Christopher S. Christman

Key discussions centered on property improvement updates, including a property at 1829 Davisville Road which was noted as an "eyesore" requiring an onsite visit to assess blight potential. Future discussion is scheduled regarding the Patane property due to strong interest generated by a recent letter. Owners of 878 Township Line Road indicated plans to file for a variance to re-establish a gas station/convenience store, and the Township will follow up on their timeline. Discussions involved the former K-Mart property where owners are considering demolition or retention of the building while exploring retail/entertainment options. Revisions were made to Ordinance No. 2156 concerning the approval authority for registration fee waivers, clarifying that the Township Manager or the Board of Commissioners holds this power based on established criteria and prior inspections. A coordination meeting was suggested between the VPRB and EDC to define a shared vision for redevelopment.

The Planning Commission addressed a heavy agenda, beginning with the advisory board's role in rendering recommendations to the Board of Commissioners. The first application involved a lot line change plan to transfer 6,120 square feet between 936 Morton Road and 979 Dale Road, which required several waivers related to zoning ordinance dimensional requirements, forestry trees, and street frontage improvements. The second major item concerned an application by the Meta Plex Property Group LLC for the reverse subdivision of eight properties for the purpose of merging them into one deed, alongside land development approval for a proposed 20,000 square foot, two-story medical office building. Discussions on the second item included modifications to curb cuts, softening radii, designating patient drop-off and loading spaces, retaining 70 linear feet of existing stone wall, and incorporating a three-foot landscape verge between the curb and sidewalk, with consensus reached on most traffic engineering recommendations from staff. Additionally, the relocation of a bus stop was raised as a topic for follow-up with the county planner.

The Public Safety Committee meeting included a Police Department report detailing department-wide training where 60 commendations were presented and active shooter response training was conducted for school officials. Community policing updates covered upcoming D.A.R.E. Graduation, parochial school graduation, and the 24-Hour Relay Challenge. The department is initiating a body camera program with initial deployment of training cameras. A significant accomplishment involved the arrest of two individuals who defrauded an elderly, disabled couple regarding a ramp installation contract; the news outlet Fox 29 will fund the ramp installation as part of covering the story. The committee also acknowledged the presence of the Fire Marshal and Second Alarmers. One public comment expressed confusion regarding the new agenda format.

The agenda included the consideration of approving the minutes from the June 6, 2018 meeting. Key discussions involved adopting Ordinance No. 2160, which repeals Chapter 62, Section 2, Subsection G regarding building construction amendments, and enacts Chapter 7 establishing the Board of Code Appeals. New business focused on considering a motion to approve a grant application for the Ardsley Wildlife Sanctuary Basin Retrofit and Stream Restoration project, requesting $146,752.50.

The Public Affairs Committee meeting focused on several key items. Unfinished business involved considering an agreement between the Abington School District and the Township of Abington regarding mutual fee waivers, which generated significant discussion concerning the impact on senior citizens and veterans, and whether professional services fees should be included. The committee ultimately adopted the motion related to this agreement. New business included ratifying a grant application submission and adopting a resolution authorizing the Township Manager to execute agreements with the Commonwealth Financing Authority. The committee also adopted an ordinance amending Chapter 126 regarding the Real Estate Registry and Fees for Vacant Properties, which Solicitor Clarke confirmed did not require re-advertising. Furthermore, a resolution was adopted to approve amended Annual Action Plans for Pre-FY 2015, FY 2015, and FY 2017 for submission to HUD, prompting a request for an investigation into HUD fund usage. Lastly, the committee authorized the execution of the Policy Statement and Permanent Agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Education for the Summer Food Service Program, which will allow for direct contracting with the State for improved meal service and reduced operating expenses. Appointments to the Economic Development Committee were also approved.