A Work Session of the Whitpain Township Board of Supervisors was held on Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at the Whitpain Township Building, 960 Wentz Road, Blue Bell, PA at 7:30 PM for the purpose of reviewing the October 21, 2008 Supervisors' Meeting Agenda. Chairman Joseph J. Palmer was present with Supervisors Brian W. Young, Anthony F. Greco, William L. McKernan III, and Adam D. Zucker. Township Solicitor James Garrity, Township Manager Phyllis C. Lieberman, Assistant Township Manager/Township Engineer Roman M. Pronczak, Director of Finance John Marcarelli, Chief of Police Mark A. Smith, Director of Public Works Ronald J. Cione, Fire Marshal David M. Camarda and Director of Parks and Recreation Kurt W. Baker were also present. There were 5 members of the public and one reporter present.

The Supervisors reviewed the agenda discussing an announcement concerning the death of a Second Alarmers Rescue Squad Paramedic, Budget Work Sessions, and the scheduling of Supervisors' Meetings for the month of November, approval of the minutes of the October 7, 2008 Supervisors' Meeting, approval of the Treasurer's Report for the month of September 2008, authorization to release all remaining funds for Better Living Homes on Cathcart Road, consideration of a request from Philadelphia Aviation Country Club for a waiver from having to prepare a land development plan for the installation of an open sided permanent roof over an existing patio, replacing the existing canvas canopy, adoption of Resolution No. 864, authorizing the Chairman and Secretary to sign on behalf of the Township a Master Casting Agreement with PennDot for the adjustment of incorporated utility facilities for the years 2008-2011, adoption of Resolution No. 865 congratulating East Norriton Township on its upcoming Centennial Anniversary, adoption of Resolution No. 866 approving the land development plan for Cedarbrook Country Club, and one Zoning Hearing Board application.

Sal Paone, Jr. then addressed the Supervisors asking them to consider lifting the restriction on Canterbury Estates being a 55 and older community. He noted that it has been very difficult to sell any units in this economy. He said the purpose of asking to meet with the Supervisors was to start a dialogue on subject. Mr. Garrity said that if anything were done, the Ordinance would have to be amended. Since he was given more density because of the 55 and older status, Mrs. Lieberman asked if he would consider fewer units. He said that it could be difficult because of the financing. There was more discussion after which the Supervisors said they would take the matter under advisement, suggesting that Mr. Paone meet with the planning committee to discuss options.

The Supervisors then left for the public meeting.

At approximately 8:45 PM the Work Session was reconvened.

The Supervisors discussed LED signs. After some discussion, they directed staff to prepare a proposed Ordinance that would allow the signs under certain criteria.

The Supervisors then discussed a personnel matter, Police Negotiations.

At approximately 9:00 PM the Work Session was adjourned.

Phyllis C. Lieberman,
Whitpain Township Manager



#18 - 2008

The regular meeting of the Whitpain Township Board of Supervisors was held on Tuesday, October 2, 2007 at the Whitpain Township Building, 960 Wentz Road, Blue Bell, PA. Supervisors Leigh P. Narducci, Joseph J. Palmer, Brian W. Young, and Anthony F. Greco were present. Township Manager, Phyllis C. Lieberman, Township Engineer/Assistant Township Manager, Roman Pronczak, Assistant Township Solicitor, James Garrity, Director of Finance, M. Elizabeth McBride, Code Enforcement Officer, Michael E. McAndrew, Police Chief Mark A. Smith, Park and Recreation Director, Kurt W. Baker, and Recording Secretary, Michele Alifano were also present. Supervisor William L. McKernan, III, Director of Public Works, Ronald J. Cione, and Fire Marshal, David M. Camarda were absent. There were approximately 3 members of the public in attendance.

Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Chairman Young called the meeting to order. A moment of silence was observed and condolences offered in recognition of the passing of Second Alarmers Rescue Squad Paramedic, Michael Garvin. It was announced that there would be a scholarship fund set up for his son, Ryan Garvin, through Abington Bank.

It was announced that the Board of Supervisors held advertised Budget Work Sessions on Monday, October 20, 2008, Wednesday, October 22, 2008, and Friday, October 24, 2008 in Meeting Room "B". The sessions were open to the public.

The dates for the upcoming regular Board of Supervisors' meetings for the month of November were announced. They are scheduled for Monday, November 3, 2008 (due to Election Day), and Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at 8:00 p.m.

A motion was made by Mr. McKernan, duly seconded by Mr. Greco, and unanimously passed to approve the minutes of the October 7, 2008 Supervisors' Meeting.

A motion was made by Mr. Greco, duly seconded by Mr. McKernan, and unanimously passed to approve the Treasurer's Report for the month of September, 2008.

A motion was made by Mr. Young, duly seconded by Mr. Zucker, and unanimously passed to authorize the final release (Release #3) of all remaining funds from the financial security posted for Better Living Homes (S-6-03) on Cathcart Road. The remaining balance is $5,710.67.

At this time, The Board considered a request from Philadelphia Aviation Country Club (1399 Narcissa Road) for a waiver from the requirement of preparing a land development plan for the installation of an open sided permanent roof over an existing patio. This roof will replace the existing canvas canopy. Chairman Palmer provided an update for the most recent events surrounding the debate over Wings Field, and the strides that have been made to enable the residents and the Wings Field ownership to work toward resolving their issues. He made mention of a core group of individuals that had acted as representatives for the residents, and participated in discussions that would eventually lead to the development of an ordinance governing activity at Wings Field. Chairman Palmer stated that the Board of Supervisors is whole-heartedly committed to making that happen.

Mr. Zucker made the disclosure that he is a member at the Philadelphia Aviation Club. Chairman Palmer added that Supervisors Brian Young and Anthony Greco are members at the club as well.

Chairman Palmer then took questions and comments from the audience. Mr. Dave Miller expressed his concern that there should be something in writing that indicates exactly what will be constructed. He stated the application process will ultimately protect the residents. Mr. Young clarified that the applicant is not Wings Field, and he asked if the residents would have the same objections if the applicant was another tenant.

Code Enforcement Officer, Michael McAndrew, explained that the existing canvas tent has plastic covers that can be pulled down, and the permit will be written as an open sided roof covering over the existing patio. Mr. Pronczak added that any attempt in the future to permanently enclose the area would require the submission of a land development plan and approval of the Board of Supervisors.

Resident, Dan Goyman was concerned that this structure would add to the amount of building coverage at the site. As explained by Mr. Pronczak, any other homeowner in the Township would be subject to the same review process by staff, and would not go before the Planning Commission or the Board of Supervisors, but would still be subject to be in compliance with all building and zoning codes.

Township Solicitor, James J. Garrity, Esq. advised that a tenant does not have the right to request that a land development plan be waived without permission for the owner of the property. He stated it would be appropriate, if the Board sees fit to do so, to condition the issuance of any building permits to prevent the "accidental growth" of the project through the use of certain restrictions.

Another resident, Mrs. Fisher, remarked that in her opinion, Wings Field has not been completely honest about past development projects, and they should be made to abide by the strictest rules of the Township.

Mr. Jeff Kahn, president of the Philadelphia Aviation Club, wanted to assure the public that they are not requesting waivers for any requirement contained in the Code of Whitpain Township, and they intend to build exactly what is indicated in the plans submitted.

Mrs. Sheila Stein stated that in order to avoid any appearance of impropriety, the Aviation Club should be required to conform to the requirement for the land development plan. Chairman Palmer requested the opinion of Mr. Garrity on this subject, and Mr. Garrity responded that there is no conflict of interest, because there is no benefit, financially or otherwise, to being a member at the Aviation Club.

Finally, Chairman Palmer reiterated that the Board does indeed listen to the community, and is sensitive to their concerns.

A motion was made by Mr. Young, duly seconded by Mr. McKernan, and unanimously passed to waive the requirement of preparing a land development plan for the installation of an open sided permanent roof over an existing patio at the Philadelphia Aviation Club (1399 Narcissa Road).

A motion was made by Mr. Zucker, duly seconded by Mr. Greco, and unanimously passed to adopt Resolution No. 864 which authorizes the Chairman and Secretary to sign on behalf of the Township, a Master Casting Agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for the adjustment of incorporated utility facilities for the years 2008-2011.

A motion was made by Mr. Zucker, duly seconded by Mr. Greco, and unanimously passed to adopt Resolution No. 865 congratulating East Norriton Township on its upcoming Centennial Anniversary.

A motion was made by Mr. Young, duly seconded by Mr. Greco, and passed to adopt Resolution No. 866 approving a land development plan titled "Cedarbrook Country Club - Sheets 1 of 14 through 14 of 14, prepared by Nave Newell, Inc., plans dated August 1, 2008 and last revised on October 16, 2008 in accordance with Section 509 (b) of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code conditioned upon execution of an Improvement Construction Agreement, posting of financial security, receipt of all necessary permits from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and resolution of items in letter from the Township Engineer dated August 26, 2008. Mr. McKernan recused himself from the vote.

The Board of Supervisors then considered the following application to the Zoning Hearing Board:

NO. 1809-08: Application filed by James B. Chambers & John O. Chambers Jr. as owners of the property located at 598 Skippack Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422, for a variance from the terms of Article VII, Section 160-37.A and Article XXIX, Section 160-206 & 207 to allow the addition of an on-line auction with limited on-site retail sales to an existing non-conforming office use at the subject property. The zoning classification of the subject property is "R3" Multi-Family District.

Chairman Palmer noted that the Planning Commission voted 7-0 to recommend that the Zoning Hearing Board approve this application. The hearing has been continued until the November 20, 2008 meeting of the Zoning Hearing Board. A motion was made by Mr. Zucker, duly seconded by Mr. Greco, and unanimously approved to remain neutral on this application, but authorize the Township Solicitor to send a letter to the Zoning Hearing Board stating that if the Zoning Hearing Board should decide to grant the relief requested, they should place appropriate conditions that would limit the scope of retail sales at the location, and keep it ancillary to the on-line auction operation.

Vice-Chairman Young then called for any comments or questions from the Board. There were none. He then called for any comments or questions from the audience.

Mr. Bob Whittock inquired about the status of the TEVA Pharmaceutical proposal to relocate their distribution center to the Unisys site. Chairman Palmer advised that the move was very unlikely to occur. With no further business to come before the Board, Vice-Chairman Young adjourned the meeting at 8:35 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Anthony F. Greco, Secretary

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