MINUTES OF MEETING
JUNE 11, 2012
Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera called the executive session to order at 7:00 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Robert Birch, Michael Fox and Jeffrey McDonnell. Vice Chairman Joseph Walsh was absent. Also in attendance were Lawrence Gregan and Frank R. Bartle, Esquire. A personnel matter and a matter of litigation were discussed.
Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera called the regular action meeting to order at 8:04 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, Bruce Shoupe, Kevin Costello, Shannon Drosnock, Rick Lesniak, Ann Shade, Stacy Crandell, Rich Grier and Shirley Snyder.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Chairman Chimera called for public comment from the audience. Maria Witt of 708 East Kennedy Road expressed concern with a lack of communication with the Montgomery Township Tax Collector, Patricia Gallagher. Ms. Witt has made several attempts to contact Ms. Gallagher concerning a tax bill, and has received no response from Ms. Gallagher. Vice Chairman Joseph Walsh offered to call Ms. Gallagher on Ms. Witt's behalf. Ms. Witt thanked the Board for any assistance they can provide to her in this matter.
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 two matters discussed, one personnel matter and the Zehr Condemnation litigation matter, which is before the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court. Mr. Bartle reported that these matters are legitimate subjects of executive session pursuant to Pennsylvania's Sunshine Law.
Chairman Chimera made a motion to approve the minutes of the May 29, 2012 Board meeting and Supervisor Michael Fox seconded the motion. The minutes of the meeting were unanimously approved as submitted.
Township Manager, Lawrence Gregan introduced Stephen Nave, who has submitted a resume for consideration as a member of the Business Development Partnership. Mr. Nave acquired both the Fastsigns of North Penn and Doylestown in February 2012. Resolution #1, made by Vice Chairman Joseph Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Michael Fox, and adopted unanimously, appointed Stephen Nave as a member of the Business Development Partnership of Montgomery Township with a term to expire January 1, 2013.
Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera announced that the Board of Supervisors wishes to recognize and commend some of the talented students of the North Penn School District. The Bridle Path & Montgomery Orchestra recently competed in the Music in the Parks Adjudication Festival on May 12, 2012. The Orchestra placed 1st in their division and also outscored all middle and high school groups performing at the competition. The Bridle Path & Montgomery Select String Ensemble also competed in the Music in the Parks Adjudication Festival. The Select String Ensemble placed 1st in their division and also outscored all middle and high school groups performing at the competition. In addition to this exceptional accomplishment, the Select String Ensemble was also awarded the Best Overall Orchestra Award. Chairman Chimera asked all the children from the Orchestra and Select Strings to come forward and state their name and the instrument they play. David Wolfe, a parent of one of the students, accepted the Certificates of Commendation for Bridle Path Elementary and Montgomery Elementary schools. Mr. Wolfe also expressed thanks to Lisa Paino, the accompanist for her time and dedication in working with the group. Resolution #2, made by Vice Chairman Joseph Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Michael Fox, and adopted unanimously, recognized the students from the Bridle Path and Montgomery Elementary Orchestra and Select Strings for their outstanding accomplishment at the recent "Music in the Parks" Adjudication Festival at Dorney Park by placing 1st and 2nd at the competition.
Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera announced that the Board of Supervisors would like to recognize and commend the outstanding achievements of North Penn High School Senior Meghan McGovern. Ms McGovern won the Pennsylvania State Championship in Cross Country. In addition to achieving her goal of winning the State Championship, Meghan's outstanding performance enabled her to become the first three-time state medal winner in North Penn High School history. Resolution #3, made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Vice Chairman Joseph Walsh, and adopted unanimously, recognized Meghan McGovern for her amazing record-breaking season as a cross-country runner for North Penn High School.
Director of Public Works, Kevin Costello reported that on May 14, 2012, the Board of Supervisors authorized the sale of a 1997 Crafco Super Shot Tar Kettle through the online auction company, Municibid. A total of 119 bids were received and the highest bid received was in the amount of $14,600.00. Resolution #4, made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Vice Chairman Joseph Walsh, and adopted unanimously, accepted the winning bid for the sale of the Township's 1997 Crafco Super Shot Tar Kettle from David Young of Massachusetts in the amount of $14,600.00.
Township Manager, Lawrence Gregan announced that the Board had received proposals from professional consultants to conduct and complete a Needs Assessment and Feasibility Study for a proposed Recreation/Community Center facility. Funds for this study have been allocated in the Capital Reserve Fund. The RFP for the study was issued on March 28, 2012 and twenty firms submitted proposals to perform the study with costs ranging from $16,000 to $116,205. Four firms were selected for further consideration and interviews were held with the four firms. Supervisor Michael Fox reported that the four firms made excellent presentations and recommended that the contract be awarded to the firm of Kimmel-Bogrette Architecture + Site for this project. Resolution #5, made by supervisor Robert Birch, seconded by Vice Chairman Joseph Walsh, and adopted unanimously, awarded the contract to conduct a Needs Assessment and Feasibility Study for a Multi-Purpose Community/Recreation Center to the firm of Kimmel-Bogrette Architect + Site of Conshohocken, PA in accordance with their proposal dated April 27, 2012 for a total proposal cost of $45,650.00.
Director of Fire Services, Rick Lesniak reported that on February 18, 2012 the Fire Department of Montgomery Township was dispatched to Saint Gobain Abrasives at 200 Commerce Drive for a fire alarm activation. After further investigation, it was determined that there were several gas leaks in the building, which were subsequently repaired. In appreciation of the efforts of the Fire Department of Montgomery Township, Saint Gobain, through its Corporate Foundation, presented a check in the amount of $630.00 to the FDMT. Resolution #6, made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Vice Chairman Joseph Walsh, and adopted unanimously, recognized the Saint Gobain Corporation Foundation for its generous donation to the Fire Department of Montgomery Township.
Director of Fire Services, Rick Lesniak announced that the Department of Fire Services and the Fire Department of Montgomery Township (FDMT) jointly use a software program called "Firehouse Software". Over the past several years, a number of operational and security issues have been identified. Based on the analysis of use, the Department of Fire Services is recommending using the Firehouse Hosting Services Program. Resolution #7, made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Vice Chairman Joseph Walsh, and adopted unanimously, approved the execution of a five-year contract with Firehouse Software, Inc. to utilize its Firehouse Hosting Services Program at a cost of $3,194.54/year.
Bruce Shoupe, Director of Planning & Zoning announced that in 1997 the open space areas within the Winner Circle Development were inadvertently dedicated to the Township. While updating the Township's Park and Recreation Plan, it was discovered that only 4 of the 13 open space areas were intended to be dedicated to the Township. Resolution #8, made by Supervisor Robert Birch, seconded by Vice Chairman Joseph Walsh, and adopted unanimously, authorized the Township Solicitor and Township Manager to execute and record deeds at the Montgomery County Recorder of Deeds to identify the correct Ownership of each Open Space Parcel.
Director of Planning & Zoning, Bruce Shoupe reported that the Lansdale Branch of the YMCA has requested the waiver of all permit fees associated with their use of the Whistlestop Street Hockey Court starting Tuesday June 19, 2012 through Tuesday, December 18, 2012. Resolution #9, made by Vice Chairman Joseph Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Michael Fox and adopted unanimously, approved the Lansdale YMCA's request for the waiver of fees associated with the use of the Street Hockey Court at Whistlestop Park from Tuesday, June 19, 2012 through December 18, 2012.
Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera made a motion to approve the payment of bills. Vice Chairman Joseph Walsh seconded the motion. The payment of bills was unanimously approved as submitted.
Under other business, Lawrence Gregan announced that a new screen and projector were installed in the Township meeting room on Friday, June 8, 2012. Rich Grier, Technology Manager provided a demonstration and a brief overview of the capabilities of the new system.
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 8:54 p.m.