MINUTES OF MEETING
FEBRUARY 14, 2011
Chairman Robert Birch called to order the executive session at 7:00 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Candyce Fluehr Chimera, Michael Fox, Jeffrey McDonnell and Joseph Walsh. Also in attendance were Lawrence Gregan, Frank Bartle, Esquire., Joseph Rudolf, Esquire, and Ann Shade. Two personnel and two potential litigation matters were discussed.
Chairman Robert Birch called to order the regular action meeting at 8:10 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Candyce Fluehr Chimera, Michael Fox, Jeffrey McDonnell and Joseph Walsh. Also in attendance were Frank Bartle, Esquire, Lawrence Gregan, Richard Brady, William Brightcliffe, Bruce Shoupe, Kevin Costello, Ann Shade, Shannon Drosnock, Scott Bendig, Richard Grier, Stacy Crandell, Vickie Zidek, and Shirley Snyder.
Frank Bartle, Esquire, announced that the Board met in executive session at 7:00 p.m. this evening to discuss two personnel matters and two matters of potential litigation: Zoning Hearing Board Application for Doggie Style and Zoning Hearing Board Application for development of Airport Square. Mr. Bartle said that these matters are legitimate subjects for an executive session pursuant to Pennsylvania Sunshine law.
Chairman Robert Birch made a motion to accept the minutes of the January 24, 2011 Board of Supervisors meeting. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Candyce Chimera.
Daniel Spinelli was unanimously appointed as a member of the Open Space Committee by Resolution #1. Mr. Spinelli was unable to be in attendance this evening, and will be sworn in at a later date at the Township building.
William Brightcliffe introduced Chris Mann, Chief of the Fire Department of Montgomery Township (FDMT), who introduced the line officers and executive officers of the Fire Department of Montgomery Township and Relief Association. Mr. Brightcliffe noted that the Fire Department of Montgomery Township is a combination fire department, comprised of both career and volunteer firefighters. Resolution #2 unanimously recognized the Fire Department of Montgomery Townships volunteers and Relief Association leadership. Chairman Birch expressed his thanks to the members of FDMT for their dedication in protecting the residents of Montgomery Township.
William Brightcliffe stated that Chief Christopher Mann has submitted a letter to the Board of Supervisors certifying that appropriate training and certifications have been met by the FDMT volunteers. Resolution #3 unanimously accepted the letter certifying that the volunteer firefighters and fire police members responding to calls for emergency assistance, have received appropriate training and certifications for the duties which will be undertaken in 2011.
William Brightcliffe stated that the Fire Department of Montgomery Township is seeking approval to accept a grant, in the amount of $6,249 through the Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioners, Volunteer Fire Company, Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant. Resolution #4 unanimously approved the acceptance of the grant, which will be used toward the purchase of emergency rescue equipment.
Chief Richard Brady introduced Corporal Gerald Dougherty, who has been promoted to the rank of Sergeant with the Montgomery Township Police Department. Corporal Dougherty began his career with Montgomery Township as a police dispatcher in 1986 and in 1988 was appointed as a recruit patrolman. In 1994 he served with his first K-9, Bandit, and from 2000 to 2007 with K-9 Fox. He is presently the Taser and Firearms Instructor. He has received training as a Crime Prevention Practitioner and has attended the FBI's Inter-County Detective School. Corporal Dougherty has received numerous awards and commendations throughout his career.
Chief Richard Brady introduced Corporal Wiliam Peoples, who has been promoted to the rank of Sergeant with the Montgomery Township Police Department. Corporal Peoples served in the United States Army and served in Operation Desert Storm. Upon completion of military service, he attended Penn State University and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice. He was appointed to the Montgomery Township Police Department in 1997. Corporal Peoples has taught the DARE Program, served as a Field Training Officer and Bicycle officer. He is a member of the Drug Task Force and is the departments Expandable Baton Instructor. He is the departments Accreditation Officer for the PA Law Enforcement Accreditation Program. Resolution #5 unanimously recognized the promotions of Corporal Gerald Dougherty and Corporal William Peoples to the rank of Sergeant with the Montgomery Township Police Department, effective January 14, 2011.
Chief Richard Brady reported that the Police Department had submitted an appropriations request to Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz in the amount of $75,000 to purchase "in-car video cameras" for the patrol cars. The appropriation was approved in March 2010 and quotes for the equipment were received. Resolution #6 unanimously approved the award of the contract for the purchase of twelve (12) Panasonic Arbitrator In-Car Camera Systems from CDW-Government, Chicago, Il, authorized vendor under the Co-Stars Cooperative Purchase Contract 003-32 for IT hardware, at a cost of $75,000 in accordance with their quote dated February 1, 2011.
Ann Shade introduced Katherine (Kate) Grubb who is serving in an interim capacity as Management Analyst in the Administration Department. Katherine gained public sector experience while working at Hatfield Township in the Recreation Office, Building & Zoning Department and as Assistant Manager, and most recently completed an assignment at Warrington Township working with the Fire Marshal. Resolution #7 unanimously welcomed Katherine Grubb as the Interim Management Analyst with Montgomery Township, effective January 31, 2011.
Ann Shade reported that the Kids University program at Montgomery Township will not be affected by any fees from the North Penn School District for the use of Montgomery Elementary School for 2011, and that the Kids University fees will not be increased for 2011. Lawrence Gregan thanked Anthony Ruggieri for his assistance in expediting a resolution to this matter. Supervisor Joseph Walsh also thanked North Penn School District Board member Rick Miniscalco for his assistance in obtaining the use of Montgomery Elementary School at no charge. Staff is recommending that the Kids University fees remain the same as 2010. Resolution #8 unanimously approved the 2011 Kids University Fee Schedule.
Kevin Costello reported that six bids were received for the 2011 curb and sidewalk project. The lowest bidder was Laffredo Construction. Since Laffredo Construction is a new contractor to Montgomery Township, the company was reviewed by Chambers Associates and approved by them as a suitable contractor for the project. Resolution #9 unanimously awarded the bid for the 2011 Curb and Sidewalk Project to Laffredo Construction for a total projected cost of $224,367.05.
Kevin Costello reported that annually, bids are solicited for materials, services and rentals which are utilized by the Public Works Department throughout the year. Resolution #10 unanimously approved the following lowest responsible bidders for materials, services and rentals: Asphalt/Bituminous Concrete, Glasgow, Inc.; Stone Aggregate, Glasgow, Inc.; Petroleum Products, Riggins, Inc.; Lawn Care Treatments, Moyer & Son, Inc.; Equipment Rental with Operator, P.K. Moyer & Sons, Inc.; and Crack Sealer, Crafco, Inc.
Lawrence Gregan reported that Montgomery and Hatfield Townships share a common border along Line Street between Cowpath Road and Route 309. The street surface conditions on this stretch of road have deteriorated and as a result, the roadway is scheduled for repaving this year. Resolution #11 unanimously approved the agreement with Hatfield Township to share equally in the cost for repaving Line Street from Cowpath Road to Route 309 and authorized the execution of the Line Street Repaving Project Intergovernmental Reimbursement Agreement by the Chairman and the Township Manager/Secretary.
An escrow release for Montgomeryville Business Campus/FedEx - LD/S #622 was unanimously approved by Resolution # 12.
Bruce Shoupe reported that Teva Pharmaceuticals operates a distribution and office facility at 1070 and 1090 Horsham Road. They are asking for a waiver of the land development application process to install certain deminimus access related security improvements at this location; such as a security gate; an egress only connection from the parking lot for 1070 to the main access road; and a vehicular connection between the two buildings to allow vehicles to move between the buildings without having to utilize the public road. Township Engineers, John Chambers and Kevin Johnson submitted letters outlining some comments pertaining to the waiver request. Mr. Shoupe noted that Teva is willing to comply with all the items as noted by the engineers. Resolution #13 unanimously granted the waiver of the requirement of land development application for Teva Pharmaceuticals for the property located at 1070 and 1090 Horsham Road for access related improvements.
Bruce Shoupe reported that Joseph Ambler Inn received approval from the Zoning Hearing Board to construct two minor additions to the main building at 1005 Horsham Road. The additions will be to the dining room and an addition to the bar/lounge area. There was some discussion about the rain garden requirement. Mr. Shoupe stated that if the current basin is large enough, no rain garden will be required. Resolution #14 unanimously granted a waiver of the requirement of a land development application for the deminimus additions to the Joseph Ambler Inn dining room and bar/lounge areas.
The payment of bills was unanimously approved as submitted.
Chairman Robert Birch made a motion, Motion #1, that the Board of Supervisors authorize the Township Solicitor to intervene on behalf of the Township in opposition to the Zoning Hearing Board application of Airport Square Shopping Associates, L.P., scheduled for hearing on February 22, 2011 and to present the case of the Township in opposition thereto. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Chimera.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 8:55.