A Work Session of the Whitpain Township Board of Supervisors was held on Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at the Whitpain Township Building, 960 Wentz Road, Blue Bell, PA at 7:30 PM for the purpose of reviewing the agenda of the May 6, 2008 Supervisors' Meeting. Chairman Joseph J. Palmer was present with Supervisors Brian W. Young, and Anthony F. Greco. Township Solicitor James J. Garrity, Esq., Township Manager Phyllis C. Lieberman, Assistant Township Manager/Township Engineer Roman M. Pronczak, Director of Finance M. Elizabeth McBride, Police Lieutenant Jeff Franck, Director of Code Enforcement Michael E. McAndrew, Fire Marshal David M. Camarda, and Director of Parks and Recreation Kurt W. Baker were also present. Supervisors William L. McKernan III and Adam D. Zucker and Director of Public Works Ronald J. Cione were absent. One reporter and one member of the public were present.

The Supervisors reviewed the agenda discussing the announcement that the Township had received letters from four Supervisors that they would be participating in the Township' medical benefits plan in 2008, approval of the minutes of the April 15, 2008 Supervisors' Meeting, approval of the April 2008 Voucher List, consideration of a request to display temporary signs from the Centre Square Fire Company's Ladies Auxiliary, four releases of escrow, approval of Resolution Number 856 requesting reimbursement of monies for expenses incurred for Officer Heather Roelle to attend basic training, and several Zoning Hearing Board applications.

Mr. Pronczak then reviewed two memos that had been prepared by Assistant Engineer Jim Blanch on a proposed Riparian Corridor Ordinance. He noted that since the Township is close to being built out, some of the provisions would not be applicable, but the protection of areas near streams would be. After some discussion, it was decided that an ordinance would be prepared for review by the Township and County Planning Commissions for consideration by the Board.

Mrs. Lieberman said that Mr. Zucker had been contacted by the Historical Society of Whitpain about a contribution for the 150 year Anniversary of the one room schoolhouse on Morris Road. Mrs. Lieberman did not know what kind of a contribution, but will ask.

Mr. Palmer has asked that Mr. McKernan work on the lease for the 1895 Schoolhouse with the Wissahickon Valley Historical Society. Mr. McKernan will meet with staff first to review the present lease and the requests from the Historical Society.

The Supervisors then discussed one legal matter.

The Supervisors then left for the public meeting.

At approximately 8:20 PM the Work Session was reconvened.

Mr. Greg Leoni, Mr. Mark Jonas, Mr. John Zaharchik, and Mr. Joel DelliCartini then joined the group to discuss the Leoni Tract near the corner of Routes 73 and 202. Later they were joined by planner Ken Amy. The plan is for an overlay district with a 54,000 sq.ft. new retail building on land that is presently zoned R-1 Residential. It showed a substantial buffer along the pre-existing residential development adjacent to it. The through road from 202 to 73 did not line up with Kohl's driveway, because the Centre Square Fire House property is not part of the present plan. There was a great deal of discussion and the Supervisors noted that it was the best plan they have seen thus far, but they are still concerned about having the through road line up with Kohl's driveway, the possible relocation of the fire house, access to and from the property during and after the Route 202 improvements are done, and the reaction of the neighbors to the proposal. They suggested that the neighbors be contacted to get their input as to what issues need to be addressed.

At approximately 9:45 PM the Work Session was adjourned.

Phyllis C. Lieberman
Whitpain Township Manager

#9 - 2008
The regular meeting of the Whitpain Township Board of Supervisors was held on Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at the Whitpain Township Building, 960 Wentz Road, Blue Bell, PA. Supervisors Joseph J. Palmer, Brian W. Young, and Anthony F. Greco were present. Township Manager, Phyllis C. Lieberman, Township Engineer/Assistant Township Manager, Roman Pronczak, Township Solicitor, James J. Garrity, Director of Finance, M. Elizabeth McBride, Code Enforcement Officer, Michael E. McAndrew, Park and Recreation Director, Kurt W. Baker, Fire Marshal, David M. Camarda, Lieutenant Jeff Franck of the Police Department, and Recording Secretary, Michele Alifano were also present. Supervisors William L. McKernan and Adam Zucker, as well as Director of Public Works, Ronald J. Cione and Police Chief Mark A. Smith were absent. There were approximately 5 members of the public in attendance.

Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Chairman Palmer called the meeting to order.

For the first order of business, Chairman Palmer noted that the Township has received letters from Mr. Palmer, Mr. Young, Mr. Greco, and Mr. Zucker that they will be participating in the Township's medical benefits program for the year 2008. Mr. McKernan will not be participating.

A motion was made by Mr. Greco, duly seconded by Mr. Young, and unanimously passed to approve the minutes of the April 15, 2008 Supervisors' Meeting.

A motion was made by Mr. Young, duly seconded by Mr. Greco, and unanimously passed to approve all expenditures from the April, 2008 Voucher List, which totalled $1,109,676.74.

A motion was made by Mr. Greco, duly seconded by Mr. Young, and unanimously passed to approve a request from the Centre Square Fire Company's Ladies Auxiliary to display temporary signs for their indoor Flea Market to be held on May 3, 2008. The signs will not exceed 11" x 17" and will be posted at several intersections within the Township.

One confirming motion was made by Mr. Young, duly seconded by Mr. Greco, and unanimously passed to approve the release of $ 69,512.41 (Release #11) from the escrow fund for Blue Bell Springs (Latham Realty), $ 221,793.52 (Release #1) from the escrow fund for Blue Bell Springs Phase II (Latham Realty), $ 222,496.81 (Release #1) from the escrow fund for Blue Bell Springs Phase III (Latham Realty), and $24,255.00 (Release #5) from the escrow fund for Deerfield at Whitpain (Former Wistar Property).

A motion was made by Mr. Greco, duly seconded by Mr. Young, and unanimously passed to adopt Resolution Number 856 approving the reimbursement of monies for expenses incurred for Officer Heather Roelle to attend a basic training program.

The Board of Supervisors took no action regarding the following applications to the Zoning Hearing Board:

NO. 1786-08: Application filed by Latham Realty Associates, L.P. as owner of the property located at 627 Blue Bell Springs Drive, Blue Bell, PA 19422 for the following relief at the subject property:

1. A variance from the terms of Article XIV, Section 160-88.C to reduce the minimum required 28' setback between long sides of mobile homes between 627 Blue Bell Springs Drive and 625 Blue Bell Springs Drive to 22.3'.

2. An appeal from the Zoning Enforcement Notice of April 3, 2008 regarding an alleged violation under the terms of Article XIV, Section 160-88.C requiring a 28 foot setback between the long sides of the mobile homes at 627 Blue Bell Springs Drive and 625 Blue Bell Springs Drive.

The zoning classification of the subject property is "R-9" Residential District.

NO. 1787-08: Application filed by Wilma R. Jackson Wright as a Life Tenant of the property located at 893 Crestline Drive, Blue Bell, PA, 19422 for a variance from the terms of Article VII, Section 160-28.A to allow Wilma R. Jackson Wright, in possession under the Last Will and Testament of Edmund Wright of 893 Crestline Drive, to rent rooms to one or two non-family members in a single family dwelling at the subject property. The zoning classification of the subject property is "R-2" Residence District.

NO. 1788-08: Application filed by Romile Partners, LLP as owner of the property located at 1601 Swede Street, Blue Bell, PA, 19422 for a variance from the terms of Article XXIII, Section 160-182.2.C to increase maximum allowed signage for a façade sign from 16' sq. ft. to 63.3' sq. ft. at the subject property. The zoning classifications of the subject property are "C-1" Commercial District and "R-2" Residence District.

NO. 1789-08: Application filed by Eric R. Ratner as owner of the property located at 1779 Talbot Road, Blue Bell, PA, 19422 for variances from the terms of Article VII, Section 160-31 and Article XXV, Section 160-193 to allow a 7' x 13' one-story addition to the side yard reducing the minimum required side yard from 25' to 23' and reducing the minimum required aggregate side yards from 60' to 57' at the subject property. The zoning classification of the subject property is "R- 2" Residence District.

NO. 1790-08: Application filed by Robert & Mary Ann Scott as owners of the property located at 1557 Thayer Drive, Blue Bell, PA, 19422 for a variance from the terms of Article XXV, Section 160-194.C to allow a 17' x 28.5' open patio roof over existing patio, increasing the minimum required projection into the non-conforming rear yard from 37.5' to 15' at the subject property. The zoning classification of the subject property is "R-2" Residence District.

NO. 1791-08: Application filed by Vist Financial Group as a tenant of the property located at 1767 Sentry Parkway West, Blue Bell, PA, 19422 for the following relief at the subject property:

1. A variance from the terms of Article XXIII, Section 160-182.2.E to change the current signage from Madison Bank to Vist except for the "Madison Bank Building" sign mounted on the face of the building.

2. An amendment of the conditions set forth in ZHB Decision #677-88 to allow the approved space to be occupied by Vist Financial Group and to allow the sign mounted on the face of the building to remain so long as Vist Financial Group shall occupy the approved space and shall expire once Vist Financial Group vacates the approved space.

The zoning classification of the subject property is "A-R" Administrative and Research Districts.

Vice Chairman Young called for any comments or questions from the Board. There were none. He then called for any old or new business from the public. Mr. Bruce Wall had some questions regarding the upcoming construction improvements that are scheduled to be done on Morris Road at the intersection of Penllyn Blue Bell Pike. Following a pre-construction meeting with the utility companies, Mr. Pronczak had received information that indicates the work should commence within 3-4 weeks time. He stated that the contractors are not allowed to have any lane restrictions during the morning or evening rush hours, and the project is anticipated to be completed within a maximum time frame of four months. Mr. Wall then asked about thel Morris Road & North Wales Road intersection. Mr. Pronczak remarked that PennDOT has announced that it will not be providing funding for any construction projects other than certain sections of Rt. 202, and bridge repairs. It is not expected that funding will be available for other projects for approximately five years.

Chairman Palmer announced that there would be a presentation concerning the Leoni Prpoerty, located at the intersection of Routes 73 & 202, which the public is welcome to attend which would take place at 8:30 pm in the small conference room.

With no further business to come before the Board, Vice-Chairman Young adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Anthony F. Greco, 
Secretary

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