MINUTES OF MEETING
MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
JULY 23, 2018
At 7:00 p.m. Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera called to order the executive session. In attendance were Supervisors Tanya C. Bamford, Matthew W. Quigg and Jeffrey W. McDonnell. Vice-Chairman Michael J. Fox was absent. Also in attendance were Township Manager Lawrence J. 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 Supervisors Tanya C. Bamford, Matthew W. Quigg and Jeffrey W. McDonnell. Vice-Chairman Michael J. Fox was absent. Also in attendance were Township Solicitor Frank R. Bartle, Esquire, Township Manager Lawrence J. Gregan, Police Chief J. 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 and Zoning Bruce Shoupe, Director of Public Works Kevin Costello, and Director of Information Technology Richard Grier.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera called for public comment from the audience.
The following residents were present to discuss concerns about the Cutler Development Montgomery Preserve: Tom Harker (130 Bayhill Drive), Howard Stein (128 Bayhill Drive), Tom Sanna (140 Bayhill Drive), David Utain (109 Bayhill Drive), and Lisa Samaha (105 Bayhill Drive). The residents were concerned about when the outstanding items, including landscaping, street lights, grading issues, and trail/sidewalk, would be completed. The Board as well as Township Lawrence J. Gregan and Township Solicitor Frank R. Bartle, Esquire provided an update on these concerns to the residents.
Sara Boniface, 103 Brunswick Place and her son, Carson, were present to discuss the positive experience her son has had at the Kids University. Her son has had severe food allergies most of his life and has not been able to attend full-day camp until Kids University. Mrs. Boniface said she appreciates everything the Kids University Staff has done to provide a safe environment for her son, while also making sure he is included in every activity.
Solicitor Frank R. Bartle, Esquire announced that the Board had met in an executive session at 7:00 p.m. this evening to discuss the Cutler Development, which is a matter of potential ligation, and four matters of ligation including Zoning Hearing Board Case - Christopher Lear, 1079 Horsham Road, Zoning Hearing Board Case - Montgomery Realty, 744 Bethlehem Pike, Zoning Hearing Case - 101 Commerce Drive, and the Zoning Hearing Board Case – Target, 125 Witchwood Drive resulting in a motion to be discussed under other business. 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 9, 2018 Board of Supervisors meeting, and Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford seconded the motion. The minutes of the meeting were unanimously approved as submitted.
Assistant to the Township Manager Stacy Crandell introduced representatives from local organizations who received annual donations from the Township. Jayne Blackledge and Beth Duffy from the North Wales Library accepted a check in the amount of $1,500. Paul Nye from the PEAK Center accepted a check in the amount of $3,000, and Kathy Arnold-Yerger from the Montgomery County Norristown Public Library accepted a check in the amount of $10,000. All representatives from these organizations provided updates to the Board on their activities over the past year and expressed gratitude to the Township for these donations which help to fund programs run by these organizations benefitting the residents of Montgomery Township.
Finance Director Ami Tarburton reported that a vacancy currently exists on the Montgomery Township Finance Committee and Jeffrey Thomson, who resides at 104 Twining Road, has expressed an interest to be appointed as a member of the Finance Committee. Resolution #1 made by Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford, seconded by Supervisor Matthew W. Quigg and adopted unanimously, appointed Jeffrey Thomson to the Finance Committee for a term to expire on January 1, 2019.
Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera recognized Ryan Voron, Township Resident and member of Boy Scout Troop 84 located in North Wales, for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout on June 12, 2018. Ryan’s project was to create a storage unit, which had a 6’x4’x4’ dimensions. He also built a lollypop stand, a corn hole game, a basketball net, a bottle ring toss game, a tic-tac-toe ring toss game, 110 dreidels, and a storage bowl. Ryan’s project was for the Congregation Beth Or located in Ambler, PA. Ryan’s Court Of Honor for achievement of Eagle Scout rank will be held on September 29, 2018. The Board presented him with a Certificate of Achievement for completing the requirements for and found worthy of the rank of Eagle Scout. Resolution #2 made by Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford, seconded by Supervisor Matthew W. Quigg and adopted unanimously, recognized Ryan Voron for his Outstanding Achievement in completing the requirements for and found worthy of the rank of Eagle Scout.
Finance Director Ami Tarburton presented the 2nd Quarter 2018 Budget report. Ms. Tarburton’s presentation summarized the operating results through June 30, 2018 and identified the significant activities in the fund balance, revenues and expenses. Ms. Tarburton reported that 2nd Quarter expenses are tracking a bit higher due to payment of retroactive wage adjustments resulting from the police arbitration award and to snow removal expenses during this winter season. She also noted that the revenues have shown a slight increase particularly for business taxes. Overall the Township is still on track for the projected 2018 Budget and are in excellent condition.
Assistant to the Township Manager Stacy Crandell gave a presentation on the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC)’s second phase of the Regional Streetlight Procurement Program (RSLPP) in order to put together resources needed to design, procure, and finance the transition to the LED street lighting. Township Staff attended an informational session on June 26, 2018 to gather information about possible participation in the second round of this program. While DVRPC is seeking funding in the amount $120,000 from the PA Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP)’s Pennsylvania State Energy Plan Program, DVRPC is asking any municipality interested in initial participation in the second round, to provide a Letter of Intent (attached) and $5,000. The fee of $5,000 will offset some of the costs associated with hiring a legal/contracts advisor and a Design Services Professional to perform the preliminary feasibility study/audit. The Letter of Intent and the $5,000 will commit the Township only to the preliminary steps, which includes an audit of all of the streetlights in our Township. After the completion of the audit, the Township has the option to continue to participate through the rest of the process with design and construction with or without financing. Resolution #3 made by Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera, seconded by Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford and adopted unanimously, authorized the Township to submit the Letter of Intent and the $5,000 fee to participate in the preliminary steps and streetlight audit for the DVRPC Regional Streetlight Procurement Program.
Public Works Director Kevin Costello asked for approval to dispose of surplus assets including a 1995 Ford F-250 with an 8’ V- Plow, 2003 Ford Crown Victoria, and Miscellaneous Equipment which is either outdated or does not work anymore. He asked for approval to have these items be sold at auction through J.J. Kane. Resolution #4 made by Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera, seconded by Supervisor Matthew W. Quigg and adopted unanimously, authorized the sale at auction for the following Township equipment through J. J. Kane Auctioneers, Conshohocken, PA- 1995 Ford F-250 with an 8’ V-Plow #1FTHF26H6SNB55927 Mileage – 71,708, 2003 Ford Crown Victoria VIN #2FAFP71W63X137604 Mileage – 95,478, and Miscellaneous Equipment.
Director of Planning and Zoning Bruce Shoupe reported that the Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution granting the requested Conditional Use Approval for the Miller’s Ale House at their meeting on June 25, 2018. This matter involves the adoption of the written “Decision and Order” for the Conditional Use Approval of Miller’s Ale House. The Township Solicitor has prepared a formal decision and order memorializing the Board’s grant of the requested Conditional Use Approval. Resolution #5 made by Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford, seconded by Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously approved the Decision and Order.
Director of Planning and Zoning Bruce Shoupe requested authorization to obtain bids for Ash Tree Removal in the following locations, Zehr Section of Windlestrae Park, Enclave Blvd/Friendship Park and Gwynedd Lea Open Space Area. This is Phase III of this project to remove dead trees that were affected by the Emerald Ash Borer that pose a potential threat of falling and causing property damage and/or injury. Resolution #6 made by Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford, seconded by Supervisor Matthew W. Quigg and adopted unanimously, authorized the Township Manager to obtain bids for the Ash tree Removal Project at the Zehr Section of Windlestrae Park, Enclave Blvd, Friendship Park area and Gwynedd Lea Open Space.
A motion to approve the payment of bills was made by Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera, seconded by Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford, and adopted unanimously, approving the payment of bills as submitted.
Under other business, Resolution #7 made by Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera, seconded by Supervisor Matthew W. Quigg and adopted unanimously, authorized the Township Solicitor to intervene on behalf of the Township in the Zoning Hearing Board matter of Target Corporation, 125 Witchwood Drive, and present the case of the Township in opposition to the application.
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 9:27 p.m.