MINUTES OF MEETING
MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
MARCH 13, 2017
At 7:30 p.m. Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera called to order an executive session. In attendance were Supervisors Robert J. Birch, Michael J. Fox, Jeffrey W. McDonnell and Richard E. Miniscalco. Also in attendance were Township Manager Lawrence Gregan, and Township Solicitor Frank Bartle, Esquire.
Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Robert J. Birch, Michael J. Fox, Jeffrey W. McDonnell and Richard E. Miniscalco. Also in attendance were Township Solicitor Frank Bartle, Esquire, Township Manager Lawrence Gregan, Police Chief Scott Bendig, Director of Fire Services Richard Lesniak, Director of Finance Ami Tarburton, Director of Administration and Human Resources Ann Shade, Assistant to the Township Manager Stacy Crandell, Director of Planning Bruce Shoupe, Director of Public Works Kevin Costello, Director of Recreation and Community Center Floyd Shaffer, Director of Information Technology Richard Grier, Public Information Coordinator Kelsey McMeans and Recording Secretary Deborah A. Rivas.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera called for public comment from the audience and there was none.
Solicitor Frank Bartle announced that the Board had met in an executive session prior to this meeting and discussed two labor matters, the Fire Union contract and arbitration award and the Police Union contract negotiations. The Board also discussed a personnel matter regarding the appointment of volunteers to various Township committees and boards. Mr. Bartle stated that these matters are legitimate subjects of executive session pursuant to Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Law.
Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 27, 2017 Board of Supervisors meeting, and Supervisor Robert J. Birch seconded the motion. The minutes of the meeting were unanimously approved as submitted.
Chief of Police Scott Bendig reported that on March 6, 2017, Detective Michael Solis retired from the Montgomery Township Police Department after 29 years of service to the community. Michael Solis began his career with the Montgomery Township Police Department as a police officer in August of 1989. In 1990, Officer Solis was assigned to the Department’s Highway Safety Unit, serving as an accident reconstructionist. In 1997, Officer Solis was assigned to the Detective Division, specializing in the investigation of financial crimes. In addition to these duties, Detective Solis has also serviced as a member of the department’s Special Operations Unit, financial crimes liaison, and was also the department’s First Aid and CPR instructor. During his career Detective Solis has received numerous departmental commendations for his actions as an officer as well as numerous letters of appreciation from township residents and neighboring law enforcement agencies. Resolution #1 made by Supervisor Richard E. Miniscalco, seconded by Supervisor Robert J. Birch and adopted unanimously, recognized Detective Solis and expressed gratitude to him for his dedication and faithful service to the Montgomery Township Police Department and Montgomery Township community.
Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera reported that the Township currently has vacancies on its Zoning Hearing Board, Planning Commission and Business Development Partnership. Residents have volunteered to fill these positions. Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera administered the oath of office to Deb Grasso - Zoning Hearing Board, John Frazzette – Zoning Hearing Board Alternate, David Fetzer – Planning Commission Alternate and Andrew Seo – Business Development Partnership. Resolution #2 made by Michael J. Fox, seconded by Robert J. Birch and adopted unanimously: 1) accepted the resignation of Laurence Poli from his position as a Zoning Hearing Board member and approved his appointment to serve as an Alternate Member of the Zoning Hearing Board for a term to expire on January 1, 2020; (2) accepted the resignation of Deborah Grasso from her position as an Alternate Member of the Zoning Hearing Board and approved her appointment to serve as a member on the Zoning Hearing Board for a term to expire on January 1, 2019; (3) appointed John Frazzette to serve as an Alternate Member of the Zoning Hearing Board for a term to expire on January 1, 2020; (4) appointed David Fetzer as an Alternate Member of the Planning Commission for a term to expire on January 1, 2021; and (5) appointed Andrew Seo to the Township Business Development Partnership for a term to expire on January 1, 2018.
Public Works Director, Kevin Costello, reported that the annual bids for Highway Materials and Services were opened on March 1, 2017 and reviewed by the staff. The staff’s recommendation is to award the bids to the lowest responsible bidders. Resolution #3 made by Supervisor Robert J. Birch, seconded by Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, authorized contracts with the following companies: Asphalt/Bituminous Concrete to Eureka Stone Quarry., with various unit pricing; Stone Aggregate to Glasgow, Inc., with various unit pricing; Lawn Care Treatments to Moyer & Son, Inc., $17,310; and Crack Sealer to Crafco, Inc. at $.44 for pickup pricing.
Director of Information Technology Richard Grier reported that the National IPA is a group purchasing organization established for public agencies across the United States. The cooperative assists public agencies and institutions to streamline the request-for-proposal process (RFP) while satisfying requirements for transparency and offering a comprehensive portfolio of awarded contracts. There is no cost to register and once an account is setup, the Township will have access to more than 48,000 public agency awarded contracts in the National IPA portfolio. Resolution #4 made by Richard E. Miniscalco, seconded by Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, authorized staff to utilize the National IPA Cooperative Purchasing Program for purchases that are permitted in the Commonwealth Procurement Code.
Assistant to the Township Manager Stacy Crandell reported that on March 24, 2016 the Township was awarded funding through the Transportation Alternatives Program in the amount of $850,000 for the Powerline Trail Connection – Phase 1 Project. This project will connect the Route 202 Parkway trail to the Township’s Community and Recreation Center. The grant funding covers the entire construction of the trail and the Township’s match covers all of the design costs for the project which is estimated at $145,467. On April 25, 2016 the Board of Supervisors approved the proposal from Traffic Planning and Design (TPD) for the preliminary steps that are necessary to move Phase 1 of the project through initial environmental scoping. That proposal cost was not to exceed $7,500. A preliminary concept plan has been created by TPD and a proposal submitted which outlines the remaining work required for the design at a fee of $140,500. Joe Platt from TPD was present to explain the next steps required to move the project forward. Resolution #5 made by Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera, seconded by Supervisor Richard E. Miniscalco and adopted unanimously, approved the proposal from TPD for professional services to complete the design portion of the Powerline Trail Connector project at a total cost of $140,500.
Director of Planning and Zoning Bruce Shoupe reported that an application for land development has been received from Christian Brothers Automotive for a property located at 565 DeKalb Pike. The applicant proposes to demolish an existing building, garage and asphalt parking area with adjoining driveway. The project will involve redevelopment of the property as an automotive service center with associated concrete paved parking lot and driveway, as well as landscape and stormwater site improvements. The use is permitted by special exception, which was granted by the Zoning Hearing Board on August 23, 2016. Township staff and consultants have reviewed this plan for compliance with Township Codes. The applicants were represented by Carrie Nase-Proust, Esquire and Kristin Holmes, P.E. of Holmes Cunningham. The applicant’s representatives stated that the applicant was in agreement with all requirements of the resolution. Resolution #6 made by Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera, seconded by Supervisor Robert J. Birch and adopted unanimously, approved the Conditional Preliminary/Final Land Development Plan LDS#692 for Christian Brothers Automotive located at 565 DeKalb Pike.
Resolution # 7 made by Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera, seconded by Supervisor Robert J. Birch and adopted unanimously, approved the waiver of Special Event permit fee for the Manna on Main Street 5K Run to be held on April 1, 2017.
Director of Fire Services Richard Lesniak reported that Firefighter Robert Hedden currently holds three certifications in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and submitted an application for renewal of those certifications for a new three year cycle (2017-2020). Firefighter Hedden is requesting approval to take a course titled “Changes to Determining Height and Area Using the IBC” course to satisfy 8 of his required 45 Continuing Education credits for the current cycle. This course are being offered on March 29, 2017 through the New Jersey Center for Services at the RWK Conference Center, Hamilton, NJ. This course is free of charge. Resolution #8, made by Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera, seconded by Supervisor Robert J. Birch and adopted unanimously, authorized the out-of-state training for Firefighter Robert Hedden.
A motion to approve the payment of bills was made by Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera, seconded by Supervisor Robert J. Birch, and adopted unanimously, approving the payment of bills as submitted.
Under other business, Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera thanked the Township’s emergency services staff, Police, Firefighters and members of the Public Works Department for their services which will be needed tonight and tomorrow with the upcoming storm.
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.