MINUTES OF MEETING
MAY 9, 2011
Chairman Robert Birch called to order the executive session at 6:30 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Candyce Fluehr Chimera, Michael Fox, Jeffrey McDonnell and Joseph Walsh. Also in attendance were Lawrence Gregan and Frank Bartle, Esquire. Matters of litigation, potential litigation and matters of personnel were discussed.
Chairman Robert Birch called the regular action meeting to order at 8:05 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, 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 6:30 p.m. There were five matters of personnel discussed, two involving police personnel issues, two involving policies affecting certain employees and one involving appointments to boards and commissions. There were also three matters of litigation or potential litigation matters discussed: The Zehr condemnation matter, a business tax appeal, and a potential matter of litigation regarding a former employee. 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 25, 2011 Board meeting and Supervisor Candyce Chimera seconded the motion. The minutes of meeting were unanimously approved as submitted.
Ann Shade, Director of Administration & Human Resources introduced Sharon Tucker as the new Recreation Coordinator, effective May 9, 2011. In this position, Ms. Tucker will be responsible for developing, promoting, coordinating and administering the Township's recreation programs. Resolution #1 unanimously recognized and welcomed Sharon Tucker as the Recreation Coordinator with Montgomery Township, effective May 9, 2011.
Resolution #2 unanimously acknowledged the voluntary resignation of Leah Kim and recognized her for her commitment to public service during her employment at Montgomery Township.
Chief Richard Brady announced that National Law Enforcement Week will be celebrated the week of May 15, 2011. The Montgomery Township Police Department will be hosting a special celebration on Saturday, May 14th at Montgomery Mall from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Resolution #3 unanimously recognized National Law Enforcement Week, May 15th through May 21st, 2011, with a special celebration to be held at Montgomery Mall on Saturday, May 14th.
Kevin Costello reported that National Public Works Week is being celebrated this year the week of May 15th through May 21st. The theme for this year is Public Works, Serving you and Your Community. Resolution #4 unanimously recognized the week of May 15th through May 21, 2011 as National Public Works Week and extended appreciation to the men and women of the Montgomery Township Public Works Department for their efforts on behalf of the residents of and visitors to Montgomery Township. The Board approved a pizza lunch for the Public Works crew for all their efforts on behalf of the Township.
Bruce Shoupe reported that the Township currently owns and maintains 61 stormwater management basins. In 2010, six of these basins were allowed to be naturalized and this year the Shade Tree Commission is recommending that seven additional basins be naturalized. Naturalizing stormwater basins involves transforming a conventional basin into a natural ecosystem capable of providing habitat, water quality treatment and aesthetic value, and create "no mow" areas in these basins to promote natural growth. Supervisor Joseph Walsh noted that the Environmental Advisory Committee is very much in support of this effort. Resolution #5 unanimously approved the additional seven basins to promote natural growth, that a letter be sent to the residents near the basins identified, and a sign be posted at each basin.
Lawrence Gregan reported that per the Township Code, streetlights may be installed along each street in the Township by a developer at the expense of the developer, unless waived by the Board of Supervisors. A plan for the installation of the lights must be submitted as part of the development application and the streetlights are required to be constructed in accordance with Township street lighting specifications. These specifications were last updated and approved in 2003 and due to changes in materials, technology, and electrical standards have been reviewed and updated by the Township's Traffic Engineer. Resolution #6 unanimously approved the adoption of updated Street Lighting Specifications for the Township, as prepared by Traffic Planning and Design, Inc., dated September 2010.
William Brightcliffe reported that the Fire Services Department is proposing to submit an application under the 2011/2012 Act 147 Grant Program in the amount of $4,011.45, for the purchase of a base radio for the Emergency Operations Center. This grant, if approved, would be used to help enhance the Townships Emergency Operations Preparedness through training, planning and equipment for the Township Emergency Operations Center. Resolution #7 unanimously approved the submission of an application to the Act 147 Radiological Emergency Response Program in the amount of $4,011.45.
Shannon Drosnock reported that the Township utilizes the NetTeller online banking system through Univest to manage the Township's banking accounts. Univest has provided the Township with an updated agreement for this service. The only change noted in the new agreement would involve adding clarity and detail to the "hold harmless" language. Resolution #8 authorized the execution of the Anytime Online Banking (NetTeller) Cash Management Agreement with Univest National Bank and Trust Company, with a vote of 4 - 0. Supervisor Michael Fox recused himself, as an employee of Univest National Bank and Trust Company.
Lawrence Gregan reported that according to the Second Class Township Code, personal property owned by the Township, with an estimated fair market value of $1,000 or more, may only be sold by public bid or auction to the highest bidder after notice by advertisement. At this time the Township has six vehicles declared as surplus that it proposes be sold at public auction. Resolution #9 unanimously authorized the sale of 2001 Dodge Intrepid; 2006 Ford Crown Victoria; 2003 Ford Crown Victoria; 2006 Ford Expedition; 2007 Ford Crown Victoria at auction through J.J. Kane Auctioneers, Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.
Bruce Shoupe reported that a conditional use application has been received from T-Mobile Northeast, LLC, proposing the construction of a 10 foot extension to an existing PECO transmission tower located at 1 Goodwin Lane, and the placement of 9 T-Mobile wireless communication antennae on that extension. This submission of the application requires that the Township schedule a public hearing within 60 days. Resolution #10 unanimously approved the advertisement of the public hearing and set Monday, June 13, 2011 after 8:00 p.m. in the Township Building as the date and time for the hearing on the T-Mobile Northeast, LLC Conditional Use Application to be held.
Chairman Birch made a motion to approve the payment of bills. Supervisor Joseph Walsh seconded the motion. The payment of bills was unanimously approved as submitted.
Under other Business, Chairman Birch made a motion that the Township hire the firm of Eckert Seamans as the Labor Counsel for the Township, replacing the firm of Reed Smith, effective immediately. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Joseph Walsh, and unanimously approved.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.