Board of Supervisors
Thursday, March 12 2009
March 12, 2009
A Regular Monthly Meeting of the Whitemarsh Township Board of Supervisors was held on Thursday, March 12, 2009, at
7:00 PM in the Whitemarsh Township Building, 616 Germantown Pike, Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania.
Supervisors Present: Sara J. Erlbaum, Chair; David E. Brooke, Vice-Chair; Leslie S. Richards; and Robert R.
Hart
Also Present: Christopher R. van de Velde, Township Manager; Bruce G. Horrocks, Assistant Township Manager;
Todd Eisenberg, Township Solicitor; and James C. Sullivan, PE, Township Engineer
Supervisor Absent: Kelly C. Wall
Meeting was called to order by Chair Erlbaum.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR ARMED FORCES
ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. Aqua Pennsylvania will begin a Major Water Project on Germantown Pike from March 30th to July.
Any issues with this project, including detouring, contact Mike Zeock at the Township Building or the Police
Department.
2. There will be an Open House at the William Jeanes Memorial Library on Sunday, March 29, 2009, 2PM to 4PM, to
celebrate their new Sunday hours and an expanded Young Adults section in the Library.
3. There will be an Open House at the Parks and Recreation Department on Sunday, March 29, 2009, 12PM to 3PM, to
discuss issues with program coordinators and Camp Staff, with a focus on the Children’s Summer Programs and Adult and
Senior Programs.
4. The Parks and Recreation Department is having their 2nd Annual Amateur Photo Competition. The deadline
will be April 1, 2009. For more information, please contact Cindy Queen at the Parks and Recreation Department.
5. State Representative Mike Gerber and the Great American Pub will be hosting a Beef and Beer on March 14,
2009, 4PM to 6PM, to benefit the Montgomery County Police Officers Memorial Fund. The cost is $25 per person,
and all proceeds will go to benefit the Fund.
6. There will be a Shredder Event at Miles Park’s Lower Lot on March 28, 2009, 1PM to 4PM. Please contact
Mike Zeock with any questions regarding this event.
7. The Environmental Forum, sponsored by Mike Gerber, was successful in getting all local Environmental Advisory
Boards together to discuss important projects. The Environment Advisory Board forum plans to meet a couple of
times per year to discuss mutually interesting projects..
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
February 12, 2009
- Supervisor Brooke requested several changes to the minutes, regarding the accuracy of his and others’
statements. Mr. van de Velde stated that he would make the appropriate changes.
- On a Motion by Supervisor Brooke, seconded by Supervisor Hart (Vote 4-0,) the Board of Supervisors approved
the meeting minutes for the February 12, 2009 Board of Supervisors Meeting.
February 26, 2009
- Supervisor Brooke requested the word “abstained” be changed to “recused,” in the section regarding the Village
Commercial Zoning District Public Discussion.
- Supervisor Erlbaum requested two spelling corrections be made.
- On a Motion by Supervisor Hart, seconded by Supervisor Richards (Vote 4-0,) the Board of Supervisors approved
the meeting minutes for the February 26, 2009 Board of Supervisors Meeting.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION ITEMS
1. GFOA (Government Finance Officers Association) Progress Report on New Software Presented by Dave Burna,
Senior Manager of GFOA
- Tom Mullin, Finance Director, stated that for the past year, Township Staff has been reviewing the
Administrative Computer System, in order to make changes. The Township has retained the consulting services of
the GFOA for this purpose.
- Mr. Burna discussed the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Selection process, advantages of an integrated
system, implementation methods, and cost. He explained that the Township Staff’s recommendation was Tyler
MUNIS. He suggested the Township use a three-phase approach, to include core financials, extended financials,
and extended functionality and reporting.
- Supervisor Brooke inquired about the services provided, if the Township decides to implement an ASP
(Application Software Provider.) He asked if there would be a requirement of constant internet connection or
bulk or intermittent uploading of data. Mr. Burna explained that constant real time service would be
provided. He added that the Township can negotiate with the vendor about using different implementation methods
for designated periods of time. He offered additional advantages to using an ASP.
- Supervisor Brooke inquired about the level of on-site data buffering occurring under an ASP. He asked if
the Township can still make entries into the application, without the loss of data, should the internet become
disconnected. Mr. Burna explained that while the system is connected, any data entered into the system is
automatically uploaded to the ASP’s system, so no changes are lost. He suggested that the Township negotiate
with it’s internet provider for them to contractually guarantee a certain amount of uptime and
connectivity.
- Supervisor Brooke requested clarification that if the internet goes down, while using an ASP, all transactions
stop. Mr. Burna confirmed that all transactions would stop. Supervisor Brooke asked if there was a way to
also host locally to provide the ability to store/buffer data until the internet becomes reconnected, in order to
complete Township Business as usual and avoid a backlog. Mr. Burna spoke against the Township hosting a back-up
system at the Township Building, which would be very expensive. He stated that each vendor would have a
solution to present about avoiding all work being postponed should the internet become disconnected.
- Supervisor Hart asked about Whitemarsh Township’s status should they decide to go with hosting the application
in-house. Mr. Burna replied that current staff would not be able to support the application, and a full-time
employee would need to be hired in order to do so.
- Supervisor Brooke asked if there was a cost difference between the two approaches. Mr. Burna suggested
the Township ask each potential vendor to provide cost analyses for both approaches.
- Supervisor Richards asked about why the Township staff is recommending Tyler MUNIS. Mr. Burna stated
that Tyler provides a very comprehensive solution to a broad range of functional areas. Mr. Mullin, speaking
with the consensus of the Staff, stated that Tyler is a large public company, with the greatest number of installs in
PA, capability, and staying power.
- Supervisor Richards asked about the difference between core and extended financial applications and if the
phases have to happen in a certain time frame. Mr. Burna answered that Core Financial applications is the main
minimum package, which includes all Accounting Aspects, Purchasing, Budgeting, etc. Extended Financial
Applications include Treasury Management, Utility Billing, and Real Estate Tax Collection. He further explained
that it is the Township’s decision on whether or not to use the phase approach over time. One phase can happen
right after another. He stated that taking out a phase or altering the time frame to be longer may alter the
cost of the remaining phases. Mr. Mullin stated that Phase 2 has to be implemented. He stated that the
others in Phase 3 may be able to be postponed for a period of time.
- Supervisor Erlbaum asked if there was a benefit to jumping in all at once or completing it quickly. Mr.
Burna stated that it would still be a phased approach, since he does not recommend the overload of completing it all
at once. He stated that doing it faster would infer fewer costs on labor and travel, since the same team can
work on all projects, one after the other.
- Supervisor Erlbaum asked if gaps will affect the areas not changed over. Mr. Burna stated that it would
depend on which function and how integrated the systems are at that time. He stated that there may be a
temporary customized data connection among the applications that can be set up. Mr. van de Velde stated that
all pieces, except for Parks and Recreation, are integrated to the Financial System. Mr. Burna suggested that
all Departments be involved in the planning from the beginning, in order to avoid double work later.
- Mr. van de Velde stated that in summary, the total cost of the project will be more than expected. He
stated that staff will refine recommendations with Mr. Burna and come up with a planned approach.
- Mr. Mullin and Mr. Burna requested a decision on entering into negotiations with vendors, so Township staff
can come back with options and can provide more details.
- Supervisor Erlbaum stated that all Supervisors present were in favor of the Township moving forward to
negotiations with vendors.
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2. Township Day Planning Progress Report
Presented by Doug Knauss, Director of Parks and Recreation
- Mr. Knauss stated that his staff is looking to cut costs for the 10th Annual Township Day, due to
the fact that projected sponsorship support is very low. He stated that they may come up short by $20,000.
- Supervisors Richards and Erlbaum expressed their support for Township Day, but said they would like to see the
budget cut a little more.
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3. Age Appropriate Signage for Parks
- Mr. Knauss stated that as it has for several years in the past, age appropriate signage for Playgrounds was
suggested by the Delaware Valley Insurance Trust Annual Report for Risk Management. Mr. Knauss stated that
Peter Erndwein, Risk Manager for DVIT, told him that the Township can use a Risk Reduction Grant.
- Supervisor Brooke asked if the grant money was guaranteed. Mr. van de Velde stated it is a DVIT refund
on the Liability Insurance. He explained that it is DVIT’s way to help reduce the liability risks in the
Township.
- Supervisor Erlbaum inquired about the locations of the signs. Mr. Knauss stated that the signs will be
put up in all parks.
- Supervisor Erlbaum inquired about the amount of the refund. Mr. Mullin and Mr. van de Velde agreed that
it was between $10,000-$15,000.
- Jane Nolan (Blue Bell) stated that most people ignore the signs, and she requested a sign stating “Supervision
Required.”
- Supervisor Erlbaum stated that she has seen signs that say “Adult Supervision is Recommended.”
4. 10-Hour Day Demonstration Project
- Mr. van de Velde explained that some employees approached the Director of Public Works to see if they would be
able to start working 4 (10-hour) days each week. Staff has decided to allow a trial run for three months, at
the end of which Staff will report back to the Board of Supervisors with their findings. This will be the
choice of the individual employees as to whether or not to participate.
ORDINANCES
1. Amend Specific Pollutant Limitations
- Supervisor Erlbaum explained that the Board of Supervisors has additional questions that need to be answered
by the Solicitor, in attempts to find out how it affects the Township’s current limits.
- On a Motion by Supervisor Brooke, seconded by Supervisor Hart (Vote 4-0,) the Board of Supervisors tabled the
proposed Ordinance to amend the Whitemarsh Township Code relative to Pollution limits for Whitemarsh Entities that
discharge to the Conshohocken Sanitary System.
2. ORDINANCE #875 - Purchase of Conservation Easement for the Erdenheim Sheep Tract
- Mr. van de Velde explained that the Township has been trying to preserve the Erdenheim Farm, in concert with
the Whitemarsh Foundation’s acquisition of the land. He stated that the purchase of the “Sheep Tract” will
follow the same procedure as the “Angus Tract.” He added that there will be additional funds from the
Township’s Act 153 Open Space Funds and TIF (Tax Increment Financing) Funds, which are dedications to the Township’s
Real Estate Taxes from these properties. He stated that the “Sheep Tract” will be leased out for agricultural
activity.
- Supervisor Erlbaum added that the property is 91 acres. She requested confirmation that this Ordinance
is simply for the purchase of the easement and does not address what would go where. Mr. van de Velde
confirmed.
- On a Motion by Supervisor Richards, seconded by Supervisor Hart (Vote 4-0,) the Board of Supervisors adopted
Ordinance #875, which authorizes the Purchase of the Conservation and Open Space Easement for the Sheep Tract.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution #2009-12 – Public Hearing on Application for Montgomery County Open Space Funds
- Mr. Horrocks explained that the County application requires proof of publication that the public was invited
to discuss this application prior to submittal. He stated that notice of this Public Hearing was advertised in
the Times Herald on March 5, 2009.
- Mr. van de Velde explained that staff and the Open Space Committee has recommended the series of non-vehicular
trails for which to seek funds. The current staff proposed trails to include in the application
are: Angus Tract perimeter; PECO Transmission Line from Butler Pike to the intersection involving River Road,
Cedar Grove Road, and Hector Street; and East 33, in case there is funding left over after the first 2 projects.
- Supervisor Richards asked if the Township has an agreement with PECO. Mr. van de Velde stated that the
Township is working with PECO, but some issues have not been resolved. Mr. Horrocks stated that the Township
received a letter of support from PECO to attach to the application.
- Supervisor Erlbaum asked about when the money would arrive. Mr. Horrocks explained that it would be a
reimbursement from the County. He reminded the Board that the April 1st deadline is about the reservation for
the original allocation of $1.2 million. He stated that for any municipality that does not apply by the
deadline, their part would go back into a general fund for which all municipalities can apply again.
- Supervisor Hart stated that he has a meeting on March 13, 2009 with members of the Open Space Committee, and
he will seek their current recommendations.
- Joseph Corcoran, III (Militia Hill Road,) being involved in the original planning, provided background for
this Open Space vision. He made several suggestions regarding the trails, including the “Joshua Spine”, which
would link the entire Township. He thanked the Board for their efforts regarding the purchase of the Erdenheim
Farm.
- Supervisor Brooke, Mr. Corcoran, and Mr. Horrocks further discussed trails/paths to consider for the
application.
- Supervisor Erlbaum stated she would like to discuss these matters further with the County. Mr. Horrocks
stated that he will set up a meeting with County, as well as the Open Space Committee, before the next BOS meeting.
- Supervisor Erlbaum asked for Mr. Eisenberg’s suggestion for tonight’s Resolution. Mr. Eisenberg stated
that the Resolution is only authorizing the Township to submit the application. He suggested passing the
Resolution and then working with Township Staff to narrow down the trails to be included in the application.
- Supervisor Erlbaum inquired about contact with PECO, in order to make sure that neighbors will not be upset at
a new trail at that location.
- Mr. Knauss commented he has heard requests from neighbors that the trail be located on the Cedar Grove side of
the power line and not on the neighborhood side. Mr. van de Velde stated that many residents of the area have
encouraged access to the river and green space.
- On a Motion by Supervisor Brooke, seconded by Supervisor Richards (Vote 4-0,) the Board of Supervisors adopted
Resolution #2009-12, which authorizes the Township Manager to submit an application for the Township’s allocation of
$1.2 million in the County’s Green Fields/Green Towns Funds.
2. Resolution #2009-13 – Condemnation of Needed for Germantown Pike Project Easements
- Mr. van de Velde stated that there are 30+ permanent and temporary easements from property owners needed along
Germantown Pike, in order to carry out the revitalization and sidewalk development. He stated that as of a week
ago, many property owners had been unresponsive to requests that they grant the needed public easements. He
stated that the Township may have no alternative but to acquire these easements by eminent domain. He requested
permission from the Board to file, if necessary. He explained the steps to acquire easements by eminent
domain.
- Supervisor Erlbaum asked about how people were notified. Mr. van de Velde explained that in general
property owners were aware of the situation, as the project planning has been going on for 2 ½ years. He
advised the Board that over the last couple of weeks, letters and certified letters were sent and phone calls were
made.
- Supervisor Erlbaum inquired about the next steps in this project. Mr. van de Velde explained that all
engineering is done, and the Township is waiting for final clearances from Penndot, and the project will hopefully
begin Mid-Spring. Mr. Sullivan confirmed that the Township is waiting for the final utility clearances from
Penndot. He stated that he is meeting with PECO on March 13, 2009 to discuss the five issues with PECO gas that
need to be addressed at this time.
- Supervisor Erlbaum requested confirmation that all receipts were received. Mr. Zeock confirmed.
Mr. van de Velde added that there were no responses from 4 property owners.
- Ken O’Neill (owner of 401 Germantown Pike) asked if his property was involved. Mr. van de Velde stated
that his property is actively being discussed with engineers and Township planning staff. He stated that this
property is unique, in that there are parking spaces involved. Mr. O’Neill requested that the Township be fair
with his property and the costs involved with the Zoning Board Hearing.
- On a Motion by Supervisor Hart, seconded by Supervisor Richards (Vote 4-0,) the Board of Supervisors approved
Resolution #2009-13, which authorizes the Township Manager and Solicitor to take such steps as are necessary to
acquire all of the temporary and permanent easements required to complete the Germantown Pike Revitalization Project.
3. Resolution #2009-14 – Cooperation Agreement for Broad Axe Re-Development
- Mr. van de Velde explained that the Keystone Property Group will be developing the Northeast Corner of Butler
Pike and Skippack Pike, which has been an abandoned gas station for a long time. He stated that the
developer/property owner behind the property has acquired it. He stated that Representative Mike Gerber has
assisted the development by obtaining a $500,000 grant (Revitalization Community Assistance Project).
- Supervisor Brooke requested confirmation that this is a reaffirmation of the Township’s agreement to become
the Grantee. Mr. van de Velde confirmed that this is the formal approval to enter into the Cooperation
Agreement.
- Supervisor Richards asked Mr. Eisenberg if the Township would have any liability. Mr. Eisenberg stated
that there was nothing to concern the Township.
- On a Motion by Supervisor Brooke, seconded by Supervisor Hart (Vote 4-0,) the Board of Supervisors approved
Resolution #2009-14, which authorizes the execution of a Cooperation Agreement for the Broad Axe Re-development.
4. Resolution #2009-15 – Establishing a Policy for Accepting Monetary Donations
- Mr. van de Velde explained that the Township is requesting a final policy of guidelines, in order to avoid
confusion.
- Supervisor Erlbaum stated that any donation made to the Township would go to the Finance Director to place
into the appropriate fund. Any donation over $500 will go before the Board of Supervisors for review before
being accepted.
- On a Motion by Supervisor Brooke, seconded by Supervisor Richards (Vote 4-0,) the Board of Supervisors
approved Resolution #2009-15, which establishes specific guidelines and procedures for Township Agencies, Boards,
Committees, Commissions, and Departments to follow when offered donations by residents and/or private entities.
5. Resolution #2009-16 – Establish Hearing Date for Germantown Academy Zoning Amendment
- Mr. Horrocks explained that this Resolution is in keeping with staff recommendation.
- On a Motion by Supervisor Richards, seconded by Supervisor Hart (Vote 4-0,) the Board of Supervisors adopted
Resolution #2009-16, which accepts a Zoning map amendment request submitted by Germantown Academy and authorizes
appropriate reviews and establishes a hearing date of April 23, 2009 at 7:00 PM.
6. Resolution #2009-17 – Establish Hearing Date for 505 ½ Germantown Pike Zoning Amendment
- Mr. Horrocks explained that staff believes that this project is now ready for public review and consideration.
- On a Motion by Supervisor Brooke, seconded by Supervisor Hart (Vote 4-0,) the Board of Supervisors adopted
Resolution #2009-17, which accepts a Zoning map amendment request submitted by 505A Germantown Pike Associates,
LP; 507 Germantown Pike Associates, LP; and Michael A. Nolan and authorizes appropriate reviews and
establishes a hearing date of April 23, 2009 at 7:30 PM.
MOTIONS
1. Fee Waiver Request of 505 ½ Germantown Pike for Zoning Amendment
- Mr. Eisenberg explained that there is an Ordinance, which establishes criteria for the waiver of fees:
prove one of three things (Entity must be a non-profit, emergency services provider; Entity must be a religious
entity that is tax-exempt; or Entity must be a charitable organization that is tax-exempt.) He
stated that this did not meet the criteria.
- Michael Nolan (505 ½ and 507 Germantown Pike) stated that the reason for the request was that at the previous
BOS meeting, there was a decision made that fees would be waived should the Public Hearings be individualized,
instead of grouped together. He stated he was unaware of an Ordinance, regarding this matter.
- Supervisor Erlbaum summarized the events of the previous BOS meetings, regarding this matter.
- Supervisor Brooke requested Mr. Eisenberg’s comments on the possibility of the Board of Supervisors acting
contrary to an existing Ordinance. Mr. Eisenberg stated that the Board of Supervisors would have to pass a new
Ordinance to amend a previously enacted Ordinance.
- On a Motion by Supervisor Hart, seconded by Supervisor Richards (Vote 4-0,) the Board of Supervisors denied
the 505A Germantown Pike Associates, LP; 507 Germantown Pike Associates, LP; and Mike A. Nolan fee waiver request.
2. Grant for Miles Park Replacement Trees
- Mr. Knauss explained that there were decaying trees at Miles Park, and some were re-planted last fall.
He stated that he hopes to make the grant application deadline of March 15, 2009, so that a decision will be made by
June and the planting can begin in the Fall. He stated that there will be approximately 23 trees, which the
nursery will install, in order for a warranty to cover the survival of the tree transplanting.
- On a Motion by Supervisor Brooke, seconded by Supervisor Richards (Vote 4-0,) the Board of Supervisors
approved the Township Manager applying for a grant for $3,500 from the Pennsylvania Community Forest Program.
3. Award Contract for Whitemarsh Valley Farm Stormwater Project
- Mr. Sullivan explained that bids opened on February 24, 2009 for reconstruction and regrading of 2 Basins in
the Whitemarsh Woods Development, stormsewer line installations and mill/overlay of Fields Drive after the
installation of the stormsewer pipe. He stated that the lowest bid was much lower than the $1 million expected
cost. He further stated that the H2O grant was supposed to be for 20% of the project, and it will now cover 50%
of the project cost if received.
- On a Motion by Supervisor Brooke, seconded by Supervisor Hart (Vote 4-0,) the Board of Supervisors authorized
the Township Manager and Township Engineer to proceed to award the Contract for the Whitemarsh Valley Farm Westaway
Stormwater Project to Wolverine Contractors for the amount not to exceed $435,043.61.
4. Emergency Electrical Work at the Sewage Treatment Plant
- Mr. van de Velde explained that an underground electric service line going to one of the secondary clarifiers
failed, and there was a need to bring in a Contractor to replace it an emergency basis. He explained that while
the contractor was working, a decision was made by the Plant Operator to replace the second electrical line, since it
might fail. There was no clearance for this as an emergency. He stated that the contractor is not at
fault, and he should be paid for the work done. He added that personnel have again been instructed about the
rules regarding emergency work.
- On a Motion by Supervisor Hart, seconded by Supervisor Richards (Vote 4-0,) the Board of Supervisors ratified
a $10,080.03 payment to the contractor who performed the emergency work performed on the electrical service lines to
the secondary clarifiers, acknowledging that a portion of the work should not have been undertaken on an emergency
basis.
5. Authorization to Advertise an Ordinance to Incur Township Debt
- Mr. van de Velde explained that the Township needs to borrow $15 million to proceed with several capital
improvement projects and open space acquisition commitments.
- Supervisor Brooke asked for an estimate of the annual debt service. Mr. van de Velde and Mr. Mullin
stated it is in the range of $600,000-$700,000, about half of which will be paid out of the Open Space Fund and the
rest out of the Sewer and General funds.
- Richard Cutler (Stenton Avenue) asked for more information about the repayment terms. Mr. Mullin stated
that a final decision has not yet been made, but it may be a variable rate loan that be moved to a fixed rate in the
future, depending on economy conditions..
- Mike Nolan (505 ½ Germantown Pike) requested clarification that the debt service would amortize the
loan. Mr. Mullin responded that it depends on the structure of the debt service terms.
- On a Motion by Supervisor Brooke, seconded by Supervisor Hart (Vote 4-0,) the Board of Supervisors approved
preparing and advertising an Ordinance to enable the Township to borrow the funds necessary to meet its current
Capital Project and Open Space acquisition needs.
6. Fire Protection Grant
- Mr. van de Velde explained that Calvin Bonenberger, Emergency Services Management Administrator, found this
grant, which is for computer software and training for fire extinguisher use, which will be of value to the Police
Department, Public Works Department and the public at large. He stated that the Township would pay $875 for
this product.
- On a Motion by Supervisor Brooke, seconded by Supervisor Hart (Vote 4-0,) the Board of Supervisors approved
the Township Manager applying for a Homeland Security Fire Prevention and Safety Grant in the amount of $17,395.00
and having the Township meet the required 5% match.
7. Appointment of New Member to Authority
- Supervisor Richards, speaking as Liaison to the Authority, explained the process by which Ms. Zeock was chosen
for appointment.
- Supervisors Brooke and Hart added comments in support of Ms. Zeock’s appointment.
- Richard Cutler (Stenton Avenue) stated he was disappointed that the Township did not advertise the
opening. Supervisor Erlbaum notified the public that there are applications available at the Township Building
for every Board. Mr. Cutler stated that the seat was not advertised until this meeting’s agenda was published,
and that his application is on file, along with an email regarding his experience with Stormwater projects.
Supervisor Brooke requested that Mr. Cutler encourage others to fill out applications, so they will be on file for
the next vacancy. Mr. Cutler requested the Township advertise the position to the public at large.
- On a Motion by Supervisor Brooke, seconded by Supervisor Hart (Vote 4-0,) the Board of Supervisors appointed
Frances Zeock to the Board of the Whitemarsh Township Authority to serve the balance of the term of the recently
resigned member.
8. Utility Cost Reduction Agreement
- Mr. van de Velde explained the previously approved agreement to retain , NCD Associates to investigate
potential savings on our electric bill. He reviewed the terms of the investigation agreement by which NCD would
receive a 50% commission each month for the next 72 months, as long as there is still a savings on our bill.
- On a Motion by Supervisor Brooke, seconded by Supervisor Hart (Vote 4-0,) the Board of Supervisors approved
the authorization of NCD Associates to contact our present electricity suppliers that we are going to convert
Township electric utility accounts to PECO as soon as practicable.
AMEND AGENDA
On a Motion by Supervisor Brooke, seconded by Supervisor Richards (Vote 4-0,) the Board of Supervisors amended the
agenda to include the Motion to Advertise Bids to approve a traffic signal upgrade.
MOTION
- Mr. Horrocks explained that authority to seek bids was previously voted on by the BOS on October 11, 2007, but
it was not advertised. He stated that there was meeting on March 11, 2009 regarding this issue. He stated
current traffic patterns now indicate that an upgraded traffic signal is appropriate. The planned signal change
will allow more of Germantown Pike through traffic in a normal cycle. He stated that the signal upgrade cost
will be around $15,000.
- Supervisor Brooke stated that there was a fair amount of discussion about various alternatives, and none were
particularly appealing. He stated it was a good first step. He requested staff consider equipment that
can later be upgraded to permit cameras to judge the amount of traffic and make appropriate green lights when
needed.
- Supervisor Erlbaum asked if Sergeant O’Doherty was notified. Mr. Horrocks confirmed that he was at the
meeting.
- Supervisor Richards added that there is a strong commitment from Plymouth Township to this upgrade, and they
will assist in the financing of the new equipment. On a Motion by Supervisor Richards, seconded by Supervisor
Brooke (Vote 4-0,) the Board of Supervisors authorized the advertisement of bids for a traffic signal upgrade at the
intersection of Germantown and Butler Pikes.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS COMMENTS
- Supervisor Richards wished to add to her previous announcement regarding the Environmental Forum. She
stated that Bob Bisbing gave a very impressive Powerpoint presentation about what Whitemarsh is doing for the
Environment.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Supervisor Erlbaum announced that an Executive Session will be held on Monday, March 16, 2009, in which the Board of
Supervisors will discuss litigation matters.
ADJOURNMENT
On a Motion by Supervisor Brooke, seconded by Supervisor Hart, the meeting was adjourned at 10:20 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Christopher R. van de Velde
Township Manager
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