MINUTES OF MEETING
MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
JULY 24, 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 8:07 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, and Public Works Director Kevin Costello.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera called for public comment from the audience and there was none.
Solicitor Frank R. Bartle, Esquire announced that the Board had met in an Executive Session prior to this meeting to discuss three matters of litigation. One matter of litigation was the Marvin Cohen zoning decision and appeal. This matter is in the Court of Common Pleas of Montgomery County. The second matter of litigation was Mirabella v. Montgomery Township, which is also in the Court of Common Pleas of Montgomery County. The third matter of litigation was the zoning hearing case of James and Crystle Murwin, 1936 County Line Road. In addition, the Board discussed a potential matter of litigation and a personnel matter. 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 July 10, 2017 Board of Supervisors meeting, and Supervisor Michael J. Fox seconded the motion. The minutes of the meeting were unanimously approved as submitted.
Assistant to the Township Manager Stacy Crandell introduced Jim Dougherty of Gilmore and Associates to discuss the MS4 Pollutant Reduction Plan (PRP) that will be submitted in preparation of the submission of the Township’s Notice of Intent for a new NPDES MS4 Permit. The PRP outlines the measures the Township intends to implement to reduce certain pollutants discharged from the Township storm sewer system (MS4). The PRP is based upon and is intended to supplement the Township MS4 TMDL Strategy submitted to PADEP in 2015. The PRP includes a summary of the existing loading of the pollutants of concern, a calculation of the minimum reduction required, and a selection of potential Best Management Practices (BMPs) intended to achieve the minimum required reduction. Prior to submission on the Notice of Interest, the Township is opening a 30 day public comment period for the purpose of soliciting written comments on the PRP to be submitted to DEP.
Interested persons may submit written comments during the thirty (30) day period of July 31 through August 30, 2017. Written and verbal comments will be accepted at the public meeting scheduled at 8PM on August 28, 2017 (same night as the regular BOS meeting) at the Township office address. Resolution#1 made by Supervisor Michael J. Fox, seconded by Supervisor Richard E. Miniscalco and adopted unanimously, authorize the Township Manager to advertise the public comment period and public meeting for the NPDES Stormwater Discharges from the MS4 Pollutant Reduction Plan, which will be held on Monday, August 28, 2017 after 8PM.
Police Chief Scott Bendig requested authorization for three different out of state training opportunities for the police department. Officer Joseph McGuigan and Canine Cody would like to attend the National Odor Recognition Testing (NORT) for police explosive detection canines from August 29, 2017 to August 31, 2017 at the U.S. Army’s Aberdeen Proving Ground in Aberdeen, Maryland, which is hosted by the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Officer Jason English would like to attend the DARE Training at the Maryland Department of Public Safety from September 24, 2017 to October 6, 2017 at their training center in Sykesville, Maryland. Corporal Thomas Ward and Officer John Rushin would like to attend training at Fort Dix in New Hanover Township, New Jersey from October 17, 2017 to October 19, 2017 for Montgomery County SWAT training. Resolution #2 made by Supervisor Michael J. Fox, seconded by Vice-Chairman Robert J. Birch and adopted unanimously, approved all three out of state training opportunities for the police department.
Finance Director Ami Tarburton presented the 2nd Quarter 2017 Budget report. Ms. Tarburton’s presentation summarized the operating results through June 30, 2017 and identified the significant activities in the fund balance, revenues and expenses. Ms. Tarburton reported that overall the Township finances are in excellent condition, with the 2nd Quarter revenues and expenses tracking as expected in the 2017 Budget.
Director of Recreation and Community Center Floyd Shaffer requested authorization to purchase five new spin exercise bikes. The CRC current spinning classes are consistently reaching capacity of 10 riders. There are currently seven classes per week and it is anticipated that additional classes will be added to the Fall 2017 Schedule. There are typically waiting lists for five of seven classes. The spin classes (as are all group exercise programs) are included in all Mont CRC memberships.
Township Staff obtained a quote from Life Fitness for $6,555.45 for the purchase of the five new spin bikes through the PA State Contract - COSTARS 14-16. The purchase of this new fitness equipment was not budgeted under the adopted 2017 Capital Budget. There is funding still available in our current Capital Budget account due to the savings of nearly $30,000 from the fencing installation project around Great Lawn of the Mont CRC. Resolution #3 made by Supervisor Michael J. Fox, seconded by Supervisor Jeffrey W. McDonnell and adopted unanimously, approved the purchase of five spin bikes from Life Fitness in the amount of $6,555.45.
Director of Planning and Zoning Bruce Shoupe stated the Deeds of Dedication for the Indian Lake Farm Subdivision for Veronica Lane and Indian Lake Circle, and other public improvements (street lights, pedestrian walking bridge and other public improvements), as well as the right of way along Richardson Road were ready for approval by the Board of Supervisors. Resolution#4 made by Vice-Chairman Robert J. Birch, seconded by Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, accepted the deed of dedication for the Indian Lake Farm Subdivision for Veronica Lane and Indian Lake Circle.
A motion to approve the payment of bills was made by Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera, seconded by Supervisor Michael J. Fox, and adopted unanimously, approving the payment of bills as submitted.
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.