MINUTES OF MEETING
MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
May 13, 2013
Chairman Joseph Walsh called the action meeting to order at 8:00 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Robert Birch, Candyce Fluehr Chimera, Michael Fox and Jeffrey McDonnell. Also in attendance were Frank Bartle, Esquire, Lawrence Gregan, Chief J. Scott Bendig, Richard Lesniak, Kevin Costello, Bruce Shoupe, Ann Shade, Stacy Crandell, Laura Duff, Richard Grier and Shirley Snyder.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Chairman Joseph Walsh called for public comment. Chairman Joseph Walsh reported that the 300 Committee's Golf Outing which was held on Thursday, May 9, 2013 at Pine Crest Country Club was a huge success. Chairman Walsh expressed his thanks to Assistant to the Township Manager, Stacy Crandell and Dennis Cooney, member of the 300 Committee, for their planning and execution of this event. Supervisor Michael Fox added his thanks and commended the 300 Committee for a well-planned and well-supported event.
Supervisor Michael Fox reported that notice has been received from the Pennsylvania Senate that the Senate has approved Senate Bill 680 which includes Montgomery Township's Capital Grant request for $5.0M in funds to be used for the construction of the Community/Recreation Center. The Bill has been sent to the House of Representatives for further consideration. Supervisor Fox requested that residents contact State Representative Todd Stephens to request his support in the House of Representatives for this grant. Ed Diasio, a staff member from Representative Todd Stephens office was present and reiterated that Representative Stephens would like to hear from his constituents regarding this matter. Mr. Diasio stated that residents can contact Representative Todd Stephens by visiting the office at 515 Stump Road, via telephone at 215-368-5165, by submitting a written letter or by email to Tstephens@pahousegop.com.
Supervisor Michael Fox made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 22, 2013 Board meeting, and Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera seconded the motion. The minutes of the meeting were unanimously approved as submitted.
Recreation Coordinator Sharon Tucker reported that Cub Scout Pack 229 has submitted a Facilities and Field Use request for Spring Valley Park to hold their annual rocket launch on Sunday, June 16, 2013. The request has been reviewed with the Planning and Zoning Department, Public Works Department and Fire Services Department and approved by staff. Due to the nature of this use, Board of Supervisor approval is required. Bill Carlin, a "Den Father" from Pack 229 was present, along with four members of the Cub Scout Pack, Owen, Brian, Brandon and Liam. Resolution #1, made by Chairman Joseph Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Michael Fox and adopted unanimously, permitted the limited opportunity for Cub Scout Pack 229 to conduct their annual Rocket Launch at Spring Valley Park on Sunday, June 16, 2013 with certain conditions, as outlined in the resolution, that need to be met.
Director of Fire Services Richard Lesniak reported that TEVA Pharmaceuticals has offered a $5,000 donation to the Volunteer Fire Department of Montgomery Township. The monies would be used to fund the purchase of five (5) Case Commander Incident Command Boards to track resources during emergency incidents. Mr. Lesniak reported that the equipment is part of a larger command, control and accountability system that the FDMT and Department of Fire Services are working together to develop. Resolution #2, made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, granted approval for the Fire Department of Montgomery Township to accept a $5,000 donation from TEVA for the purpose of purchasing five (5) Case Commander Incident command Boards. Mr. Lesniak and the Board extended their appreciation to TEVA for their support to the Montgomery Township community.
Ricard Lesniak introduced Joanne Weinhardt and Michael Goldberg, both residents of Montgomery Township, who are seeking appointment as Special Fire Police Officers. Both Ms. Weinhardt and Mr. Goldberg have been interviewed by the Police Department and have been recommended for appointment as Special Fire Police Officers. Resolution #3, made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, appointed Joanne Weinhardt and Michael Goldberg to the position of Special Fire Police Officers with the Fire Department of Montgomery Township.
Richard Lesniak reported that Ms. Vira Katolik of Stray Cat Blues, Inc. had contacted Fire Chief Bill Weigman asking if the Fire Department would be interested in accepting a donation of animal oxygen kits. Stray Cat Blues, Inc. is a no-kill, non-profit organization providing rescue and placement to stray and feral cats. Each kit contains an oxygen mask, air tubes, a kennel lead, incident report form and an instructional DVD. Stray Cat Blues, Inc. has graciously donated ten (10) kits to the Fire Department of Montgomery Township. Ms. Katolik displayed the articles contained in each kit. Resolution #4, made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Robert Birch and adopted unanimously, recognized Stray Cat Blues, Inc. for their donation of pet oxygen kits to the Fire Department of Montgomery Township.
Chief of Police J. Scott Bendig reported that Police Week was established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962 and pays special recognition to law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. Montgomery Township Police Officer David Hancock lost his life on December 11, 1976 while protecting the citizens of Montgomery Township. National Police Week 2013 will be celebrated from Sunday, May 12th through Saturday, May 18th. The Montgomery Township Police Department will be hosting a special celebration of National Police Week on Saturday, May 18, 2013 at the Montgomery Mall from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with demonstrations by the Montgomery Township's Canine Unit, the Montgomery County Sheriff's Department Bomb Squad Robot, Child Identification Fingerprinting, Face Painting as well as interactive display tables and police vehicle displays. Resolution #5, made by Chairman Joseph Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Robert Birch and adopted unanimously, recognized the week of May 12th through May 18th, 2013 as National Police Week.
Director of Public Works Kevin Costello reported that National Public Works Week has been observed since 1960. The week of May 19th through May 25th, 2013 has been designated as National Public Works Week. This year's theme is "Because of Public Works", which speaks to the quality of life brought to communities around the world. Resolution #6, made by Supervisor Robert Birch, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, recognizes the week of May 19th through May 25th 2013 as National Public Works Week and extends appreciation to the men and women of the Montgomery Township Public Works Department for their efforts on behalf of the residents and visitors of Montgomery Township.
Director of Public Works Kevin Costello reported that he is requesting approval to send Public Works employee, Don Johnson to attend out-of-state training in New Jersey which will enable him to obtain his Level III Field Technician Certification. Resolution #7, made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, authorized Don Johnson to attend the Level III Field Technician Certification training offered by the IMSA New Jersey Section on June 27, 2013 at Rutgers Eco Complex in Bordentown, New Jersey.
Director of Planning and Zoning Bruce Shoupe reported that Capital Telecom Acquisitions has requested an indefinite continuance of the Public Hearing for the conditional use application for a cell tower, proposed for 608 Upper State Road. Resolution #8, made by Chairman Joseph Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, approved the indefinite continuance of the Public Hearing for the Conditional Use application of Capital Telecom Acquisitions, LLC for a cell tower at 608 Upper State Road.
Chairman Joseph Walsh made a motion to waive the permit fees for the Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish Festival to be held from June 18th to June 22nd, 2013. Resolution #9 approved the waiver of all permit fees (special event fees) for Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Festival.
Township Manager Lawrence Gregan reported that the David Cutler Group is funding the improvements for Friendship Park and requests the Township's authorization to release progress payments to its contractor, Wolverine Constructors. Mr. Gregan reported that the total cost for the park improvements is $546,463.82 and Wolverine Constructors is seeking a progress payment #8 in the amount of $16,200.00. The Township Engineer has inspected the site and found the work completed to date to be satisfactory. Resolution #10, made by Supervisor Robert Birch, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera, and adopted unanimously, accepted the Township Engineer's recommendation that the site work was performed satisfactorily and that the David Cutler Group can proceed with progress payment #8 to Wolverine Constructors in accordance with the provisions of their contract.
Chairman Joseph Walsh 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 8:34 p.m.