MINUTES OF MEETING
MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
JULY 22, 2013
Vice Chairman Jeffrey McDonnell called the executive session to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Robert Birch, Candyce Fluehr Chimera and Michael Fox. Chairman Joseph Walsh was absent. Also in attendance were Lawrence Gregan, Frank Bartle, Esquire, and Bruce Shoupe.
Vice Chairman Jeffrey McDonnell 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. Chairman Joseph Walsh was absent. Also in attendance were Frank Bartle, Esquire, Lawrence Gregan, Chief J. Scott Bendig, Richard Lesniak, Kevin Costello, Bruce Shoupe, Shannon Drosnock, Ann Shade, Stacy Crandell, Laura Duff, Richard Grier and Deb Rivas.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Vice Chairman Jeffrey McDonnell called for public comment from the audience. Under public comment, John Burnes of 1231 Turnbury Lane, stated that he moved into the area three weeks ago and on July 10th, he visited the Bark Park with his dog. Mr. Burnes said that within minutes of his arrival, his dog was attacked and mauled by a German Shepard. The dog's injuries required surgery. Mr. Burnes stated that he went to the Police Department to file a report and he learned that the offending dog and owners only need to quarantine the dog for 10 days. Mr. Burnes said that rather than just complain about the situation, he wanted to propose a solution for the usage of the Bark Park. Mr. Burnes said that in Bucks County there is a park called Core Creek which requires a membership with a $20 fee, a requirement that all animals are up to date on their vaccinations and background checks are done on each applicant. Also, access to the park is restricted by swiping a membership card, so therefore the park does not have unlimited access. Supervisor Michael Fox suggested that this proposal be vetted through the Park and Recreation Board. The Park Board should evaluate the proposal and make a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors.
Township Solicitor Frank Bartle, Esquire reported that the Board met in an executive session earlier in the evening at 7:30 p.m. Mr. Bartle reported that there were two matters of potential litigation discussed, the Cohen Zoning Hearing Board matter and the Allman Zoning Hearing Board matter. Mr. Bartle 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 July 8, 2013 Board meeting, and Supervisor Michael Fox seconded the motion. The minutes of the meeting were unanimously approved as submitted.
Vice Chairman Jeffrey McDonnell presented a donation check in the amount of $9,000 to the Montgomery County Norristown Public Library. Kathy Arnold-Yerger was present to accept the check on behalf of the Montgomery County Norristown Public Library.
Director of Fire Services Rick Lesniak reported that the Village Tavern Restaurant hosted its 4th Annual St. Patrick's Day Shock Run in Montgomery Township. The proceeds raised from this year's run were used to purchase and donate automatic external defibulators (AEDs) to local businesses and organizations. On June 27th, the Village Tavern presented the F.D.M.T. with a new AED to be placed in service and added to the Department's compliment of AEDs. Resolution #1, made by Vice Chairman Jeffrey McDonnell, seconded by Supervisor Robert Birch and adopted unanimously, recognized the Village Tavern for their donation of an AED to the Fire Department of Montgomery Township.
Police Chief Scott Bendig reported that the Police Department has expanded its Police Bicycle Unit to increase patrols along the 202 Parkway and other Township Park locations. Township residents Mr. and Mrs. Young Moon recently presented the Police Department with a check for $500.00 for the enhancement of the Police Bicycle Unit. Their generosity will enable the Police Department to fund the purchase of a new bicycle for the unit. Resolution #2 made by Vice Chairman Jeffrey McDonnell, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Chimera and adopted unanimously, recognized Mr. and Mrs. Young Moon for their donation to the Montgomery Township Police Department.
A public hearing for a Conditional Use, #C-61, for Capital Telecom Acquisition, LLC for a telecommunications facility at 608 Upper State Road was opened at 8:17 p.m. Notes of testimony were taken by Court Reporter Tim Kurek. Christopher Schubert, Esquire, representing the applicant, presented testimony regarding the proposed installation of a new telecommunications facility at the rear portion of the property at 608 Upper State Road. The proposal consists of the construction of a 130 foot antenna support structure and the placement of twelve panel style antennas at the top of the tower. Mr. Schubert presented the testimony of the following witnesses, Scott Von Rein of Capital Telecom Acquisition, LLC, Brian Sidel of Cyber Plan Design, Krup Kolandevelieu, a construction engineer, and Andrew Petersohn, an electrical frequency design engineer. The applicant requested a waiver pertaining to the requirements for landscaping of telecommunication facilities. The public hearing closed at 9:00 p.m. Resolution #3 made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Robert Birch and adopted unanimously, approved the Conditional Use #C-61 for Capital Telecom Acquisition, LLC for a telecommunications facility at 608 Upper State Road.
Planning Director Bruce Shoupe reported that the Township has received an amended preliminary/final land development plan for Bharatiya Temple, located at County Line Road, for an amendment to Phase 1 of the project originally approved in 2002. The proposal includes revisions to the front portion of the main temple building. This will include the removal of the existing stairs and structure at the east side and reconstruction of the stairs in a new configuration. The proposal also includes the removal of the Caretakers Cottage, which has not been constructed and the replacement of this structure with an unenclosed pavilion and breezeway attached to the existing temple. Township staff and consultants have reviewed the plan. Resolution #4, made by made by Vice Chairman Jeffrey McDonnell, seconded by Supervisor Michael Fox and adopted unanimously, approved the amended preliminary/final land development plan for Bharatiya Temple.
Assistant to the Township Manager Stacy Crandell presented the proposed bid for Residential Leaf and Yard Waste. Ms. Crandell explained that a condition of eligibility for funding under DEP's 904 Recycling Performance Grant Program is that the Township provide a separate collection of leaf and yard waste with disposal at a composting facility. The regulations specifically require that the Township provide for a curbside pick-up of bagged leaf and yard waste at least twice per year in the spring and fall, and provide for a drop-off and disposal of leaf and yard waste at least once per month. The current contract expires on October 30, 2013 and the Township needs to solicit bids for a new contract to start November 1, 2013. Resolution #5, made by Vice Chairman Jeffrey McDonnell, seconded by Supervisor Michael Fox and adopted unanimously, authorized the advertisement for bids for Residential Leaf and Yard Waste Collection and Disposal.
Assistant to the Township Manager Stacy Crandell reported that the Township has been investigating various grant programs to see what possible funding sources are available to support the costs for the amenities proposed for the new Recreation/Community Center. The staff has prepared a grant application for the construction of the accessible playground and spray park at the proposed Recreation/Community Center. The maximum amount of grant funding available for each project will not exceed $250,000 and requires a 50% local match of the total project cost. The Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) requires a non-refundable application fee of $100. The deadline for the application is July 31, 2013. Resolution #6 made by Vice Chairman Jeffrey McDonnell, seconded by Supervisor Michael Fox and adopted unanimously, requested the Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program (GTRP) grant of $250,000 and designated Lawrence J. Gregan as the official to execute all documents and agreements between Montgomery Township and the CFA.
Finance Director Shannon Drosnock reported that each year the Township's financial statements are reviewed and audited by an independent audit firm for the purposes of meeting State and Federal reporting requirements in accordance with Section 917(d) of the Second Class Township Code. The Township has engaged Maillie, LLP as the Auditor for several years. The current engagement with Maillie expired with the completion of the 2012 audit. It is a good practice and exercise of due diligence for the Township to solicit proposals from various accounting firms on a periodic basis to perform these services. Mrs. Drosnock presented a Request for Proposal to solicit proposals from accounting firms to perform these audit services for the Township, the Fire Department and the Fire Department Relief Association for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2013 with a three (3) year option. Resolution #7 made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Chimera and adopted unanimously, authorized staff to solicit proposals from accounting firms for the service of auditing.
Finance Director Shannon Drosnock presented the Second Quarter 2013 Budget Report. Ms. Drosnock reported that the Township has received $8.24M of the general fund revenues budgeted in the second quarter. These revenues were 5.7% higher as compared to revenues received during the 2nd Quarter 2012. In addition, expenditures during the 2nd Quarter 2013 were $4.78M, which was 1/2% higher than the $4.76M in expenditures during the 2nd Quarter 2012. Ms. Drosnock reported that overall, expenditures in each department are consistent with the expenditures from the prior year and are 1% below budget as of the end of the 2nd Quarter.
Resolution #8 made by Vice Chairman Jeffrey McDonnell, seconded by Supervisor Robert Birch and adopted unanimously, authorized a construction escrow release #1 for Montgomery Pointe Phase III in the amount of $7,645.
Resolution #9 made by Vice Chairman Jeffrey McDonnell, seconded by Supervisor Robert Birch and adopted unanimously, authorized a construction escrow release #1 for Montgomery Pointe Phase IIB in the amount of $10,270.
Resolution #10 made by Vice Chairman Jeffrey McDonnell, seconded by Supervisor Robert Birch and adopted unanimously, authorized a construction escrow release #2 for Montgomery Preserve Phase 1 in the amount of $37,586.25.
Resolution #11 made by Vice Chairman Jeffrey McDonnell, seconded by Supervisor Robert Birch and adopted unanimously, authorized a construction escrow release #2 for Montgomery Knoll Phase IB in the amount of $98,438.
Resolution #12 made by Vice Chairman Jeffrey McDonnell, seconded by Supervisor Robert Birch and adopted unanimously, authorized a construction escrow release #1 for Montgomery Walk Phase IIB in the amount of $167,619.25.
Vice Chairman Jeffrey McDonnell made a motion to approve the payment of bills. Supervisor Robert Birch 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 9:20 p.m.