MINUTES OF MEETING
NOVEMBER 12, 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 Bartle, Esquire.
Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera called the regular action meeting to order at 8:04 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Robert Birch, Michael Fox and Jeffrey McDonnell. Vice Chairman Joseph Walsh was absent. Also in attendance were Frank Bartle, Esquire, Lawrence Gregan, Chief J. Scott Bendig, Kevin Costello, Bruce Shoupe, Ann Shade, Rick Lesniak, Sharon Tucker, Richard Grier, Vickie Zidek, Stacy Crandell, Shannon Drosnock and Shirley Snyder.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Chairman Candyce Chimera called for public comment from the audience and there was none.
Frank 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 four personal matters discussed. Also discussed were two litigation matters: the Montgomery Township Zoning Hearing Board matter at 110 Montgomery Avenue, and the Martin Cohen matter, which was before the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas. Mr. Bartle also reported that these matters are legitimate subjects of executive session pursuant to Pennsylvania's Sunshine Law.
Chairman Candyce Chimera made a motion to approve the minutes of the September 24, 2012 Board meeting, and Supervisor Robert Birch seconded the motion. The minutes of the meeting were unanimously approved as submitted.
Director of Public Works, Kevin Costello recognized Public Works Parks Foreman Raymond C. Barndt. Mr. Barndt will be retiring from the Township's Public Works Department effective November 15, 2012 after twenty three years of dedicated and faithful service to the Montgomery Township community. During his years with Montgomery Township, Mr. Barndt's responsibilities included the maintenance of all thirteen Township Parks and 61 Detention Basins. Some of his contributions included the development of various park improvements, such as the Pine Grove Picnic area, new athletic fields and the Bark Park. Mr. Barndt also has supported the Shade Tree Commission in its annual tree give-away program by showing residents the proper way to plant and care for trees. Mr. Barndt has supervised numerous Eagle Scout and Community Service Volunteer projects throughout the Township as well as serving as a mentor to Eagle Scout candidates. Resolution #1 made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Robert Birch and adopted unanimously recognized Raymond C. Barndt and expressed gratitude to him for his dedication and faithful service to the Montgomery Township Public Works Department and the residents of this community. Supervisor Michael Fox thanked Mr. Barndt for all his efforts to Montgomery Township and made a motion to name the Pine Grove Picnic Area in his honor. Motion #1 made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, approved the naming of the Pine Grove Picnic Area in honor of Raymond C. Barndt.
Chief of Police J. Scott Bendig announced the retirement of Canine Aston. Canine Aston entered service with the Montgomery Township Police Department in 2004, serving as a dual purpose canine, specializing in both patrol work and drug detection. During his distinguished career, Canine Aston and his handler, Sergeant Glenn Davis, responded to over 400 calls for service. Resolution #2 made by Supervisor Jeffrey McDonnell, seconded by Supervisor Robert Birch, and approved unanimously, recognized Canine Aston for his nine years of service to the Police Department and citizens of Montgomery Township.
Director of Fire Services Rick Lesniak reported on the efforts of the Township's
Staff and Emergency Responders to the Hurricane Sandy Emergency prior to and during the period of October 29th and 30th. The following Township Departments assisted in the preparation for response to and recovery from the storm: Administration, Emergency Management, Department of Fire Services, Police Department, Public Works Department, Building and Zoning Department, and the volunteers of the Fire Department of Montgomery Township and Volunteer Medical Service Corps. The Township's Emergency Operations Center was opened on Monday, October 29, 2012 and crews from all departments were prepared for the forecasted weather. Resolution #3 made by Supervisor Robert Birch, seconded by Supervisor Jeffrey McDonnell and adopted unanimously, recognized the volunteers of the Fire Department of Montgomery Township, Volunteer Medical Service Corps and the employees from the Township's Administration, Fire Services, Emergency Management, Police Department, Public Works Department and Zoning Department for their preparedness and response efforts related to the Hurricane Sandy Emergency.
The public hearing to consider the Conditional Use #C 58 Undefined Athletics, LLC at 101 Commerce Drive was removed from the agenda as the applicant withdrew the application.
Director of Finance Shannon Drosnock presented the 2013 Preliminary Budget. Three public workshops were conducted by the Board and staff during the month of October, with the last workshop scheduled to be held on November 14, 2012. Ms. Drosnock stated that the proposed Total Revenues for 2013 reflect a 3.40% change. General Fund Revenues consist of the real estate mileage remaining at 1.49 mills in 2013, real estate tax revenues show an increase of 1.84%, and 75 percent of residential property owners are participating in the Homestead Exclusion which was implemented in 2003. Total Expenditures for 2013 show a 3.71% change and consist of salaries and wages and medical and prescription premiums. Upon adoption of a preliminary budget by the Board, a notice must be advertised stating that the proposed budget is available for public inspection at the Township Building. After the approved preliminary budget has been available for public inspection for twenty (20) days, the Board of Supervisors shall, after making revisions as are appropriate, adopt a final budget not later than December 31, 2012. Resolution #4 made by Supervisor Jeffrey McDonnell, seconded by Supervisor Robert Birch and adopted unanimously, adopted the 2013 preliminary Budget for all funds and set Monday, December 17, 2012 at 8:00 p.m. in the Township Building as the date, time and place for the public meeting for consideration of adoption of the 2013 Final Budget.
Director of Planning and Zoning Bruce Shoupe, reported that the Montgomery County Planning Commission's contract with Montgomery Township is about to expire and the Montgomery County Planning Commission has submitted a proposal to extend the Contract for the years 2013 through 2015. Over the past several years, the County Planners have conducted numerous reviews of zoning, subdivision and land development proposals, have been involved in preparing an update of the Township's Park and Recreation Plan and have assisted in preparing an application for a DVRPC Trail Planning Grant. On discussion, it was the consensus of the Board not to renew the Contract, but to utilize the Township's Planning Consultants for future planning work. Township Manager Lawrence Gregan stated that planning reviews could be completed by using our planning independent consultants, whose costs for these reviews would be the responsibility of the applicant. Resolution #5 made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Robert Birch and adopted unanimously, denied renewal of the Community Planning Assistance Contract with the Montgomery County Planning Commission.
Bruce Shoupe reported Proposed Ordinance #12-266Z to amend the sign regulations in the Regional Shopping Center Zoning District is being recommended for consideration by the Board at a Public Hearing. The Proposed Ordinance, as recommended for adoption, has been reviewed by the Township Staff and Planning Commission. Resolution #6 made by Supervisor Jeffrey McDonnell, seconded by Supervisor Michael Fox, and approved unanimously, authorized the advertisement of proposed Ordinance #12-266Z proposing - Amendments to the Sign Regulations in Regional Shopping Center District for consideration at a Public Hearing to be held on Monday, December 17, 2012 at 8:00 p.m.
J. D. Eckman, Inc. has requested the release of funds remaining in the escrow account for the Knapp Road Park grading work. Resolution #7 made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Robert Birch and adopted unanimously, approved the release of $2,162.15, which will close this escrow account.
A request has been received for the release of funds remaining in the escrow account for LDS#601 Taco Bell Land Development Plan. Resolution #8 made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Robert Birch and approved unanimously, approved the release of $4,180.98, the remaining balance, which will close this escrow account.
A request has been received for the release of funds remaining in the escrow account for LDS#652 Bertucci's Restaurant Land Development Plan. Resolution #9 made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Robert Birch and approved unanimously, approved the release of $5,984.27, which will close this escrow account.
Bruce Shoupe reported that Developer for The Enclave at Montgomery has submitted amended DEP Sewage Facilities Planning Modules for revisions to the Development Plan. The developer is proposing a change in the number of dwelling units in the development, which will require this amendment of the Sewage Facilities Planning Module. Resolution #10 made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Robert Birch and adopted unanimously, approved the Second Amendment to the DEP Sewage Facilities Planning Module for The Enclave at Montgomery.
The Bharatiya Temple has requested a waiver of permit fees for their Diwali Festival which is to be held on November 13, 2012. Resolution #11 made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Robert Birch and adopted unanimously waived all permit fees associated with the Diwali Festival on November 13, 2012.
Bruce Shoupe reported that a number of residents and businesses in Montgomery Township sustained damage due to Hurricane Sandy. Staff is proposing that permit fees associated with repairs from the storm be waived, and that the applicant provide documentation of the damages of the storm. Resolution #12 made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Robert Birch and approved unanimously authorized the waiver of permit fees for repairs associated with Hurricane Sandy on October 29, 2012.
Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera made a motion to approve the payment of bills. Supervisor Michael Fox 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 8:40 p.m.