MINUTES OF MEETING
June 14, 2010
At 7:00 p.m. Chairman Joseph Walsh called to order the executive session. In attendance were Supervisors Birch, Chimera, Fox and McDonnell. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Frank Bartle, and Tom Sullivan, Jesse Stemple and Sean Petty of the Montgomery County Department of Public Safety. Two personnel matters were discussed.
At 8:07 p.m. Chairman Joseph Walsh called to order the action meeting and led the pledge of allegiance. In attendance were Supervisors Birch, Chimera, Fox and McDonnell. Also in attendance were Frank Bartle, John Nagel, Kevin Johnson, Bruce Shoupe, Lawrence Gregan, Kevin Costello, Bill Brightcliffe, Richard Brady and Shirley Snyder.
Under public comment Mr. Bowe of 106 Summit Place voiced concern with the Montgomery Township Police Department. Mr. Bowe has experienced problems with his neighbors next door, the neighbor's dogs and cars parked illegally in front of his home. Mr. Bowe has called the Police Department and come into the office. Mr. Bowe said that he has received no satisfactory results from his discussions with the Police Department. He has also spoken directly with Supervisor Chimera, Lt. Houghtaling, Chief Brady and former Supervisor Stephen Prousi about these matters. Mr. Bowe noted that he is planning to take the Police Department to Federal Court for selective discrimination. Chairman Walsh requested a written summary of the Police Department's position on this matter from Chief Brady.
Solicitor Frank Bartle announced that the Board had met in an executive session prior to this meeting and discussed two personnel matters. These matters are permissible in executive session under the guidelines of the Sunshine law.
Kevin Johnson of TPD, Inc., and Eric Frary of Michael Baker provided an update on the 202 Parkway project. Most of the work on Section 65N began back in late April, with some daytime detours occurring in that section during construction. Utility work is underway along Welsh Road. Some temporary detours and temporary barriers providing temporary traffic patterns are in place during some of the construction. The construction is pretty much on schedule. Section 701 is virtually complete with permanent guard rails installed. Work is continuing on the Route 309 overpass, with grading expected to begin early this summer. Construction on the retaining wall is nearly complete in this section. PennDOT is planning to reopen Costco Drive before the rest of the parkway is complete, making it the only section of the Parkway that you will be able to drive on. Supervisor Michael Fox inquired as to when the widening of County Line Road is scheduled to begin. Mr. Johnson stated that this project should begin construction later this year. The Township's goal for the opening of the 202 Parkway is around Black Friday 2011. Chairman Walsh asked Rich Grier whether the Powerpoint presentation by Kevin Johnson would be part of the televised broadcast. Mr. Grier is going to perform a test and is hopeful that all presentations can be incorporated into the broadcast.
Chairman Walsh noted that the Board will begin a new practice of inviting the Chairs of the various Township Committees to attend a Board meeting and provide an update on their respective committee. The Park & Recreation Board was invited for this evening, but no one was able to attend. Chairman Walsh asked Sam Dugan, Chair of the Montgomery Township Sewer Authority Committee if he would like to provide a brief report. Mr. Dugan reported that Honeywell came in and provided an audit of all facilities. The audit showed that the systems are operating efficiently and could offer no suggestions for improvements. The tanks are being repaired in stages, and once complete, the plant will be running at full capacity. Mr. Dugan also noted that it has been five or six years since any rate increase in sewer rates, and he expects that a rate increase could be forthcoming.
Chairman Walsh added an item to the agenda, a resolution concerning the ongoing issues involving stormwater management. John Nagel and Michael Fox summarized the latest flurry of activity over the last few weeks. The request for an extension of the deadline date for permit application has been denied by DEP. The stormwater ordinance is expected in the near future. Submissions are due September 10, 2010, which means that there are less than sixty days to commit and adopt the ordinance. The PA Stormwater Coalition is diligently working to provide a reasonable solution to this matter. The Coalition is looking for municipalities to commit their share of funds to get this matter to the next level. The Coalition will be making a presentation to the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Commissioners in the Poconos on Monday, June 21st. Resolution #1 unanimously approved Montgomery Township's participation along with other Southeastern Pennsylvania Municipalities for legal, engineering and legislative services for storm water regulatory support. Chairman Walsh thanked Michael Fox, John Chambers and John Nagel for all their work on this endeavor.
Under the consent agenda, the minutes of meeting for May 24, 2010 and payment of bills were approved as submitted. Resolution #2 approved the contracts for purchase of a Cool Toppers Super Pyramid Shade Structure to General Recreation, Inc. and installation of Cool Toppers Shade Structure to Buzz Burger, Inc. as per quotes dated May 2010. Resolution # 3 approved the award of bids for asphalt/bituminous concrete materials to Eureka Stone Quarry in accordance with their low bid. Resolution #4 approved the request for out of state training for Juvenile Detective James Reape to be held in Easton, Massachusetts from September 27th through October 1st 2010. Resolution #5 approved an amendment to the 2010 Fee Schedule to include fees for on-call Engineering Services for Michael Baker, Jr., Inc. for services rendered in the replacement of the old stone bridge on Route 152. Resolution #6 approved the release of Construction Escrow for Citi-Bank. Resolution #7 approved the advertisement for a Public Hearing for Liquor License Transfer for Bertucci's Restaurant.
Item #15, to consider request for Tax Free Distributions from Police Pension for Post Retirement Medical Benefit Insurance Premiums was removed from the agenda.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.