MINUTES OF MEETING
MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
APRIL 11, 2016
Chairman Joseph P. Walsh called the action meeting to order at 8:00 p.m. In attendance were Vice Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and Supervisors Robert J. Birch, Michael J. Fox and Jeffrey W. McDonnell. Also in attendance were Frank Bartle, Esquire, Lawrence Gregan, Chief Scott Bendig, Ami Tarburton, Ann Shade, Bruce Shoupe, Kevin Costello, Rich Grier, Kelsey McMeans and Deb Rivas.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Chairman Joseph P. Walsh called for public comment from the audience and there was none.
Chairman Joseph P. Walsh made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 28, 2016 Board of Supervisors meeting, and Supervisor Michael J. Fox seconded the motion. The minutes of the meeting were unanimously approved as submitted.
Public Information Coordinator Kelsey McMeans reported that Montgomery Township is celebrating Local Government Week from April 11 to April 15. Local Government Week focuses attention on the need for strong, independent, and active local governments as well as recognizing the valuable contributions made by residents serving their communities in public offices. The event will bring area school children to the Township Building for outside demonstrations of the Fire Department, Public Works Department, Police Department and Volunteer Medical Services Corps of Lansdale. The students will also tour the building and learn about the Township Administration during an informative Question and Answer session in the Township Meeting room. Resolution #1 made by Supervisor Michael J. Fox, seconded by Vice Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, recognizes and honors local government week and area elementary schools, Montgomery Elementary and Mary, Mother of the Redeemer, for sponsoring student government programs and for their commitment to developing the leaders of the future.
Director of Planning and Zoning Bruce Shoupe reported that the Shade Tree Commission will be sponsoring its annual event to celebrate Arbor Day. This year, the Annual Arbor Day Tree Give-Away will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Montgomery Township Community and Recreation Center. Montgomery Township has also been named as a 2015 Tree City USA recipient with a presentation of the award by our State Forester scheduled during the event as well. Resolution #2 made by Chairman Joseph P. Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Michael J. Fox and adopted unanimously proclaimed April 23, 2016 to be Arbor Day in Montgomery Township.
Director of Planning and Zoning Bruce Shoupe reported that applicant Nappen and Associates proposes to increase the available parking from 51 spaces to 103 spaces at a property located at 1390 Welsh Road. The property is a 5.3 acre parcel of land with an existing 76,400 square foot building and it is within the LI-Limited Industrial Zoning District. The parking spaces will be located in new areas along the east and north side of the building and a new access drive onto Welsh Road is proposed on the north side of the property. In addition, associated traffic improvements are proposed for left turn movements for east bound Welsh Road into the property. Resolution #3 made by Chairman Joseph P. Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Michael J. Fox and adopted unanimously, approved the Preliminary/Final Land Development Plan for LDS #681 - 1390 Welsh Road – Nappen & Associates.
Director of Public Works Kevin Costello reported that staff received and opened bids for the Roof Restoration Work project at the Township Building on March 31, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. The Township’s Consultant, Weatherproofing Technologies, Inc., reviewed the bids and made a recommendation to award the bid to the lowest responsible bidder, Munn Roofing Corporation, with a total bid for Alternate Bid#1 of $280,000.00. Resolution #4 made by Supervisor Michael J. Fox, seconded by Vice Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, awarded the contract for the Roof Restoration Project to Munn Roofing Corporation for a total projected cost of $280,000.00.
Director of Public Works Kevin Costello reported that a proposal from Weatherproofing Technologies, Inc. has been received for Pre-Construction Services, Contract Administration, Construction Oversight and all Closeout Documents for the Roofing Restoration Work project. Staff has review the proposal and is recommending the Consulting Services Agreement be authorized in the amount of $17,600.00. Resolution #5 made by Supervisor Michael J. Fox, seconded by Supervisor Robert J. Birch and adopted unanimously, approved the Consulting Services Agreement with Weatherproofing Technologies, Inc. for the Administration/Police Complex Roof Restoration Project at a not to exceed cost of $17,600.00.
Chief of Police J. Scott Bendig reported that the Federal Bureau of Investigation is presenting its 24th annual Mid-Atlantic Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar from Sunday, June 5 through Friday, June 10, 2016 at Princeton University. This is an outstanding development seminar and a valuable training opportunity for law enforcement executives. Participants have the opportunity to exchange plans, problems, and solutions with their peers; to develop new thoughts and ideas; and to share successes of their own communities. It is recommended that Lieutenant William Peoples be authorized to attend this seminar. Resolution #6 made by Supervisor Robert J. Birch, seconded by Chairman Joseph P. Walsh and adopted unanimously, approved the request for Lieutenant William Peoples to attend the FBI Mid-Atlantic Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar from Sunday, June 5 through Friday, June 10, 2016 at Princeton University.
Chief of Police J. Scott Bendig 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 “Elevator Occupancy Evacuation Operations” and “Management of Dust Collector Explosion Hazards” courses to satisfy 16 of his required 45 Continuing Education credits. These courses are being offered through the New Jersey Center for Services in Hamilton, NJ and Bordentown, NJ. These courses are free of charge. Resolution #7, made by Supervisor Robert J. Birch, seconded by Vice Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, authorized the out-of-state training for Firefighter Robert Hedden.
Chief of Police J. Scott Bendig reported that FEMA has recently announced that a federal disaster has been declared for the winter storm that impacted parts of Pennsylvania on January 22-23, 2016. Having “disaster” status for the events of Winter Storm Jonas allows state, county and municipal governments and other eligible private non-profits to be reimbursed for costs associated with the response to the storm. Montgomery Township will be applying for reimbursement of Public Works expenses that were a direct result of the Winter Storm. The first step in this process is to adopt the PEMA-DAP-2 “Designation of Agent” resolution authorizing an agent to execute all required forms and documents for the purposes of obtaining financial assistance for Winter Storm Jonas. Resolution #8 made by Supervisor Michael J. Fox, seconded by Vice Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, adopted the PEMA-DAP-2 Resolution designating Richard M. Lesniak, Emergency Management Coordinator, as the Township’s agent to execute all required forms and documents for the purposes of obtaining financial assistance for Winter Storm Jonas.
Director of Administration and Human Resources Ann Shade reported that Benefits Consultant Group (BCG), administrator for the 401(a) Money Purchase Pension Plan for the non-uniformed employees and 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan for all Township employees, has advised the Township that the Plans’ Directed Trustee, Oppenheimer (OFI) will no longer be providing these services in 2016. BCG has recommended the firm of Mid-Atlantic Trust Company (MATC) to serve in this capacity for these two plans. BCG has provided Agreements for each Plan to be executed in order to engage MATC to provide the Directed Trustee services. Resolution #9 authorized the execution of the Directed Trust Agreements with Mid-Atlantic Trust Company (MATC) to provide Directed Trustee services for the Township’s 401(a) Money Purchase Pension Plan and 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan.
Director of Administration and Human Resources Ann Shade reported that the Township maintains an employee handbook of personnel policies that is provided to all employees. As laws, practices and procedures change, the Township determines the need to update existing policies or to add new policies. The “Post-Offer, Pre-Employment Medical Examination and Substance Abuse Testing Policy” is being presented for approval. This policy outlines the Township’s procedure requiring post-offer physicals and pre-employment substance abuse testing for all candidates of job categories who are offered positions at Montgomery Township. This policy includes steps as it relates to advisement of the physical and drug testing at the time of the employment offer, and results and appeal, as applicable, of the medical exam. This policy has been reviewed by the Risk Control Department of Delaware Valley Insurance Trust, labor attorneys of Eckert Seamans and Montgomery Township staff. Resolution #10 made by Supervisor Robert J. Birch, seconded by Supervisor Jeffrey W. McDonnell and adopted unanimously, approved the policy for distribution to employees and inclusion in the Montgomery Township Employee Handbook.
Director of Finance Ami Tarburton reported that the Finance Department has completed all 2015 year-end accruals and adjustments. In preparation for Maillie, LLP’s 2015 audit field work, scheduled for the week of April 18, 2016, the department would like to proceed with the annual transfer of General Fund balance surplus, as has been authorized by the Board in prior years. Staff is projecting a General Fund surplus of $1.7M. This surplus results from revenues exceeding budget by 10.3% and expenditures falling below budget by 2.6%. Staff is recommending that $1.7M of fund balance be transferred as follows: Capital Reserve Fund - $600,000 to the Montgomery Township Road Program, $100,000 to the Park Capital Plan, $100,000 to the Storm Water Pipe Replacement Reserve, $100,000 to the Technology Improvements Reserve; Recreation Center Fund - $470,000 to the Montgomery Township Community and Recreation Center Funding; Debt Service Fund - $330,000 as the Principal Payment to retire the 2012 GO Note. Resolution #11 made by Chairman Joseph Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Robert J. Birch and adopted by a vote of 4 to 0, with Supervisor Michael J. Fox abstaining, authorized the transfer of monies as noted above.
A motion to approve the payment of bills was made by Chairman Joseph P. Walsh, seconded by Vice Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera, and adopted unanimously, approved the payment of bills as submitted.
Under other business, resident Royce Repka of 102 Brookwood Road stated that he has requested that PECO run gas lines into his neighborhood, however, he has been told that he needs a certain percentage of neighborhood home owners to commit to signing up for gas usage. Mr. Repka stated that many homeowners in that area are established residents who don’t necessarily want to switch their heating service. Mr. Repka asked if the Township was able to provide any assistance when it comes to working with PECO. Supervisor Michael J. Fox stated that the Township does have a liaison with PECO. Supervisor Fox was not sure if this liaison could be of assistance, but Township staff will reach out to ask the question for Mr. Repka.
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.