MINUTES OF MEETING
OCTOBER 25, 2010
At 8:00 p.m. Chairman Joseph Walsh called to order the action meeting and led the pledge of allegiance. In attendance were Supervisors Robert J. Birch, Candyce Fluehr Chimera, Michael J. Fox and Jeffrey W. McDonnell. Also in attendance were Frank Bartle Esq., Lawrence Gregan, Kevin Costello, Richard Brady, Bruce Shoupe, Ann Shade, Shannon Drosnock, Victoria Zidek, Stacy Crandell and Deb Rivas.
There was no public comment.
The minutes of the October 12, 2010 Board meeting were approved as submitted.
Chairman Walsh stated that the Township's 2006 Open Space Plan, as amended in January, 2007, recommended the acquisition by eminent domain of two tracts of land located on Stump Road to be incorporated into the Township's Park system and be utilized for passive and active recreation purposes for the benefit of the citizens of the Township. The properties are located adjacent to the Township's flagship park, the William F. Maule Park at Windlestrae. Mr. Walsh indicated that the Township had retained Attorney Robert Brandt Esq. to represent them in this matter and that Mr. Brandt had prepared the resolutions and documents necessary for the acquisition of the property. Mr. Brandt was present in the audience. Mr. Walsh said that the acquisition of these properties will allow the Township to basically double the size of the William F. Maule Park at Windlestrae and that he was in favor of the acquisition. Mr. Birch indicated that not only would the acquisition double the size of the park, but it also would curtail another major development which had been planned there, and will also help keep additional traffic off the area roads. Mr. Fox commented that the Board did not take this decision lightly and after several years of discussions, felt that given the economic conditions, it was the right time to step in and acquire the properties. Mr. Fox said that open space in the Township has been diminishing and that these two properties were probably the nicest pieces of land left in the Township adding that it was incumbent of the Board to step in and preserve these properties. Mr. Walsh added that while he was running for Supervisor, he met many residents who indicated that the Township lacked additional open space, as well as more parks and more recreation facilities. Mr. Walsh read the resolution which authorized the appropriation of these tracts by eminent domain. The resolution also authorized the preparation, execution and filing of the Declaration of Taking, which directs the taking of possession of the properties and authorizes the proper officials of the Township to execute all necessary documentation. Mr. Walsh made a motion to approve Resolution #1 authorizing the condemnation of the properties and Mr. Birch seconded the motion. The resolution was approved unanimously. Mr. McDonnell clarified that the Board is not taking the properties from the owners for nothing, but will be paying the owners the fair market value of the properties.
The next item on the agenda was the appointment of a new member to the Park and Recreation Board. Mark Bates was introduced by Mr. Walsh for this position. Mr. Bates is a ten year resident of Montgomery Township and he is active in the local sports organizations and community. Mr. Walsh administered the oath of office which appointed Mr. Bates to the Park Board to fill a vacancy, the term of which expires at the end of 2010. Mr. Bates' five year term would then be considered for renewal at the beginning of next year. Resolution #2 unanimously approved the appointment of Mark Bates to the Park and Recreation Board.
Roy Rodriguez, Chairman of the Shade Tree Commission, provided a volunteer advisory committee report for the Shade Tree Commission. Mr. Rodriguez first commended the Board on the acquisition of the Zehr properties. Mr. Rodriguez is also the Chairman of the Open Space committee and stated that over the years he has heard of many communities' open space plans which are completed and then shelved. Mr. Rodriguez said that it was great to see that Montgomery Township has been active in following the recommendations of the Open Space plan. Mr. Rodriguez said that the Shade Tree Commission has been busy this year. In the spring, they sponsored the annual Arbor Day Tree Giveaway. The Township was also recertified for the Tree City USA annual Growth Award for the 11th consecutive year. Mr. Rodriguez also indicated that there were two fall projects planned; the Usher Lane Turnaround / Trailhead and Spring Valley Park Project and the Doylestown Road and Memorial Grove project. Both of these projects include the plantings of over 145 different trees. The Shade Tree Commission also participated in the revisions to SALDO and Chapter 189 which provide enforcement powers relating to certain landscaping practices.
The Department of Fire Services and Emergency Management have applied for the Act 147 Radiation Emergency Response Program Grant. The purpose of the grant is to develop and maintain comprehensive multi-agency emergency response plans for areas surrounding each nuclear power plant in the Commonwealth. Montgomery Township participates in the annual Limerick Generating Station Drill with the Montgomery Mall serving as a reception center, which qualifies us to apply for this grant. A local match is not required. The grant would be in the amount of $2,160 and it would fund the existing cost for one (1) year of the four (4) Nextel / Sprint Direct Access Connect cell phones. Resolution #3 unanimously approved the acceptance of the Grant.
Lawrence Gregan updated the Board on the Montgomery County Tax Collection Committee's appointment of Berkheimer Tax Administrator to serve as the collector of Earned Income Tax and other taxes throughout the Montgomery County Tax Collection District. Act 32 of 2008 provided for the consolidation of the county wide collection of the earned income tax as of January 1, 2012 and permits early implementation as of 1/1/2011. The Montgomery County Tax Collection Committee has asked participating municipalities to adopt a resolution appointing Berkheimer to collect its earned income tax revenues and electing early implementation. A savings of approximately $8,400 will be generated by electing an early implementation effective January 1, 2011. Resolution #4 unanimously approved the appointment of Berkheimer Tax Administrator to serve as the collector of the earned income tax through the TCC with an early implementation date of January 1, 2011.
Lawrence Gregan reported that Maillie Falconiero has performed the Township's annual audit since 2004 and has provided the Township with excellent service. The firm also performs the audits for the Fire Department of Montgomery Township and its Relief Association. The current engagement with Maillie Falconiero expired with the completion of the 2009 audits. Ed Furman, partner with Maillie Falconiero, has offered to perform the audits for 2010 for the same costs as charged for the 2009 audit. Resolution #5 unanimously approved the proposal from Maillie Falconiero for a Township Comprehensive Annual Financial Audit Report for $28,000, the Fire Department of Montgomery Township Audited Financial Statement for $2,300 and the Fire Department of Montgomery Township Relief Association Audited Financial Statement for $2,300.
Lawrence Gregan noted that electricity rate caps will expire at the end of 2010 and that PECO is projecting that electric energy costs have been projected to increase between 6-8% in 2011. In January, the Board authorized staff to request electricity price quotes from the Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities (PLCM) under the Municipal Utility Alliance Program (MUA) to see if they can offer more competitive pricing under their Electricity Procurement Program. The MUA has received price quotes after a publicly advertised competitive bid process and selected Constellation NEWENERGY. Mr. Gregan said that based on the most recent quote, the Township could see a reduction of up to 9% below our 2010 costs. Mr. Gregan recommended that the Board accept Constellation NEWENERGY's rate quote of .089856/kWh for a four year contract to provide electric service. The Board discussed the benefits of accepting the rate for four years and if there were any risks involved. Resolution #6 unanimously approved a contract with Constellation NEWENERGY for electric energy for a maximum four (4) year contract at a maximum rate of up to .089856/kWh.
The Board considered a final escrow release for the Montgomeryville Business Campus/Fed Ex. The project has been inspected by the Township consultants and the release has been recommended, as all public improvements have been completed. Resolution #7 unanimously approved the final release of escrow in the amount of $228,534.07.
The next item on the agenda was the consideration of the extension of medical benefits for the family of a police officer who is currently serving a military deployment. Ann Shade confirmed that it is the Township's policy to continue medical benefits coverage for the families of any employee who is on military deployment. The employee's medical coverage comes from the military branch of which they are serving. Resolution #8 unanimously approved the extension of medical benefits for the family of Officer Andrew Dalton while he is serving on active duty with the US. Army in Iraq.
The payment of bills was approved as submitted.
Under other business, the Board recognized two Scouts from Troop 141 who were in attendance at the meeting earning their merit badge for citizenship in the community.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:52 p.m.