At 7:00 p.m. Chairman Joseph Walsh called to order the executive session. In attendance were Supervisors Robert J. Birch, Candyce Fluehr Chimera, Michael J. Fox and Jeffrey W. McDonnell. Also in attendance were Solicitor Frank Bartle, Esq. and Interim Township Manager Lawrence Gregan.
At 8:00 p.m. Chairman Joseph Walsh called to order the public meeting. 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, William Brightcliffe, Ann Shade, Shannon Drosnock, Vickie Zidek and Shirley Snyder.
Chairman, Joseph Walsh called for public comment from the audience and there was none.
Frank Bartle announced that the Board had met in an executive session prior to this meeting to discuss one personnel matter and two current litigation matters, the Zehr Tract Condemnation and Substantive Validity Challenge for Airport Square. These matters are permissible in executive session under the guidelines of the Sunshine law.
The minutes of the November 22, 2010 Board meeting were approved as submitted with the motion for acceptance being made by Joseph Walsh and seconded by Candyce Chimera.
Chairman Joseph Walsh announced the promotion of Lawrence J. Gregan from the position of Interim Township Manager to the Township Manager of Montgomery Township. Mr. Walsh stated that Mr. Gregan has done a great job especially through the transition days working as Business Manager, as Assistant Township Manager and as Interim Township Manager. Mr. Walsh also noted that Mr. Gregan has a tremendous skill set, is a man of integrity, keeps the Board well informed on all matters and has many years of experience in working in municipal government. Chairman Walsh thanked all the employees for their dedication and their extra effort during this transitional time. Resolution #1 unanimously approved the promotion of Lawrence J. Gregan to the position of Township Manager of Montgomery Township. Mr. Gregan thanked the Board for their show of confidence and for the appointment as Township Manager. Mr. Gregan stated that he is looking forward to the opportunity to again serve as Township Manager. The terms and conditions of employment for Mr. Gregan's five year agreement are set forth in the Memorandum of Understanding, which was finalized during the Executive Session. Resolution #2 unanimously approved the Employment Agreement between Mr. Gregan and Montgomery Township.
Montgomery Township will be celebrating its 300th Anniversary in 2014. Mr. Walsh explained that the Township would like to have a nice celebration that includes families and to make it a fun and enjoyable event. Mr. Walsh noted that there will be fundraising involved in the planning of the event. The Township will be forming a committee to plan this special event, and will be asking residents to submit resumes starting the middle of January 2011. The Board of Supervisors will review all resumes submitted and a committee will be formed. Mr. Walsh thanked Roy Rodriguez and Richard Roller for bringing this important anniversary to the attention of the Board. Lawrence Gregan stated that the staff will have information on the website, cable channel, E-News and via a press release.
The Sewer Authority is considering a rate increase in 2011 and is requesting authorization to advertise the Ordinance to increase the rates. Sam Dugan of the Montgomery Township Municipal Sewer Authority noted that there has not been a rate increase in the last seven years. The sewer rate rentals are the Authority's only source of revenue. There are two types of sewer rates that apply, a fixed rate and a variable rate that is based on water usage. The proposed increase for both rates is 5%. Resolution #3 unanimously approved the authorization to advertise the Proposed Ordinance for Sewer Rate Increase.
Sam Dugan provided a summary of the Sewer Authority budget noting that the budget, including the proposed rate increase, is still a little out of balance. The Authority is hopeful that taking into consideration several factors, the budget will be in a positive operating mode by the end of the year. Resolution #4 unanimously approved the Montgomery Township Sewer Authority 2011 Budget.
Resolution #5 unanimously approved the Sewer Authority's 2010 Tapping Fee Agreements.
Interim Finance Director, Shannon Drosnock, provided an overview of the 2011 budget. The budget process began in August with Department Heads identifying any new needs for 2011. Workshops were held to discuss and budget needs were addressed. The preliminary budget was approved by the Board of Supervisors at the November 8, 2010 meeting. There have been no changes to that preliminary budget. Mr. Walsh noted that the budget includes the addition of two Public Works employees. Bruce Shoupe also noted that within the next few weeks the office will see new permits submitted due to the new sprinkler requirements which go into effect in 2011. Many people are submitting early so they will not have to install new residential sprinkler systems. Chairman Walsh thanked Shannon Drosnock, Vickie Zidek and Lawrence Gregan for all the work they did to prepare and present the Budget for 2011. The 2011 Budget includes the following four resolutions. Resolution #6 unanimously adopted the Montgomery Township 2011 budget. Resolution #7 unanimously approved the 2011 Tax Levy and established the Homestead Exclusion in the amount of $30,000 for the year 2011. Resolution #8 unanimously established the street light assessments for 2011. Resolution #9 unanimously approved the maximum departmental salary/wage increases for 2011.
The Request for Waiver of Land Development for Wireco at 151 Commerce Drive was tabled. There is a policy matter that needs to be discussed concerning this waiver request. The matter will come before the Board of Supervisors the beginning of 2011.
Resolution # 10 unanimously approved the final escrow release for TD Bank, LDS#623. Resolution #11 unanimously approved the escrow release for Kidalas Court LDS#643. The final escrow release for Keystone Community Church LDS#644 was approved unanimously by Resolution #12.
Resolution #13 unanimously approved the application for Montgomery Township to receive the Tree City USA Growth Award and approved the application for the Tree City USA Recertification.
The Shade Tree Commission would like to enhance the Memorial Grove setting by turning a large section of the area into a meadow under the guidance of the Natural Lands Trust. Resolution #14 unanimously authorized the Township Manager to accept the proposal as submitted by Natural Lands Trust for consulting services for the installation of a meadow at Memorial Grove.
The Police Department is initiating submission of the Automated Red Light Enforcement Grant (ARLE) - Traffic Signal Video Detection Improvements. This grant does not require a local match, and if awarded, would be used to upgrade current loop detection systems to video detection systems at nineteen intersections within the Township. Resolution #15 unanimously approved the submission of the ARLE Grant.
Lawrence Gregan reported that mandatory changes to our 401a and 457 pension plans are required. These amendments comply with recent IRS interpretations of the Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008 (HEART) and the Workers, Retiree and Employer Recovery Act of 2008 (WRERA). Resolution # 16 unanimously approved the Amendment for Heart and WRERA to the 401a and 457 Plans.
Resolution #17 unanimously approved the amendments to the Delaware Valley Health Insurance Trust Agreement to comply with the claims dispute appeals procedures required under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
Resolution #18 unanimously authorized the advertisement for the Board of Supervisors Annual Reorganization meeting and regular monthly meeting to be held on Monday, January 3, 2011 starting at 8:00 p.m.
Changes in the Life Insurance, AD&D Long-Term Disability Provider were summarized by Ann Shade. The Township's current carrier was able to match Lincoln Financials two year rate guarantee for each option, but were unable to give any further rate reductions. Resolution #19 unanimously approved the purchase of Life, AD&D and Long-Term Disability Insurance benefits through Lincoln Financial Group on behalf of Delaware Valley Insurance Trust.
The payment of bills were approved as submitted.
Under other business, Chairman Joseph Walsh thanked the Board of Supervisors for giving him the opportunity to serve as the Chairman of the Board for 2010. Mr. Walsh also again thanked the staff for all they've done during this year. Supervisor Candyce Chimera noted that she has received several telephone calls from residents commenting on the great job the Township is doing. It is a wonderful community to live and work in.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m.