Approval of Minutes September 18, 2017: The meeting minutes were unanimously approved as submitted.

Transcription

1 Members - Commissioner and Chair Joseph A. Lavalle; Commissioners Kip McFatridge and Kevin Spearing; Paul E. Purtell, Director of Code Enforcement; David Elsier, Director of Public Works I. Moment of Silent Meditation II. III. IV. Pledge of Allegiance Call to Order - Commissioner Lavalle called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Presentations/Announcements - Nothing to report. V. Roll Call: Commissioner and Chair Lavalle; Commissioners McFatridge and Spearing. Members: Mr. Purtell and Mr. Elsier. Also present: Erik Garton, Township Engineer; and Kate Harper, Township Solicitor; David A. Dodies, Township Manager. VI. VII. Approval of Minutes September 18, 2017: The meeting minutes were unanimously approved as submitted. Acceptance and Approval of the following reports: A. Code Enforcement Department Reports - Nothing to report. B. Public Works Department Report - Nothing to report. C. Public Works Recycling Report - Nothing to report. D. Engineer s Report: Mr. Garton stated that William Penn Foundation will consider a grant application for flood control and water quality projects at Boileau Park. Commissioner Lavalle directed Mr. Garton to provide Mr. Dodies a list of priority projects for potential funding that can be discussed at the Preliminary Budget Meeting. Commissioner Spearing commented on prioritizing projects with regards to: the tributary through Boileau Park; the Turnpike's interchange basin project in combination with the Township's wetland plan; water quality and flood issues through areas behind Abington Hospital, Maryland Road, and Thompson Lexus properties. Commissioner Spearing inquired on the status of 2405 Maryland Road. Mr. Purtell stated that the demolition permit was denied because of incompliance with the land development agreement and, therefore, sitework has not started. Mr. Garton will follow up and provide an update at a future Community Development Meeting. E. Landscape Architect s Report - Nothing to report. F. Traffic Engineer s Report: Commissioner Spearing inquired on the status of video detection at the intersections of Easton Road and Mill Road/Sycamore Avenue. Mr. Dodies stated that PennDOT requested to extend the project to early G. Upper Moreland School District Construction/Other Items: Commissioner McFatridge commented that both the Middle School and High School projects were progressing. Mr. Elsier stated that the High School requested and was granted permission to use the Public Works Yard for overflow parking from the upcoming weekend's football game and band competition. -1-

2 H. Horsham Land Redevelopment Authority {HLRA} to monitor status of redevelopment of former Willow Grove Naval Air Station property - Nothing to report. I. Willow Grove Chamber of Commerce: Karen Houck announced that the Chamber has been disbanded. Current memberships were transferred to Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce and will be honored until the end of Ms. Houck confirmed that the Chamber can be removed from future Community Development Meeting agendas, and will notify Mr. Dodies if there are any changes. J. Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) - Lynette Saunders reviewed the following items: Phase I of the Outdoor Education Center is complete with installation of river rock over the existing drainage swale. Next, they will install an educational sign and rain barrel with educational pamphlets. Three members of the Council are becoming certified Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Tree Tenders which can result in discounts on trees purchased for the Township. The Council continues to request the Committee consider the Green Points Program. The Council is seeking solutions for substantial stormwater control at Davisville and Terwood Roads, and at the Turnpike Interchange. Jean Scherfcunningham assisted with a plan and planted a historical garden at Boileau Park. Slightly high turbidity levels were recorded by Pennypack Trust from monitoring stations located along Pennypack Creek, and significant amounts of bare soil are noticeable at the YMCA development site. The Council recommends the YMCA monitor their silt fences and filter socks along the Creek. K. Pennsylvania Review Advisory Council: Commissioner Lavalle reported that the next meeting in Harrisburg will be held on Wednesday, November 1, L. Upper Moreland Historical Commission: Susan Worth LaManna of Ward 6, announced the death of member Jonathan DeJonge who will be sadly missed, remembered for his service, and will remain with emirate status on the Commission. The Historical's mystery event at Boileau Farmhouse was a successful evening, and they look forward to working with new members. The Commission will investigate and record items from the Rothwell buildings and remove and relocate plantings to the downtown Willow Grove area. VIII. Land Development/Subdivision The Committee directed Ms. Harper to draft a resolution to approve The Station At Willow Grove Land Development Plan for a vote at the November 13, 2017 Regular Meeting. James Garrity, Esquire, representative for J.G. Petrucci Company, briefly reviewed an illustrated perspective and the site plans of the project. The Commissioners discussed a crosswalk on Davisville Road from the new parking garage. Joe DeSantis of McMahon Associates and Stuart Johnson of Mino & Wasko, presented scenarios for commuters/residents to access the SEPTA Regional Rail Station. Commissioner Spearing requested Mr. DeSantis investigate PennDOT's future obligation to insure pedestrian safety. -2-

3 Nick Scull inquired on the status of moving the SEPTA Regional Rail Station. The Commissioners stated that there have been discussions with PennDOT, but funding issues remain. Mr. Garrity and Mr. Johnson reviewed waiver requests and discussed accommodations that meet regulations and requirements. Commissioner Spearing commented that the possibility of the Applicant creating a green roof would be welcome. Ms. Saunders suggested installing tree trenches which absorb stormwater, in addition to street trees. Commissioner Valenza inquired on the amount of available parking for deliveries in the corner area of York and Davisville Roads. Mr. Garrity stated that there is room for approximately two trucks and signage will be posted. Mr. DeSantis reviewed the Applicant's traffic impact study for compliance. Ms. Harper requested a complete Landscape Plan waiver list and, Mr. Garrity will provide a list based on the McCloskey & Faber letter. Ms. Harper requested an Application For Plan Approval that includes the Goodman property and, Mr. Garrity will provide an additional Application for review. Commissioner Valenza commented concern about a certified Arborist report, and Mr. Garrity stated that the Developer will comply to have a certified Arborist provide a report on the heritage trees. Travis North, Landscape Architect of Bohler Engineering, discussed waivers in McCloskey & Faber's letter of September 27, Commissioner Warner commended the project's architects for addressing issues and a well thought out design. Commissioner Valenza commented on the remaining items in McCloskey & Faber's letter and, Mr. North stated that they have no issues complying to the Committee's requests. Commissioner Lavalle commented on stormwater management study requirements and, Mr. Garton stated that these waiver requests are included in Gilmore & Associates' letter. Mr. North stated that street lighting poles will be structurally evaluated to accommodate banners. Commissioner Lavalle commented that the Committee will continue discussion on extending street scape banners further north and south of the development. Commissioner Lavalle asked if the Historical Commission will be permitted to salvage relics from the existing buildings. Mr. Garrity stated that the Historical Commission has been contacted and are working with them to access the old buildings. Commissioner Lavalle asked about relocating the willow tree. Mr. North stated that it is not feasible to move and save the tree, because it is directly located within the building. Mr. Garrity will resolve fee issues with Ms. Harper to save time and move forward for consideration by the Board of Commissioners at the next Regular Meeting a resolution to approve The Station At Willow Grove Land Development Plan. Commissioner Lavalle commented on the traffic design plans and Mr. DeSantis confirmed that there are no outstanding issues with revised plans to be submitted to PennDOT for final approval. Commissioner Valenza suggested that, as long as there are no pending waiver issues, the Committee should move forward consideration by the Board of Commissioners. -3-

4 Commissioner Warner commended the Developer's hard work and recommends the Committee move the project forward for a vote. -4-

5 IX. Old Business: A. Distributed Antennae Systems (DAS): Ms. Harper, Township Solicitor, is preparing a revised draft ordinance based on discussions to regulate Distributed Antennae Systems (DAS) and will continue this agenda item at the meeting on November 20, Ms. Harper reviewed changes made in the third draft and presented the following questions for discussion: o Quantify or limit the size of the equipment installed on a pole? o What zone(s) should the poles be limited? John Shive, Government Relations Specialist at Crown Castle, introduced Prashant Patel, Sr. RF Engineer at Crown Castle. Commissioner McFatridge commented about proposed poles at 319 Davisville Road and 500 Easton Road outside of residential areas. Mr. Shive stated that they are located within the Township's right-of-way, and Ms. Harper stated that the poles require a permit and an agreement. Commissioner Spearing commented on specific poles proposed in residential areas from the site map, and asked that they accommodate them closer to intersections. Mr. Shive will work with Mr. Patel to revise these locations and provide an update at a future Community Development Meeting. Commissioner Valenza opposes poles in front of the property utilized for June Fete, and made suggestions to locate equipment on existing communication towers. Mr. Patel is opposed to using these towers and explained dominant signals and how they work with macro and micro communication towers. Mr. Shive stated that he will a 120-day extension letter for their permit applications to Mr. Purtell on Tuesday, October 10, Commissioner Lavalle inquired on the relationship of the Township's right-of-way with the proposed pole at Forest Avenue in the right-of-way of Davisville Road (a PennDOT road) and, the proposed pole on Barrett Road in the right-of-way of Route 611. Mr. Patel explained that poles currently exist in the rights-of-way on these roads, so they are unable to place new poles in the same area. Commissioner Lavalle suggested that the draft Ordinance state that new poles in residential zones and antennas on existing poles in residential zones require a special exception. X. New Business: A. The Committee recommends the Board of Commissioners at the November 13, 2017 Regular Meeting consider the necessary Right-of-Way Easement for the purposes of Franc Environmental, Inc. to connect the property located at 15 Woodlawn Avenue, Willow Grove, PA, to the public sewer at Woodlawn Avenue prepared by Ms. Harper. John McCarthy of Franc Environmental discussed the reason and detail involved to use the easement on Woodlawn Avenue. Commissioner Spearing commented that a Sewer Authority-owned grinder pump trunk line, that services multiple property sewer lines, would be a better option. The Committee held a lengthy discussion on installation, PA-1 Call, inspections and potentially petitioning the Sewer Authority to build a pump station that addresses future similar requests. Commissioner Warner appealed on behalf of the applicant and articulated that the most expedient solution is to approve the right to use the easement on Woodlawn Road, thereby allowing the applicant to make settlement on his property in a timely manner. -5-

6 XI. XII. XIII. XIV. XV. Other Items - due to insufficient time, these items were not discussed and will continue to a future Community Development Meeting: A. James Faber, McCloskey & Faber, P.C. Review draft ordinance for proposed changes to the Township Landscape Ordinance with respect to the use of Native Plant Species. B. Review of Veterans Memorial Park Fountain Redevelopment - Nothing to report. Visitor Comments - Nothing to report. Commissioner Comments - Nothing to report. Adjournment - The meeting was adjourned at 11 pm. Respectfully submitted by Kathleen Kristire. -6-