MINUTES OF MEETING
MARCH 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, and Ann Shade. Three personnel matters and one litigation matter were discussed.
Chairman Robert Birch called to order the regular action meeting at 8:03 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, Scott Bendig, Bruce Shoupe, Kevin Costello, Ann Shade, Shannon Drosnock, Stacy Crandell and Shirley Snyder.
Chairman Robert Birch called for public comment from the audience and there was none.
Frank Bartle, Esquire, announced that the Board met in executive session at 7:00 p.m. this evening to discuss three matters of personnel, which included a police negotiation matter, an update on an applicant for a Township position and a Board appointment matter. An update was provided with respect to the litigation matter with RD Management and the validity challenge which is scheduled to go before the Zoning Hearing Board on March 22, 2011. 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 approve the minutes of the February 28, 2011 Board meeting and Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera seconded the motion. The minutes of meeting were unanimously approved as submitted.
Police Officer Lee Wagner and Police Officer Adam Deussing were recognized for their recent promotions by Deputy Chief Scott Bendig. Resolution #1 unanimously recognized the promotion of Officer Lee Wagner to the rank of Patrol Officer III, effective January 29, 2011 and Officer Adam Deussing to the rank of Patrolman I, effective January 25, 2011.
Chairman Robert Birch reported that eight residents have expressed an interest in serving on the Montgomery Township 300th Anniversary Committee. This milestone anniversary will be celebrated in 2014. Resolution #2 unanimously appointed the following residents to serve on the 300th Anniversary Committee: Ginny Bailey, Janet McCrossen, Sue Ann Miller, Richard J. Roller, Gordon Simes, JeriBeth Subers, Roy Rodriguez and Maureen Waddington. Supervisor Joseph Walsh inquired whether a date has been set for the first meeting of the committee. Lawrence Gregan reported that staff will be in touch with the committee and provide them with the date for the organizational meeting.
The Board considered establishing a position in regard to commercial and private aviation use of Willow Grove NAS-JRB airfield. The base has been closed by the U.S. Navy and is now the subject of a re-use planning effort by the Horsham Land Re-Use Authority (HLRA). The HLRA will explore the feasibility of all possible uses of the base, including a use which would preserve the airstrip. The Montgomery Township Board of Supervisors continues to take a position in opposition to keeping the airfield open in any non-military capacity, as this type of use would increase noise, reduction in property values and lessen the quality of life in the Township. Lawrence Gregan will prepare a letter stating the Board's position in this matter and present it to the Board at a future meeting. Supervisor Candyce Chimera presently serves on the Re-Use Planning Committee, which is a sub-committee of the HLRA. It was recommended that the Township request that Supervisor Chimera be considered to serve on the HLRA. Lawrence Gregan suggested that a written request to Horsham Township be submitted requesting that Ms. Chimera be considered for an appointment to the HLRA. Chairman Robert Birch provided a summary of the Revitalization Project at Whistlestop Park. This project is a top priority of the Park Board as part of its capital improvement for 2011. The scope of this project will include reconstruction of the baseball fields, regrading of the outfields and the installation of a rain garden which will manage storm water runoff. Supervisor Michael Fox inquired whether Bloodgood Landscape Corporation has done any work within Montgomery Township. Kevin Costello reported that the contractor has not worked in the Township, but has completed a lot of this type of work, and all his references were checked by the Township Engineer and found to be good. Resolution #3 unanimously approved the award of the bid for the Whistlestop Revitalization Project to Bloodgood Landscape Corporation for a total cost of $206,266.75.
Lawrence Gregan reported that the Township is considering an application to the Montgomery County Community Development Block Grant Program for a grant under the fiscal year 2011 program. A portion of the grant monies will be used for the installation of handicap access curbs and ramps that will serve the general public in areas such as parks, schools and commercial areas. Chairman Robert Birch called for public comment to give residents an opportunity to present and discuss other projects for consideration. Since there was no public comment voiced at the meeting, the Board recommended that the matter be placed on the March 28, 2011 agenda, giving residents another opportunity to make project recommendations. The deadline for submission of this grant is April 1, 2011. Staff will re-advertise and also publicize via E-News, cable channels and website. Resolution # 4 unanimously approved the request to submit the 2011 Community Development Block Grant (approximately $207,000) to be used for replacement handicap access ramps in Montgomery Township in the year 2012.
Ann Shade summarized the proposed Facilities and Field Use Fee Schedule. A revised Facilities and Fields Use Policy for Montgomery Township was approved by the Board of Supervisors on January 24, 2011. The proposed Facilities and Field Use Fee Schedule is in conjunction with this policy and imposes a potential fee to the permit applicant, depending on the applicant's residency or non-residency status and the type of facility or field use requested. All Montgomery Township residents and Montgomery Township Youth Associations or Reciprocal Groups will not be charged a facility and field use fee. Any non-resident individual, group or for-profit group requesting the use of Township facilities and fields shall be subject to a facility and field use fee. Non-resident Tournament requests shall also be affected by the fee schedule. The Park and Recreation Board gave unanimous approval to the proposed Facility and Field Use Fee Schedule at their March 9, 2011 meeting. Resolution #5 unanimously approved the schedule of fees for Facility and Field Use Permits within the township's park system.
Resolution #6 unanimously approved the disposal of non-permanent Township Records as per attachments including records from Finance, Planning and Zoning and Park and Recreation in accordance with the Retention and Disposition Schedule for Records of Pennsylvania Municipal Governments.
Lawrence Gregan reported that staff is proposing a change to the current Healthcare Benefit Plan Option for all non-uniform employee new hires to Montgomery Township. All new non-uniform hires will only be offered the HMO medical plan. A PPO option will no longer be offered. Resolution #7 unanimously approved the removal of the PPO medical plan offering to all newly hired, non-uniform employees and, offers only the HMO medical plan to all newly hired non-uniform employees effective March 1, 2011.
Shannon Drosnock reported that with the adoption of the Local Services Tax Ordinance in November 2010, a change in the rate of the tax to $52 per employee per year, lowered the rate charged for penalty to 5% and interest to ½% as required by the State. The new Ordinance also changed the collection procedures for the new tax. Staff is requesting the approval of an expenditure for Pentamation Custom Software for processing the new LST tax. Resolution #8 unanimously approved the proposal from Pentamation to design and implement the Business Tax Module Custom for Penalty and interest processing for the Local Services Tax at a cost of $4,000 in accordance with their proposal dated January 19, 2011.
Christen Pionzio, Esquire, representing WireCo World Group reported that the applicant proposes to construct improvements on their property which is located at 151 Commerce Drive. The improvements consist of a 9,600 square foot building and 3,325 square feet of existing pavement which is to be replaced. WireCo is a synthetic rope manufacturer and is looking to modernize their operations and remain within Montgomery Township. The plan was recommended for approval by the Planning Commission. The applicant is seeking preliminary and final approval of the plan, and has requested three waivers. Resolution #9 unanimously approved the preliminary and final plans for WireCo World Group.
Chairman Robert Birch reported that Montgomery Pointe is requesting approval for an amended Phasing Plan. Richard McBride, Esquire was present and noted that The Cutler Group would like to reverse the order of the building for Phase II and Phase III, which would make more sense in terms of extending the public utilities serving the phases. Resolution #10 unanimously approved the Montgomery Pointe Amended Phasing Plan - LD/S #651.
Rick Calhoun, President of the Montgomery Township Baseball Softball Association came before the Board requesting consideration to install a temporary snack stand structure at the William F. Maule Park at Windlestrae. The structure would be installed next to the restrooms at the park and the color of the structure would match or blend with the restroom building colors. MTBSA will handle all details associated with this project; plan/design, purchase, installation, maintenance, insurance, staffing and upkeep. The stand would operate on weeknights from 5 p.m. until the completion of the last game and on weekends one hour from the start of the first game until completion of the last game of the day. There will be no food preparation, open flame or running water. The stand will sell soft pretzels, packaged snacks, candies, water, soda and sports drinks. MTBSA would like to connect to the Township electrical supply and pay for the electricity used. Supervisor Michael Fox complimented MTBSA for the good job they do in maintaining and cleaning up the fields and surrounding areas. This entire project will be completed and funded by MTBSA. Resolution #11 unanimously approved the request of MTBSA to install and operate a temporary snack stand at the William F. Maule Park at Windlestrae subject to compliance with all appropriate Township Zoning and Building Regulations and Regulations of the Montgomery County Health Department.
Chairman Birch made a motion to approve the payment of bills. Supervisor Fox seconded the motion. The payment of bills was unanimously approved as submitted.
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.