MINUTES OF MEETING
MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
MARCH 10, 2014
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 Robert Iannozzi, Esquire, Lawrence Gregan, Chief J. Scott Bendig and Shannon Drosnock.
Chairman Joseph Walsh called the action meeting to order at 8:03 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Robert Birch, Candyce Fluehr Chimera, Michael Fox and Jeffrey McDonnell. Also in attendance were Robert Iannozzi, Esquire, Lawrence Gregan, Chief J. Scott Bendig, Richard Lesniak, Shannon Drosnock, Ann Shade, Stacy Crandell, Kevin Costello, Bruce Shoupe, 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 Robert Iannozzi, Esquire reported that the Board had met in an executive session earlier in the evening at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Iannozzi reported that the Board discussed two personnel matters and one potential litigation matter. Mr. Iannozzi also reported that these matters are legitimate subjects of executive session pursuant to Pennsylvania's Sunshine Law.
Chairman Joseph Walsh made a motion and Vice Chairman Michael Fox seconded the motion to approve the minutes of the February 24, 2014 Board meeting. The minutes of the meeting were unanimously approved as submitted.
Director of Planning and Zoning Bruce Shoupe reported that Integral Development Associates has submitted an application for conditional use approval to replace the Lane Furniture store with The Tile Shop. There are no additions to the building or any changes to the existing parking, landscaping or loading areas. Resolution #1, made by Vice Chairman Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, authorized the advertisement for a Public Hearing on Monday, April 14, 2014 after 8:00 p.m. at the Township building to consider the Conditional Use Application of Integral Development Associates for the leasing of a specialty retail store, The Tile Shop, to be located at 976 Bethlehem Pike.
Director of Planning & Zoning Bruce Shoupe reported that the policy of the Board of Supervisors has been to waive permit fees for non-profit and religious organizations within the Township. The Bharatiya Temple is requesting a waiver of the $75 permit fee for a shed to be placed on their property. Resolution #2, made by Vice Chairman Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Robert Birch and adopted unanimously, approved the waiver of permit fee for the placement of a shed on the property of the Bharatiya Temple.
Bruce Shoupe reported that Mary Mother of the Redeemer Parish anticipates some building modifications to the Parish Office to provide a more accessible and safer entrance to the building, and some additional meeting rooms and work space. The Church is requesting a waiver of the land development process. The proposed addition will add 633 square feet of additional building area to the Rectory for these modifications. Staff has reviewed the plans and has determined that adequate parking and storm water management are in place for this addition and has recommended the waivers. Resolution #3, made by Vice Chairman Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, granted a waiver of the permit fee and requirement for a land development application to Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church for improvements to the Rectory.
Township Manager Lawrence Gregan reported that approval has been received from PennDOT to install left turn improvements to the traffic signal at the intersection of North Wales Road and Knapp Road. Some existing equipment in the Public Works Department inventory will be used for the improvements and some new equipment will need to be purchased to complete the project. Due to the need for all of this equipment to be compatible with existing Econolite equipment, staff is requesting approval to purchase the additional equipment directly from Signal Control Products Inc. as the sole service provider of the Econolite equipment in this area. Resolution #4, made by Vice Chairman Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, approved the expenditure of $23,995 for the purchase of the necessary equipment to upgrade the traffic signal at North Wales Road and Knapp Road and further accept the proposal from Signal Control Products, Inc., Souderton, PA to provide equipment for the upgrade in accordance with their quote dated January 20, 2014 as the sole source provider for “Econolite” equipment in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Resolution #5 made by Chairman Joseph Walsh, seconded by Vice Chairman Michael Fox and adopted unanimously approved Escrow Release #4 LDS #660 for Wegmans in the amount of $673,348.00.
Director of Fire Services Richard Lesniak reported that Vision 20/20 National Strategies for Fire Loss Prevention hosts symposiums which provide participants with the opportunity to learn from fire service peers across the nation about successful fire prevention programs. This symposium is being held in Towson, Maryland. Resolution #6 made by Vice Chairman Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, authorized Director of Fire Services Richard Lesniak to attend the Third National Model Performance in Fire Prevention Symposium on March 26th, 27th and 28th in Towson, Maryland.
Chief of Police J. Scott Bendig announced that Unleashed by Petco, a small-scale neighborhood pet store will be opening in the Gwynedd Crossing Shopping Center. Unleashed by Petco would like to recognize the Montgomery Township Police Department's Canine Unit with a donation of $1,500 for the Unit's work in the community. Resolution #7, made by Supervisor Robert Birch, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, authorized the acceptance of the donation for the Montgomery Township Police Department's Canine Unit from Unleashed by Petco and express our appreciation for their support of our community.
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 8:23 p.m.