MINUTES OF MEETING
MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
APRIL 13, 2015
Chairman Michael Fox called the executive session meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Robert Birch, Candyce Fluehr Chimera, Jeffrey McDonnell and Joseph Walsh. Also in attendance were Frank Bartle, Esquire, Lawrence Gregan and Ann Shade.
Chairman Michael Fox called the action meeting to order at 8:00 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Robert Birch, Candyce Fluehr Chimera, Jeffrey McDonnell and Joseph Walsh. Also in attendance were Frank Bartle, Esquire, Lawrence Gregan, Scott Bendig, Shannon Drosnock, Ann Shade, Stacy Crandell, Bruce Shoupe, Kevin Costello, Brian Forman, Matt Reimel, Rich Grier, Kelsey McMeans and Deb Rivas.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Chairman Michael Fox 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. to discuss personnel matters. Mr. Bartle stated that these matters are legitimate subjects of executive session pursuant to Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Law.
Supervisor Joseph Walsh made a motion and Supervisor Robert Birch seconded the motion to approve the minutes of the March 23, 2015 Board meeting. The minutes of the meeting were unanimously approved as submitted.
Chairman Michael Fox reported that a vacancy currently exists on the Shade Tree Commission and Township resident and current volunteer Jay Glickman has expressed an interest in becoming a member of the Shade Tree Commission. Resolution #1 made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Vice Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, appointed Jay Glickman to serve as a member of the Montgomery Township Shade Tree Commission with a term to expire on January 1, 2020.
Director of Recreation and Community Center Brian Forman introduced and welcomed Matt Reimel as the Athletics and Recreation Coordinator for Montgomery Township. Mr. Reimel has been a youth sports coach in the area for over 10 years with various local programs. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management with a minor in coaching from West Chester University. Resolution #2 made by Chairman Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Joseph Walsh and adopted unanimously, welcomed Matt Reimel as the Montgomery Township Athletics and Recreation Coordinator.
Director of Recreation and Community Center Brian Forman reported that the 2015 Autumn Festival will take place on October 3rd from 12:00pm to 8:00pm. In order to reduce the cost of this event to residents, fundraising efforts are underway and include a solicitation letter to be sent to local businesses seeking various levels of sponsorship. Resolution #3 made by Chairman Michael Fox, seconded by Vice Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, approved the 2015 Autumn Festival Letter and Brochure.
Chief of Police Scott Bendig reported that Mrs. Doris Mallozzi had contacted the Police Department regarding the donation of funds to purchase a ballistic vest for one of the police canines. The vest are similar to those worn by officers and provide the canine a level of protection from traumatic injuries, including gunfire. In February, 2015, canine “Cody” received a ballistic vest from Vested Interest in K9’s Inc. The purchase and receipt of this vest was made possible through the generous donation of Mrs. Mallozzi. Resolution #4 made by Chairman Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Robert Birch and adopted unanimously, recognized Mrs. Doris Mallozzi for her generous donation which was used to purchase a ballistic vest to the Police Department’s Canine Unit.
Chief of Police Scott Bendig reported that in past years, the Township has disposed of surplus vehicles and other assets through the firm of J.J. Kane Auctioneers by an auction process. J.J. Kane charges a consignment fee to the buyer of 10% and charges the Township a fee between 4% - 20% based on the overall sales revenue plus a share of certain expenses such as advertising costs. The Township currently has a 2003 Ford Crown Victoria, a 2002 Dodge Intrepid and a 2003 Dodge Intrepid available to be sold at auction. Resolution #5 made by Chairman Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Joseph Walsh and adopted unanimously, authorized the sale at auction of the three vehicles currently available to be sold.
Chief of Police Scott Bendig reported that Traffic Safety Officer David Dunlap has investigated several traffic safety concerns about vehicles making U-Turns at two locations and also vehicles using the shoulder area to turn right, going westbound, at Horsham Road and Upper State Road. The revisions to these traffic signal permits need to be approved by PennDOT through the submittal of applications. Resolution #6, made by Chairman Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Robert Birch and adopted unanimously, adopted Resolutions authorizing the submittal of applications to PennDOT for traffic signal improvements at SR 309 Bethlehem Pike and Hartman Road, adding “No U-Turn” Sign for North and Southbound approaches, at SR 309 Bethlehem Pike and English Village/Gwynedd Crossing, adding “No U-Turn” Sign for North and Southbound approaches, and SR 0463 Horsham Road and Upper State Rd (SR2012), adding “Keep Off Shoulder” Sign for westbound approach at Upper State Road.
Technology Manager Rich Grier reported that the Township telephone system will need to be expanded to supply phones, paging and voicemail for use by staff and visitors at the Community and Recreation Center. A quote has been received from e.Comm Technologies, an authorized vendor under the PEPPM Cooperative Purchasing program for the purchase and installation of phone and paging equipment for the Community and Recreation Center, in the amount of $24,218.26. Resolution #7 approved the purchase of a phone and paging system, from e.Comm Technologies for a total cost of $24,218.26.
Assistant to the Township Manager Stacy Crandell reported that following a competitive bidding process, bids for the Playground and Sprayground at the Community and Recreation Center project were opened on March 17, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. The Township received three (3) bids. Township Engineer Gilmore & Associates has reviewed the bids and qualifications of the lowest qualified bidder and has recommended that the contract be awarded to Stoneridge, Inc. Resolution # 8 made by Chairman Michael Fox, seconded by Vice Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, awarded the contract for the construction of the Playground and Sprayground project at the Community and Recreation Center to Stoneridge, Inc. of Feasterville, as the lowest responsible bidder for all items included in the base bid in the amount of $883,870.
Assistant to the Township Manager Stacy Crandell reported that local Township business Brookdale has been working with the Partnership Transportation Management Association (TMA) to assist them with a request to have a no-cost service adjustment of the SEPTA Bus Route 132 to extend to Horsham and Hartman Roads. Other residents and business owners have expressed support for this extension including the Village of Neshaminy Falls. The Township has been asked to submit a letter of support for this request. Resolution #9 made by Chairman Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Joseph Walsh and adopted unanimously, supported the proposal to SEPTA for a service adjustment to extend the bus route and authorize the submission of a letter of support to SEPTA.
Director of Planning & Zoning Bruce Shoupe reported that at the March 9, 2015 Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board adopted a resolution granting the conditional use approval for application #C-63 – Wilkerson Five Point Limited Partnership – BJ’s Fuel Station, 640 Cowpath Road. Under the Municipalities Planning Code, the Board is required to render a written decision on a conditional use application within 45 days after the last hearing on the application. The Township Solicitor has prepared a formal decision and order memorializing the Board’s grant of the requested conditional use. Resolution #10 made by Chairman Michael Fox, seconded by Vice Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, approved the Memorandum, Findings of Fact, Opinion and Order regarding the Conditional Use application of Wilkinson Five Point Limited Partnership for BJ’s Fueling Station at Five Points Plaza Shopping Center.
Director of Planning and Zoning Bruce Shoupe reported that an application for a Preliminary/Final Land Development Plan, LDS #682, had been received for the construction of a gasoline fueling facility with 14 fueling stations, an associated 157 square foot attendant building, and a drive-through automated teller machine on the site of the former Beneficial Bank at 640 Cowpath Road. The applicant received several variances from the Zoning Hearing Board on January 6, 2015 and Conditional Use approval on March 9, 2015. Various waivers were discussed. Resolution #11 made by Supervisor Joseph Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Robert Birch and approved unanimously, approved the Preliminary/Final Land Development Plan for LDS #682, BJ’s Fuel Station – Five Points Plaza at 640 Cowpath Road, with the additional waivers attached.
Director of Planning and Zoning Bruce Shoupe reported that Goodman Properties has submitted a request for a waiver of the formal land development application for renovations at the North Wales Crossing Shopping Center. The applicant proposes to reconfigure the larger of two buildings to provide for additional tenants in the shopping center. Additional parking is needed in order to accommodate the anticipated increase in use and this will be accomplished through the restriping of the existing parking area and the creation of new parking spaces along the front of the building and within a grass area along North Wales Road. The applicant received approval from the Zoning Hearing Board in August 2014, for the reconfiguration of the parking stall sizes and new additional parking along the North Wales Road side of the center. Resolution #12 made by Chairman Michael Fox, seconding by Vice Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, approved the waiver of formal land development for #M-15-71, Goodman Properties – North Wales Crossing Shopping Center.
Director of Planning and Zoning Bruce Shoupe reported that an application has been received for a minor subdivision plan/lot line adjustment for LDS#683 – 512 Bethlehem Pike. The proposed lot line adjustment will result in the transfer of 380 square feet of land between the two property owners. The intent of the lot line adjustment was to bring the parking area on lot #2 into compliance with the Township Code with written permission from the neighbor. No land development is proposed at this time, therefore, no land development waivers are necessary at this time. Resolution #13 made by Chairman Michael Fox, seconded by Vice Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, approved the Minor Subdivision Plan/Lot Line Adjustment for LDS #683 – 512 Bethlehem Pike.
Director of Planning and Zoning reported that the Shade Tree Commission is again sponsoring the annual Arbor Day celebration event by giving away free trees to Township residents on Saturday, April 25, 2015. The Shade Tree Commission is requesting that the Board of Supervisors begin the celebration with the reading of the Arbor Day Proclamation.
Director of Planning and Zoning Bruce Shoupe reported that PennDOT is offering just compensation for right-of-way and/or temporary construction easement on two parcels of land owned by the Township, for road improvements for the Five Points Intersection Project. The first parcel is Parcel No. 45, located at 739 Bethlehem Pike that has frontage located along Bethlehem Pike and Horsham Road. The just compensation offered is $9,100. Resolution #14 made by Chairman Michael Fox, seconded by Vice Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, accepted the PennDOT offer to purchase right-of-way for the Five Points Intersection Project. The second parcel is Parcel No. 46, located along Horsham Road. The just compensation offered is $84,000. Resolution #15 made by Chairman Michael Fox, seconded by Vice Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, accepted the PennDOT offer to purchase right-of-way for the Five Points Intersection Project.
Resolution #16 made by made by Chairman Michael Fox, seconded by Vice Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, approved the construction escrow release #5 for LDS #627R-B for Montgomery Walk – Phase IIB in the amount of $10,110.00.
Resolution #17 made by made by Chairman Michael Fox, seconded by Vice Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, approved the construction escrow release #8 for LDS #653A for Montgomery Preserve – Phase I in the amount of $6,581.50.
Chairman Michael Fox made a motion to approve the payment of bills for April 13, 2015. Vice Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera 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 8:52 p.m.