MINUTES OF MEETING

MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

OCTOBER 27, 2014

 

            Chairman Joseph Walsh called the action meeting to order at 8:00 p.m.   In attendance were Supervisors Robert Birch, Candyce Fluehr Chimera, Michael Fox and Jeffrey McDonnell.   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, Brian Forman, Rich Grier, Kelsey McMeans and Deb Rivas.

            Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Chairman Joseph Walsh called for public comment from the audience and there was none.

            Chairman Joseph Walsh made a motion and Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera seconded the motion to approve the minutes of the October 14, 2014 Board meeting.  The minutes of the meeting were unanimously approved as submitted.

            Assistant to the Township Manager Stacy Crandell reported on the success of the Township’s 300th Celebration events and recognized the members of the 300th Anniversary Committee.  Ms. Crandell reviewed the events that were held in celebration of the milestone anniversary, including the October 25, 2013 VIP Reception & Community Partnership Presentation at the Joseph Ambler Inn, the May 9, 2013 300th Anniversary Golf Outing at Pine Crest Country Club, the November 30, 2013 Historic House Tour at the Joseph Ambler Inn, the February 7, 2014 General Hancock Dinner & Kick-Off Event, the April 10, 2014 Barnes & Noble Celebrating Our Past & Forging Our Future Presentation, the May 17, 2014 Commemoration Day and General Hancock 5K Run and finally, the September 20, 2014 Community Day at Windlestrae Park, complete with a spectacular fireworks display.  The Board of Supervisors thanked all the committee members who organized and planned the events throughout the year.  Ms. Crandell also presented a written final report on the 300th Anniversary activities. Chairman Joseph Walsh thanked Stacy Crandell for her work on the committee and for bringing focus to the group.  Chairman Walsh said that the group did not get to accomplish everything they wanted to do, but the events that they did were well received.  Chairman Walsh said the 300th Anniversary Committee was a great group of people who brought different skill sets and ideas.  Supervisor Michael Fox thanked Chairman Joseph Walsh for all of his efforts on the 300th Anniversary Committee.  Resolution #1 made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Chairman Joseph Walsh and adopted unanimously, thanked the 300th Anniversary Committee Members for the planning and organization of the 300th Anniversary Celebration for the Township.

            Director of Finance Shannon Drosnock reported that several projects, grants and activities occurred during the 3rd Quarter of 2014 that require amendments to the 2014 budget in order to accurately reflect these revenues and expenditures.  These items include a new pavilion at Windlestrae Park, vehicle maintenance for significant repairs to the Fire Department’s Ladder 18, a reduction in the Fire fund’s legal expenses which were not required and can now be used to offset the vehicle maintenance increase, and additional engineering costs for the Environmental Advisory Committee’s study of the Township’s bike trail.  Resolution #2 made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, approved the 2014 3rd Quarter Budget Amendments to the Fire Fund, Environmental Fund and the Capital Reserve Fund.

            Director of Recreation and Community Center Brian Forman presented the 2015 Winter Recreation programs and fees.  These programs will be offered to the public during the months of January through March, 2015 and will be advertised in the Recreation Newsletter which will be distributed to Township residents at the beginning of December.  Resolution #3 made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, approved the 2015 Winter Programs and Fee Schedule amendment as submitted.

            Director of Public Works Kevin Costello reported that the Township has participated in the Montgomery County Consortium Cooperative Rock Salt Contract for several years.  Mr. Costello stated that it has been the Township’s experience that the cost per ton through the Consortium has been lower than administering our own bid and saves the Township the cost of advertising.  The Consortium recently completed the public bidding process for the purchase of bulk salt for the 2014-2015 winter season and has awarded the contract to Morton Salt, Inc. of Chicago, Illinois, at the price of $62.54 per ton delivered.  Resolution #4 made by Chairman Joseph Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Michael Fox and adopted unanimously, approved the Township’s participation in the Montgomery County Consortium Cooperative Rock Salt Purchase Contract for 2014-2015 for the purchase of rock salt from Morton Salt, Inc. of Chicago, Illinois, at the price of $62.54 per ton delivered.

            Director of Planning and Zoning Bruce Shoupe reported that the Township has received an application for a Liquor License Transfer for LL# 14-03 – GBB NE Coast, LLC (Grub Burger).  The Grub Burger restaurant will be located at Montgomery Mall.  For this intermunicipal transfer of a liquor license, it is required that a public hearing be held on the application within 45 days or by November 30, 2014 unless the applicant agrees to an extension of time.  It is recommended that the public hearing be scheduled for Monday, November 24, 2014.  Resolution #5 made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, set Monday, November 24, 2014 after 8:00 p.m. for the Public Hearing for an Intermunicipal Liquor License Transfer for GBB NE Coast, LLC, for a Grub Burger Restaurant to be located at Montgomery Mall.

            Resolution #6 made by Chairman Joseph Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Robert Birch and adopted unanimously, approved the request of Bharatiya Temple to waive all permit fees associated with the Diwali Festival which was held on October 22, 2014.

            Resolution #7 made by made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Robert Birch and adopted unanimously, approved the construction escrow release #1 for LDS #667 for the Goodwin Tract at 131 Stevers Mill Road in the amount of $7,273.50.

            Resolution #8 made by made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Robert Birch and adopted unanimously, approved the construction escrow release #1 for LDS #671 for 127 Stevers Mill Road in the amount of $7,845.60.

            Resolution #9 made by made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Robert Birch and adopted unanimously, approved the construction escrow release #6 for LDS #660 for Wegmans Supermarket in the amount of $101,947.00.

            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.

            There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 8:21 p.m.