MINUTES OF MEETING
MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
SEPTEMBER 29, 2014
Chairman Joseph Walsh called the executive session to order at 7:00 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Robert Birch, Candyce Fluehr Chimera and Jeffrey McDonnell. Supervisor Michael Fox was absent. Also in attendance were Frank Bartle, Esquire and Lawrence Gregan, Ann Shade and Shannon Drosnock.
Chairman Joseph Walsh called the action meeting to order at 8:00 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Robert Birch, Candyce Fluehr Chimera and Jeffrey McDonnell. Supervisor Michael Fox 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. to discuss a matter of potential real estate acquisition, two Zoning Hearing Board cases, 102 Addison Lane and 128 Longleat Drive, and the Zehr Condemnation matter. Mr. Bartle also reported that the Board discussed four personnel matters. Mr. Bartle stated that these matters are legitimate subjects of executive session pursuant to Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Law.
Supervisor Candyce Chimera made a motion and Chairman Joseph Walsh seconded the motion to approve the minutes of the September 8, 2014 Board meeting. The minutes of the meeting were unanimously approved as submitted.
Chief of Police Scott Bendig reported that a “Coffee with a Cop” event was held at the local Starbucks located at 738 Bethlehem Pike on May 3, 2014. One of the highlights of the program was an appearance of one of the Police canines. Since the event, the staff and patrons of Starbucks have championed the Police Department’s Canine Unit. A donation jar was placed at the counter to support the Canine Unit. The staff of Starbucks, who were unable to attend this evening, will be making a donation presentation to the Police Canine Unit. Chief Bendig also introduced the Township’s newest canine officer, Cody, and his handler, Officer Joseph McGuigan. Resolution #1 made by Supervisor Robert Birch and seconded by Chairman Joseph Walsh, authorized the acceptance of the donation for the Montgomery Township Police Department’s Canine Unit from the staff and patrons of Starbucks.
Director of Finance Shannon Drosnock reported that one of the Township’s residents and volunteer firefighters, Gene Scholl, traveled overseas to Wales, United Kingdom and established a friendship with the governing body of the Township’s namesake, Montgomery, Wales. Through this connection, the Mayor of Montgomery, Wales, Mike Mills, presented the Township with a declaration from the community sending the community’s warmest regards and recognition of the Township on the occasion of its 300th Anniversary. In return, it has been proposed that the Board of Supervisors of Montgomery Township extend their appreciation to the residents of Montgomery, Wales, United Kingdom, and recognize the contributions of the Welshmen in the establishment of our community by the adoption of a proclamation. Chairman Joseph Walsh read the Proclamation which extended the appreciation of the members of the Board of Supervisors to Mayor Mills and the Council and residents of Montgomery Wales for recognizing the Township on the occasion of its 300th Anniversary.
Assistant to the Township Manager Stacy Crandell reported on the success of the 2014 Community Day and Celebration of the 300th Anniversary of the Township. Ms. Crandell announced the groups of volunteers and workers who served various roles throughout the day. Resolution #2 made by Chairman Joseph Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, recognized and extended the Board’s gratitude to the volunteers and workers for their diligent contributions towards the success of the 300th Anniversary Community Day Event held on September 20, 2014.
Suzanne Ryan, PECO Regional External Affairs Manager for Montgomery County, reported that PECO has been displaying messages atop its 23rd and Market Street headquarters since July 4, 1976. PECO is proud to acknowledge significant milestones of the communities it serves and Ms. Ryan presented a framed photograph of the PECO Crown Lights paying tribute to Montgomery Township’s 300th Anniversary. Resolution #3 made by Chairman Joseph Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, thanked PECO for the presentation and for participating in and supporting the 300th Anniversary Community Day Event.
Assistant to the Township Manager Stacy Crandell announced that the date of the Fall 2014 Curbside Leaf and Yard Waste Pickup will be on Saturday, November 15, 2014. In order to participate, residents must place the collected leaf and yard waste materials in biodegradable paper bags at the curb prior to 7:00 a.m. the day of the collection. In addition to curbside leaf waste collection, the Township will continue to conduct its monthly leaf and yard waste drop off collection site on the third Saturday of every month. The location for the drop off site is the William F. Maule Park at Windlestrae (Main Section/Kenas Road) from 8:00 a.m. to Noon.
Director of Fire Services Richard Lesniak reported that the national observance of Fire Prevention Week 2014 will be held from October 5th through October 11th. This year’s theme is “Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives – Test Yours Every Month”. A fire safety educational display will be located in the lobby of the Township building from October 6th through the 10th and the Fire Department of Montgomery Township (FDMT) will be hosting an Open House on Monday evening, October 6th at the Battalion 2 Firehouse on Doylestown Pike. Members of the Department will be displaying the apparatus and distributing public education materials. In addition to those activities, during the month of October, the Department of Fire Services will be conducting fire drills, fire safety inspections and fire prevention talks at all schools, day care centers, health care facilities and hotels. Resolution #4 made by Supervisor Robert Birch, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera, and adopted unanimously, recognized October 5th through October 11th as Fire Prevention Week.
Director of Fire Services Richard Lesniak reported that the Department of Fire Services and the Fire Department of Montgomery Township are requesting Board of Supervisors’ approval to submit applications through the Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner’s Office Annual Volunteer Firefighter / Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant program. Each application will be for approximately $15,000. The Department of Fire Services intends to use the grant to purchase three mobile radios and one portable radio to be used on Montgomery County’s new radio system. The Fire Department of Montgomery Township intends to use the funding to purchase new hydraulic rescue equipment. Resolution #5 made by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and seconded by Supervisor Robert Birch, and adopted unanimously, authorized the Fire Department to submit applications for grant funds under the PA Fire Commissioners Volunteer Firefighter / Ambulance Service Grant program for the purchase of radio and hydraulic rescue equipment in the amount totaling $30,000.
Director of Fire Services Richard Lesniak reported that the Montgomery Township Department of Fire Services recently received two awards; one that recognizes the professional qualifications of the Career and Volunteer members of the Department and the other for its outstanding Fire Prevention program and accomplishments. Mr. Lesniak introduced the members of the Department of Fire Services and volunteers of the Fire Department of Montgomery Township who are among the personnel who helped the department earn these awards. Resolution #6 made by Chairman Joseph Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, acknowledged the Fire Department on receipt of the Office of the State Fire Commissioner’s “Participating Department Award” and the NASFM Foundation / Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company “Life Safety Achievement Award” for 2013, and expressed their appreciation and congratulations to the men and women of the Fire Department for these accomplishments.
Director of Fire Services Richard Lesniak reported that Ladder 18 experienced a failure of the PTO drive shaft while performing its annual pump test, resulting in damage to the transmission. The damage has caused the vehicle to be taken out of service. The vehicle has been evaluated by Del-Val International Truck, Inc. in cooperation with representative engineers from E-One to design a repair to the PTO drive shaft that will prevent this from happening again in the future. Del-Val has provided an estimate of $9,291.74 to replace the damaged transmission with a re-built transmission. As the ladder is expected to serve the Township for at least the next eight years, the Department is recommending that the damaged transmission be replaced. Resolution #7 made by Supervisor Robert Birch, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, authorized Del-Val International Truck, Inc. to replace the transmission on Ladder 18 at a cost of $9,791.74.
Police Chief Scott Bendig reported that Montgomery Township Police Highway Safety Officer David Dunlap has prepared the annual grant application on behalf of the Montgomery Township Regional DUI Enforcement Team. The grant funds are used to support sobriety checkpoint operations and roving DUI patrols. The grant amount requested is $49,987.00 and will provide funding for the purchase of equipment and payment of overtime for enforcement activities. Resolution #8 made by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera, seconded by Chairman Joseph Walsh and adopted unanimously, approved the submission of the 2014/2015 DUI Grant on behalf of the Montgomery Township Regional DUI Enforcement Team in the amount of $49,987.00.
Director of Finance Shannon Drosnock reported that each year the Board of Supervisors and Township staff participate in budget workshops to discuss and finalize plans for the coming year. This year, the staff proposes the following dates for the budget workshops: Wednesday, October 22, 2014, Thursday, October 23, 2014, Wednesday, October 29, 2014, and Thursday, October 30, 2014. Resolution #9 made by Chairman Joseph Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Chimera and adopted unanimously, authorized the dates as referenced for the 2015 Budget workshops.
Township Manager Lawrence Gregan reported that the water service needs for the Recreation and Community Center require the installation of an 8 inch water main running from the rear of the building with a connection to the North Wales Water Authority’s (NWWA) 20 inch water main on Horsham Road. The line, as designed, would “dead end” at a fire hydrant at the rear of the building. The 8 inch main would be private and the maintenance responsibility of the Township. During planning meetings, representatives of NWWA proposed a cost sharing agreement with the Township to upgrade the water service line from an 8 inch main to a 12 inch main looped around the building connecting the 20 inch water main on Horsham Road with the 16 inch main on Stump Road. The looped main would be located within an easement area to be dedicated to NWWA. Upon completion and dedication, the main would become the property and maintenance responsibility of NWWA. Staff recommends that the Board approve the cost sharing agreement and public water easement agreement as these proposals will result in benefits to the Township with regard to the water service at the Recreation and Community Center. Resolution #10 made by Chairman Joseph Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, authorized the execution of the New Water Service Agreement for the Recreation/Community Center dated September 22, 2014 and the proposed Deed of Dedication of Public Water Easements Agreement with the North Wales Water Authority.
Director of Administration and Human Resources Ann Shade reported that Montgomery Township Police Officer Andrew Dalton is serving on active duty with the United States Army overseas. While the military provides health benefits to Officer Dalton, it has been the practice of Montgomery Township to continue to provide health benefits to the Officer’s family for 180 calendar days effective with the start of the military leave. It has been the practice of the Board of Supervisors to approve previous requests for continuation of health benefits for the family of employees in the military who are called to active duty. Resolution #11 made by Chairman Joseph Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Robert Birch and adopted unanimously, approved the continuation of health benefits to the family of Officer Andrew Dalton for 180 days, effective October 1, 2014.
Township Manager Lawrence Gregan reported that in September, 2013, the Township Engineer conducted a study of twin storm drainage pipes located across the rear of four Winter Drive properties. The pipes, originally installed in the early 1970’s, were found to be in poor condition and in need of replacement. Plans and Bid specifications for the project have been prepared by the Township Engineer, Gilmore and Associates, to replace two – sixty inch corrugated metal storm drainage pipes with new plastic pipes. Resolution #12 made by Supervisor Robert Birch, seconded by Chairman Joseph Walsh and adopted unanimously, authorized the advertisement of bids for the Winter Drive Twin Pipes Replacement Project to be opened on Wednesday, October 22 at 10:00 a.m. and considered for award at the Board of Supervisors meeting on October 27, 2014 after 8:00 p.m.
Director of Public Works Kevin Costello reported that as part of the 2014 approved budget, $20,000 was allocated for extra curb and sidewalk concrete work throughout the Township. The criteria for this work is based on the Public Works Department’s inspection to identify sidewalks that have potential of tripping hazards or have significant deterioration. The work will be performed under the current contract with Drumheller Construction, based on unit prices in their approved contract. Resolution #13 made by Chairman Joseph Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, authorized the expenditure in the amount of $20,095 to perform repairs/replacement of sidewalks throughout the Township under the contract with Drumheller Construction.
Director of Public Works Kevin Costello reported that the Public Works Department proposes the purchase of a 24’ x 28’ Cedar Forest Pavilion under the COSTARS Cooperative Purchasing Program for installation at Whistlestop Park. This project was presented in the 2014 Budget and was unanimously endorsed by the Park and Recreation Board. The pavilion will be installed by the Public Works Department. Resolution #14 made by Supervisor Robert Birch, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, authorized the purchase of a Cedar Forest Pavilion to General Recreation, Inc., under the COSTARS Cooperative Purchase Program Contract #014-071 at a cost of $18,725.00.
Resolution #15 made by Chairman Joseph Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, approved the construction escrow release #7 for LD/S #627 for Montgomery Walk – Phase I in the amount of $138,312.91.
Resolution #16 made by Chairman Joseph Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, approved the construction escrow release #3 for LD/S #664OHB for Maple Brook Estates in the amount of $41,175.81.
Resolution #17 made by Chairman Joseph Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, approved the construction escrow release #7 for LD/S #653A for Montgomery Preserve – Phase I in the amount of $22,585.70.
Resolution #18 made by Chairman Joseph Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, approved the construction escrow release #4 for LD/S #627R-B for Montgomery Walk – Phase IIB in the amount of $31,176.00.
Director of Planning Bruce Shoupe reported that the Cutler Group has submitted a proposed text amendment to the R3B Zoning District regulations in the zoning code governing the Montgomery Walk development to provide a change in the layout of the front section of the development adjacent to Bethlehem Pike at Enclave Boulevard. An ordinance is being prepared by the Solicitor’s office which would provide for the amended zoning regulations. Chairman Joseph Walsh recused himself from this matter. Resolution #19 made by Supervisor Jeffrey McDonnell, seconded by Supervisor Robert Birch and adopted by a vote of 3 to 0, with Chairman Joseph Walsh abstaining and Supervisor Michael Fox absent, set Monday, December 15, 2014 after 8:00 p.m. as the date and time to a Public Hearing to consider amending the R3B Age Qualified Residential District zoning text.
Director of Planning Bruce Shoupe reported that Fairway 202 Associates, LP, has submitted request for a text amendment to the BP – Business Office and Professional District Provisions in the zoning code. A new use is proposed in this district for congregate care/independent senior living. This would be a combination of a senior day-care facility and a residential use, each of which is presently permitted by right in the BP District. This proposed use is not permitted by right in any zoning district of the Township at present. An ordinance is proposed which would provide for the zoning amendment. Resolution #20 made by Chairman Joseph Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, set Monday, December 15, 2014 after 8:00 p.m. as the date and time for a Public Hearing to consider Ordinance #14-283Z, proposing amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, which provide for structural, dimensional and parking requirements specifically tailored to apply to a new use for congregate care/independent senior living, within the BP-Business Office and Professional Zoning District.
Chairman Joseph Walsh made a motion to approve the payment of bills. Supervisor Robert Birch seconded the motion. The payment of bills was unanimously approved as submitted.
Under other business, Chairman Joseph Walsh reported that the Board of Supervisors had previously entered into negotiations with Harry E. and Anne E. Hassan regarding the purchase of land at the corner of Stump and Horsham Roads and had authorized a conditional purchase of that land which totals 48,366 sq. ft. to be used in conjunction with the construction of the Montgomery Township Recreation and Community Center. Resolution #21 made by Chairman Joseph Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, authorizes and directs the Township Solicitor, Township Engineer, Township Manager and other Township staff to undertake to obtain title and possession of said premises together with all buildings and improvements thereon, by eminent domain proceedings, including, but not limited to, the filing of a declaration of taking. In lieu of condemnation, the Board and current owners may agree to a sale of the property to the Township for fair market value.
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.