MINUTES OF MEETING

MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

June 10, 2013

           

            Chairman Joseph Walsh called the executive session to order at 7:00 p.m.   In attendance were Supervisors Robert Birch, Candyce Fluehr Chimera, Michael Fox and Jeffrey McDonnell.  Also in attendance were Lawrence Gregan, Frank Bartle, Esquire and Bruce Shoupe. 

            Chairman Joseph Walsh called the action meeting to order at 8:01 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, Shannon Drosnock, Stacy Crandell, Laura Duff, Richard Grier and Shirley Snyder.

            Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Chairman Joseph Walsh called for public comment from the audience and there was none. 

            Township Solicitor 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 personnel matters, two potential litigation matters and two litigation matters discussed.  The litigation matters were:  the Zoning Hearing Board Appeal for Gwynmont Farms Utility Corporation and the Zoning Hearing Board Appeal for Advance Urgent Care and Advanced Dentistry at 721 Bethlehem Pike.  Mr. Bartle also reported that these matters are legitimate subjects of executive session pursuant to Pennsylvania's Sunshine Law.

            Chairman Joseph Walsh made a motion to approve the minutes of the May 28, 2013 Board meeting, and Supervisor Michael Fox seconded the motion.  The minutes of the meeting were unanimously approved as submitted.

            Chairman Joseph Walsh reported that Montgomery Township is filled with many talented residents and the Board would like to honor two of Montgomery Township's high school graduating seniors for their outstanding academic and athletic achievements.  Lauren Crisler is a graduating senior from North Penn High School where she was a four year varsity player and 2012-2013 Captain of the Maidens basketball team.  Lauren averaged 15.3 points per game, played all five positions, and earned her 1,000th career point.  She was also named to the 2012-2013 Pennsylvania Sports Writers Basketball All Star Class AAA First Team.

            Vincent Esposito is a graduating senior from North Penn High School where he is an Honors Student and won the gold medal and state championship for pole vaulting at the 2013 Pennsylvania PIAA Class AAA Track and Field Championship, clearing the bar at 15 feet.  Vincent also broke the nineteen year old North Penn record for pole vaulting with a personal best vault of 15'4".  Resolution #1, made by Supervisor  Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, recognized Lauren Crisler and Vincent Esposito for their outstanding academic and athletic achievements while attending North Penn High School and wished them luck in their future endeavors.

            Chairman Joseph Walsh reported that a second escrow release for Wegman's Supermarket has been received.  Resolution #2, made by Chairman Joseph Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Michael Fox and adopted unanimously, approved escrow release #2 (LDS #660) for Wegman's Supermarket.

            Assistant to the Township Manager  Stacy Crandell provided an overview of the bicycle and pedestrian friendly initiative.  The Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) has been discussing ways to implement the Sustainability Audit, and discussions led to how to make Montgomery Township a more bike-friendly community.  Chairman Joseph Walsh, Board Liaison to the EAC has been driving this initiative.  With the opening of the Route 202 Parkway and its trails, the convergence of the county trails and the conception of the Community Center, the EAC feels that this is a great opportunity to explore a bike/pedestrian friendly concept.  The Open Space Committee is working with the Township Engineer, Gilmore & Associates to conduct a study to determine the most feasible alignment for a trail connection between the proposed Powerline Trail and the Route 202 Parkway Trail.  Some of the aspects of the plan that the EAC will be researching are:  reviewing the current sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian signals throughout the Township; reviewing bicycle facility types, application of bicycle facilities, and bike parking; reviewing codes and ordinances to see what the Township currently has and what should be incorporated in the future. 

            Chairman Joseph Walsh announced that the authorization for emergency repairs to the Ladder 18 transmission will be removed from this evening's agenda at the request of Director of Fire Services, Rick Lesniak.

            Chairman Joseph Walsh reported that an amendment to the compensation provisions in the Township Manager's current Memorandum of Agreement is being proposed for consideration.  The Township Manager's compensation for 2013 would increase from $125,000 to $130,000/year.  Due to recent legislative changes in the Second Class Township Code, this change will require entering into a new agreement.  Chairman Walsh acknowledged the dedication and expert leadership of Township Manager Lawrence Gregan.  Resolution #3, made by Chairman Joseph Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Michael Fox and adopted unanimously, authorized execution of the new Township Manager's Memorandum of Agreement effective for the period from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013.

            Chairman Joseph Walsh made a motion to approve the payment of bills.  Supervisor Robert Birch seconded the motion.  The payment of bills was unanimously approved as submitted.

            Under other business, Chairman Joseph Walsh made a motion, Motion #1, that the Township oppose the Zoning Hearing Board application of Gwynmont Farms Utility Corp, and authorize Robert L. Adshead, Esquire to enter his appearance as Special Counsel for the Township and present the case in opposition to the application, at a fee of $150 per hour.  The motion was seconded by Supervisor Michael Fox and adopted unanimously.

            Chairman Joseph Walsh made a motion, Motion #2, that the Township oppose the Zoning Hearing Board application of Advance Urgent Care and Advanced Dentistry (Mehdi Nikparvar) for the property located at 721 Bethlehem Pike, Montgomeryville, PA, and authorized the Township Solicitor to appear and present the case of the Township in opposition to the application.  The motion was seconded by Supervisor Michael Fox and adopted unanimously.

            There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.