MINUTES OF MEETING
MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
August 10, 2015
Chairman Michael Fox called the executive session to order at 7:00 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Robert Birch and Joseph Walsh. Supervisors Candyce Fluehr Chimera, and Jeffrey McDonnell were absent. Also in attendance were Robert Iannozzi, Esquire, and Lawrence Gregan.
Chairman Michael Fox called the action meeting to order at 8:00 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Robert Birch and Joseph Walsh. Supervisors Candyce Fluehr Chimera, and Jeffrey McDonnell were absent. Also in attendance were Robert Iannozzi, Esquire, Lawrence Gregan, Scott Bendig, Rick Lesniak, Ann Shade, Bruce Shoupe, Kevin Costello, Rich Grier, Brian Forman, Stacy Crandell, 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 Robert Iannozzi, Esquire reported that the Board had met in an executive session earlier in the evening at 7:00 p.m. to discuss five matters. There was four matters of Real Estate and one matter of personnel discussed. Mr. Iannozzi 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 July 27, 2015 Board meeting. The minutes of the meeting were unanimously approved as submitted.
Recreation & Community Center Director Brian Forman introduced new employee Daniel Quimby, who was hired as the Senior Maintenance Worker for the Community & Recreation Center. Resolution #1 made by Chairman Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Joseph Walsh and adopted unanimously, welcomed new employee, Daniel Quimby to Montgomery Township, effective August 7, 2015.
Planning & Zoning Director Bruce Shoupe introduced new employee Virginia Solis, who was hired as a Permits Associate in the Planning & Zoning Department. Resolution #2 made by Chairman Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Joseph Walsh and adopted unanimously, welcomed new employee, Virginia Solis to Montgomery Township, effective August 3, 2015.
Police Chief J. Scott Bendig introduced Corporal Andrew S. Benner for consideration for promotion to the rank of Sergeant for the Montgomery Township Police Department. Resolution #3 made by Chairman Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Joseph Walsh and adopted unanimously, promoted Corporal Andrew S. Benner to the rank of Sergeant for the Montgomery Township Police Department, effective August 10, 2015.
Police Chief J. Scott Bendig requested authorization to purchase and install a proximity card system for the Police Department to help manage entry points into the secure wing of the Police Department. This system, along with previous upgrades to their video camera system, will improve overall security, access, and accountability in the Police Department. Resolution #4 made by Chairman Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Joseph Walsh and adopted unanimously, awarded the contract for the purchase and installation of a proximity card reader system to Troxell Communications, an authorized vendor under the Co-Stars Cooperative Purchase Program, at a cost of $18,102.00.
Director of Fire Services Rick Lesniak requested authorization to accept the bid (for the purchase of the Township’s 1988 Hahn Fire Engine) from Mr. Edward Stiefvater, from Mount Crawford, VA in the amount $5,400 through the online auction company, Municibid. Resolution #5 made by Chairman Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Robert Birch and adopted unanimously, authorize the sale of a 1988 Hahn Fire Engine to Edward Stiefvater, Koiner Ford Road, Mount Crawford, VA 22841 in the amount of $5,400.00 in accordance with the terms and agreement through the online auction company, Municibid.
Director of Fire Services Rick Lesniak, along with members of the Fire Department of Montgomery Township including Vince Zirpoli, Glen Roetman, and Matt Palm, requested authorization to accept the FY2014 SAFER “Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response” Grant in the amount of $277,900.00. The grant will be used to reimburse members who attend and complete training that meets national professional qualifications as established by the National Fire Protection Association, provide incentives for members who respond to emergency incidents, offset expenses related to the management of the programs, and cover expenses for advertising and marketing of the programs. Resolution #6 made by Chairman Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Joseph Walsh and adopted unanimously, authorize the Fire Department of Montgomery Township to accept the FY2014 SAFER “Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response” Grant in the amount of $277,900.00.
Public Works Director Kevin Costello requested approval of the 2015 Extra Curb and Sidewalk Concrete Work. The work will be performed under the current contract with Patriot Grounds & Site Services, Inc. Resolution #7 made by Chairman Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Joseph Walsh and adopted unanimously, authorize the expenditure in the amount of $28,378.45 to perform repairs/replacement of sidewalks throughout the Township under the contract with Patriot Grounds & Site Services, Inc. in accordance with the schedule of unit pricing provided.
Public Works Director Kevin Costello requested the authorization for the non-budgeted expenditure for the demolition of two abandoned barns located on the Wiseman Open Space Tract which is part of Windlestrae Park. Due to the condition of the two barn structures, demolition of both and removal of the debris is recommended. Resolution #8 made by Chairman Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Joseph Walsh and adopted unanimously, approved the non-budgeted expenditure and award the contract for the demolition of the two abandoned barns on the Township’s Wiseman Open Space Tract to Kneckel Demolition and Excavating of Harleysville, PA at a cost of $7,350.
Planning & Zoning Director Bruce Shoupe requested the adoption of the written “Decision and Order” for the conditional use application of DJZZ Enterprises, LP for Marks Jewelers, to be located at 975 Bethlehem Pike. The applicant proposes to renovate the existing 21,900 square foot building on the property as a retail jewelry store. Retail use is permitted in the Highway Limited Industrial Overlay District by Conditional Use approval of the Board of Supervisors. At the July 27, 2015 Board Meeting, the Board adopted a resolution, granted the requested Conditional Use approval to DJZZ Enterprises, LP 975 Bethlehem Pike- C#64- Marks Jewelers. 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 Solicitor has prepared a formal Decision and Order memorializing the Board’s grant of the requested Conditional Use. Resolution #9 made by Chairman Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Joseph Walsh and adopted unanimously, approved the Memorandum, Findings of Fact, Opinion and Order regarding the Conditional Use application of DJZZ Enterprises, LP for Marks Jewelers to be located at 975 Bethlehem Pike.
Planning & Zoning Director Bruce Shoupe introduced the Preliminary/Final Land Development Plan for DJJZ Enterprises, LP for Marks Jewelers. The proposal involved the renovation of a 21,900 square foot building on a 2.23 acre parcel located at 975 Bethlehem Pike within the Highway Limited Industrial Overlay District. The applicant is proposing to renovate the building as a retail jewelry store. The applicant received several variances from the Zoning Hearing Board on March 3, 2015 and Conditional Use approval for the retail sales use from the Board of Supervisors on July 27, 2015. The Township Staff and Consultants have reviewed this plan for compliance with Township Codes. Resolution #10 made by Chairman Michael Fox, seconded by Supervisor Joseph Walsh and adopted unanimously, granted conditional, preliminary/final approval of the land development application and plan for DJJZ Enterprises, LP for Marks Jewelers at 975 Bethlehem Pike.
Chairman Michael Fox made a motion to approve the payment of bills for August 10, 2015. Supervisor Joseph Walsh 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 8:30 p.m.