Abington ... in other news

In addition to a heated public hearing Jan. 13, the Abington Board of Commissioners approved the following. Hyperlinks are provided for your enjoyment.

Volunteer Boards:

-The board approved a motion accepting the reappointment of Richard Gaglianese to the zoning hearing board. Gaglianese will serve until Dec. 31, 2014  

Public works:

-Commissioner Robert Wachter commended public works director Ed Micciolo for the good job in clearing the streets following the recent snowstorms. 

-The following motions were passed regarding the Huntingdon Pike Traffic Signal Upgrade Project:

     -The board approved addendum No. 1  to the contract with Bruce-Merrilees Electric to the tune o $61,500. Abington Township will pay 20 percent of the amount ($12,300) out of its fund balance, with PennDOT picking up the remainder.

   -The board approved addendum No. 1 to the contract with Traffic Planning and Design (TPD) in the amount of $33,100. Again, Abington will pay 20 percent of the amount ($6,600) from its fund balance, with PennDOT picking up the remainder.   

Public safety:

 -The board quickly approved the following three items: 1) The installation of two “No Parking” signs on the south side of Roy Avenue between Old York Road and the entrance and exit to McDonald’s 2)The installation of two “No Parking Between Signs” signs on the south side of Arnaud Avenue 3)The installation of a stop sign at the corner of Norwood and Brookdale avenues

-The board approved the conditional appointment of probationary police officer Francis McCann III.

-The board approved a motion to authorize the payment of $25,400 to the county for emergency communications costs for 2010.  Police Chief William Kelly said the township has made “major movement” in working with the county, as the county originally asked for $31,600.

-The board approved a motion to authorize Arthur Hall Adams to provide architectural services for the design and construction of a 3,200-square-foot storage facility to be built at the existing fire training area, which is owned by Abington Township. The cost is not to exceed $18,700. 

-The board approved a motion to authorize the advertisement to amend the ordinance establishing false alarm fees.

Public affairs:

-The board approved a motion to award the bid for the printing of 23,000 copies of the 2011-12 annual report and calendar to Garrison Printing Co. Inc. in the amount of $13,400. Then-township manager Tom Conway said the cost was “hundreds less” than last year. There were six bids for the project.