Finance & Administrative Committee Meeting Finance & Administrative Committee Members: Commissioner and Chair R. Samuel Valenza; Commissioners Donna Parsell and Donald G. Warner. Member: Randall K. Schaible, Assistant Township Manager/Director of Finance Moment of Silent Meditation - Commissioner Valenza asked everyone to remember Jonathan DeJonge, who recently passed away. He was a devoted, enthusiastic and dedicated volunteer on the Advisory Planning Agency, Upper Moreland Historical Commission, Environmental Advisory Council and Upper Moreland Revitalization Task Force. Pledge of Allegiance Presentations/Announcements: A. Mr. Dodies announced that the Preliminary Township Budget will be available to the public on Monday, November 6, 2017. A work session meeting will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at 8:30 a.m. The Budget will also be available for public comment at the Finance Committee Meeting on Monday, November 27, 2017 at 7:00 p.m., and at the Special Meeting to adopt the Budget on December 4, 2017. I. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Commissioner and Chair Valenza. II. Roll Call: Commissioner and Chair Valenza and Commissioners Parsell and Warner; Mr. Schaible. Also present: David Dodies, Township Manager and Catherine Harper, Township Solicitor. III. Approval of Minutes - September 25, 2017: The meeting minutes were unanimously approved as submitted. Acceptance and approval of the following monthly reports: A. Director of Finance B. Tax Enforcement Officers C. Report from Earned Income Tax Collector (Berkheimer) D. Quarterly Capital Reserve Fund E. Bond Issue Reports F. Investment Activity Report G. Quarterly Budget Review Commissioner Valenza inquired on the status of the security system for the Township building and Mr. Dodies stated that the project is in progress and will be shared with the Committee within the next few weeks. All reports were unanimously accepted and approved as submitted. V. Review of Financial Statements: A. Current Bills Paid B. Revenue and Expense Summaries Mr. Schaible stated that the Township is 6% below budget, and revenues are above budget due to reverse appeals from back taxes in the approximate amount of $300,000. -1-
A Traffic Impact Fee in the amount of $446,000 was received from the YMCA. All reports were unanimously accepted and approved as submitted. VII. VIII. IX. Personnel: A. Appointments/Reappointments Upcoming Expirations and Vacancies: The Committee approved moving forward the following recommendations to the Board of Commissioners at their Regular Meeting on November 13, 2017: 1. Reappointment of James J. McKay to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Council whose current term expires October 2, 2017, to serve an At Large position for a new two-year term to expire on October 2, 2019. 2. Reappointment of Ann Marie Mangin to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Council - Ward 6 - whose current term expired August 4, 2017, to serve a new two-year term to expire on August 4, 2019. 3. Reappointment of Henry J. Sokolowski to the Uniform Construction Code (UCC) Local Appeals Board whose current term expired August 5, 2017, to serve a new fiveyear term to expire on August 5, 2022. B. Vacancies: 1. Advisory Planning Agency - Ward 3 - one vacancy due to expire on June 1, 2019. Interested candidates should contact Commissioner Parsell and Mr. Dodies. 2. Upper Moreland Historical Commission - one vacancy due to expire on December 31, 2018. Other Items - Nothing to report. Old Business: A. Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA) This item will be continued. New Business - Nothing to report. X. Visitor Comments - Nothing to report. XI. Commissioners Comments - Nothing to report. XII. Adjournment: There being no further business for this Committee, the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted by Kathleen Kristire. -2-
Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Parks & Recreation Committee Members: Commissioner and Chair Kevin C. Spearing; Commissioners Kip McFatridge and Donald B. Tucker, Jr., Patrick T. Stasio, Director of Parks and Recreation Department I. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order following the conclusion of the Finance & Administration Meeting. II. Roll Call: Commissioner and Chair Spearing; Commissioners McFatridge and Tucker, Jr.; Mr. Stasio. Also present: David Dodies, Township Manager; Catherine Harper, Township Solicitor. III. Approval of Minutes - September 25, 2017: The meeting minutes were unanimously approved as submitted. Acceptance and approval of the following monthly reports: A. Parks & Recreation Monthly Report: Buehler Park apron has been repaired. Holiday decorations were ordered and will be installed in the Downtown area either the second or third week of November. Problems with the installations can be reported to Mr. Stasio's office. "Touch A Truck" event, held on September 23, 2017, was a success. A report is forthcoming on the "Pumpkins on Parade" event. Mason's Mill Park experienced an underground break in wiring which resulted in lighting issues for tennis courts 5, 6 and 7. Repairs will be completed in the Spring. Athletic fields have been aerated and seeded to ensure healthy growth in the Spring. "Fowl Shooting" event will be held Friday night, November 17, 2017. Commissioner McFatridge commended the Parks & Recreation staff for a wellattended and coordinated "Pumpkins on Parade" event. B. Library Board Report: Commissioner Spearing stated that work continues on the outdoor Educational Center in collaboration with the Environmental Advisory Council and Parks & Recreation Advisory Council. The Library's Board of Trustees is seeking new members. "Mini-Golf" fundraiser event is scheduled October 20-21, 2017 in the Library. Reservations are required for tee-times. V. Old Business: A. Sidewalk and Basketball Courts at Mill Road: Mr. Stasio reported that the courts are open and in use every evening. The limestone walking trail is also completed and in use. Plantings will be added in the Spring around the basketball court to keep balls contained and provide shade. Benches are located by the playground and basketball court and additional picnic tables will be installed within the week. B. Park Entrance Signs: -3-
Mr. Stasio is working with contractors to obtain information on materials and costs, and will continue the discussion at a future Committee Meeting. VI. VII. VIII. IX. New Business: A. Parking at Masons Mill Park: Mr. Stasio presented Gilmore & Associates' conceptual plan for additional parking spaces and stated that funding has been earmarked in the Budget. The Committee directed Mr. Stasio to obtain the cost for specifications. Commissioner Warner commented that he is in favor of the improvements. Commissioner Warner commented on ground condition along Mason's Mill Road toward the upper entrance of the Park. Mr. Stasio stated that because utility vehicles frequently park in that area, and he will make an assessment, and have the maintenance crew install natural materials to resolve the situation. B. Masons Mill Park Water Conversion: Mr. Stasio provided information to Gilmore & Associates and is awaiting a cost estimate on plans and management of construction. He will discuss the report at a future Committee Meeting. Other Items: Commissioner McFatridge commented on the status of the Veterans Memorial Park Helicopter and stated that the foundation, Belgium block, and pavers are complete, and they are awaiting installation of the helicopter. Visitor Comments: Sue Worth LaManna, a resident of Ward 6, commented on violations at the Dog Park and suggested that signage be carefully evaluated and installed in better locations. Ms. LaManna commented on pedestrians' safety while crossing Mason's Mill Road at the Pennypack Park, and Mr. Stasio will investigate options to make crosswalk areas safer. Commissioner Comments X. Adjournment - There being no further business for this Committee, the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted by Kathleen Kristire. -4-
Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting Public Health & Safety Committee Members: Commissioner and Chair, Kip McFatridge; Commissioners Donald G. Warner and Donald B. Tucker, Jr.; S. Michael Murphy, Chief of Police I. Call to order: The meeting was called to order following the conclusion of the Parks & Recreation Committee meeting. II. Roll Call: Commissioner and Chair McFatridge and Commissioner Warner and Tucker, Jr.; Chief Murphy. Also present: David Dodies, Township Manager; Kate Harper, Township Solicitor III. Approval of Minutes - September 25, 2017: The meeting minutes were unanimously approved as submitted. Acceptance and approval of the following monthly reports: A. Police Department Memorandum and Monthly Report: Chief Murphy reviewed items and commented that a significant amount of credit card skimmers were found at banks, retailers and gas stations. He stated that any suspicious findings be called into 911. B. Department of Emergency Services - Nothing to repot. C. Second Alarmer s Association and Rescue Squad: Captain Ken Davidson stated that FEMA's Assistant Firefighters Grant did not award funding to the Association in this current grant cycle. The Association's grant staff will continue to apply for funding in 2018. The Association received an unfunded mandate that requires switching to a new Patient Care Reporting system. They are working to train staff and to go live by January 2018. There are significant shortages of staffing personnel and the Association continues to work toward solutions. Captain Davidson is requesting an EMS workshop to discuss budget issues with the Committee and Mr. Dodies. Captain Davidson invited the Committee to attend a series of training programs on opioid exposure for First Responders which begins on Tuesday, October 17, 2017. V. Old Business - Nothing to report. VI. New Business: A. Presentation and discussions on the following provided by Chief Murphy: 1. Police Department Report on Compliance with Parking Compliance Chief Murphy introduced Patrol Officers Tom Sokolis and Andrew Misner, who presented results from their survey of all Township Wards that addresses -5-
contradictions with the current Ordinance. Chief Murphy asked Ms. Harper to clarify if changes can be done by Resolution. Ms. Harper stated that there must be an enforceable Ordinance. Commissioner McFatridge commented that this was a relevant project and thanked the Officers for their detailed report. Officer Sokolis stated that residents can email the Traffic Unit at umpd@uppermoreland.org with complaints. Chief Murphy stated that he will coordinate the Commissioners evaluations to provide a report during a future Committee Meeting, and work with Ms. Harper to draft an updated Ordinance. Brian Shannon of Quigley Avenue asked if Quigley Avenue could be changed to allow parking on both sides of the street to facilitate traffic calming. Chief Murphy agreed that this is an effect traffic calming tool. Officer Sokolis stated that a study will be made of the area and recommendations provided to the Committee. Commissioner Valenza commented that reviewing each Ward will be a lengthy process and suggested that the Committee assign the Wards for discussion during future Committee Meetings. 2. Ordinance Amendment Concerning Heavy Duty Towing Chief Murphy reviewed draft changes with Ms. Harper. The Committee directed Ms. Harper draft a Resolution for consideration at the November 13, 2017 Regular Meeting to advertise a Public Hearing and be considered by the Board of Commissioners at the Regular Meeting on December 4, 2017. Commissioner Spearing requested that tow companies provide proof of insurance coverage. Chief Murphy stated that the Township is in compliance and contacts the towing companies each year to request current insurance certificates as they become renewed. VII. VIII. IX. Other Items - Nothing to report. Visitor Comments - Nothing to report. Commissioner Comments: Commissioner Spearing discussed the need for a "No Right Hand Turn For Vehicles Over 40 Feet" sign at Mill and Easton Roads, and stated that McMahon Associates is studying the area, and will provide a report at a future Community Development Meeting. Ms. Harper stated that McMahon's report will need evaluation and approval from PennDOT before installing a sign. X. Adjournment: There being no further business for this Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 pm. Respectfully submitted by: Kathleen Kristire. -6-