable standard that we can maintain to keep traffic slow, and, in order to do that, we need a
traffic engineer's report to present to PennDOT.
MOTION was ADOPTED 7-0.
PARKS & RECREATION COMMITTEE:
Lease Agreement between Township and Upper Moreland Soccer Club, Inc. for use of buildings
at Pileggi Park:
Commissioner Spearing made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McFatridge to approve Lease
Agreement between Township and Upper Moreland Soccer Club Inc., for use of buildings at Pileggi Park.
Commissioner Valenza asked for any comments from Commissioners.
Regular Board MeetingJune 7, 2010
Commissioner Spearing commented that the Upper Moreland Soccer Club has requested a lease in
recognition of service to the Township and their objective is to secure grant funding for improvements at the soccer
facility.
Commissioner McFatridge commented that he received an email from Joe Patterson of St. David's
Church who indicated they were in favor of the lease as they have been accommodated in the past when requesting use
of this field.
Commissioner Romaniello commented that she is not in favor of the lease. She knows this club
works really hard, but an exclusive lease with one organization does not move in the direction that allows for the
public at-large to take advantage of one of our parks in our park system. She feels there will not be opportunity for
other clubs to use these fields so she does not support this.
Commissioner Valenza asked for any public comments.
Charlie Acker, Grant Avenue, commented that he has heard discussion about this contract and he
supports it. This is a great organization and this soccer club has done a great job. We cannot accommodate everyone
in the Township.
MOTION was ADOPTED 6-1. Commissioner Romaniello opposed.
Veterans Memorial Park Sculpture Location:
Commissioner Spearing made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McFatridge to approve location
for Veterans Memorial Park Sculpture.
Commissioner Valenza asked for any comments from Commissioners.
Commissioner Spearing noted that Matt Wilson, Senior from Upper Moreland School took on this
senior project of a bronze sculpture of an unnamed contemporary soldier. We received recommendations for the location
from the Veterans Association and the PRAC and the location is located on Memorial Park Drive, 200 feet off of York
Road.
Commissioner Romaniello said she is fully in favor of this art project, but she is opposed to
the location.
Commissioner Spearing said there was a recommendation from the Veterans Association for the
location to be at one of the plaza areas, but he felt that was not a good location for this sculpture. The alternate
location towards the front of the park is what he recommends it.
Commissioner Valenza asked for any public comments. There were none.
Regular Board MeetingJune 7, 2010
MOTION was ADOPTED 6-1. Commissioner Romaniello opposed.
Veterans Memorial Park Playground Location:
Commissioner Spearing made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McFatridge to approve Veterans
Memorial Park Playground location as depicted in the Memorial Park Master Plan.
Commissioner Valenza asked for any comments from Commissioners.
Commissioner Spearing commented that we have a revised plan that shows the picnic table area
and the new location for the playground equipment, and he asked for this to be approved as seen in the attached
drawing.
Commissioner Valenza asked for any public comments. There were none.
MOTION was ADOPTED 7-0.
Township Bus Driver Pay Rate:
Commissioner Spearing made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McFatridge to approve increase of
Township Bus Driver's pay rate to $21.00 per hour.
Commissioner Valenza asked for any comments from Commissioners.
Commissioner Spearing noted this is something that needs approval by the Board of Commissioners
and it has been a substantial amount of time since there has been a change in the pay rate for the bus drivers. The
Parks & Recreation Department and the PRAC are both concerned that if we do not maintain good drivers who are
familiar with our programs they will seek employment from other places where they will make more per hour. The Parks
& Recreation Committee recommends that the pay rate be increased to $21.00 per hour.
Commissioner Romaniello noted that our current bus driver rate is $17.00.
Commissioner McKenna asked is there any documentation from the School District saying what
their rate is?
Mr. Stasio replied he contacted the School District by email and he will provide that
correspondence to the Board.
Commissioner McKenna commented with the unemployment rate these days; he does not feel there is
a need to raise the rate. $17.00 is a lot better than zero.
Regular Board MeetingJune 7, 2010
Commissioner Valenza noted that this rate does not cost the Township any money. The rate is
assessed to the people who rent the buses.
Commissioner McKenna said he finds the cavalier attitude, offensive.
Commissioner Spearing commented that he appreciates Commissioner McKenna's comments and, even
at this rate, the amount of money that an organization or club would incur for a bus driver; this is still a
substantial savings for hiring a transportation company to move their people around.
Commissioner Parsell commented if we want good bus drivers with experience and good records we
need to stay current with the rates and she does not feel this increase will cause a hardship.
Commissioner Valenza asked for any public comments. There were none.
MOTION was ADOPTED 6-1. Commissioner McKenna opposed.
PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY COMMITTEE:
Resolution R-2010-14 - Set date for Public Hearing to formally name and set restrictions for
Memorial Park Drive; proposed date is July 12, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.:
Commissioner Parsell made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Lavalle to adopt Resolution
R-2010-14 setting a date for Public Hearing to formally name and set restrictions for Memorial Park Drive for July
12, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.
Commissioner Valenza asked for any comments from Commissioners. There were none.
Solicitor Harper said as a result of committee discussion; driver restrictions are "No Thru
Truck Traffic," and the ordinance has been revised to include that.
Commissioner Valenza clarified that this resolution is to set a public hearing date.
Solicitor Harper replied that is correct.
Commissioner Valenza asked for any public comments. There were none.
MOTION was ADOPTED 7-0.
Regular Board MeetingJune 7, 2010
Terwood and Davisville Roads traffic light - Approve expenditure of $3,500 for survey
relating to traffic signal improvements:
Commissioner Parsell made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McFatridge to approve expenditure
of $3,500 for survey relating to traffic signal improvements at Terwood and Davisville Roads - traffic light.
Mr. Dodies said this is to "piggy-back" on the County traffic signal improvement program, which
allows for inter-connective light signals along Routes 263 and 611.
Commissioner Valenza asked for any comments from Commissioners. There were none.
Commissioner Valenza asked for any public comments. There were none.
MOTION was ADOPTED 7-0.
Resolution R-2010-15 - Set date for Public Hearing for Adoption of the 2009 International
Fire Code; proposed date is July 12, 2010 at 7:15 p.m.:
Commissioner Parsell made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Lavalle to adopt Resolution
R-2010-15 setting a date for Public Hearing for Adoption of the 2009 International Fire Code for July 12, 2010 at
7:15 p.m.
Commissioner Valenza asked for any comments from Commissioners. There were none.
Commissioner Valenza asked for any public comments. There were none.
MOTION was ADOPTED 7-0.
Civil Service Rules - Fire Captain's position:
Commissioner Parsell made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Lavalle to authorize the
establishment of the position of Fire Captain within the Department of Emergency Services of Upper Moreland
Township.
Commissioner Valenza asked for any comments from Commissioners.
Commissioner Parsell noted that this is not a request for an additional position, but rather a
change in title supported by current best practices within the fire service. It was recommended by Robert Drennen,
Director of Emergency Services, and there is a person who has been in this position as acting "Fire Captain" for 17
years, and this request is to make that position official.
Regular Board Meeting June 7, 2010
Commissioner Romaniello said it should be mentioned that this position will have the same pay
differential as a Sergeant in the Police Department so there is a line item cost to it. It is a title change and a
pay change.
Commissioner Valenza asked for any public comments. There were none.
Commissioner Valenza noted that this is effective in January 2011 so it will be reflective in
next year's budget. Is that correct?
Mr. Dodies replied that is correct.
MOTION was ADOPTED 7-0.
Resolution R-2010-13 - Establishment of Fire Zones and "No Parking" in fire zones
signs:
Commissioner Parsell made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Lavalle to adopt Resolution
R-2010-13 - establishment of Fire Zones and "No Parking" in fire zones signs.
Commissioner Valenza asked for any comments from Commissioners.
Commissioner Parsell noted that we have a map that explains where the zones are and this is a
recommendation by our Fire Marshal, who is authorized to establish those fire zones in areas adjacent to commercial
buildings, multiple family dwelling buildings and other buildings open to the public.
Commissioner Valenza noted that this was discussed in committee.
Chief Nestel clarified that this was not discussed in committee. The reason it is before the
Board tonight is because it is an emergency situation. It was requested by the Fire Marshal because a business has
increased the number of employees and they are parking on Sunset Lane on both sides and trucks cannot get up there.
He temporarily posted it "No Parking," as it is an emergency situation of making it permanent, "No Parking."
Robert Drennen, Director of Emergency Services, noted that this is a combination of Fire
Department access as well as access for the tank trucks that have to get in/out of there.
Commissioner Valenza asked for any public comments.
Robert Fishback, 2031 Jason Drive, asked is it practical to paint on the street where the fire
hydrants are located or does the Fire Department already have a clear map of them.
Regular Board MeetingJune 7, 2010
Commissioner Valenza replied we will address that issue as soon as we finish with this
item.
MOTION was ADOPTED 7-0.
Mr. Fishback thanked the Board for their service as the small amount of pay they receive does
not compensate for all of their efforts. If there is an opening on the Historic Commission; he feels qualified to be
on that committee.
Commissioner Valenza replied to Mr. Fishback to send a letter of interest to Township Manager
and he will make sure that is given to the appropriate committee of the Board of Commissioners.
Mr. Fishback commented where he lives, which is near Justa Farms, there is a lot of speeding
around the corners and there are small children that play in and around the streets and there is speeding on these
streets.
Commissioner Valenza replied that will be discussed with Chief Nestel.
Mr. Fishback asked does the Fire Department have a map where each fire hydrant is
located?
Mr. Drennen replied our career firefighters and our volunteers have designations in their map
books for every hydrant located in the Township. Right now, we are loading the maps into our onboard computers on the
fire trucks.
NEW BUSINESS: None.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS:
Commissioner Spearing commented that we received notification of a public comment period for
TIP applications; do we need to apply in this window in order for the H2O application to be changed to a TIP
application?
Mr. Dodies replied yes, this is the time to do that.
Commissioner Spearing asked is it important to have someone participating in that public
comment period, which would be a public meeting?
Mr. Dodies replied we need to make sure the appropriate paperwork is submitted for
consideration and we discussed that in committee and he will prepare it.
Commissioner Romaniello asked will this be discussed at the Community Development Committee
meeting?
Regular Board MeetingJune 7, 2010
Mr. Dodies replied he met with officials of PennDOT, and their recommendation was the
stormwater management improvements in the area that we discussed would be best addressed through a grant application
on the 2011 TIP.
Commissioner Romaniello asked is the TIP just for one project?
Mr. Dodies replied no, multiple projects.
Commissioner Romaniello asked about DVRPC Corridor Study.
Mr. Dodies replied that is a multiple-municipal study and the deadline is June 30th
for submitting projects. We can submit as many projects as we want and we need to prioritize them, but they will only
award one, maybe two, per municipality.
The Board of Commissioners recessed the Regular Meeting at 9:00 p.m. to go into Executive
Session to discuss pending litigation. The Board of Commissioners resumed the Regular Meeting at 10:00 p.m. at which
time President Valenza announced the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
S. Elizabeth Vile, Recording Secretary
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