MINUTES OF MEETING
APRIL 9, 2012
Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera called the regular action meeting to order at 8:02 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Robert Birch, Jeffrey McDonnell and Joseph Walsh. Supervisor Michael Fox was absent. Also in attendance were Frank R. Bartle, Esquire, Lawrence Gregan, Richard Brady, Scott Bendig, Bruce Shoupe, Kevin Costello, Shannon Drosnock, Rick Lesniak, Ann Shade, Stacy Crandell and Shirley Snyder.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Chairman Chimera called for public comment from the audience and there was none.
Vice Chairman Joseph Walsh made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 26, 2012 Board meeting and Supervisor Jeffrey McDonnell seconded the motion. The minutes of the meeting were unanimously approved as submitted.
Frank R. Bartle, Esquire reported that there was no Executive Session held this evening.
Township Manager, Lawrence Gregan announced that Tony Mauriello, former owner of Fast Signs, has resigned from his position on the Township's Business Development Partnership Committee, after serving on the committee since its inception in 2004. Mr. Mauriello recently sold his business, and is enjoying semi-retirement. Resolution #1, adopted unanimously, accepted the resignation of Tony Mauriello from the Business Development Partnership, effective March 19, 2012 and thanked Mr. Mauriello for his dedication and his years of service to the residents and businesses of Montgomery Township as a member of the Business Development Partnership since 2004.
Richard Brady, Chief of Police, introduced Jake Beebe, as the newest Police Recruit with the Montgomery Township Police Department. Mr. Beebe resides in Shoemakersville, PA and attended Kutztown University studying Criminal Justice. He attended the Reading Police Academy and graduated with the highest grade point average in his class. James Beebe, Jake's father was present to affix the Police Badge on his son. Resolution #2, adopted unanimously, appointed Jake Beebe to the position of Recruit Patrol Officer with the Montgomery Township Police Department, effective April 13, 2012.
Chief Richard Brady announced that Patrol Officer Michael Jenkins was hired as a Recruit Police Officer with the Montgomery Township Police Department on March 20, 2009, completed his one year probationary period and was promoted to the rank of Patrol Officer III in April 2010. On April 9, 2011, he was promoted to the rank of Patrol Officer II. Officer Jenkins continues to attend schools and seminars to further enhance his criminal justice knowledge. Resolution #3, adopted unanimously, approved the promotion of Officer Michael Jenkins to the rank of Patrol Officer I, effective April 9, 2012.
Stacy Crandell, Public Information Coordinator, announced that the week of April 9th through 13th is Local Government Week. Many activities and events are planned for this week, including visits from 2nd and 3rd graders from Montgomery Elementary, Bridle Path Elementary and Mary Mother of the Redeemer Elementary School. Several public committee meetings will occur throughout the week and residents are encouraged to attend these meetings to be better informed about their local government. Resolution #4, adopted unanimously, recognized April 9th to 13th, 2012 as Local Government Week, and recognized and acknowledged Bridle Path Elementary School, Montgomery Elementary School and Mary Mother of the Redeemer Elementary School for sponsoring student government programs and being committed to developing the leaders of the future.
Stacy Crandell announced that Montgomery Township will also celebrate Local Government Week by hosting the 3rd Annual Legislative Breakfast on Friday, April 13, 2012 from 8:00 to 10:30 a.m. County Commissioner Bruce Castor, Representative Todd Stephens and Representative Kate Harper will be in attendance. Representatives from Senator Stewart Greenleaf's office and Representative Allyson Schwartz's office will also be in attendance. A well attended event is anticipated, providing the opportunity for discussion on issues that affect Montgomery Township and its residents.
Stacy Crandell announced that the Environmental Advisory Committee will continue their partnership with Montgomery Mall to host its annual Earth Day Event on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at Montgomery Mall. Free residential paper shredding and electronic and equipment recycling will be available from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. From 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. activities will be held inside the Mall on the lower level court at Macy's, including three guest speakers. Township residents are encouraged to come out and participate in this community event.
The Business Development Partnership is sponsoring their 3rd Annual Business Card Exchange on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Township building. Stacy Crandell noted that the Business Card Exchange informs business owners of the services that the Township has to offer, as well as to educate the business owners and managers of the various Township procedures and guidelines. The Business Development Partnership has suggested mailing post cards to each Township business in order to promote the event. Resolution #5, adopted unanimously, authorized the advertising of the Business Development Partnership's Business Card Exchange expenditure at a cost not to exceed $450.
Recreation Coordinator, Sharon Tucker, reported that staff has been exploring options for registration software to aid in creating detailed reporting and provide the ability to grow with the Recreation Office as enhancements are needed. Staff members have attended demonstrations from five software vendors and are recommending Capturepoint as the top choice. Capturepoint is used in many Recreation Departments throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and will provide the Township with the option of accepting online credit card payments in the future. The ability to accept online credit card payments will provide a valuable service to the residents of the Township. The funding for the Recreation Registration Software was approved in the 2012 Capital Budget in the amount of $5,000. Resolution #6, adopted unanimously, approved the proposal from Capturepoint to implement a web-based recreation registration service for use in the Recreation Office at an initial cost of $3,897.00.
Bruce Shoupe, Director of Planning and Zoning, stated that as the Township adopts new regulations regarding Changeable Copy Signs/Billboards, revisions are also necessary to the sign permit fees for these signs. Mr. Shoupe noted that the largest sign currently in place in the Township is 325 square feet and is located at Montgomery Mall. With the addition of signs of up to 680 square feet, a revision to the Fee Schedule, a new fee of $500 is recommended. Resolution #7, adopted unanimously, approved the addition of a $500 fee for Electronic Billboards to the 2012 Fee Schedule.
Vice Chairman Joseph Walsh made a motion to approve the payment of bills. Supervisor Robert Birch seconded the motion. The payment of bills was unanimously approved as submitted.
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 8:22 p.m.