MINUTES OF MEETING

MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

AUGUST 25, 2014

            Chairman Joseph Walsh called the executive session to order at 7:30 p.m.   In attendance were Supervisors Michael Fox, Robert Birch and Jeffrey McDonnell.  Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera 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, Jeffrey McDonnell and Michael Fox.   Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera 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 7:30 p.m.  Mr. Bartle reported that the Board discussed two matters of litigation regarding Zoning Hearing Board cases for a Village of Neshaminy Falls resident and Anthony Lizell.  Chairman Joseph Walsh reported that the Board also discussed a personnel matter.  Mr. Bartle 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 August 11, 2014 Board meeting.  The minutes of the meeting were unanimously approved as submitted.

            Chairman Joseph Walsh presented a donation check in the amount of $10,000 to the Montgomery County Norristown Public Library.  Kathleen Arnold-Yerger was present to accept the check on behalf of the Montgomery County Norristown Public Library.

            Chairman Joseph Walsh presented a donation check in the amount of $3,000 to the PEAK Center.  Robin Burstein was present to accept the check on behalf of the PEAK Center.

            Director of Planning Bruce Shoupe presented the Preliminary/Final Land Development Plan for a Sprint Store at 770 Bethlehem Pike, LDS#676, as submitted by Suss Steve, LLC, c/o Kin Properties.  Mr. Shoupe reported that the property is located at 770 Bethlehem Pike and contains an existing building, asphalt parking lot and two driveways providing access to Bethlehem Pike.  The applicant proposes to demolish the existing 4,632 square foot building and parking lot and construct a new 3,179 square foot building, parking lot and consolidated single access to Bethlehem Pike.  The majority of the waivers being requested by the applicant are landscaping related.  Township staff and consultants have reviewed the plan for compliance with Township Codes.  Carl Weiner, Esquire, represented the applicant and stated that the applicant will comply with all requirements of the proposed resolution.  Resolution #1 made by Chairman Joseph Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Michael Fox and adopted unanimously, approved the Preliminary/Final Land Development for LDS#676 for a Sprint Store at 770 Bethlehem Pike.

            Resolution #2 made by Chairman Joseph Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Michael Fox and adopted unanimously, approved the waiver of Special Events Permit Fees for the Bharatiya Temple Ganesh Festival to be held from August 29, 2014 through September 7, 2014.

            Resolution #3 made by Chairman Joseph Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Michael Fox and adopted unanimously, approved the construction escrow release #3 for LD/S #627R-B for Montgomery Walk – Phase IIB in the amount of $8,170.00.

            Director of Fire Services Richard Lesniak presented the research information on the selection of a replacement Fire Department Rescue Pumper.  Mr. Lesniak stated that a committee was formed for the purpose of designing a new fire apparatus that would best meet the needs of the Department and the Township.  The committee met with representatives from six manufacturers and of the six, four submitted written specifications and drawings for consideration.  The committee evaluated each submission based on specific criteria: Design/Layout, Maintenance and Training.  After a thorough review, the committee recommended that the Township purchase a 2015 Rescue Pumper from Pierce Manufacturing based on their Co-Stars Cooperative Purchase quote of $575,891.00.  Resolution #4 made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Robert Birch and adopted unanimously, approved the award of the contract for the purchase of a 2015 Rescue Pumper to Pierce Manufacturing, Inc., based on their Co-Stars Cooperative Purchase quote dated July 10, 2014 in the amount of $586,856.00, subject to acceptable Options B, C and D, for a total cost of $575,891.00.  Mr. Lesniak thanked Chief Bill Weigman of the FDMT and members of the committee for their hard work on this project.

            Assistant to the Township Manager Stacy Crandell reported that after almost a year of negotiations with Comcast Corporation, the Township has reached a tentative renewal cable franchise agreement.  Before the agreement can be approved, the Township is required to enact an ordinance to authorize execution of the agreement.  Resolution #5 made by Supervisor Robert Birch, seconded by Chairman Joseph Walsh and adopted unanimously, approved the authorization to advertise proposed Ordinance #14-281 – Renewal of Comcast Franchise Agreement to be held on September 8, 2014.

            Chairman Joseph Walsh reported that the Municipal Sewer Authority has submitted a request to the Township to increase the rate that is paid to each Authority Board member attendee from $50 to $100/meeting attended. Chairman Walsh reported that the additional compensation rate would be the responsibility of the Authority and that the current Authority Board members would not be eligible for the new compensation rate until their current appointment terms have expired and they have been reappointed.  Resolution #6 made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Robert Birch and adopted unanimously, authorized the advertisement of proposed Ordinance #14-282 – Increase Compensation for Municipal Sewer Authority Board Members to be held on September 8, 2014.

            The Recreation and Community Center Construction update was tabled to the next Board meeting.  Township Manager Lawrence Gregan briefly reported that the tentative date for the erection of the steel for the building has been set for mid-September. 

            Chairman Joseph Walsh announced that a request had been made to move the second Board meeting in September from September 22 to September 29, 2014 so that Township staff could remain dedicated to the preparations for the Community Day celebration on September 20, 2014.  Resolution #7 made by Chairman Joseph Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Michael Fox and adopted unanimously, rescheduled the Monday, September 22, 2014 meeting to Monday, September 29, 2014.

            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 8:35 p.m.