MINUTES OF MEETING
MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
AUGUST 11, 2014
Chairman Joseph Walsh called the executive session to order at 7:00 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Michael Fox, Robert Birch and Candyce Fluehr Chimera. Supervisor Jeffrey McDonnell was absent. Also in attendance were Frank Bartle, Esquire and Lawrence Gregan.
Chairman Joseph Walsh called the action meeting to order at 8:00 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Robert Birch, Candyce Fluehr Chimera and Michael Fox. Supervisor Jeffrey McDonnell was absent. Also in attendance were Frank Bartle, Esquire, Lawrence Gregan, Chief J. Scott Bendig, Rick Lesniak, Shannon Drosnock, Ann Shade, Stacy Crandell, Kevin Costello, Bruce Shoupe, Rich Grier and Deb Rivas.
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 had met in an executive session earlier in the evening at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Bartle reported that the Board discussed three personnel matters and one matter of potential litigation. Mr. Bartle 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 July 28, 2014 Board meeting. The minutes of the meeting were unanimously approved as submitted.
Chairman Joseph Walsh presented a donation check in the amount of $1,500 to the Visiting Nurse Association Community Services organization. Richard Cirko was present to accept the check on behalf of the Visiting Nurse Association Community Services organization.
Chairman Joseph Walsh presented a donation check in the amount of $6,000 to the Montgomery Township Historical Society. Richard Roller was present to accept the check on behalf of the Montgomery Township Historical Society.
Township Manager Lawrence Gregan reported that the Township was interested in acquiring the 44,366 square foot parcel of land located at the corner of Horsham and Stump Road. The desire to own this piece of property came as a result of the planning for the Recreation and Community Center. The property owners, Harry Hassan and Anne Hassan, and the Township have reached a tentative agreement for the Township to purchase the property for the amount of $15,000, along with the granting of an easement to Mr. and Mrs. Hassan over the parcel for storm water management purposes. Resolution #1 made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, authorized the appropriate Township Officials to execute an Agreement of Sale and Stormwater Easement Agreement, for the purchase of this 44,366 square foot parcel of land located at the corner of Horsham and Stump Road.
Chairman Joseph Walsh asked Township Manager Lawrence Gregan to provide an update on the construction of the Recreation and Community Center. Mr. Gregan reported that the major work on the site to date has involved blasting and grading work. The Contractor is scheduled to install the foundations for the building in the next two weeks. The project is on target from a construction schedule standpoint. The building is expected to be closed up by December for the start of interior work. Interviews for the new Recreation Director position are underway and the process has identified several good candidates for the position. Mr. Gregan will provide a monthly report regarding construction updates to the Board.
Township Manager Lawrence Gregan reported that in September 2012, the Cutler Group authorized its contractor, Wolverine Constructors, to proceed with site grading and paving improvements on Friendship Park in accordance with plans prepared by Chambers and Associates and in compliance with the approved NPDES permit for this work. The Township Engineer has inspected the site and has found the work completed to date to be satisfactory and in accordance with the approved plans. Resolution #2 made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, accepted the Township Engineer’s recommendation that the site work being performed at Friendship Park by Wolverine Constructors, Inc., as detailed in Wolverine’s Payment request #12 has been completed in accordance with the approved plans and specifications and that the Cutler Group be notified of the Township’s acceptance so that they can proceed with payment to Wolverine in accordance with the provisions of their contract.
Township Manager Lawrence Gregan reported that in November 2013, the Board approved a project to install a section of sidewalk across the frontage of PECO’s on the south side of Hartman Road, between the Montgomery Oaks and Montgomery Walk Developments. The project has been on hold pending the issuance of an Easement by PECO Energy Company, the negotiations for which have just been completed and the agreement is ready for execution. Resolution #3 made by Chairman Joseph Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Michael Fox and adopted unanimously, authorized the execution of the Easement Agreement between PECO Energy Company and Montgomery Township for installation of concrete sidewalk on PECO property located on the south side of Hartman Road between the Montgomery Oaks and Montgomery Walk Developments.
Resolution #4 made by Chairman Joseph Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Michael Fox and adopted unanimously, approved the construction escrow release #5 for LD/S #660 for Wegmans Supermarket in the amount of $745,550.86.
Resolution #5 made by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera, seconded by Supervisor Michael Fox and adopted unanimously, approved the waiver of a permit fee for signage for Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Catholic Church.
Resolution #6 made by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera, seconded by Supervisor Michael Fox and adopted unanimously, approved the waiver of building permit fees for an exterior stucco permit at the Bharatiya Temple.
Supervisor Michael Fox 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 8:22 p.m.