PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP REGULAR MEETING. December 11, 2017

Transcription

1 PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP REGULAR MEETING December 11, 2017 Plymouth Township Council held its Regular Meeting at the Plymouth Township Building. The following officials were in attendance: Council: Staff: Dean Eisenberger Chairman Lenore Bruno Vice Chairwoman Marty Higgins Chris Manero Ron Trask Karen Weiss Manager Tom Speers Solicitor Joe Lawrence Chief of Police Tim Creelman Finance Director Lonnie Manai Woodrow & Associates Pledge of Allegiance The Regular Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. and Mr. Eisenberger led the Pledge of Allegiance. Council went out of the regular order of the agenda to handle the following. 1)Recognition Andrew Abruzzo Ms. Bruno read the Certificate of Recognition Whereas, Andrew Abruzzo, a senior at Germantown Academy, represented the United States in August winning gold medals in three freestyle events, and Whereas, Andrew Abruzzo, traveled to Tokyo and Singapore in November for the FINA Swimming World Cup 2017 winning a bronze medal in the men s 1500m freestyle event. Now therefore, be it resolved, that Plymouth Township Council commends Andrew Abruzzo for his outstanding commitment to swimming and victorious accomplishments in both the FINA World Junior Swimming Championships and the FINA Swimming World Cup Ms. Bruno made a motion to approve the Certificate of Recognition and was seconded by Mr. Trask. A roll call vote was taken and the motion passed 5-0 with Ms. Bruno, Mr.

2 Ms. Bruno stated that this is an amazing feat by Mr. Abruzzo and she congratulated him on his success. 2)Promotion - Sgt. Kyle Wilhelm Chief Lawrence stated that after completing all the requirements and testing by the Civil Service Commission he would like to promote Officer Kyle Wilhelm to Sergeant. Officer Wilhelm has been with the Police Department for seventeen years. His primary position was in the patrol unit however he also served as a member of the Special Operations Team and was also assigned to the Special Investigation Unit. Ms. Bruno made a motion to approve the promotion and was seconded by Mr. Manero. A roll call vote was taken and the motion passed 5-0 with Ms. Bruno, Mr. Council then returned to the regular order of the agenda. PUBLIC COMMENT- Mr. Eisenberger asked if there was any public comment pertaining to any of the items advertised on the agenda and there was none. ANNOUNCEMENT - Executive Session held November 20, 2017 Executive Session held December 4, 2017 Executive Session held December 11, 2017 Chairman Eisenberger announced that Executive Sessions were held on November 20 th, December 4 th and December 11th, 2017 in order to discuss litigation and personnel matters. APPPROVAL OF MINUTES: Chairman Eisenberger called for the approval of the minutes. a. Workshop Meeting November 8, 2017 Mr. Manero made a motion to table action on the November 8, 2017 minutes. The motion was seconded by Mr. Trask; a roll call vote was taken and the motion passed 5-0 with Ms. Bruno, Mr. Eisenberger, Mr. Higgins, Mr. Manero and Mr. Trask in favor. b. Regular Meeting November 13, 2017 c. Budget Meeting November 20, 2017 Ms. Bruno made a motion to approve the Regular Meeting and the Budget Meeting minutes without the necessity of reading. The motion was seconded by Mr. Higgins; a roll call vote was taken and the motion passed 5-0 with Ms. Bruno, Mr. Eisenberger, Mr. Higgins, Mr. Manero and Mr. Trask in favor. APPROVAL OF DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS AND BILLS: Chairman Eisenberger

3 called for the approval of the departmental reports and bills. Mr. Higgins made a motion to approve the departmental reports and bills and was seconded by Ms. Bruno. A roll call vote was taken and the motion passed 5-0 with Ms. Bruno, Mr. Eisenberger, Mr. Higgins, Mr. Manero and Mr. Trask in favor. ADMINISTRATION a.2018 Budget Ordinance First and Final Consideration ACTION Mr. Speers stated that this is an ordinance pursuant to Section 702.D of the Home Rule Charter adopting the operating and capital budgets, expenditures and expenses for the fiscal year 2018 and levying a Real Estate Tax on all property within the Township for fiscal year 2018 at the rate of 1.6 Mils on each dollar of assessed valuation, or the sum of sixteen (16) cents on each one hundred dollars of assessed valuation and levying a separate assessment dedicated to the Plymouth Township Fire Services on all property within the Township for the fiscal year 2018 at the rate of.5 Mils On each dollar of assessed valuation, or the sum of five (5) cents on each one hundred dollars of assessed valuation. Ms. Bruno made a motion to approve the ordinance for first and final consideration. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manero; a roll call vote was taken and the motion passed 5-0 with Ms. Bruno, Mr. Eisenberger, Mr. Higgins, Mr. Manero and Mr. Trask in favor. Mr. Eisenberger stated that it is an honor for Council to present a balanced budget with no tax increase. Mr. Manero stated that it is good to see no tax increase in the Township and he believes that the services that the Township provides are second to none. b.interfund Transfer Mr. Higgins stated that Council is in receipt of correspondence from Tim Creelman recommending a Interfund transfer of $500,000 from the General Fund to the Capital Reserve Fund. This is an operating surplus for the Township which will be used for future capital projects. Mr. Higgins made a motion to approve the fund transfer and was seconded by Ms. Bruno. A roll call vote was taken and the motion passed 5-0 with Ms. Bruno, Mr. c.tax Settlements ACTION 1)800 Brook Road Ms. Weiss stated that this settlement is a result of the Colonial School District filing an assessment appeal for the years 2014 through 2017 for 800 Brook Road. The appeal

4 results in an underpayment of Real Estate Taxes of $1,300 to Plymouth Township. Ms. Bruno made a motion to approve the tax settlement and was seconded by Mr. Manero. A roll call vote was taken and the motion passed 5-0 with Ms. Bruno, Mr. Eisenberger, Mr. Higgins, Mr. Manero and Mr. Trask in favor. 2)820 Brook Road Ms. Weiss stated that this settlement is a result of the Colonial School District filing an assessment appeal for the years 2014 through 2017 for 820 Brook Road. The appeal results in an underpayment of Real Estate Taxes of $63.79 to Plymouth Township. Ms. Bruno made a motion to approve the tax settlement and was seconded by Mr. Manero. A roll call vote was taken and the motion passed 5-0 with Ms. Bruno, Mr. Eisenberger, Mr. Higgins, Mr. Manero and Mr. Trask in favor. POLICE/PUBLIC SAFETY PUBLIC WORKS/SEWER a.snow Announcement Mr. Manero reminded residents that the Township Snow Policy is in effect and then read the official policy. ENGINEERING SUBDIVISION AND LAND DEVELOPMENT a.s.d James Piacitelli/135 Pleasant Road 1)Expiration date January 9, 2018 b.l.d Conicelli Auto Group/906 Ridge Pike 1)Expiration date January 22, 2018 c.l.d Commerce Pursuit Capital, LP/2261 Corsons Lane 1)Expiration date January 15, 2018 d.s.d Craft Custom Homes/1790 Butler Pike 1)Expiration date December 12, 2017 ACTION Ms. Weiss read the resolution approving the final Subdivision Plan, S.D Craft Custom Homes/1790 Butler Pike under and subject to the conditions read. The developer is proposing to subdivide an existing parcel with frontages on Kirk Street and Butler Pike into two individual lots containing 7,200 square feet each and the construction of a twin residential structure. Ed Hughes, Esquire was present on behalf of the applicant and agreed to the resolution as read. Mr. Manero made a motion to approve the resolution and was seconded by Mr. Trask.

5 Mr. Eisenberger asked if there were comments from the audience and there were as follows. Ray and Lee Ann Stocchi spoke on behalf of Mrs. Stocchi s father, William Moffit who resides at 103 Kirk Street. Mr. Stocchi mentioned the parking and flow of traffic on Kirk Street. The Stocchis are requesting that no parking signs be installed on her father s side of Kirk Street. Mr. Eisenberger stated that the Township will look into this to determine if it is warranted. A roll call vote was taken and the motion passed 5-0 with Ms. Bruno, Mr. Eisenberger, Mr. Higgins, Mr. Manero and Mr. Trask in favor. e.s.d Anthony J. Stipa/1960 Lynda Drive 1)Expiration date March 5, 2018 f.extension Requests ACTION 1)Metroplex Phase 3 to June 30, 2018 Ms. Bruno made a motion to approve the extension request and was seconded by Mr. Higgins. A roll call vote was taken and the motion passed 5-0 with Ms. Bruno, Mr. 2)2928 Walton Road to June 30, 2018 Mr. Higgins made a motion to approve the extension request and was seconded by Mr. Manero. A roll call vote was taken and the motion passed 5-0 with Ms. Bruno, Mr. 3)Proving Grounds to February 13, Mr. Trask made a motion to approve the extension and was seconded by Ms. Bruno. A roll call vote was taken and the motion passed 5-0 with Ms. Bruno, Mr. g.arbour Square Sewage Planning Resolution Mr. Higgins made a motion to table action on the Arbour Square Sewage Planning resolution this evening. The motion was seconded by Mr. Manero; a roll call vote was taken and the motion passed 5-0 with Ms. Bruno, Mr. CODE ENFORCEMENT/HEALTH ZONING a.zoning Hearings Ms. Bruno announced that the Zoning Hearing Board of Plymouth Township will hold a public hearing on Monday, December 18, 2017, commencing at 7:00 p.m., in the Plymouth Township Building on the following applications: 1) MATT OUTDOOR (PHILADELPHIA ELECTRIC COMPANY (PECO) 1330 CONSHOHOCKEN ROAD, 2) J & S ACUPUNCTURE, INC. (JOANNE & SOUNG-DEUK S. RHEE 2 E. VALLEY CREEK ROAD AND 3) PLYMOUTH MEETING PA (NWC GERMANTOWN PIKE

6 AND HICKORY) LLC 601 W. GERMANTOWN PIKE. Any citizen of Plymouth Township or interested party may attend the public hearing and have an opportunity to be heard. b.certificate of Appropriateness Mr. Speers stated that a Certificate of Appropriateness is required when a structure in the Historical District is going to be removed. Mr. Danella would like to remove the crumbled limekilns on his property and construct a parking area for his business and a trailhead for the County s trail system. Mr. Speers read several conditions for the approval, including the deadline of December 31, 2018 to comply with the conditions. Mr. Higgins stated that he knew of two sets of limekilns; one on Germantown Pike and one on Butler Pike. He feels that the limekilns on Butler Pike are beyond repair and no one is maintaining either set. This compromise is in the best interest of the Township and the further preservation of one set of kilns. Mr. Eisenberger stated that the Township previously approached Mr. Danella regarding the Cross County Trail to have the bike path completed in the Township. The trail will now be able to be completed. Diane Boyle 3049 Jolly Road asked if there was enough room for a parking lot without removing the limekilns. Mr. Eisenberger stated that the trailhead will be where the current limekilns are now. Nicole Esposito 45 Colton Drive asked if preserving the limekilns and the trailhead can both be accomplished. Mr. Eisenberger stated that two limekilns on the adjacent property will be preserved and the area where the limekilns have collapsed will be used for the trailhead. Mike Van Buren 345 Oxford Road thanked Council for what is being done with the Certificate of Appropriateness and the limekilns. He believes it to be a win/win situation for the Township. The Township is preserving history with the limekilns on Germantown Pike and creating a physical connection with the trails. Hopefully it will help with traffic as well. Mr. Eisenberger made a motion to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness and was seconded by Ms. Bruno. A roll call vote was taken and the motion passed 5-0 with Ms. Bruno, Mr.

7 PARKS AND RECREATION PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT MISCELLANEOUS/OLD BUSINESS a.citizen Board Vacancies Mr. Eisenberger mentioned that there are currently two openings on the Township Planning Agency. Ms. Bruno made a motion to appoint Greg Sudell and Monica McCullough to the Planning Agency for a one year term filling two unexpired terms. Mr. Manero seconded the motion; a roll call vote was taken and the motion passed 5-0 with Ms. Bruno, Mr. Ms. Bruno stated that this is the last Council meeting that Mr. Eisenberger and Mr. Trask will be attending. Ms. Bruno presented Mr. Trask with a plaque for his years of service to the Township. Mr. Trask served as Councilman from 2014 until Ms. Bruno stated that it has been an honor working with Mr. Eisenberger who served on Council from 2010 until 2017 and as Chairman from 2016 until Mr. Eisenberger was and is committed to making Plymouth Township a better place for residents and businesses. Ms. Bruno read a list of all that Mr. Eisenberger accomplished while serving on Council. Mr. Eisenberger truly puts Plymouth Township first. Ms. Bruno stated that she enjoyed working with Mr. Eisenberger. Mr. Higgins stated that it was a pleasure working with Mr. Eisenberger. The Township will miss his wealth of institutional knowledge. Mr. Higgins hopes to be able to lead the Township as well. Mr. Manero stated that he has served on Township Council for two years with Mr. Eisenberger and Mr. Trask it has been his pleasure to work with both of them. Mr. Manero has taught their children and they have raised outstanding children as well. Mr. Manero thanked them for the opportunity to work with them. Mr. Eisenberger stated that he believes that the Township is at its best that it has ever been. Mr. Eisenberger thanked all of Township staff by name, and also thanked the fire companies and Plymouth Ambulance. In addition he thanked the Solicitor, Tom Speers, Woodrow & Associates and all of the Township employees. Mr. Eisenberger thanked his wife and family for their continued

8 support and the Township citizen boards and his fellow Council members. Chief Lawrence stated that it has been a pleasure to work for and alongside Mr. Eisenberger. Sheldon Simpson thanked both Mr. Eisenberger and Mr. Trask for their service to the Township. Bill Sabey 113 Ashley Way thanked Mr. Eisenberger for his service on Council and on the Environmental Advisory Board. Jim Saring - 46 Terrace Road thanked the current Council and Mr. Eisenberger and Mr. Trask for their service to the Township. Ms. Weiss thanked Mr. Trask and Mr. Eisenberger for all of their help while serving on Council. She stated Mr. Eisenberger was deserving of such an outpouring of support. Ray Stocchi and Jim Behr spoke on behalf of both fire companies. They thanked Mr. Eisenberger and Mr. Trask for their years of service and dedication to the emergency services. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Regular Meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Mary Beth Jamison Recording Secretary