MINUTES OF MEETING

MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

JULY 10, 2017

At 7:30 p.m.  Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera called to order an executive session.  In attendance were Vice Chairman Robert J. Birch, Supervisors Michael J. Fox, Richard E. Miniscalco and Jeffrey W. McDonnell.  Also in attendance were Township Manager Lawrence Gregan and Township Solicitor Frank R. Bartle, Esquire.

Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera called the action meeting to order at 8:00 p.m.  In attendance were Vice Chairman Robert J. Birch, Supervisors Michael J. Fox, Richard E. Miniscalco and Jeffrey W. McDonnell.  Also in attendance were Township Solicitor Frank R. Bartle, Esquire, Township Manager Lawrence Gregan, Police Chief Scott Bendig, 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 Recreation and Community Center Floyd Shaffer, Director of Information Technology Richard Grier, Public Information Coordinator Kelsey Whalen and Recording Secretary Deborah Rivas.

Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera called for public comment from the audience. 

Cliff Fitzgerald of 601 Ellison Drive stated that the residents have seen some good work being performed on the streets in the Montgomery Pointe development and he thanked the Board of Supervisors for their efforts getting this project completed.  Mr. Fitzgerald inquired about the status/timetable for completion of the rest of the required improvements and also asked about the work started several weeks ago on the streetlights on Enclave Boulevard. Township Manager Lawrence J. Gregan reported that the developer is concentrating on the punch list of work needed for final paving of the roads which is underway.  Remaining improvements will include a walking trail, concrete work and landscaping.  He also explained that the developer’s contractor started the work on the street lights on Enclave Boulevard, but failed to coordinate with the Township’s street light engineer.  As a result, the contractor installed incorrect materials for the underground electrical wires.  The work was stopped and the contractor is scheduled to restart the work with the correct conduit material.  The contractor had dug a trench on the corner and left it open.  Mr. Fitzgerald asked about a timeline on this work.  Mr. Gregan reported that he was not able to give a specific timeline, but they are dealing with the developer’s representative on an almost daily basis.  Mr. Fitzgerald asked that the updated punch lists be sent to the property manager.

Solicitor Frank R. Bartle, Esquire announced that the Board had met in an Executive Session prior to this meeting to discuss three matters of potential litigation.  One matter of litigation was the Marvin Cohen zoning decision and appeal.  This was a matter that was a decision of the Court of Common Pleas of Montgomery County.  The second matter of litigation was the Mirabella matter which is in the United States Federal Court of Appeals, Third Circuit.  This matter was remanded to the Federal District Court for the Eastern District and the matter is now dismissed and successfully concluded in the favor of the Township.  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 June 26, 2017 Board of Supervisors meeting, and Vice Chairman Robert J. Birch seconded the motion.  The minutes of the meeting were unanimously approved as submitted.

Assistant to the Township Manager Stacy Crandell introduced Sarah Whetstone, Executive Director of the PEAK Center and announced that the Board would be presenting a donation check in the amount of $3,000 to the PEAK Center.  Ms. Whetstone provided a brief explanation of the services that are provided to the senior members of the Township’s community and thanked the Board of Supervisors for their donation.

Director of Recreation and Community Center Floyd Shaffer reported that on April 24, 2016 Robert Braxton III (Robby) tragically lost his life.  Robby’s many friends and family have organized the 1^st Annual Robby Braxton Basketball Classic to be held on Saturday, July 15, 2017 at the Montgomery Township Community and Recreation Center.  The adult basketball tournament is designed to celebrate Robby’s life, his passion for the sport of basketball, and ultimately bring the Community together for an entire day of positive social interaction and enjoyment.  The Township has received a request to waive the rental fees of the full gymnasium at the Community and Recreation Center for this event.  The approximate rental fee for 8 hours of usage would be $1,600.  Resolution #1 made by Supervisor Michael J. Fox, seconded by Supervisor Richard E. Miniscalco and adopted unanimously, approve the waiving of all fees associated with the first Annual Robby Braxton Basketball Classic to be held on July 15, 2017.

Director of Administration and Human Resources Ann Shade reported that the Mobile Communications Devices Policy is being presented for consideration for approval by the Board of Supervisors.  Mobile communications devices have become increasingly critical for use in the workplace and a formal policy for issuing and using mobile communications devices is necessary to ensure that proper use is sustained while conducting official Township business without compromising the security of official communications and documents.  This policy details the process for authorizing requests for mobile communications devices and informs the user of the rules and guidelines associated with being assigned a device.  Resolution #2 made by Supervisor Robert J. Birch, seconded by Supervisor Michael J. Fox and adopted unanimously, approved the Mobile Communications Devices Policy for distribution to employees and inclusion in the Montgomery Township Employee Handbook and Police Department Standard Operating Procedures.

Director of Planning and Zoning Bruce Shoupe reported that in the past, it has been the policy of the Board of Supervisors to waive nominal value permit fees for non-profit and religious organizations.  The Township has received a request from Mary Mother of the Redeemer Catholic Church to waive the building permit fee for the accessible ramp for the school.  The amount of the fees would be $154.00.  Resolution #3 made by Supervisor Michael J. Fox, seconded by Vice Chairman Robert J. Birch and adopted unanimously, approved the request by Mary Mother of the Redeemer Catholic Church to waive the building permit fees of $154.00 associated with the accessible ramp at the school.

Township Manager Lawrence J. Gregan reported that the 2017 budget for the Department of Fire Services includes funding to purchase additional personal protective equipment for the part-time firefighting staff.  Quotes have been obtained from Municipal Emergency Services, an authorized vendor under the Co-Stars Cooperative Purchase Program to provide the requested equipment at a cost of $14,826.92.  The equipment meets the specifications prepared by the Department of Fire Services and is compatible with other personal protective gear in service in the department.  Resolution #4 made by Supervisor Richard E. Miniscalco, seconded by Vice Chairman Robert J. Birch and adopted unanimously, approved the purchase of the personal protective equipment for the part time firefighting staff from Municipal Emergency Services at a cost of $14,826.92.

A motion to approve the payment of bills was made by Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera, seconded by Supervisor Michael J. Fox, and adopted unanimously, approved the payment of bills as submitted.

Under other business, Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera recognized Boy Scout Sean O’Gara who was present at the meeting working on earning his Citizenship badge.

There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 8:19 p.m.