MINUTES OF MEETING
MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
JANUARY 27, 2014
Chairman Joseph Walsh called the Executive Session to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Candyce Fluehr Chimera, Michael Fox and Jeffrey McDonnell. Supervisor Robert Birch was absent. Also in attendance were Frank Bartle, Esquire and Lawrence Gregan,
Chairman Joseph Walsh called the action meeting to order at 8:11 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Candyce Fluehr Chimera, Michael Fox and Jeffrey McDonnell. Supervisor Robert Birch was absent. Also in attendance were Frank Bartle, Esquire, Lawrence Gregan, Chief J. Scott Bendig, Richard Lesniak, Shannon Drosnock, Ann Shade, Stacy Crandell, Kevin Costello, Bruce Shoupe, Richard Grier, Lance Allen, Kelsey McMeans and Deb Rivas.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Chairman Joseph Walsh called for public comment from the audience. Richard Roller, who resides at 1142 Knapp Road, is the Montgomery Township Representative on the Northern Montgomery County Recycling Commission (NMCRC). Mr. Roller presented a check in the amount of $56,301.58 to the Township for its portion of the 904 Performance Award Grant for tonnage of recycled materials by the residents and businesses of Montgomery Township.
Township Solicitor Frank Bartle, Esquire reported that the Board had met in an executive session earlier in the evening at 7:30 p.m. Mr. Bartle reported that the Board discussed one Zoning Hearing Board matter of litigation for a screened porch at a Neshaminy Falls home and two potential matters of litigation. 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 and Supervisor Michael Fox seconded the motion to approve the minutes of the January 6, 2014 Board meeting. The minutes of the meeting were unanimously approved as submitted.
Director of Administration and Human Resources Ann Shade introduced new employee, Kelsey McMeans, who joined the Township staff as the Public Information Coordinator. Ms. McMeans will be responsible for providing internal and external communications and public relations between Montgomery Township and its residents through programs, printed materials and various resources, including our website, E-News and local government access channels. Resolution #1 made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, welcomed Kelsey McMeans as an employee of Montgomery Township.
Township Manager Lawrence J. Gregan announced that the following committee volunteers have submitted letters of resignation from their current positions, effective January 27, 2014: James Earley – Elected Township Auditor, Dennis Cooney – Zoning Hearing Board, Mary Kay Kelm – Zoning Hearing Board, Laurence Poli – Alternate Member – Zoning Hearing Board, Edward Diasio – Alternate Member – Zoning Hearing Board, Mark Angelone – Park & Recreation Board, and Kim Greene – Open Space Committee. Mr. Gregan also reported that the following individuals submitted letters of interest for appointment to Township Boards and Commissions, effective January 27, 2014: James Earley – Park & Recreation Board with a term to expire January 1, 2015, Edward Diasio – Zoning Hearing Board Member with a term to expire January 1, 2017, Laurence Poli – Zoning Hearing Board Member with a term to expire January 1, 2016, L. Vincent Roth III – Alternate Member – Zoning Hearing Board with a term to expire January 1, 2017 and Linda Brooks – Open Space Committee with a term to expire on January 1, 2015. Resolution #2 made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and approved unanimously, accepted the resignations of the above individuals leaving various committees and boards and appointed the above referenced individuals to various committees and boards.
Chairman Joseph Walsh opened the Public Hearing at 8:27 p.m. for the consideration of a Liquor License Transfer for Druzak Merchant Development, Inc. for a Quaker Steak & Lube to be constructed at 790 Upper State Road. Notes of testimony were taken by Court Reporter, Tim Kurek. Mark Kozar, Esquire was in attendance, representing the applicant, Druzak Merchant Development, Inc. The applicant will be operating a restaurant and their intent is to sell liquor for consumption with meals at the restaurant. Mr. Kozar reviewed the qualifications necessary to permit a transfer of a liquor license from another municipality. The hearing concluded at 8:36 p.m. Resolution #3, made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, approved the transfer of liquor license to the restaurant facilities for a Quaker Steak & Lube to be constructed at 790 Upper State Road, Montgomery Township, Pennsylvania.
Director of Administration and Human Resources Ann Shade reported that the 2014 Spring and Summer Recreation Programs and fees are ready to be offered to the public. The Recreation Newsletter is ready to be published and it contains many new programs as well as returning popular programs, such as the Kids University Summer program. Resolution #4, made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, approved the 2014 Spring and Summer Programs and Fee Schedule.
Police Chief Scott Bendig reported that the Police Department is scheduled to replace two marked patrol vehicles. At this time the Police Department is proposing to purchase two 2014 Dodge Chargers as approved in the 2014 Final Budget. Resolution #5, made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Chairman Joseph Walsh and adopted unanimously, awarded the contract for the purchase of police vehicles to Lansdale Auto Group, an authorized vendor under the Pennsylvania Cooperative Purchasing Program at a cost of $51,004.00.
Director of Public Works Kevin Costello reported that the staff is requesting the Board's authorization to advertise and solicit for bids for the annual Equipment Rental, Paving materials and Services contract for the Public Works Department. Resolution #6, made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, authorized the advertisement for bids for Rentals, Materials and Services, including Asphalt, Crack Sealer, Stone Aggregate, Lawn Care Treatments and Equipment Rental. The bids are to be received on or before February 13, 2014 at 10:30 a.m.
Director of Public Works Kevin Costello reported that the staff is requesting the Board's authorization to advertise and solicit for bids for the annual Curb and Sidewalk Project. Annually, the Township performs repairs / replacement of certain curbing and sidewalks throughout the Township in anticipation of the future resurfacing of the streets. The bid specifications have been prepared by Township Engineer, Gilmore & Associates, and reviewed by staff. Resolution #7, made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Chairman Joseph Walsh and adopted unanimously, authorized the advertisement for bids for the 2014 Curb and Sidewalk Project. The bids are to be received on or before February 13, 2014 at 10:00 a.m.
Director of Public Works Kevin Costello reported that the staff is requesting the Board's approval to purchase a 2014 Jacobsen HR-9016 Tractor as proposed in the 2014 final budget. A quote was received from Lawn and Golf Supply, an authorized vendor under the Co-Stars Cooperative Purchase Program, to provide the requested equipment at a cost of $79,455.00. The price quoted represents a savings of $25,495.00 off of the dealer list price of $104,950.00. Resolution #8, made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, awarded the contract for the purchase of the 2014 Jacobsen HR-9016 Tractor to Lawn and Golf Supply, Co., at a cost of $79,495.00.
Director of Finance Shannon Drosnock presented the 4th Quarter 2013 Budget report. Ms. Drosnock' s presentation summarized the year-to-date operating results through December 31, 2013 and identified the significant activities in the fund balance, revenues and expenses. Ms. Drosnock reported that overall the Township finances are in excellent condition, including higher revenues, lower expenses and a $2,235,475 increase in the General Fund balance at the end of the year.
Director of Finance Shannon Drosnock reported that Act 84 of 2011 increased the minimum dollar amount that requires Townships to advertise and seek bids for purchases and contracts. In 2014, the new limits now state that contracts below $10,300 do not need to be advertised or competitively bid, contracts between $10,300 and $19,100 require three informal price quotes, with the award given to the lowest quote, and any contracts over $19,100 are required to be advertised twice and bid competitively. The Township has updated its Purchasing Policies and Procedures to reflect the new language and is asking the Board of Supervisors to adopt this updated policy. Resolution #9, made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, approved the changes to the Montgomery Township Purchasing Policies and Procedures and thereby increase the required bid limits to adhere to the Department of Labor and Industry thresholds for 2014.
Director of Finance Shannon Drosnock reported that staff is projecting that the General Fund will end the fiscal year 2013 with a $5.4M unreserved Fund Balance, an increase of approximately $2.2M during 2013. Ms. Drosnock reported that staff is proposing that $2M of this surplus be transferred to the Capital Reserve Fund to pre-fund the following transfers: $260,000 to 2014 Equipment Replacement, $490,000 to 2014 16-Year Road Plan, $400,000 to 2014 Storm Water Pipe Replacement (Winter Drive), $50,000 to Stormwater Pipe Replacement Reserve and $800,000 to the Recreation Center Construction Reserve. Resolution #10, made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, approved the transfer of the Year End 2014 surplus in the amount of $2,000,000 from the General Fund (01) to the Capital Reserve Fund (30) and approve the designation of Capital Reserve balances.
Director of Administration and Human Resources Ann Shade reported that as part of the 2014 budget process, the staff has recommended changes to employee health benefits to help minimize costs. It has been recommended that eligible new employees hired after January 1, 2014 who elect to participate in healthcare benefits, be required to pay a 5% share in healthcare premiums on pre-tax basis, and that the effective date for benefits for new employees begin on first of the month following the employee's date of hire. Resolution #11, made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and approved unanimously, approved the recommended changes to the healthcare benefits in the Employee Handbook.
Director of Fire Services Rick Lesniak reported that FEMA has determined that the grant application submitted by the Department of Fire Services, under the Safer Grant program, has been awarded in the amount of $138,272.00. The Grant will cover 100% of the salary and benefits of a new fulltime Fire Fighter for a two year period. Resolution #12, made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, authorized the Township to accept the FY2013 SAFER “Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response” Grant in the amount of $138,272.00.
Township Manager Lawrence Gregan announced that the staff is requesting the Board's authorization to advertise and solicit bids for the construction of an approximately 39,000 square foot Community/Recreation Center for Montgomery Township. The bids are scheduled to be due on February 27th at 2:00 p.m. and will be opened and read aloud at that time. The estimated total cost for the project, including the construction, design and furniture and fixtures is $11,460,250. Funding for the construction of the Community/Recreation Center has been set aside using Bond Proceeds in the amount of $7,875,250, Reserve Fund in the amount of $3,335,250 and Grant Funds for the Accessible Playground and Spray Park in the amount of $250,000. Resolution #13, made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, authorized the Township Manager to advertise for bids for five (5) prime contracts for the construction of an approximately 39,000 square foot Community/Recreation Center.
Assistant to the Township Manager Stacy Crandell announced that the staff and grant consultant have completed the Business Plan for submission to the State for a $5.0M Grant for the Community/Recreation Center Project. The Business Plan will be reviewed by the State and hopefully given favorable consideration for funding. Resolution #14, made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, authorized Township Staff to submit the RACP Business Plan to the Governor's Budget Office in order to be considered for a $5 million dollar grant for the Community Recreation Center.
Planning Director Bruce Shoupe reported that the Shade Tree Commission has been researching the impact and alternatives to address the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) infestation threatening the devastation of the Ash Tree population across the Northeastern United States. Based on its research, the Commission recommends the best option at this time is to develop an overall Forestry Management Plan with the management of the EAB as a component. The Commission has obtained a professional services proposal from Timberlink Consulting, LLC to prepare the first Phase of a Forestry Management plan with a completion date of June 30, 2014. The goal of this project will be to develop a long term health plan for the various forest stands. Resolution #15, made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, accepted the proposal from Timberlink Consulting for the development of Phase I of a Forestry Management Plan in the amount of $4,000.
Resolution #16, made by Chairman Joseph Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Michael Fox and adopted unanimously, approved the escrow release #2 for Montgomery Walk – Phase IIB, LDS #627R-B in the amount of $5,870.00.
Resolution #17, made by Chairman Joseph Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Michael Fox and adopted unanimously, approved the escrow release #5 for Montgomery Preserve Phase I, LDS #653A in the amount of $7,588.00.
Resolution #18, made by Chairman Joseph Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Michael Fox and adopted unanimously, approved the escrow release #2 for Montgomery Chase, LDS #616A in the amount of $13,980.00.
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 9:20 p.m.