MINUTES OF MEETING
APRIL 25, 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, Chief Richard Brady, Deputy Chief Scott Bendig and Ann Shade. Matters of litigation, potential litigation and matters of personnel were discussed.
Chairman Robert Birch called the regular action meeting to order at 8:00 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, Richard Grier and Deb Rivas.
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. The litigation matters discussed included the Zehr Tract Condemnation and Secouler v. Montgomery Township, which is at the district justice level and concerns a $7,500 damage complaint. Also discussed was a matter of potential litigation concerning a former employee of the Township. Mr. Bartle also reported that matters of personnel were discussed, which included an update on the ongoing negotiations with the Police Collective Bargaining Unit, working conditions, promotions of employees and prospective employees. Mr. Bartle reported that the Board would be returning to the executive session following the conclusion of this meeting. 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 April 11, 2011 Board meeting and Supervisor Joseph Walsh seconded the motion. The minutes of meeting were unanimously approved as submitted.
Chairman Birch announced that the Township would be recognizing the promotions of four Township employees. Officer Michael Jenkins was promoted to Patrol Officer III, Scott Stutzman was promoted to Assistant Road Foreman, Greg Reiff was promoted to Assistant Park Foreman and Meg Swiggard was promoted to Human Resources Coordinator. Resolution #1 unanimously approved the promotions.
Chairman Birch reported that the staff has submitted fees for trips for the 2011 Kids University for the Board's consideration. There were no questions and Resolution #2 unanimously approved the 2011 Summer Kids University Trip Fees.
Finance Director Shannon Drosnock presented the 2011 First Quarter Budget Report. Ms. Drosnock reported that the Township has experienced slightly higher revenues at this time as compared to the same period last year. The expenditures were also slightly higher than this time last year. Ms. Drosnock reported that the main reason for the higher expenditures is because the Township has processed seven payrolls during the first quarter, whereas in 2010 only six payrolls had been processed during the same time period. At the end of the first quarter, the General Fund Balance was $4.291M, an increase of 6.83% above the 1st Quarter 2010 fund balance of $4.016M. Various revenue and expenditure details were provided and discussed.
Township Manager Lawrence Gregan reported that the Montgomery Township Sewer Authority has recommended an update to the current Sewer Use Ordinance. The update is required to bring the ordinance in line with new policies and procedures. The most significant modifications include updating the Industrial Waste Monitoring/Permitting program, local limits criteria and fee schedule. Supervisor Walsh questioned the reason for the amendment to the billing and Mr. Gregan advised that he would pursue an explanation from the Authority Manager. Mr. Gregan reported that a full copy of the ordinance is available for review at the Township. Resolution #3 unanimously authorized the advertisement of Proposed Ordinance #11-250 - Amendment to Sewer Use Regulations to be scheduled for consideration by the Board at its meeting on May 23, 2011.
Planning Director Bruce Shoupe reported that part of the Shade Tree Commission's spring project is the removal and replacement of trees at the Township building. The bid for Phase I of the project was sent out to five companies. The Shade Tree Commission recommends awarding the contract to All Seasons Landscaping in the amount of $4,150. Resolution #4 unanimously awarded the Township Building Tree Removal and Replacement Project to All Seasons Landscaping of Aston, PA as submitted in the bid documents, in the amount of $4,150.
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.
Under other business, Chairman Birch reported that the Board had discussed the condemnation of the Zehr Tract and specifically the Phase One environmental study. During Phase One of the study, there were some issues identified, so the Board would like to move forward to perform the Phase Two portion. Chairman Birch made a motion to approve a Phase Two environmental study at the Zehr property. Supervisor Walsh seconded the motion and the motion was approved unanimously.
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 8:22 p.m.