MINUTES OF MEETING

MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

Chairman Joseph Walsh called the executive session to order at 7:30 p.m.   In attendance were Supervisors Robert Birch, Candyce Fluehr Chimera, Michael Fox and Jeffrey McDonnell.  Also in attendance were Lawrence Gregan and Frank Bartle, Esquire,            Chairman Joseph Walsh called the action meeting to order at 8:01 p.m.   In attendance were Supervisors Robert Birch, and Jeffrey McDonnell.  Candyce Fluehr Chimera and Michael Fox were absent.  Also in attendance were Frank Bartle, Esquire, Lawrence Gregan, Chief J. Scott Bendig, Kevin Costello, Bruce Shoupe, Shannon Drosnock, Ann Shade, Rick Lesniak, Stacy Crandell, Rich 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 7:30 p.m.  Mr. Bartle reported that two personnel matters, one potential litigation matter and 1 potential lease/purchase of real estate matter were discussed.  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 August 26, 2013 Board meeting, and Vice Chairman Jeffrey McDonnell seconded the motion.  The minutes of the meeting were unanimously approved as submitted.

            Bruce Shoupe, Director of Planning and Zoning reported that a public hearing has been scheduled to consider adoption of proposed Ordinance #13-275Z, Section 230-5 - Definition of Family.  Notes of testimony were taken by Court Reporter Tim Kurek.  Mr. Shoupe explained that the amendment was to amend the current definition of family in the zoning code that is consistent with the requirements of the Fair Housing Amendment Act of 1968.  Resolution #1 made by Chairman Joseph Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Robert Birch and adopted unanimously, approved Ordinance #13-275Z, which amends Section 230-5 of the Zoning Code regarding the Definition of Family.

            Chief of Police J. Scott Bendig reported that bids had been received and were opened on August 29, 2013 for the purchase of new police uniforms.  Only one bid was received from Red the Uniform Taylor, which was under the budgeted amount for this purchase.  Resolution #2 made by Chairman Joseph Walsh, seconded by Vice Chairman Jeffrey McDonnell and adopted unanimously, awarded the contract for new police uniforms to Red the Uniform Tailor in accordance with the unit prices in their bid dated August 19, 2013, with a total contract cost of $40,856.00.

            Assistant to the Township Manager Stacy Crandell reported that bids were opened on September 5, 2013 for the Township Leaf Waste Collection.  Ms. Crandell reported that bids were received from Republic Services and J.P. Mascaro & Sons.  Upon review of the bid documents, staff recommends the award of the bid to Republic Services as the lowest responsible bidder.  Resolution #3 made by Supervisor Robert Birch, seconded by Vice Chairman Jeffrey McDonnell and adopted unanimously, awarded the bid for Leaf and Yard Waste Collection Services for a three year contract to Republic Services, at a cost of $29,023.44 per year, with a total three year cost of $87,070.32.

            Stacy Crandell reported that the Township has been participating in the Wissahickon Watershed's Year 2 Multi-Municipal MS4 Education Outreach Program.  Participation in this program helps satisfy community outreach and training requirements in the Pennsylvania's Municipal Stormwater Program.  This multi-municipal stormwater program is designed to complement the Township's MS4 permit, which requires community outreach and staff training.  While the Year 1 programs were free, Year 2 of the program, the Township may incur costs associated with certain events.  The fees are optional and would be applicable only if the Township chooses to participate in the activities.  Resolution #4 made by Supervisor Robert Birch, seconded by Vice Chairman Jeffrey McDonnell and adopted unanimously, authorized the Township to participate in the Year 2 Wissahickon Multi-Municipal MS4 Stormwater Education Outreach Program.

            Resolution #5 made by Chairman Joseph Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Robert Birch and adopted unanimously, approved the escrow release for Raymond Au for 675 Bethlehem Pike in the amount of $25,478.11.

            Resolution #6 made by Chairman Joseph Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Robert Birch and adopted unanimously, approved construction Escrow Release #2 for Keystone Homebrew LDS#657 in the amount of $96,519.00.

            Director of Public Works Kevin Costello reported that as part of the 2013 approved budget, $20,000.00 was allocated for extra curb and sidewalk concrete work throughout the Township.  The work will be performed under the current contract with Drumheller Construction, based on unit prices in their approved contract.  Resolution #7 made by Supervisor Robert Birch, seconded by Vice Chairman Jeffrey McDonnell and adopted unanimously, authorized the expenditure in the amount of $20,797.00 to perform repairs/replacement of sidewalks throughout the Township under the contract with Drumheller Construction in accordance with the approved 2013 Budget.

            Township Manager Lawrence Gregan reported that in September 2012 the Cutler Group authorized Wolverine Constructors to proceed with improvements to the Township's Friendship Park located on Enclave Boulevard.  The work involves site grading and paving improvements on the property in accordance with plans prepared by Chambers and Associates and in compliance with the approved NPDES permit for this work.  During a recent inspection of the project, the need for additional storm drainage improvements was identified to eliminate two groundwater problem areas that are impacting final stabilization of the site and the final paving of the asphalt trail around the perimeter of the park.  Change Order #4 has been submitted to Wolverine Constructors, Inc. for work on Swale "C" and Swale "D".  Resolution #8 made by Supervisor Robert Birch, seconded by Chairman Joseph Walsh and adopted unanimously, accepted the Township Engineer's recommendation that the scope of the site work for Friendship park be revised per Change Order #4 for a total increase in the project cost of $30,782.00.

            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.

            There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 8:17 p.m.