A Work Session of the Whitpain Township Board of Supervisors was held on Tuesday, September 4, 2007 at the Whitpain Township Building, 960 Wentz Road, Blue Bell, PA at 7:30 PM for the purpose of reviewing the agenda of the September 4, 2007 Supervisors' Meeting. Chairman Leigh P. Narducci was present with Supervisors Joseph J. Palmer, Brian W. Young, William L. McKernan III, and Anthony F. Greco. Township Solicitor J. Peirce Anderson, Assistant Township Manager/Township Engineer Roman M. Pronczak, Chief Mark A. Smith, Director of Finance M .Elizabeth McBride, Director of Public Works Ronald J. Cione, Director of Code Enforcement Michael McAndrew, Fire Marshal David M. Camarda, and Parks and Recreation Director Kurt W. Baker were also present. Township Manager Phyllis C. Lieberman was absent. Charles Guttenplan and Laurel Hunter from the Waetzman Planning Group were present, as were two residents and one reporter.

The Supervisors reviewed the agenda discussing approval of the minutes from August 7, 2007 Board of Supervisors' Meeting, the approval of all expenditures on the August, 2007 Voucher List, a motion to piggyback State Contract #6810-02 for sodium chloride for the period August 1, 2007 through July 31, 2008, the authorization of an agreement between the Board of Supervisors of Whitpain Township and the Second Alarmers Association and Rescue Squad of Montgomery County, Inc., for the provision of emergency medical services for a term of (5) years to commence on January 2, 2007 and end on January 2, 2012, authorization to advertise proposed Ordinance #308, an Ordinance regarding the erection of "Stop" signs at the intersection of Midway Lane and Doans Way, a confirming motion to release escrow, a request for a waiver from The Highlands Historical Society to place directional signs for their upcoming craft show.

Mr. Guttenplan and Ms. Hunter presented the Prophecy Creek Park Master Plan and discussed how the $1.9 million project could be broken down into three phases. Mr. McKernan expressed concern regarding impacts of this proposal on the operating budget, especially for the Public Works and Police Departments. He asked that these costs be considered in the overall evaluation of the feasibility of this project. Mr. Palmer also indicated that it is important to preface the presentation of this plan at the public meeting by informing the public that although this is a master plan of what could be done at the park, there currently is no funding allocated for these improvements. This would prevent false hopes from being generated.

The Supervisors discussed a legal matter pertaining to 501 Kurt Drive and then left for the public meeting.

At approximately 9:00 PM the work session was reconvened.

Mr. and Mrs. Kreamer discussed the Boys and Girls Clubs in Souderton and Franconia, and indicated that they would like to build a similar facility in West Ambler. The Souderton facility was built on a Brownfields property. Operating expenses are typically covered by grants and donations. The building in Souderton was built by the club; however, the borough arranged for the site work and maintains the grounds. The building would be approximately 130 feet x 230 feet. Although the club offers its members a building for sports activities, they also provide tutoring and areas for doing homework. Members cannot participate in sports activities until all schoolwork is completed. The Supervisors thanked Mr. and Mrs. Kreamer and indicated that this matter would have to be discussed further during budget deliberations.

Fire Marshal David Camarda discussed the purchase on a new fire truck and explained the cost increases that are beyond the budgeted amount. The initial budgeted amount was $357,000 and the actual cost will be closer to $425,000. The additional costs are all justifiable and involve recommended safety features, changes in regulations, and increases in production costs. The Supervisors concurred with the recommendation and asked the Finance Director whether there were sufficient funds available in the fund balance or whether the additional amount would have to be budgeted for in next year's budget. Ms. McBride indicated that the money would have to be budgeted. The Supervisors agreed that there really was no choice and that the truck has to be ordered. The Supervisors also discussed the Centre Square Fire Company's request for purchase of a snow plow and concluded that it would be better for Township crews to plow critical areas on the property.

The Supervisors discussed the request made by a resident to have fluoride added to potable water in Whitpain Township. After reading the water company's response, the Supervisors agreed that the addition of fluoride was not necessary.

At approximately 9:25 the work session was adjourned.

Roman M. Pronczak, P.E. 
Whitpain Township Engineer/ Assistant Township Manager

#16 - 2007

The regular meeting of the Whitpain Township Board of Supervisors was held on Tuesday, September 4, 2007 at the Whitpain Township Building, 960 Wentz Road, Blue Bell, PA. Supervisors Leigh P. Narducci, Joseph J. Palmer, Brian W. Young, Anthony F. Greco, and William F. McKernan were present. Township Engineer/Assistant Township Manager, Roman Pronczak, Township Solicitor, J. Peirce Anderson, Director of Finance, M. Elizabeth McBride, Code Enforcement Officer, Michael E. McAndrew, Police Chief Mark A. Smith, Park and Recreation Director, Kurt W. Baker, Director of Public Works, Ronald J. Cione, Fire Marshal, David M. Camarda and Recording Secretary, Michele Alifano were also present. Township Manager, Phyllis C. Lieberman was absent. There were approximately 20 members of the public in attendance.

Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Chairman Narducci called the meeting to order. An announcement was made that the Board of Supervisors would be returning to their regular schedule of two meetings per month until the end of the year.

A motion was made by Mr. Palmer, duly seconded by Mr. McKernan, and unanimously passed to approve the minutes of the August 7, 2007 Board of Supervisors' Meeting.

A motion was made by Mr. Greco, duly seconded by Mr. McKernan, and unanimously passed to approve all expenditures for the August, 2007 voucher list.

A motion was made by Mr. Palmer, duly seconded by Mr. McKernan, and unanimously passed to piggyback State Contract #6810-02 for sodium chloride for the period August 1, 2007 through July 31, 2008. This year's price is $44.31/ton through American Rock Salt Co., LLC of Mt. Morris, NY. Last year's price was $42.97/ton.

A motion was made by Mr. Palmer, duly seconded by Mr. McKernan, and unanimously passed to authorize an agreement between the Board of Supervisors of Whitpain Township and the Second Alarmers Association and Rescue Squad of Montgomery County, Inc., for the provision of emergency medical services, ambulance services, and emergency medical transport services within the boundaries of Whitpain Township, PA, in accordance with the Pennsylvania Department of Health's Emergency Medical Services Licensure Act, for a term of (5) years to commence on January 2, 2007 and end on January 2, 2012. Chairman Narducci commented that since the Second Alarmers began their service in Whitpain Township in the early part of 2007, they have received accolades and commendations for their dedication to the residents of Whitpain Township. He thanked Mr. Palmer and Mr. McKernan for their time and effort in the process of choosing Second Alarmers.

A motion was made by Mr. Greco, duly seconded by Mr. Young, and unanimously passed to authorize the Township Manager to advertise proposed Ordinance Number 308, an Ordinance providing for the erection of highway signs bearing the word "Stop" at the intersection of Midway Lane and Doans Way, Whitpain Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania and fixing penalties for violations.

A motion was made by Mr. Greco, duly seconded by Mr. Young, and unanimously passed to release $172,879.45 (Release #2) from the escrow fund for Deerfield at Whitpain (former Wistar property).

A motion was made by Mr. McKernan, duly seconded by Mr. Greco, and unanimously passed to approve a request for a waiver from the requirement of preparing a land development plan for a 10' x 20' shed at Blue Bell Place, located at 777 DeKalb Pike.

A motion was made by Mr. Greco, duly seconded by Mr. McKernan, and unanimously passed to allow The Highlands Historical Society to place directional signs for their Craft Show, approximately 18" x 24", at various locations throughout the Township during the week of October 9, to be removed on October 22.

At this time, Chairman Narducci noted an addition to the agenda regarding the Terrenzio property at 501 Kurt Drive. A motion was made by Mr. McKernan, duly seconded by Mr. Palmer, and unanimously approved to file Equity Action against Mr. & Mrs. Edward J. Terrenzio to seek to enjoin Zoning Violations.

Vice-Chairman Palmer called for any comments or questions from the Board. There were none. He then called for comments or questions from the audience. Mr. Ken Horner of 510 Beechnut Drive had some questions regarding the Zoning Hearing Board ruling and appeal process in the Terrenzio case. He inquired as to the enforcement options currently in place, and the time frame for the resolution of the case. Mr. J. Peirce Anderson responded that Mr. & Mrs. Terrenzio have the right to appeal the decision of the Zoning Hearing Board which was rendered on August 16, 2007, to the Court of Common Pleas. Also, he explained the options for enforcement by the Township under The Municipalities Planning Code. Chairman Narducci stated that the decision of the Zoning Hearing Board does not give Whitpain Township the right to suspend the activity taking place at the Terrenzio property. An injunction would be required to enforce that decision, and then the issue of contempt would arise if a non-compliance situation should arise, giving the Township much more leverage. Following further discussion amongst the Board and Mr. Anderson, as well as an additional question from resident Mr. Neil Murray of Kurt Drive, Chairman Narducci commented that the Board of Supervisors would like to see the process expedited. Additionally, Mr. Anderson advised that the Township cannot take enforcement action until a Court of Common Pleas Judge acts on the request for injunctive relief. Mr. Bob Ross of Hickory Drive questioned the possibility of enforcement by way of the Property Maintenance Code. Mr. Micahel E. McAndrew responded that the Township's third party inspection agency, Code Inspections, Inc., was sent to the Terrenzio property to investigate the neighbor's complaints, but no violations were found.

There was one further question from resident, Sheila Curristin of 981 Blue Rock Lane. She inquired when the public hearing would be held for Ordinance #308. Mr. Palmer responded that it would be held on Tuesday, September 18, 2007.

There being no further business to come before the Board, on motion made by Chairman Narducci, the meeting was adjourned at 8:25 PM.

Brian W. Young, 
Secretary

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