MINUTES OF MEETING
APRIL 23, 2012
Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera called the executive session to order at 7:20 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Robert Birch, Michael Fox, Jeffrey McDonnell and Joseph Walsh. Also in attendance were Lawrence Gregan, Frank R. Bartle, Esquire, Deputy Chief Scott Bendig, Rich Lesniak, Shannon Drosnock and Ann Shade. Five personnel matters and three matters of litigation were discussed.
Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera called the regular action meeting to order at 8:18 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Robert Birch, Michael Fox, Jeffrey McDonnell and Joseph Walsh. 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, Vickie Zidek 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 and four matters of litigation, including the Zoning Hearing Board application of Bharatiya Temple, the Zehr Property Condemnation, which is before the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court, and the RD Management Validity Challenge which is currently before the Montgomery Township Zoning Hearing Board. Mr. Bartle reported that all of these matters are legitimate subjects of executive session pursuant to Pennsylvania's Sunshine Law.
Vice Chairman Joseph Walsh made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 9, 2012 Board meeting and Supervisor Robert Birch seconded the motion. The minutes of the meeting were unanimously approved as submitted.
Chairman Chimera announced that John Ferreira, a member of the Business Development Partnership since 2008, had submitted his resignation from the committee effective April 23, 2012. Mr. Ferreira was the manager of the Montgomery Mall from 2007 to 2012, and has recently taken a position as the manager of the Lehigh Valley Mall. Chairman Chimera presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Mr. Ferreira and Resolution #1 accepted Mr. Ferreira's resignation and thanked him for his dedication and his years of service to the residents and businesses of Montgomery Township as a member of the Business Development Partnership.
Ms. Drosnock stated that Township staff was seeking authorization from the Board to participate in the Pennsylvania Education and Purchasing Program (PEPPM), a technology bidding and purchasing program created as part of the Commonwealth Procurement Code. Local governments, such as Montgomery Township, are organizations qualified to utilize the PEPPM program. Ms. Drosnock stated that Montgomery Township staff contacted other local municipalities regarding their use and feedback on the program. The municipalities contacted have purchased items through this program and have had positive experiences. Resolution #2, adopted unanimously, authorized staff to utilize the PEPPM Cooperative Purchasing Program.
Technology Manager Richard Grier reported that the Township's current telephone system was acquired and installed in October, 2004. The NEC telephone system has reached its "end of life" status and is no longer supported by Verizon or NEC. With the understanding that the system was going to need to be replaced this year, the 2012 budget includes funding in the amount of $120,000 to purchase a new telephone system. Mr. Grier reported that a committee was formed which included staff from each of the Township departments. The committee met with and reviewed five different telephone systems and vendors. The lowest responsible vendor recommended by the committee was Carousel. Carousel proposed an in-house IP PBX system with Avaya equipment for an initial purchase price of $109,327.23. Subsequent annual support costs are projected to be $3,139.21 per year thereafter. After a brief discussion, Resolution #3, adopted unanimously, approved the acquisition of a new telephone system per the proposal submitted.
Finance Director Shannon Drosnock presented the First Quarter 2012 Budget Report. Ms. Drosnock reported that the Township has received $4.337M of the general fund revenues budgeted in the first quarter. These revenues were 8.6% higher as compared to revenues received during the 1st Quarter 2011. In addition, expenditures during the 1st Quarter 2012 were $1.849M, which was 7% lower than the $1.985M in expenditures during the 1st Quarter 2011. Ms. Drosnock reported that the three major factors contributing to the increase in revenues are an increase in Mercantile Tax dollars, the implementation of the Local Services Tax, and an increase in building permits in the Planning and Zoning department.
Finance Director Shannon Drosnock reported that a budget amendment is required for internal and external reporting purposes and for proper budgetary control. In the first quarter of 2012, the Board approved capital expenditures for a motorized drop down screen in the Township meeting room (increase of $2,555), Park Board improvements (increase of $2,500), improvements to the Township Building Camera System for the Police Department (increase of $1,400) and approved a transfer for "start-up" funds for the Montgomery 300th Anniversary Committee (increase of $10,000). Resolution #4, adopted unanimously, approved the 2012 1st Quarter Budget Amendments to the General Fund, Capital Reserve Fund and the 300th Anniversary Fund.
Planning Director Bruce Shoupe reported that the Shade Tree Commission sponsors an annual tree give away event to celebrate Arbor Day. This year, the Annual Arbor Day Tree Give-Away will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2012 at the Montgomery Township Building. Montgomery Township has also been named as a 2011 Tree City USA recipient. Resolution #5, adopted unanimously, proclaimed Saturday, April 28, 2012 as Arbor Day in Montgomery Township. Township Residents will be able to pick up a free tree beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday.
Planning Director Bruce Shoupe reported that the Township's DEP Sewage Facilities Planning Module must occasionally be changed due to development and a planning module must be submitted to DEP. An application has been received for Patient First facility, located at 713 Bethlehem Pike. The proposal is to convert an existing retail space to an immediate medical care facility. Mr. Shoupe explained that the proposed medical office will use 4 EDU's of capacity; one existing and three new. Mr. Shoupe also indicated that the plan is consistent with the Township's Act 537 Plan. Resolution #6, adopted unanimously, approved the application for Patient First.
Planning Director Bruce Shoupe reported that at the March 26, 2012 Board meeting the Billboard Ordinance was amended to regulate the installation of billboards and specifically digital billboards. Mr. Shoupe stated that during the hearing, representatives of Keystone Outdoor raised concerns that the pixel pitch size (12 millimeter) proposed in the ordinance far exceeded industry standards and was cost prohibitive to install in most instances. As an alternative, Keystone Outdoor submitted a request for an amendment to the Billboard ordinance to change the pixel pitch or equivalent resolution to not greater than 20 millimeter. Resolution #7, adopted unanimously, set Monday, July 23, 2012 after 8:00 p.m. as the date and time for a public hearing to consider the proposed amendment to the Billboard Ordinance.
Planning Director Bruce Shoupe reported that the Township has received a request from Bharatiya Temple to waive all application fees associated with their Zoning Hearing Board application to install a sign. Mr. Shoupe stated that in the past, it has been the policy of the Board of Supervisors to waive application fees for non-profit and religious organizations. Resolution #8, adopted unanimously, approved the request of Bharatiya Temple to waive all fees associated with their Zoning Hearing Board application.
Public Works Director Kevin Costello reported that the Public Works Department is ready to purchase a bucket lift truck to replace its current 2001 Ford F550 model truck and lift. Mr. Costello stated that funding for this purchase was included in the approved 2012 budget. The purchase would be made from the PA Cooperative Purchasing CoStars program. Resolution #9, adopted unanimously, approved the contracts for the purchase of the FX Fiberglass Utility Body and Truck Mounted Telescopic/Articulating PTO Powered Two-Man Dur-A-Lift Bucket Lift to Mobile Lifts, Inc., at a cost of $64,024, and to New Holland Auto Group for a Ford F-550 Truck Cab and Chassis at a cost of $39,391.93.
Supervisor Michael Fox 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 8:57 p.m.