MINUTES OF MEETING
MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
APRIL 27, 2015
Chairman Michael Fox called the executive session meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Robert Birch, Candyce Fluehr Chimera, Jeffrey McDonnell and Joseph Walsh. Also in attendance were Frank Bartle, Esquire and Lawrence Gregan.
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, Rick Lesniak, Shannon Drosnock, Ann Shade, Stacy Crandell, Bruce Shoupe, Kevin Costello, Brian Forman, 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 7:00 p.m. to discuss two 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 Chairman Michael Fox seconded the motion to approve the minutes of the April 13, 2015 Board meeting. The minutes of the meeting were unanimously approved as submitted.
Chairman Michael Fox reported that a vacancy currently exists on the Montgomery Township Municipal Sewer Authority and Township resident Richard E. Miniscalco has expressed an interest in becoming a member of the Sewer Authority Board. Resolution #1 made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Vice Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, appointed Richard E. Miniscalco to serve as a member of the Montgomery Township Municipal Sewer Authority with a term to expire on January 1, 2020.
Police Chief Scott Bendig reported that the employees of Pritchard, Bieler, Gruver and Willison, P.C., a Certified Public Accountant and Business Consulting firm located at 590 Bethlehem Pike in Montgomery Township, inquired about donating funds for the Police K-9 Unit as a way of making a contribution to the Montgomery Township Community. Representatives of the firm, Barry Moriarty, Jack Hoy, Rob Pritchard and Leslie Gadaleta, presented a check in the amount of $1,500 to the Montgomery Township Police K-9 Unit. Ms. Gadaleta stated that the employees and principals of the firm wanted to do something community related and had seen the story concerning the passing of K-9 Bauer. The employees of the firm paid $5 on a particular day to wear blue jeans at the office and raised a total of $750. The firm matched that amount for a total donation of $1,500. Police Canine Officer Joseph McGuigan and K-9 Cody were present to accept the donation. Resolution #2 made by Chairman Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Robert Birch and adopted unanimously, recognized the employees of Pritchard, Bieler, Gruver and Willison, P.C. for their generous donation to the Police Department’s Canine Unit.
Director of Fire Services Richard Lesniak announced the resignation of part-time firefighter William McCann. Mr. McCann worked for the Department of Fire Services on a part-time basis since May 3, 2012. His separation was effective April 6, 2015. Chairman Michael Fox commented that the Township is appreciative of his service and wishes him well in his future endeavors. Resolution #3 made by Chairman Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Robert Birch and adopted unanimously, recognized the resignation of William McCann from his position as Firefighter Part-Time with Montgomery Township.
Director of Fire Services Rick Lesniak reported that Firefighter Robert Hedden currently holds three certifications in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and has recently submitted an application for renewal of those certifications for a new three year cycle (2013-2016). Firefighter Hedden is requesting approval to take a course titled “Commercial Cooking Fire Protection” and “International Building Code Essentials” courses to satisfy 16 of his required 45 Continuing Education credits. These courses are being offered through the New Jersey Center for Services in Lambertville, NJ. These courses are free of charge. Resolution #4, made by Chairman Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Joseph Walsh and adopted unanimously, authorized the out-of-state training for Firefighter Robert Hedden.
Assistant to the Township Manager Stacy Crandell reported that the Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) has been discussing ways to implement the Sustainability Audit that was completed in 2009. The discussion led to evaluating ways to make Montgomery Township a more bicycle/pedestrian friendly community. In June 2013, the EAC received approval from the Board of Supervisors to work with the Township’s Traffic Engineer, Traffic Planning & Design, Inc. (TPD) to help perform a township-wide bicycle and pedestrian connectivity assessment. In January 2015, TPD presented a proposed implementation plan of bicycle/pedestrian routes throughout the Township which concentrated on creating access to the parks, schools and retail shopping centers. At their March 2015 meeting, the EAC recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve the implementation of the Bicycle/Pedestrian Trail Routes in the Township. The estimated costs for the individual projects could range from minimal with some traffic calming measures to very costly efforts that could include constructing bridges over stream crossings which can cost over a $1 million. The next steps after Board approval will involve looking into ways to fund the bicycle/pedestrian network options and working on a plan going forward. Resolution #5 made by Chairman Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Joseph Walsh and adopted unanimously, accepted and approved the Bicycle/Pedestrian Network and Prioritization Plan prepared by Traffic Planning and Design, Inc., dated March 25, 2015.
Director of Planning and Zoning Bruce Shoupe reported that the Township received a letter from Ronald P. Kalyan, Jr. Esquire, representing Montgomeryville Real Estate Associates L.P. requesting a waiver of Subdivision Approval for 1350 and 1360 Welsh Road. The owner wishes to convert the existing property to a condominium regime comprised of two (2) units represented by the two (2) existing buildings already constructed on-site. The existing boundary lines of the parcel will not otherwise be changed and the residual land, apart from the Units being created, will be designated as Limited Common Elements (apportion to each immediate adjoining Unit). No improvements are being made or other development occurring at the property. The Township Solicitor had reported that he reviewed the matter and concurs with Mr. Kaylan’s assessment of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code allowing the property to be converted to a condominium regime. Resolution #6 made by Chairman Michael Fox, seconded by Vice Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, granted a waiver of land development for the Montgomeryville Real Estate Associates L.P. Condo Conversion for 1350 & 1360 Welsh Road.
Resolution #7 made by made by Supervisor Joseph Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Robert Birch and adopted unanimously, approved the construction escrow release #2 for LDS #639 for townhouses at Crystal Road and Maple Drive in the amount of $28,648.78.
Resolution #8 made by made by Chairman Michael Fox, seconded by Vice Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, approved the construction escrow release #4 for LDS #630 for Firefox – Phase I in the amount of $117,240.11.
Director of Recreation and Community Center Brian Forman reported that the Community and Recreation Center Steering Committee worked diligently to create a fee structure that is fair to our residents while being competitive in the market place. The committee analyzed data gathered from several area municipal community centers, as well as local fitness facilities, to develop an appropriate initial fee structure for the new Community and Recreation Center. Mr. Forman presented a chart showing the various fees for residents and non-residents of the Township. Resolution #9 made by Chairman Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Joseph Walsh and adopted unanimously, approved the Community Center Steering Committee recommended fees as submitted.
Technology Manager Rich Grier reported that Township staff has prepared an Audio/Visual (A/V) solution for the Community and Recreation Center. The solution includes HD TV feeds for all relative cardio devices, mounted projectors, ceiling speakers, flat-panel TVs, full sound system in the Gymnasium with wireless microphone and digital signage. A quote has been received from Cenero, LLC, an authorized vendor under the COSTARS Cooperative Purchasing program for the purchase and installation of the equipment for the Community and Recreation Center, in the amount of $188,947. Resolution #10 approved the purchase of the audio/visual technologies for the Community and Recreation Center, from Cenero, LLC for a total cost of $188,947.
Director of Finance Shannon Drosnock presented the 1st Quarter 2015 Budget report. Ms. Drosnock’ s presentation summarized the year-to-date operating results through March 31, 2015 and identified the significant activities in the fund balance, revenues and expenses. Ms. Drosnock reported that overall the Township finances are in excellent condition, with the 1st Quarter revenues and expenses tracking as expected in the 2015 Budget.
Chairman Michael Fox made a motion to approve the payment of bills for April 27, 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 8:38 p.m.