MINUTES OF MEETING

MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

AUGUST 13, 2018

 

            At 7:30 p.m. Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera called to order the executive session. In attendance were Supervisors Tanya C. Bamford, Michael J. Fox and Matthew W. Quigg. Supervisor Jeffrey W. McDonnell 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 8:04 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Tanya C. Bamford, Michael J. Fox and Matthew W. Quigg. Supervisor Jeffrey W. McDonnell 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, Director of Recreation and Community Center Floyd Shaffer, Director of Information Technology Richard Grier and Recording Secretary Deborah A. Rivas.

            Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera recognized the reporter that was present with a television camera and requested that she make herself known to the Board and attendees and state her intentions to record the meeting. Harri Leigh stated that she was a reporter with WLVT, Channel 39 in Bethlehem, PA and that she was working on programming for future broadcasts and would be recording a portion of the Board meeting this evening.

            Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera called for public comment from the audience.

            Tom Harker of 130 Bayhill Drive stated that he was present with other residents of the Cutler Development and that they were inquiring as to the latest information available on plans for completion of the list of outstanding improvements. The Board as well as Township Manager Lawrence J. Gregan and Township Solicitor Frank R. Bartle, Esquire provided an update on these concerns to the residents. Vice Chairman Michael J. Fox summarized that Mr. Cutler is aware of the list of items to be completed and the Township’s expectation that they be accomplished. Progress has been made with the recent completion of the final paving improvements in the Montgomery Knoll & Montgomery Preserve Developments. The Township continues to push the Cutler Group to complete the remaining improvements but that the Board is holding off on pulling letters of credit as long as they can have the Cutler Group continue to complete the items required and continue to see progress. There is much that has already been accomplished to date and the Township has a plan and strategy that they are following. Township Solicitor Frank R. Bartle, Esquire further explained that in a show of good faith, Mr. Cutler has transferred the title of the remaining undeveloped portion of the development to be held by the Township as security for funds owed the Township pending future sale of this property.

            Solicitor Frank R. Bartle, Esquire announced that the Board had met in an executive session at 7:30 p.m. this evening to discuss the Cutler Development, which is a matter of potential ligation. Mr. Bartle stated that this matter is a legitimate subject of executive session pursuant to Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Law.

            Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera made a motion to approve the minutes of the July 23, 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 to receive annual donations from the Township. Denise Frattera from the Visiting Nurses Association Community Services organization accepted a check in the amount of $1,500. Lisa Knapp Siegel from the Montgomery Township Historical Society accepted a check in the amount of $6,000. The 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.

            Director of Fire Services Richard Lesniak reported that each year in the spring, Montgomery Township honors and celebrates its many volunteers with a special recognition event. In addition to the volunteers, Board of Supervisors and Township staff, local, state and federal elected officials join in the celebration. This past spring, Congressman Brendan Boyle presented certificates honoring all of the Fire Department’s Administrative and Operational Officers. Unfortunately, not all the awardees were able to attend this event. Tonight, the Board wishes to present the certificates that were provided by Congressman Boyle to the administrative and operational officers of the Fire Department of Montgomery Township. Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera presented each officer with their certificate. Resolution #1 made by Vice Chairman Michael J. Fox, seconded by Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, recognized the administrative and operational officers of the Fire Department of Montgomery Township.

            Director of Fire Services Richard Lesniak reported that the Office of the State Fire Commissioner’s “Participating Department Program” recognizes those departments that support, promote and encourage their emergency response personnel to certify at various levels in accordance with nationally recognized Professional Qualification Standards. The Township’s Fire Department has been recognized by the State Fire Commissioner for having 75% of the Department members certified under the Professional Qualification Standards. With this recognition, the Department has demonstrated that it is competent and capable in providing quality services to the residents and visitors of the Commonwealth. Resolution #2 made by Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford, seconded by Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, acknowledged the Fire Department’s Office of the State Fire Commissioner’s Participating Department Award for having 75% of the members certified in accordance with nationally recognized Professional Qualification Standards.

            Assistant to the Township Manager Stacy Crandell reported that the Police Department has been reviewing traffic ordinances to make sure that all the information is accurate and up to date. After review of Chapter 222, Article II, Section 222-17 (Weight Limits: Penalty), it was determined that the language on the bridge weight restrictions needed to be amended. Currently the ordinance states that tractor trailers combinations when it should reflect “All” truck combinations and not just tractor trailers. Resolution #3 made by Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera, seconded by Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford and adopted unanimously, authorized the advertisement of proposed Ordinance #18-307 – Amending Language on Bridge Weight Restrictions for consideration and adoption at the Board of Supervisors Meeting to be held on Monday, August 27, 2018 after 8:00 p.m.

            Resolution #4 made by Vice Chairman Michael J. Fox, seconded by Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford and adopted unanimously, approved the end of maintenance period and final escrow release of $6,727.13 for LDS #672 – Goodwin 3-Lot Subdivision.

            Resolution #5 made by Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera, seconded by Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford and adopted unanimously, approved the final escrow release of $1,255,172.60, held as a letter of credit, for LDS #686, Montgomery Elementary School Renovation and Expansion Project.

            Director of Planning and Zoning Bruce Shoupe reported that an application has been received from Henderson Partnership seeking Conditional Use approval to allow RedLine Athletics Youth Athletic Training Center to occupy 10,000 sf of tenant space at 101 Commerce Drive. The property is currently zoned I-Industrial and currently occupied by Lymphacare (durable medical goods) 4,000 sf and Master Tech Automotive repair, 6,000 sf. RedLine Athletics proposes to occupy the remaining 10,000 sf. This use is permitted by Conditional Use approval. Resolution #6 made by Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera, seconded by Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford and approved unanimously, authorized the advertisement of a Public Hearing for Conditional Use application #C-70 Henderson Partnership – Redline Athletics Youth Athletic Training Center, 101 Commerce Drive to be held on September 24, 2018.

            Director of Recreation and Community Center reported on the proposed 2018 Fall Recreation Programs and Fees which will be valid from September 17, 2018 through December 31, 2018. Resolution #7 made by Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford, seconded by Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, approved the 2018 Fall Programs and Fee Schedule as submitted.

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

            Under other business, Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera acknowledged the presence of Boy Scout Jake Pepe who introduced himself and explained that he was attending the meeting to earn his Citizenship and Community Merit Badge. Mr. Pepe explained that his Eagle Scout project involved installing fence posts to make a boundary at the Knapp Farmstead.

            There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.