MINUTES OF MEETING

MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

APRIL 28, 2014

 

            Vice Chairman Michael Fox called the executive session to order at 7:30 p.m.   In attendance were Supervisors Candyce Fluehr Chimera, Robert Birch and Jeffrey McDonnell.   Chairman Joseph Walsh was absent. Also in attendance were Robert Iannozzi, Esquire, Lawrence Gregan and Bruce Shoupe. 

            Vice Chairman Michael Fox called the action meeting to order at 8:00 p.m.   In attendance were Supervisors Candyce Fluehr Chimera, Robert Birch and Jeffrey McDonnell.   Chairman Joseph Walsh was absent.  Also in attendance were Robert Iannozzi, Esquire, Lawrence Gregan, Chief J. Scott Bendig, Richard Lesniak, Ann Shade, Stacy Crandell, Kevin Costello, Bruce Shoupe, Richard Grier and Deb Rivas.

            Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Vice Chairman Michael Fox 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 7:30 p.m.  Mr. Iannozzi reported that the Board discussed a matter potential litigation and a litigation matter regarding the Lesinski EEOC complaint.  Mr. Iannozzi also reported that these matters are legitimate subjects of executive session pursuant to Pennsylvania's Sunshine Law.

            Vice Chairman Michael Fox made a motion and Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera seconded the motion to approve the minutes of the April 14, 2014 Board meeting.  The minutes of the meeting were unanimously approved as submitted.

            Vice Chairman Michael Fox opened a public hearing on the Conditional Use Application, #C-62, for Integral Development Associates for 976 Bethlehem Pike. Notes of testimony were taken by Court Reporter, Tim Kurek. Township Solicitor Robert Iannozzi introduced the conditional use application, read the legal advertisement and listed the exhibits on the record. Mitchell Russell, Esquire, Integral Development Associates Managing Partner and legal representative for the applicant, introduced representatives from The Tile Shop organization, Carl Randazzo and Dan Granados, their attorney, Joseph Gamble, Esquire, as well as Integral Development Associates managing partner, Eugene Mayer.  Integral Development Associates proposes to lease the former Lane Furniture store space with The Tile Shop.  Mr. Russell reported that the proposal does not require any changes to the exterior of the building other than new building signage.  The proposed use is a specialty retailer of natural stone, ceramic, porcelain and glass materials for interior and exterior floor and wall applications in patio, kitchens and bathroom renovations.  The applicant represented that they meet the conditional use requirements of the Montgomery Township Zoning Code for approval as a specialty retail store which is authorized in the HLI-II District by Conditional Use.  The hearing was closed at 8:19 p.m. Resolution #1, made by Vice Chairman Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Robert Birch and adopted unanimously, approved the Conditional Use, #C-62, for Integral Development Associates for 976 Bethlehem Pike.

            Assistant to the Township Manager Stacy Crandell announced that in honor of Montgomery Township's 300th Anniversary Celebration, the Township is organizing a 5k Run on May 17, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. at the William F. Maule Park at Windlestrae.  The proceeds of this run will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project.  The Township is appreciative of the many local businesses that have sponsored the run. The Board encouraged residents to sign up for the run and support a great cause.  Presently, there are 96 runners signed up for the event.

            Township Manager Lawrence J. Gregan presented the 1st Quarter 2014 Budget report.  Mr. Gregan's presentation summarized the year-to-date operating results through March 31, 2014 and identified the significant activities in the fund balance, revenues and expenses.  Mr. Gregan reported that overall the Township finances continue to be in excellent condition.  The budgeted revenues are 5% below the prior year, which is expected, and the expenses have increased due to the significant weather events of the past three months.  The Township is still anticipating a conservative surplus at the end of this year despite increased expenses due to the weather events.   

            Township Manager Lawrence Gregan proposed amendments to the 2014 Budget to account for the following unbudgeted projects, grants and activities that occurred during the first quarter of 2014. Installation of Traffic Signal Improvements at North Wales and Knapp Roads and a replacement vehicle for the Police Department.  During the 1st Quarter of 2014, the Board of Supervisors authorized the purchase of equipment necessary for the traffic signal improvements at the intersection of North Wales and Knapp Roads.  Funding for this project was received from Simon Properties as a contribution towards offsite traffic improvements related to the Wegmans' land development.  A police vehicle was struck by another vehicle while en route to a call.  The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the Township's insurance carrier.  The Board authorized the replacement of this vehicle in February 2014.  Resolution #2, made by Vice Chairman Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, approved the 2014 1st Quarter Budget Amendments.

            Resolution #3, made by Vice Chairman Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, approved the escrow release #1 for LD/S #664OHB for Maple Brook Estates in the amount of $334,046.02.

            Vice Chairman Michael Fox made a motion to approve the payment of bills.  Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera seconded the motion.  The payment of bills was unanimously approved as submitted.

            Under other business, Township Manager Lawrence Gregan reported that as a condition of approval of the Highway Occupancy Permit for BJ's Land Development Plan, the applicant is required to perform traffic signal improvements at the intersection of Cowpath Road/Five Points Points Plaza Driveway and Cowpath Road/Taylor Road.  The improvements will include the installation of “adaptive signal controls”, installation of new pedestrian signal head and installation of ADA push buttons.  Resolution #4, made by Vice Chairman Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, authorized the submission of the traffic signal upgrades applications.

            There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.