MINUTES OF MEETING
MARCH 25, 2013
Vice Chairman Jeffrey McDonnell called the executive session to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Candyce Fluehr Chimera and Michael Fox. Chairman Joseph Walsh and Supervisor Robert Birch were absent. Also in attendance were Lawrence Gregan and Robert Iannozzi, Esquire.
Vice Chairman Jeffrey McDonnell called the action meeting to order at 8:00 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Candyce Fluehr Chimera and Michael Fox. Chairman Joseph Walsh and Supervisor Robert Birch were absent. Also in attendance were Robert Iannozzi, Esquire, Lawrence Gregan, Chief J. Scott Bendig, Rick Lesniak, Kevin Costello, Bruce Shoupe, Shannon Drosnock, Ann Shade, Stacy Crandell, Laura Duff, Richard Grier and Deborah Rivas.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Vice Chairman Jeffrey McDonnell called for public comment from the audience and there was none.
Robert Iannozzi, Esquire reported that the Board met in an executive session earlier in the evening at 7:30 p.m. Mr. Iannozzi reported that there were two matters of real estate and one personnel matter discussed. Mr. Iannozzi also reported that these matters are legitimate subjects of executive session pursuant to Pennsylvania's Sunshine Law.
Vice Chairman Jeffrey McDonnell made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 11, 2013 Board meeting, and Supervisor Michael Fox seconded the motion. The minutes of the meeting were unanimously approved as submitted.
Marita Kelly, a representative from the Pennsylvania Chapter of the Government Finance Officers Association, presented a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Award to Montgomery Township for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011. This is the second consecutive year that the Township has received this award.
Finance Director Shannon Drosnock reported that the Township is responsible for a significant number of post-issuance obligations with regard to monitoring the recent bond issue for compliance with federal tax rules in order to maintain the tax-exempt status on the bonds. As such, the Township's Bond Counsel, Suzanne Mayes of Cozen O'Connor, has prepared a Post-Issuance Tax Compliance Policy for consideration for adoption. Ms. Drosnock explained that this policy will govern the Township's procedures over the 30 year term of the bonds to ensure that the Township is in compliance with federal tax requirements. Resolution #1, made by Vice Chairman Jeffrey McDonnell, seconded by Supervisor Michael Fox and adopted unanimously, adopted the Compliance Policies and Procedures for Tax-Exempt Bonds.
Township Manager Lawrence Gregan announced that following Collective Bargaining efforts in accordance with the provisions of Pennsylvania Act 111, Police and Firefighters Collective Bargaining Law, the Board of Supervisors and the Montgomery Township Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 4890 have reached a settlement of Collective Bargaining Agreement. The Agreement will be in effect for the years 2013 - 2015. Resolution #2, made by Vice Chairman Jeffrey McDonnell, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Chimera and adopted unanimously, ratified and authorized the execution of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between Montgomery Township and the Montgomery Township Professional Firefighters, IAFF 4890.
Public Information Coordinator Laura Duff reported that the Township will be observing Local Government Week by hosting a Legislative Breakfast on Friday, April 12, 2013 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Ms. Duff said that local, county, state and federal officials representing the North Penn area are invited to the breakfast to discuss issues affecting the local community.
Assistant to the Township Manager Stacy Crandell reported that the Spring 2013 curbside leaf and yard waste collection is scheduled for Saturday, April 20, 2013. Ms. Crandell reminded all residents to have their leaf and yard waste materials placed curbside the evening before the pickup in biodegradable bags. Supervisor Fox asked if the event was being advertised and if we know how many residents actually participate. The event is being advertised on all Township media outlets and staff will contact Republic Services to request a status on the participation of the curbside pickup on April 20, 2013.
Assistant to the Township Manager Stacy Crandell announced the Township's Earth Day events for April 20, 2013. The Environmental Advisory Committee is continuing their partnership with Montgomery Mall to host these events in honor of Earth Day. The events include free electronic and equipment recycling, free residential paper shredding and assorted activities promoting composting, raised garden beds, rain barrels, storm water management, energy conservation, kids crafts, animal demonstrations and energy efficient car displays.
Assistant to the Township Manager Stacy Crandell reported on the $40,000 DVRPC Feasibility Phase II Grant to evaluate alternatives to connect the proposed power line trail to the Parkway trail. She reviewed a scope of work and cost proposal prepared by Township Engineer, Gilmore & Associates for a total cost of $40,000. The DVRPC grant will cover $32,000 of the cost of this project and the Township's match will be made from in kind services supplied by staff. Resolution #3, made by Vice Chairman Jeffrey McDonnell, seconded by Supervisor Michael Fox and adopted unanimously, approved the professional scope of work from Gilmore Associates in the amount not to exceed $32,000 to perform the Powerline Trail Connector Feasibility Study.
Director of Administration and Human Resources Ann Shade reported that the Autumn Festival Committee is requesting the Board's approval to solicit for funds to help finance the event. As in years past, the Autumn Festival requests donations by letter for various levels of sponsorship. Resolution #4, made by Vice Chairman Jeffrey McDonnell, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Chimera and adopted unanimously, approved the 2013 Autumn Festival Solicitation Letter and Brochure.
Director of Planning and Zoning Bruce Shoupe introduced the Preliminary/Final Land Development Plan for Maple Drive and Crystal Road Townhouse Development by Select Properties, LDS #639A. Mr. Shoupe reported that Select Properties proposes to create a land development of 36 townhouse lots, within the Township's R-3A - Residential Zoning District. The site is approximately 8.1 acres and is located at the intersection of Maple Drive (paper street) and Crystal Road. This development is an extension of the Firefox development which was submitted by the Klein Company and was approved in 2007, but is not yet constructed. Kirk Clauss, P.E., representing the applicant, reported that Select Properties has an agreement with the Klein Company to extend the dead end road into the new proposed development. This will provide an emergency access or secondary access out to Crystal Road down to Route 309. The development proposed is for 36 townhouses, which are to be an exact match as the townhouses that the Klein Company is proposing. It is possible that the same builder could build both developments. Mr. Clauss also indicated that the trail connection concern has been addressed in that Crystal Road will act as the trail connection. Also, Mr. Clauss indicated that construction traffic cannot go through the Firefox development, but will use Maple Drive as a construction entrance. Maple Drive will be improved and left in that state as a secondary emergency access point when the development is finished. Mr. Clauss requested that the fee for the Park and Recreation be decreased by two units in consideration of the two existing dwelling units that are currently on the property. Mr. Clauss asked that the Park and Recreation fee be applied to 34 new units instead of 36 at $2,000 per unit. Resolution #5, made by Vice Chairman Jeffrey McDonnell, seconded by Supervisor Michael Fox and adopted unanimously, approved the Preliminary/Final Land Development Plan for Maple Drive and Crystal Road Townhouses by Select Properties, LDS #639A.
Director of Planning and Land Development Bruce Shoupe reported that PennDOT is offering just compensation for the purchase of right-of-way Parcel 423 on Limekiln Pike which is owned by Montgomery Township. Mr. Shoupe reported that PennDOT is offering $4,700 for the Rex Property driveway relocation near the intersection of Lower State Road and Limekiln Pike. Resolution #6, made by Vice Chairman Jeffrey McDonnell, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Chimera and adopted unanimously, authorized the acceptance of PennDOT's offer to purchase and just compensation for Parcel 423 Right-of-Way Limekiln Pike.
Director of Planning and Zoning Bruce Shoupe reported that the Township has received an application for a conditional use approval from Capital Telecom Acquisitions for the installation of a new telecommunications facility at the rear portion of the property at 608 Upper State Road. The proposal is for the construction of a 130 foot antenna support structure and the placement of twelve panel style antennas at the top of the tower. Resolution #7, made by Vice Chairman Jeffrey McDonnell, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Chimera and adopted unanimously, set Monday, May 13, 2013 after 8:00 p.m. as the date and time for a Public Hearing to consider the Conditional Use application of Capital Telecom Acquisitions, for the installation of a new telecommunications facility at the rear portion of the property located at 608 Upper State Road.
Director of Planning and Zoning Bruce Shoupe reported that Montgomery Elementary is requesting a waiver of special event permit fee for their annual Spring Fest. Resolution #8, made by Vice Chairman Jeffrey McDonnell, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Chimera and adopted unanimously, approved the request of Montgomery Elementary School to waive the special event permit fee for their annual SpringFest to be held on May 11, 2013.
Vice Chairman Jeffrey McDonnell 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 8:42 p.m.