MINUTES OF MEETING
MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
FEBRUARY 8, 2010
At 6:30 p.m. Chairman Joseph Walsh called to order the executive session. In attendance were Supervisors Birch, Chimera, Fox and McDonnell. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Frank Bartle, Robert Brant, Scott Bendig, Larry Gregan and Ann Shade. Items of litigation, potential real estate acquisitions and personnel were discussed.
At 8:08 p.m. Chairman Joseph Walsh called to order the action meeting and led the pledge of allegiance. In attendance were Supervisors Birch, Chimera, Fox and McDonnell. Also in attendance were Frank Bartle, John Nagel, Bruce Shoupe, Larry Gregan, Kevin Costello, William Brightcliffe, Gordon Simes and Shirley Snyder.
There was no public comment at this evenings meeting.
Solicitor Frank Bartle announced that the Board had met in an executive session prior to this meeting and discussed matters of potential acquisition of real estate, litigation regarding Maria and Richard Lesinski and other personnel matters which are permissible in executive session under the guidelines of the Sunshine law.
Bill Brightcliffe introduced Fire Chief Chris Mann and President Dave Wolfe of the Fire Department of Montgomery Township (FDMT), who introduced the officers of the FDMT and the Fire Relief Association of Montgomery Township (FRAMT). Director of Fire Services, Bill Brightcliffe recognized all the members of the FDMT for their dedication and commitment during the snow storm last week, noting that the fire station was manned around the clock during the two days of the storm.
Bruce Shoupe provided some background information on the 2010 census, stating the importance of the census and the benefits of assuring a complete count. The Census Bureau has begun testing at the Township building for employment opportunities. The Census Bureau will have a representative at the Township building every Monday, Wednesday and Friday starting on March 19, 2010 and up to April 29, 2010, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to assist residents with the completion of the questionnaire. The Census Bureau will begin mailing forms in just a few weeks and encouraging the completion of the questionnaire by April 1, 2010, "National Census Day". By Resolution #1, the Board unanimously approved the formation of a "Complete Count Committee", which will be led by Bruce Shoupe and Stacy Crandell. Promotion of the census will be accomplished via email, newsletters and flyers to various communities.
Public Information Coordinator, Stacy Crandell stated that the Senior Volunteer Committee would like to host an Elder Law Seminar in April, led by a local elder law attorney, Rosemary Ferrino. Ms. Crandell noted that the Senior Volunteer Committee will be considering additional follow up seminars on this subject, as there are many different areas to be addressed. Supervisor McDonnell noted that the Committee has "taken off" and is offering many great ideas relating to the "senior community". Resolution #2 unanimously approved the Senior Volunteer Committee's Elder Law Seminar to be held on Tuesday, April 27, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at the Montgomery Township Municipal building.
Earlier today, John Nagel, Frank Bartle, John Chambers, Supervisor Michael Fox and Doug Blazey met with the DEP in Harrisburg to discuss on-going matters relative to the new storm water management regulations. Supervisor Michael Fox provided the following insight into today's meeting. The time is approaching when municipalities storm water permits will need to be renewed. Some of the regulations contained in the proposed renewal ordinance pose financial and legal issues for municipalities. Supervisor Fox noted that the members of the DEP have been receptive to the ideas of the Montgomery County Storm Water Management Consortium. The Consortium has been proposing ideas and recommendations based on a continuing desire to be environmentally responsible. John Nagel noted that the Consortium, presently composed of about 30 township representatives and engineers, will be reaching out to the remaining municipalities within Montgomery County. Frank Bartle noted that some municipalities would be unable to comply with the ordinance in its present form. Mr. Bartle also stated that the DEP has shown a willingness to partner with this Consortium to work to possibly consider a revised Storm Water Management Ordinance.
Lt. Don Simes stated that the Police Department is seeking approval to submit a grant application for Mobile Thermal Imaging Equipment which would be installed in the police vehicles. This equipment would be a valuable tool to the officers. There are no matching funds required from the Township for this grant. Resolution #3 unanimously approved the submission of grant for Mobile Thermal Imagers for the Montgomery Township Police Department.
Lt. Simes then provided information on the request to submit a grant for Recorded Keyless Entry Access Control System for the Police Department. This grant request would provide funding for the purchase and installation of a recorded keyless entry and access control system, which will enhance building security; provide documentation for "chain-of-custody" of evidentiary property in the care and control of the police department; record access of various controlled spaces in the police department, and reduce the number of keys employees will need to perform their tasks. Resolution #4 unanimously approved the submission of the grant for Recorded Keyless Entry Access Control System for the Montgomery Township Police Department.
Director of Finance, Larry Gregan provided the fourth quarter 2009 budget report. While Mercantile and Realty tax revenues were down, the Township is in healthy shape going into the year 2010. Mr. Gregan noted that all Township Departments operated within budget. It was also noted that Montgomery Township is the largest contributor to the Northern Montgomery County Recycling effort, and receives a sizeable check each year for our efforts. Mr. Gregan also noted that an increase in the Pension Fund was realized during the last nine months of 2009.
Chairman Walsh stated that consent agenda item #18, the consideration of transition of services agreement was being removed from this evening's agenda. Under the consent agenda, the minutes of meeting for January 25, 2010 and payment of bills were approved as submitted. Resolution #5 authorized the advertisement for bids for annual Public Works materials. Resolution #6 approved the maintenance bond release for Springville Farms. Resolution #7 approved the letter of credit release for CIR Development. The FDMT letter to certify that the volunteer Firefighters and Fire Police members have received the appropriate training and certifications for the emergency assistance they will provide in 2010 was approved by Resolution #8. Resolution #9 approved the disposition of specific public records of the Finance and Planning Departments. All consent agenda items were unanimously approved.
Nora O'Malley inquired as to the nature of the transition of services agreement. Chairman Walsh noted that the Township has replaced Pennoni Associates, Inc. as the Township Traffic Engineer. That item pertains to an agreement between Pennoni Associates, Inc. and Montgomery Township for services that may still be required during the transition. This matter will be included on a future agenda when the language of the agreement is finalized with both parties.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:47 p.m.