MINUTES OF MEETING
APRIL 11, 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, William Cooper, Esquire, Andrew Chayka, prospective purchaser and James Sherratt, Owner. Two matters of litigation and two matters of personnel were discussed.
Chairman Robert Birch called to order the regular action meeting at 8:04 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, Vicki Zidek, Meg Swiggard, Rich Grier 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 two litigation matters: the J.C. Penney assessment appeal and the Zoning Hearing Board matter for property located at 941 Horsham Road. Also discussed were two personnel matters: Police contract negotiations and employee position vacancies. 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 March 28, 2011 Board meeting and Supervisor Michael Fox seconded the motion. The minutes of meeting were unanimously approved as submitted.
Lawrence Gregan announced the appointment of Shannon Drosnock as the Finance Director/Treasurer for Montgomery Township. Mrs. Drosnock has served as the Interim Finance Director since October 4, 2010. Resolution #1 unanimously appointed Shannon Q. Drosnock as the Finance Director/Treasurer of Montgomery Township, effective March 29, 2011.
Chief Richard Brady read the letter of commendation for Juvenile Detective James Reape. Detective Reape was recognized for his investigation of the Charles Hurst case. Resolution #2 unanimously commended Juvenile Detective James Reape for his outstanding investigative and interview skills, attention to detail and perseverance, which resulted in the successful arrest and prosecution of Charles Hurst, former Vice Principal at Pennbrook Middle School. Detective Reape's professionalism and actions are in the highest tradition of the Montgomery Township Police Department.
Stacy Crandell provided an over view of the Senior Committee activities since it was established in February 2008. The Senior Committee has hosted seminars, created the Senior Resource Center located in the lobby of the Township building, and participated in Autumn Festival and the Summer Concert Series. Through discussions with Supervisor Joseph Walsh, Senior Committee Liaison Jeffrey McDonnell and staff, the following ideas will be discussed by the Senior Committee at their meeting this week: Maintaining a list of organizations that are in need of volunteers, keeping a list of individuals who are interested in volunteering, working with established volunteer organizations, looking for community outreach opportunities and organizing and performing one community service outreach project each year. The Township will provide a work station located in Community Room B, which would be available to the committee members giving them access to a computer and telephone. This work station would be secured when not in use. Supervisor Jeffrey McDonnell commented that he is impressed with the work that has been accomplished by the committee. Chairman of the Senior Committee, Ralph Schurr, noted that the committee will be meeting on Wednesday, April 13th and will be discussing the list of suggestions.
Stacy Crandell reported that the week of April 11th through 15th is Local Government Week. Montgomery Township will be hosting tours and demonstrations by the Administration, Fire and Police Departments, and the Volunteer Medical Service Corps. Children from Montgomery Elementary, Mary Mother of the Redeemer and Bridle Path schools will be visiting during the course of the week. Resolution #3 unanimously recognized April 11th through 15th as Local Government Week in accordance with the official Resolution of the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors.
Supervisor Michael Fox reported that Arbor Day, sponsored by the Shade Tree Commission will be celebrated on April 30th, with the annual tree give-away. This event will be held at Gazebo Park beginning at 9:00 a.m. Resolution #4 unanimously proclaimed Saturday, April 30, 2011 as Arbor Day.
Chairman Birch made a motion to approve the payment of bills. Supervisor Chimera seconded the motion. The payment of bills was unanimously approved as submitted.
Frank Bartle stated that the Board of Supervisors would be convening for an Executive Session at the conclusion of this meeting.
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.