MINUTES OF MEETING
FEBRUARY 27, 2012
Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera called the executive session to order at 7:00 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Michael Fox, Jeffrey McDonnell and Joseph Walsh. Supervisor Robert Birch was absent. Also in attendance were Lawrence Gregan, Frank R. Bartle, Esquire, Chief Richard Brady and Deputy Chief Scott Bendig. Five personnel matters, one matter of potential litigation and one matter of litigation were discussed.
Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera called the regular action meeting to order at 8:10 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Michael Fox, Jeffrey McDonnell and Joseph Walsh. Supervisor Robert Birch was absent. Also in attendance were Frank R. Bartle, Esquire, Lawrence Gregan, Richard Brady, Scott Bendig, Bruce Shoupe, Kevin Costello, Rick Lesniak, Ann Shade, Rich Grier and Deb Rivas.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Chairman Chimera called for public comment from the audience and there was none.
Frank R. Bartle, Esquire reported that the Board met in an executive session earlier in the evening at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Bartle reported that there were five personnel matters, one matter of litigation involving the Zoning Hearing Board application of David and Rosemary Ferrino and one matter of potential litigation. Mr. Bartle reported that all of these matters are legitimate subjects of executive session pursuant to Pennsylvania's Sunshine Law.
Supervisor Joseph Walsh made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 13, 2012 Board meeting and Supervisor Michael Fox seconded the motion. The minutes of the meeting were unanimously approved as submitted.
Public Works Director, Kevin Costello, reported that the annual bids for Materials, Services and Equipment Rentals were opened on February 16, 2012 and reviewed by the staff. The staff's recommendation is to award the bids to the lowest responsible bidders. Resolution #1 was adopted unanimously authorizing contracts with the following companies: Asphalt/Bituminous Concrete to Eureka Stone Quarry, amount not to exceed $548,800; Stone Aggregate to Glasgow, Inc., various unit pricing; Lawn Care Treatments to Moyer & Son, Inc., $16,170; Equipment Rental with Operator to P.K. Moyer & Sons, Inc., amount not to exceed $365,900; and Crack Sealer to Crafco, Inc. at $.52 pickup and $.55 delivery pricing.
Public Works Director Kevin Costello reported that the bids for the annual Curb and Sidewalk project were opened on February 16, 2012. The Township Engineer, Gilmore and Associates, reviewed the bids and made a recommendation to award the bid to the lowest responsible bidder, Drumheller Construction, with a bid of $263,231.60. Mr. Costello reported that bids were received in the range of $263,231.60 up to $507,778.00. Supervisor Fox inquired if the Township had done business with Drumheller Construction in the past. Mr. Costello reported that Drumheller Construction was the contractor for this project in 2010 and 2009 and that the Township was very satisfied with the project completion. Resolution #2 was adopted unanimously, authorizing the award of the 2012 Curb and Sidewalk project to Drumheller Construction for a total project cost of $263,231.60.
Kevin Costello reported that the Township has in prior years solicited for bids for petroleum products (gasoline & diesel fuel) used by various Township Departments. He noted that this year there is an opportunity for cost savings for the Township by purchasing petroleum products from the cooperative purchase contract awarded to Riggins, Inc. through the Southeastern PA Counties Cooperative Purchasing Board. Mr. Costello reported that moving to this contract could represent an approximate 13% reduction in fuel costs from 2011. Supervisor Fox inquired as to how this savings could be possible with the rising cost of fuel. Mr. Costello replied that previously the Township paid a price differential of several cents per gallon over the wholesale cost of fuel. With this cooperative purchasing contract, there is a fixed delivery charge assigned to each delivery of fuel while paying the wholesale cost. Mr. Costello explained that sharing the cost of the fuel with other municipalities brings the cost down for the Township. Resolution #3 was adopted unanimously, authorizing Montgomery Township to participate in the Southeastern PA Counties Cooperative Purchasing Board for the purchase of petroleum products.
Director of Administration and Human Resources, Ann Shade, reported on the Pension Committee's recommendation to add an additional investment fund be added to the Township's 401(a) Money Purchase Pension Plan and 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan. Mrs. Shade reported that Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Consulting Group serves as the Township's Broker for the Pension Plans and in late 2011, they presented the Pension Committee with three funds to consider for review. The Pension Committee recommended that the MainStay Large Cap Growth Fund be added to the plan's portfolios as an additional investment vehicle for Township employees. Resolution #4 was adopted unanimously, authorizing the addition of the MainStay Large Cap Growth Fund to both the 401(a) Money Purchase Pension Plan and the 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan for Township employees.
Chief Richard Brady reported that the FBI will be holding its 20th annual Mid-Atlantic Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar from Sunday, June 10 through Friday, June 15, 2012 at Princeton University. Chief Brady stated that this education opportunity is designed to provide training for police chiefs and law enforcement executives who head departments of 75 sworn officers or fewer. He indicated that this is an outstanding development seminar and that he is recommending that Deputy Chief Scott Bendig be authorized to submit an application to attend this training, and if selected, to do so. Resolution #5 was adopted unanimously, authorizing the application for Deputy Chief Bendig to attend the Mid-Atlantic Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar at a cost of $1,370.
Director of Planning and Zoning, Bruce Shoupe, reported that the Shade Tree Commission was requesting authorization to advertise for bids for their 2012 planting project involving the installation of Sugar Maple trees at Memorial Grove Park. Mr. Shoupe reported that this project includes the installation of 64 2 ½" to 3" caliper Sugar Maples to create a grove environment and is estimated to cost $24,864. Mr. Shoupe indicated that the Shade Tree Commission has $33,000 in available funds for this project. Resolution #6 was adopted unanimously, authorizing the advertisement of bids for the Sugar Maples at Memorial Grove planting project.
Bruce Shoupe reported that the owner of the Residence Inn/Pizzeria Uno development is requesting that any funds remaining in the application escrow account be released. Mr. Shoupe reported that the project was completed several years ago and the construction escrow account was released in 2010. Resolution #7 was adopted unanimously, releasing the final application escrow of $14,799.82, contingent upon all Township Consultant fees being paid.
Supervisor Joseph Walsh made a motion to approve the payment of bills. Supervisor Michael Fox seconded the motion. The payment of bills was unanimously approved as submitted.
Under other business, Chairman Candyce Chimera made a motion (#8) to oppose the zoning hearing board application of David and Rosemary Ferrino of 1229 Kenas Road and authorize the Township Solicitor to enter an appearance in opposition on behalf of the Township. The motion was moved by Supervisor Joseph Walsh and seconded by Supervisor Michael Fox. The motion was approved unanimously.
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.