MINUTES OF MEETING
MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
MAY 23, 2016
At 7:00 p.m. Chairman Joseph P. Walsh called to order the executive session. In attendance were Vice Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera, Supervisors Robert J. Birch, Michael J. Fox and Jeffrey W. McDonnell. Also in attendance were Lawrence Gregan and Frank Bartle, Esquire.
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, Rick Lesniak, Ami Tarburton, Stacy Crandell, Bruce Shoupe, Kevin Costello, Floyd Shaffer, Rich Grier and Deb Rivas.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Chairman Joseph P. Walsh called for public comment from the audience. Ravi Patel, of 606 Ellison Drive, stated that he was representing the residents of the Montgomery Pointe Development. The residents are looking for an update on the community concerns with regard to the completion and repair of items by the David Cutler Group. Supervisor Michael Fox reported that the Board has had a number of discussions regarding the poor development conditions and described the action taken by the Board over the past several months to accelerate completion of the site improvements this summer. He noted that the Board does not have an exact timeframe for the completion of site improvements, items, but are working on having the improvements completed as soon as possible. The Board members suggested that residents attend the next Board meeting for a new update on the developments.
Solicitor Frank Bartle announced that the Board had met in an executive session prior to this meeting and discussed two potential matters of litigation, including the Montgomery Walk/Montgomery Pointe update. Litigation matters included RD Management Airport Square Validity Challenge, Lamb vs. Montgomery Township and seven Zoning matters before the Montgomery Township Zoning Hearing Board. Mr. Bartle stated that these matters are legitimate subjects of executive session pursuant to Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Law.
Supervisor Michael J. Fox made a motion to approve the minutes of the May 9, 2016 Board of Supervisors meeting, and Vice Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera seconded the motion. The minutes of the meeting were unanimously approved as submitted.
Director of Recreation and Community Center Floyd Shaffer reported that Cub Scout Pack 229 has submitted a Facilities and Field Use request for the use of Spring Valley Park to hold their Annual Father’s Day Rocket Launch on Sunday, June 19, 2016. In the past, it has been the policy of the Board of Supervisors to waive permit fees for non-profit and religious organizations. Members of Cub Scout Pack 229 introduced themselves to the Board as Joey, Charlie, Jake, Rick, Owen, Ryan and Matthew. Resolution #1 made by Chairman Joseph P. Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Robert Birch and adopted unanimously, permitted Cub Scout Pack 229 to conduct its Annual Father’s Day Rocket Launch at Spring Valley Park on Sunday, June 19, 2016 from 12:00pm until 2:00pm and also waived the permit fee for the rocket launch.
Director of Recreation and Community Center Floyd Shaffer reported that Richard Roller, Scout Leader for Boy Scout Troop #547 made a request for a waiver of permit fees associated with the Troop’s use of the Spring Valley Park Pavilion one evening a week for two hours starting on Tuesday, June 14, 2016 through Tuesday, September 13, 2016. Resolution #2 made by Chairman Joseph P. Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Michael Fox and adopted unanimously, approved the request from Boy Scouts of America Troop #547 to waive permit fees in the amount of $120 associated with the use of the Spring Valley Park Pavilion for one night per week this summer.
Chief of Police J. Scott Bendig reported that on November 19, 2015, a letter was received from Chester Chzanowski, owner of Syrena Collision Center, requesting consideration to serve as an authorized towing contractor for Montgomery Township. A review of the documentation provided by Mr. Chzanowski shows that Syrena Collision Center has fulfilled the requirements for authorized towing contractors in accordance with the Code of the Township of Montgomery. Resolution #3 made by Supervisor Michael Fox, seconded by Vice Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, authorized Syrena Collision Center to serve as an authorized towing contractor for Montgomery Township.
Chief of Police J. Scott Bendig reported that in October, 2013, the Police Department purchased a Remington Model 40XS .308 Caliber Bolt Action rifle for $5,199.00. The rifle was utilized by department personnel assigned to the sniper element of the Montgomery County SWAT-CR Team. Recent departures and assignment changes on the Team have made continued ownership of the rifle unnecessary. The Plymouth Township Police Department has expressed an interest in purchasing the rifle at a price of $4,000.00. Under the Township’s Disposal Policy for Personal Property, any property estimated to be worth $1,000.00 or more must be approved by the Board of Supervisors in accordance with the Second Class Township Code. Resolution #4 made by Supervisor Michael Fox and seconded by Vice Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, authorized the sale of the Remington Model 40XS .308 Caliber Bolt Action Rifle to the Plymouth Township Police Department for an agreed upon price of $4,000.00.
Chief of Police J. Scott Bendig reported that the Police Department is proposing the purchase of standardized weapon mounted lighting systems and holsters for each of the uniformed officer’s sidearm. These systems would enhance the officer’s abilities in poor lighting conditions during high risk situations. New holsters would be purchased to accommodate these lighting systems. Resolution #5 made by Supervisor Michael J. Fox, seconded by Vice Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, approved the purchase of weapon mounted lighting systems and holsters for each of the uniformed officer’s sidearm at a cost of $6,421.50 from Atlantic Tactical in accordance with their quote dated May 9, 2016.
Director of Public Works Kevin Costello reported that the Montgomery County Public Works Association is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1966 by a dedicated group of Public Works Professionals and is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year. The overall goal of the Association is to continually improve public works services, find and implement cost saving measures and educate their employees throughout the Municipalities in Montgomery County and surrounding areas. The Association is requesting that all member Municipalities pass a resolution which will be displayed at the Association’s 50th Anniversary Celebration in Horsham Township in October of this year. Resolution #6 made by Chairman Joseph P. Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Michael J. Fox and adopted unanimously, recognized and congratulated the Montgomery County Public Works Association on its 50th Anniversary.
Resolution #7 made by Supervisor Robert J. Birch, seconded by Vice Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, approved the start of maintenance period and construction escrow release #3 for LDS#642 – for General Hancock Partnership Hotels in the amount of $217,485.26.
Director of Planning and Zoning Bruce Shoupe reported that an application for conditional use has been received from Hawthorn Development LLC. The applicant is proposing to develop the property, located on Doylestown Pike, as a Congregate Care/Independent Senior Living facility, including a main building with 144 suites, 2 manager units and 12 cottage units and associated improvements. This is designed exclusively for persons 62 years of age or older. This use is permitted by conditional use within the BP-Business Office and Professional District. Resolution #8 made by Chairman Joseph P. Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Michael J. Fox and adopted unanimously, authorized the advertisement for a public hearing for the Conditional Use application of #C-65 Hawthorn Development LLC – located on Doylestown Pike, to be held on June 27, 2016.
Director of Planning and Zoning Bruce Shoupe reported that an application has been received for a liquor license transfer for Turtle Time JRP1, LLC for 1100 Bethlehem Pike for a proposed Green Turtle Restaurant. This is an intermunicipal transfer of a liquor license. It is required that a public hearing be held on this application within 45 days or by June 30, 2016, unless the applicant agrees to an extension of the time limit. Resolution #9 made by Chairman Joseph P. Walsh, seconded by Vice Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, set Monday, June 13, 2016 after 8:00pm as the date and time for a public hearing for an Intermunicipal Liquor License Transfer for Turtle Time JRP1, LLC to be located at 1100 Bethlehem Pike.
A motion to approve the payment of bills was made by Chairman Joseph P. Walsh, seconded by Supervisor Michael J. Fox, and adopted unanimously, approved the payment of bills as submitted.
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.