The stated meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the Township of Abington was held on Thursday, July 8, 2004 at the Township Administration Building, Abington, PA., with Commissioner Gross presiding.

CALL TO ORDER: 8:04 p.m.

ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners AGOSTINE, MYERS,

WACHTER, DIJOSEPH, TURCO, ZAPPONE,

O’CONNOR, WEILHEIMER, LUKER,

MCGRATH, GILLESPIE, RING, GROSS

Excused: DEVORE, CARLIN

Township Treasurer SOLOMON

Township Manager CONWAY

Township Solicitor HERDER

Assistant Township Manager LAHAZA

Chief of Police KELLY

Township Engineer POWERS

Finance Director MATIZA

Director of Parks & Recreation WENDELL

Director of Code Enforcement MATTEO

Director of Public Works MICCIOLO

Superintendent of W.W.T.P. LEBER

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

PRESENTATION:

Joe Haley, President of the Roslyn Boys & Girls Club, stated we petitioned the Township for ideas on how to honor Ed Micciolo. On Saturday, July 10, 2004, the first game of the Roslyn Tournament will be played on Micciolo Field at Roslyn Park. Commissioners Gross and McGrath presented Ed Micciolo, at the request of the Roslyn Boys & Girls Club, a plaque in recognition of his years of tireless service and dedication to the youth of our community and to commemorate the naming of Micciolo Field at Roslyn Park in his honor, July 8, 2004.

Commissioner Agostine made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McGrath to implement the recommendation of the Roslyn Boys & Girls Club.

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

Board of Commissioners Meeting July 8, 2004

COMMENDATIONS:

Chief Kelly stated Officer Doug Mealo has been a member of the Abington Police Department since May 18, 1977, and has received 23 commendations. He served in the U.S. Navy as a corpsman, and from 1966 to 1969 was the Second Commander of our Honor Guard. He was the first K-9 officer to complete the K-9 training. He served in the unit from 1982 to 2003, and was the Officer in Charge for 18 years. Commissioners Gross and Myers presented him with a commendation to acknowledge his 21 years of dedicated service and leadership of the Abington Township Police K-9 Unit.

Lt. Mike Webb, Kris Boyce, and Elizabeth Webb presented the CALEA Certification of Accreditation to Commissioners Gross and Myers.

Chief Kelly stated Abington Township was the first Police Department in the State of Pennsylvania to receive statewide accreditation. We are the only department in Montgomery County to have achieved international accreditation.

Commissioners Gross and Myers presented a commendation to Lt. Mike Webb, for his performance and leadership as Accreditation Manager for achieving statewide and international accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agency (CALEA). Commendations were also presented to Kris Boyce, Accreditation Coordinator, the first civilian employee in Pennsylvania to be invited to become an Assessor for CALEA, and Elizabeth Webb for her efforts towards achieving the accreditation.

Commissioner Gross presented Deputy Chief John Livingood a commendation for his leadership running the Detective Division, while working to achieve the accreditation.

MINUTES:

Commissioner Gross thanked Commissioners Weilheimer and O’Connor for their help resolving some differences in the May 13, 2004 minutes.

Commissioner Ring made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Agostine to approve the minutes of the Board of Commissioners meetings of May 13, 2004, and June 10, 2004.

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

Board of Commissioners Meeting July 8, 2004

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE:

Baederwood Creek Flood Control

Commissioner Wachter made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Zappone to make final payment to Associated Paving Contractors in the amount of $1,000 for the replacement of the Baederwood Creek weir. To be funded from the Capital Improvement Fund 2002-bond issue. Payment will be made after receipt of a maintenance bond.

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

CODE ENFORCEMENT COMMITTEE:

Public Hearing – Ordinance 1913 – Uniform Construction Code

Mr. Matteo stated as of 1999, former Governor Tom Ridge signed into law the Uniform Construction Code Act. It was finalized in April 2004, and municipalities have 90 days to opt-in, and adopt the code. Abington Township has always utilized the BOCA Code. Dan Vollrath and Solicitor Herder drafted this ordinance, and refined the BOCA Code. The Township officials have to be certified, and have three to five years to do so. He recommended adopting this ordinance.

Commissioner Gross made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Agostine to adopt Ordinance 1913, the Uniform Construction Code of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Commissioner Gross opened the Public Hearing at 8:25 p.m.

Commissioner Gross asked for any comments from the Commissioners. There were none.

Commissioner Gross asked for any public comments in favor of this ordinance. There were none.

Commissioner Gross asked for any public comments in disfavor of this ordinance. There were none.

Commissioner Gross made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Agostine to close the Hearing.

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0. The Hearing was closed at 8:26 p.m.

MOTION to adopt this ordinance passed 13-0.

Ordinance 1913

Board of Commissioners Meeting July 8, 2004

Massage Parlors

Commissioner Agostine made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner O’Connor to advertise Ordinance 1915, an ordinance of the Township of Abington providing for comprehensive regulations for massage parlors, to be added as Chapter 105 of the Code of the Township of Abington. Public Hearing to occur on August 12, 2004, and a Board workshop will be held on Thursday, July 29, 2004 at 7:30 p.m.

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE:

Township Building Security System – Phase I

Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McGrath to authorize the proper Township officials to contract with Security-on-Line Systems, Inc. for installation of a Township Building security system in an amount not to exceed $32,482, to be drawn from the 2004 Capital Improvement Fund Acct. #07-01-500-7378.

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

PAL Grant

Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McGrath to authorize the acceptance of a grant award from the Abington Police Athletic/Activities League in the amount of $5,000.

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

Removal of NO PARKING ANYTIME Signs on Sunset Avenue

Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McGrath to approve the removal of NO PARKING ANYTIME signs on the north side of Sunset Avenue between Evergreen Road and Wellington Terrace.

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

NO PARKING ANYTIME Signs on Galloway Avenue

Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McGrath to approve the installation of NO PARKING ANYTIME signs on the north side of Galloway Avenue from Fitzwatertown Road 100’ east.

Board of Commissioners Meeting July 8, 2004

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

NO PARKING ANYTIME Signs on Lambert Road

Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McGrath to approve the installation of NO PARKING ANYTIME signs on the north and south sides of Lambert Road, 200’ east of Running Brook Road.

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

NO PARKING BETWEEN SIGNS – 452 to 508 Maple Avenue

Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McGrath to approve the installation of signs reading NO PARKING BETWEEN SIGNS on the west side of Maple Avenue from 452 and 508.

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

Removal of NO PARKING BETWEEN SIGNS between 744 and 752 Castlewood Road

Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McGrath to approve the removal of two signs indicating NO PARKING BETWEEN SIGNS at 744 and 752 Castlewood Road.

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

Resolution #04-012 – National Incident Management System

Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McGrath to adopt Resolution #04-012 adopting the National Incident Management System as part of Abington Township’s Emergency Management Plan.

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

Resolution #04-012

Board of Commissioners Meeting July 8, 2004

Crossing Guard – St. Luke’s School - Roberts and Fairhill Avenues

Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McGrath to approve the appointment of a Crossing Guard for the intersection of Roberts and Fairhill Avenues commencing with the 2004-2005 school year. Funding in the amount of $3,330 to be transferred from 2004 Contingency Acct. #01-01-002-5299.

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

Ordinance 1914 – Parking Violation Penalties

Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McGrath to advertise Ordinance 1914, amending Chapter 157, Parking of Vehicles, Section 157-2, entitled Violations and Penalties, of the Abington Township Code, by changing the penalty for illegal parking to $15, and establishing a penalty of $30 for parking violations at the Abington Township municipal building parking lot.

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

Parking Permit Area – 700 Block of Crescent Ave., 700 Block of Abington Avenue, 2100 block of Charles Street, and 729-744 Hillcrest Avenue

Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McGrath to create a permit parking area for the 700 Block of Crescent Ave., 700 Block of Abington Avenue, 2100 block of Charles Street, and 729-744 Hillcrest Avenue.

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

Two-Hour Parking – 700 Block of Crescent Ave., 700 Block of Abington Avenue, 2100 block of Charles Street, and 729-744 Hillcrest Avenue

Commissioner Myers made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner McGrath to a create two-hour parking for the 700 Block of Crescent Ave., 700 Block of Abington Avenue, 2100 block of Charles Street, and 729-744 Hillcrest Avenue.

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

Board of Commissioners Meeting July 8, 2004

PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE:

Resolution 04-011 – One-Year Action Plan and Community Development Block Grant Budget

Commissioner Turco made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner DiJoseph to adopt Resolution 04-011 approving Abington Township’s 2004 One-Year Action Plan and CDBG Budget.

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

Resolution 04-011

Board of Commissioners Meeting July 8, 2004

Roychester Park Basketball Court Reconstruction

Commissioner Turco made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner DiJoseph to accept the lowest responsible bid of Gessler Construction Company in the amount of $32,000 for the reconstruction of the Roychester basketball courts.

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

Alverthorpe Manor Fence Replacement

Commissioner Turco made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner DiJoseph to accept the lowest responsible bid from Tru Line Fencing Inc. in the amount of $20,525 for replacement of the fencing along the Meetinghouse Road side of the Manor.

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

Controlled Deer Hunt in Alverthorpe Park

Commissioner Turco made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner DiJoseph to approve two dates (one to be used as an alternate in case of inclement weather) for a one-day, controlled deer hunt in Alverthorpe Park during the fall 2004 season.

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

Deer Hunt on Township Properties (Valley Road Between Washington Lane and Mill Road)

TABLED.

Abington Link Bus – Ten-Trip Ticket

Commissioner Turco made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner DiJoseph to authorize one round trip for $1 for passengers using a ten-trip ticket. The $10 ticket would be purchased at the Township Administration Building. This is designed to attract student riders.

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

Commissioner Gross congratulated Commissioners Turco and DeVore for a wonderful job they did representing Abington Township at the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Commissioners Convention.

Board of Commissioners Meeting July 8, 2004

FINANCE COMMITTEE:

Treasurer’s Report:

Treasurer Max M. Solomon stated for June 2004, $865,127 was deposited into Fleet Bank, YTD $10,118,655. The departments that exceeded last year are:

Code Enforcement, Fire Marshal, Parks & Recreation, and the Police Department.

We collected $1,814,350 in Real Estate Taxes, YTD $19,492,820. He reported the tax office has increased their business privilege tax by $146,000 for 2004 compared to 2003.

Investments

Commissioner Luker made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Gillespie to approve the investments for the month of May, 2004 as previously circulated to the Board. It was noted that investments for the month totaled $912,000. Interest yields ranged from 2.00% to 5.38%.

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

Expenditures/Salaries and Wages

Motion to:

(A) Approve the May, 2004 expenditures as previously circulated to the Board, in the amount of $1,799,286.48 and salaries and wages in the amount of $1,317,275.29.

(B) Authorize the proper officials to sign vouchers in payment of bills and contracts as they mature for the month of August, 2004.

Roll call resulted in motion being passed 13-0.

Training and Conference Expenses

Commissioner Luker made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Wachter to approve the Advance and Travel Expense activity for May, 2004 as previously circulated to the Board. Advances and Travel Expense Reports were $500 and $4,855.84, respectively. Five (5) month expenses totaled $26,953.93.

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

Board of Commissioners Meeting July 8, 2004

Clearing Fund/Deferred Revenue and Expense/Petty Cash

Commissioner Luker made a MOTION, seconded Commissioner Wachter to approve the Clearing Fund, deferred revenue/expense activity and petty cash balances for the month of May, 2004 as previously circulated to the Board.

Petty Cash balances were approved as per Finance Committee Report.

Clearing Fund receipts and disbursements for the month of May, 2004 were $1.50 and ($0.00), respectively.

Deferred Revenue/Expense receipts and disbursements for the month of May, 2004 were $24,082.27 and ($4,702.43), respectively.

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

Tax Waiver – Kol Ami

Commissioner Luker made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Wachter to waive 2004 interim municipal taxes for Congregation Kol Ami for their property at 1834 Valley Road (Parcel #20-00-69808-00-2). Face amount of tax assessed is $5,289.

MOTION was ADOPTED 13-0.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Madge Tidwell, 614 Harrison Avenue, stated Abbonizio Inc. is burying debris and contaminating virgin soil in Hillside. It should be hauled away.

Mr. Powers stated we are working with the DEP on this project. They have agreed that the debris that has been taken out and placed along the banks of the existing stream is not contaminated. Other areas are being dug to get clean soil to build the berms.

Commissioner Zappone asked what kind of debris is it?

Mr. Powers replied it is yard waste and waste from the cemetery.

Commissioner Zappone asked will there be any future problems?

Mr. Powers replied no, the DEP inspects it every day.

Board of Commissioners Meeting July 8, 2004

Victor Krievens, 840 Maple Avenue, commented Mr. Wendell and his staff have been doing a fine job keeping the Penbryn pool area safe. There was an article in the paper written by an unnamed columnist suggesting that a street located behind the Abington Post Office be named Max Solomon Highway. He suggested Max Solomon Boulevard, and asked the Board to consider it.

REMARKS OF COMMISSIONERS:

Commissioner Agostine congratulated Commissioner Gillespie on getting the crossing guard, and for the successful Glenside 4^th of July Parade.

Commissioner Myers congratulated Ed Micciolo.

Commissioner Wachter commented Chief Kelly and Lt. Mike Webb did an excellent job as presenters at the State Association of Township Commissioners Convention.

Commissioner DiJoseph congratulated Ed Micciolo and Doug Mealo. She thanked Commissioner Gillespie for his hard work on the 4^th of July Parade. She gave out a brochure on the Helping Hand Foundation, who is looking for volunteers.

Commissioner Gillespie thanked the Board for the crossing guard.

Commissioner McGrath congratulated Commissioners Turco and DeVore for a job well done at the convention. She announced the Pre-National Night Out will be held on August 2, 2004 at the Abington Town Center from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Commissioner Luker commented there was a fine parade held in the McKinley section, and thanked Greg Breyer and Commissioner O’Connor. He thanked Mr. Micciolo and Mr. Pontelandolfo for installing a left-turn signal at Easton and Old Welsh Roads. He thanked Mr. Powers and staff for the street reconstruction project done in his ward.

Commissioner Weilheimer thanked Commissioner Gross for his guidance, and being available to discuss any contentious issues.

Commissioner Gross commented he was overwhelmed with pride in the events that took place at the McKinley Fire House on the 4^th of July. The complete turnaround in one year is astounding thanks to Mr. Conway, and Commissioners Myers and O’Connor. He thanked Mr. Conway for his leadership in achieving the $4 million buyout for the residents of Wanamaker and Baeder Roads. It is a pleasure working with this Board, and he thanked them for their support. He congratulated Ken Krawchuk on becoming a grandfather.

Board of Commissioners Meeting July 8, 2004

ADJOURNMENT: 8:55 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Burton T. Conway, Secretary

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