MINUTES OF MEETING
MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
May 1, 2006
At 7:00 p.m. Chairman William Sarosky called to order the Executive Session. In attendance were Supervisors Greenberg, Kuhn and Prousi. Supervisor Witmer was absent. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Merle Ochrach, Richard Brady and Daniel J. Rose. Personnel matters and potential litigation matters were discussed.
At 7:20 p.m. Chairman Sarosky called to order the Work Session. In attendance were Supervisors Greenberg, Kuhn and Prousi. Supervisor Witmer was absent. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Merle Ochrach, Jerry Grover, Richard Brady, and Bernd Heinze, David Vasconez, Gene Zeiner and Ed Skrzat of the Fire Department of Montgomery Township, and Shirley Snyder.
Bernd Heinze began by providing a partial summary of the 2005 Annual Report. The discussion then turned to the Strategic Financial Plan for the Fire Department. Mr. Heinze staed that the priority of the FDMT is to acquire a heavy rescue vehicle. There is a new vehicle (Pierce) available for purchase at a cost of $422,000. This cost does not include any equipment. Financing for this purchase would be obtained through the Fire Relief Association of Montgomery Township. FDMT has some of the necessary equipment, and the county would be able to provide additional equipment. The Board and staff questioned the need for heavy rescue equipment, citing that this type of equipment is already part of the VMSC, and other neighboring municipalities fleets. It was suggested that the township should consider “partnering” with VMSC to provide this type of service. Fire Chief, Dave Vasconez stated that the Fire Department of Montgomery Township and the Volunteer Medical Service Corp. have discussed this matter, and found the two groups to be compatible, but still feels that the addition of a heavy rescue vehicle would be an asset to the FDMT. The purchase of 800 MHz radios, foam fire capability, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA’s), turn out gear, and fire police equipment are the priorities set forth by the Board and staff. Gene Zeiner reported that this equipment is planned for and purchased as needed. John Nagel reported that with the adoption of the 2006 township budget, the township will be assuming vehicle maintenance for FDMT equipment with a budgeted amount of $50,000. It was determined that the Fire Department of Montgomery Township and the Township have common goals, however there appears to be a difference of opinion on the priority of these goals. After considerable discussion, Chairman Sarosky requested that the Fire Department of Montgomery Township provide statistics and facts on the demand for heavy rescue equipment, and the types of rescues made over the last several years, and provide the staff and Board of Supervisors with this information prior to the May 22, 2006 Board of Supervisor’s meeting. This matter will be discussed and a decision made on priorities at the May 22, 2006 meeting.
The Work Session adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
At 8:04 p.m. Chairman William Sarosky called to order the regular meeting. In attendance were Supervisors Greenberg, Kuhn and Prousi. Supervisor Witmer was absent. Also in attendance were John Chambers, Rick Tralies, Merle Ochrach, John Nagel, Richard Brady, Jerry Grover, Kevin Costello, Monica DeCaro, Andrea Coaxum, Mike Solomon and Shirley Snyder.
Chief Richard Brady introduced Daniel J. Rose as a new Cadet patrolman with the Montgomery Township Police Department. Resolution #1 unanimously authorized the hiring of Daniel J. Rose, effective May 5, 2006 as a Cadet patrolman with the Police Department of Montgomery Township.
There was no public comment at this evening’s meeting.
Merle Ochrach announced that the Board had met earlier in an Executive Session to discuss personnel matters and matters of potential litigation.
National Law Enforcement Week will be held May 13th to May 20th. Officer Jim Matlack is coordinating the various events planned for this week at Montgomery Mall. On May 19th juvenile fingerprinting, K-9 demonstrations, child safety seat inspections, personal safety information, and police equipment will be on display inside the mall from 9:30 a.m. to closing. On Saturday, May 20th, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (weather permitting) the events will move outside to the parking lot and will include: displays by local police departments, VMSC, U.S. Army, Montgomery County bomb unit, police motorcycle demonstration, K-9 demonstrations and other activities. Resolution #2 unanimously recognized the week of May 13 through May 20, 2006th as National Law Enforcement Week.
Under Monthly Reports, Richard Brady reported that the Police Department had responded to 1869 calls during the month of April. The Department was awarded a grant in the amount of $9,495 for the purchase of a computerized child identification system, which replaces the ink pad system for taking children’s fingerprints. A $50,000 grant was also received for the purchase of automated external defibrillators. A third grant has been received for $2,750 for seat belt enforcement and education programs. Monica DeCaro reported that Smith Barney had made a presentation to the Pension Committee, and information on that meeting would be discussed later in the evening. Andrea Coaxum reported that the township gave a presentation at the PSATS Annual Conference the end of April, entitled “How to Communicate with Your Residents”. Mrs. Coaxum also reported that the April 29th Arbor Day Tree Give Away was successful. The township newsletter will be mailed next week.
A brief discussion was held on the upcoming conditional use hearing on June 12, 2006 for the Zehr Tract. Merle Ochrach advised the Board, that her firm has represented the applicant on various matters. The Board discussed whether they should hire independent counsel for this hearing. Motion #3, made by Chairman Sarosky recommended that the township hire an independent attorney to represent Montgomery Township at the hearing for Conditional Use for the Zehr Tract. The vote was unanimous to approve the motion. Chairman Sarosky asked the Board members to provide him with the name(s) of attorneys who they would recommend as counsel to the township.
On February 27, 2006, the staff recommended to the Board of Supervisors a proposal to conduct training on Team Building and Goal Setting for the members of the Park & Recreation Board. Under public comment, Park & Recreation Board member David Keightly stated that the Park & Recreation Board did not have sufficient time to provide feedback and vote on this matter, and would like time to evaluate the Mr. Marshall’s proposal before the township expends $3,500. The Board stated that they are still waiting for information requested of the baseball and soccer organizations on the number of players participating in these sports are township residents. John Nagel reported that most of this information has been received. When the remainder of this information is received, the staff will provide a copy to the Park & Recreation Board, along with a copy of Mr. Marshall’s plan. Resolution #4 unanimously accepted the proposal for two half day sessions for Team Building and Goal Setting for the Park & Recreation Board as provided by Municipal Resources of Pennsylvania, dated February 22, 2006 at a cost not to exceed $3,500.
Chairman Sarosky provided background information concerning the Police Pension Plan and possible investment changes being recommended. Smith Barney Consulting Group has reviewed the pension plan documents and have presented recommendations to the Police Pension Committee meeting in April. Resolution #5 unanimously authorized the Smith Barney Consulting Group to liquidate the Montgomery Township Police Pension holdings in intermediate government bonds and intermediate corporate bonds, and purchase 6 – 18 month US Treasuries with the proceeds. A motion was also made to have Tom Schatzman of Smith Barney Consulting Group make a presentation to the Board of Supervisors, Police Department and Pension Committee. Supervisor Robert Kuhn seconded the motion which was unanimously approved by the Board.
Under the consent agenda, the minutes of meeting for April 10, 2006 and payment of bills were approved as submitted. Resolution #6 approved the Autumn Festival Committee’s solicitation letter. Resolution #7 authorized the Township Manager to advertise for public hearing for Conditional Use Application for Greenway Development on Monday, July 24, 2006. Extension request for Firefox I was approved by Resolution #8. Resolution #9 authorized the Township Manager to advertise for bids for vehicle exhaust extraction system for Fire Services. Resolution #10 authorized the Township Manager to advertise for a public hearing for liquor license transfer for Longhorn Steakhouse for June 12, 2006. Resolution #11 authorized the Township Manager to re-advertise for bids for annual Public Works materials. All consent agenda resolutions were unanimously approved.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:32 p.m.