MINUTES OF MEETING
MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
MAY 22, 2017
At 7:00 p.m. Vice Chairman Robert J. Birch called to order an executive session. In attendance were Supervisors Michael J. Fox, Richard E. Miniscalco and Jeffrey W. McDonnell. Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera was absent. Also in attendance were Township Manager Lawrence Gregan, Township Solicitor Frank Bartle, Esquire, Director of Administration and Human Resources Ann Shade and Director of Finance Ami Tarburton.
Vice Chairman Robert J. Birch called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Michael J. Fox, Richard E. Miniscalco and Jeffrey W. McDonnell. Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera was absent. 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 Rivas.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Vice Chairman Robert J. Birch called for public comment from the audience.
Under public comment, Cliff Fitzgerald of 601 Ellison Drive asked for an update on the status of the completion of outstanding work by Cutler and Pulte on the Montgomery Pointe development. The Township Solicitor and Township Manager reported that they, along with the Township Engineer and Director of Planning, had met with representatives of Cutler and Pulte in the past week to get them coordinated on a plan to complete the improvements in this development. While Pulte and Cutler have their own agreement as to which party is responsible for completion of the roadway improvements, the Township holds Cutler fully responsible to meet its obligations under the various Improvements Agreements. Both were directed to provide the Township with a timetable for completion of the improvements during the current construction season. We are waiting and following up with both Pulte and Cutler on providing the list of work and timetable for completion.
Solicitor Frank Bartle announced that the Board had met in an Executive Session prior to this meeting to discuss three matters. The matter of litigation was the Montgomery Township Zoning Hearing Board Appeal of Adam and Michelle Ochonicki for the property at 1005 Vilsmeier Road . The other two personnel matters were the Police labor negotiations and a personnel matter regarding the Public Works Department. Mr. Bartle stated that these matters are legitimate subjects of executive session pursuant to Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Law.
Vice Chairman Robert J. Birch made a motion to approve the minutes of the May 8, 2017 Board of Supervisors meeting, and Supervisor Richard E. Miniscalco seconded the motion. The minutes of the meeting were unanimously approved as submitted.
Vice Chairman Robert J. Birch reported that the Montgomery Township Recreation Department hosted a free Super Hero Sunday event at the Montgomery Township Community & Recreation Center on Sunday, May 7, 2017 from 12 noon to 3:00 p.m. Children and their parents were invited to come out to enjoy an afternoon with face painting, light refreshments, gifts, prizes and time to have their photos taken and to chat with their favorite Super Hero. An estimated 250 children along with their parents made this an enjoyable and memorable event. Vice Chairman Birch wanted to recognize and thank Township staff members, Floyd Shaffer and Matt Reimel, for their assistance in pulling the event together and the volunteers who shared their valuable time to participate as their own favorite “Super Hero”: Rob Johnson – Spiderman, Jason English – Green Lantern, Angel Johnson – Wonder Woman, Alex Birch – Batman, Liz Carney – Batgirl, Alec Roman – Green Arrow, Emilie Gubler – Harley Quinn, James McGovern – Flash, Matt Phoenix – Joker, Robert Birch – Superman, Matt Reimel – Captain America and Dawn Funk – Black Widow. Jim Hebel and Sue Dessner from the Community & Recreation Center staff also contributed to making this a successful event for the children and their families. Resolution #1 made by Vice Chairman Robert J. Birch, seconded by Supervisor Jeffrey W. McDonnell and adopted unanimously, recognized the Super Hero volunteers and CRC Staff for their outstanding contributions to the successful “Super Hero Sunday” event on May 7, 2017 at the Montgomery Township Community and Recreation Center.
Chief of Police Scott Bendig introduced the top three candidates for appointment to recruit police officer, Andrew Bouch, Andrew Haber and Bins Thomas. All three candidates completed the department’s hiring process which consisted of a written examination, a physical agility test, police oral review board, background investigation (which includes a polygraph examination, neighborhood interviews, and employer interviews), and a Public Safety Committee oral interview. All three candidates have previously held police officer positions. Vice Chairman Robert J. Birch administered the oath of office to all three of the officers. Resolution #2 made by Supervisor Michael J. Fox, seconded by Supervisor Richard Miniscalco and adopted unanimously, appointed Andrew Bouch, Andrew Haber and Bins Thomas to the position of Recruit Police Officer in the Montgomery Township Police Department, effective May 23, 2017.
Township Manager Lawrence J. Gregan reported that two vacancies currently exist on the Montgomery Township Pension Advisory Committee. One of those vacancies is proposed to be filled by David Beaver, who resides at 105 White Pine Drive and has expressed an interest to be appointed as a member of the Pension Advisory Committee. Resolution #3 made by Vice Chairman Robert J. Birch, seconded by Supervisor Michael J. Fox and adopted unanimously, approved the appointment of David Beaver to the Pension Advisory Committee for a term to expire on January 1, 2018.
Public Works Director Kevin Costello presented a resolution to recognize National Public Works Week during the week of May 21st through May 27th, 2017. The theme for this year’s week is “Public Works Connects Us.” Resolution #4 made Vice Chairman Robert J. Birch, seconded by Supervisor Richard E. Miniscalco, and adopted unanimously, recognized National Public Works Week.
Director of Planning and Zoning Bruce Shoupe reported that a Facilities and Field Use request has been received from Cub Scout Pack 229 for the use of Spring Valley Park to hold their annual rocket launch on Sunday, June 11, 2017. Cub Scout Pack 229 has also requested a waiver of the $50.00 permit fee for their rocket launch. Cub Master Ed Martin was present with members of Cub Scout Pack 229, who introduced themselves and provided a description of the construction and plan for launching of the rockets. Resolution #5, made by Vice Chairman Robert J. Birch, seconded by Supervisor Michael J. Fox and adopted unanimously, approved the Cub Scout Pack 229 annual Rocket Launch at Spring Valley Park on Sunday, June 11, 2017 and waived the special event permit fee.
Director of Finance Ami Tarburton reported that since Ed Furman, CPA of Maillie, LLP reviewed the 2016 Audit report with the Board of Supervisors on April 24, 2017, an error was discovered requiring an adjustment to the 2016 Financial Statements. The error involved the incorrect posting of a land asset in the Community and Recreation Center proprietary fund. Staff recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve this Audit Adjustment for the Audit Report for Year ended December 31, 2016 as prepared by Maillie, LLP, pending final completion of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. Resolution #6 made by Supervisor Michael J. Fox, seconded by Supervisor Richard Miniscalco and adopted unanimously, authorized Township Auditor, Maillie, LLP, to record the recommended adjustment to the 2016 Montgomery Township Audit Report.
Resolution #7 made by Vice Chairman Robert J. Birch, seconded by Supervisor Richard Miniscalco and adopted unanimously, approved the construction escrow release #2 for #M-16-85 (LDS #612) for the Aspen Mill Properties at 985 & 987 Horsham Road in the amount of $5,116.67.
A motion to approve the payment of bills was made by Vice Chairman Robert J. Birch, seconded by Supervisor Michael J. Fox, and adopted unanimously, approved the payment of bills as submitted.
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 8:36 p.m.