MINUTES OF MEETING
AUGUST 22, 2011
Vice Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera called to order the executive session at 7:00 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Michael Fox, Jeffrey McDonnell and Joseph Walsh.
Chairman Robert Birch was absent. Also in attendance were Lawrence Gregan and Frank R. Bartle, Esquire. Two matters of possible real estate acquisition, one matter of litigation regarding the R.D. Management validity challenge, and one personnel matter regarding police department staffing were discussed.
Vice Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera called the regular action meeting to order at 8:00 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Michael Fox, Jeffrey McDonnell and Joseph Walsh. Chairman Robert Birch was absent. Also in attendance were Frank R. Bartle, Esquire, Lawrence Gregan, Richard Brady, Rick Lesniak, Bruce Shoupe, Kevin Costello, Ann Shade, Shannon Drosnock, Vicki Zidek, Stacy Crandell, Richard Grier and Deb Rivas.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Vice Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera called for public comment from the audience and there was none.
Frank R. Bartle, Esquire, reported that the Board met in an executive session earlier in the evening at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Bartle reported that there were two matters of possible real estate acquisition discussed. There was also one matter of litigation regarding the R. D. Management validity challenge before the Township's Zoning Hearing Board, and one personnel matter regarding Police Department staffing or potential Police Department staffing issues. Mr. Bartle reported that all of these matters are legitimate subjects of executive session pursuant to Pennsylvania's Sunshine Law.
Supervisor Joseph Walsh made a motion to approve the minutes of the August 8, 2011 Board meeting and Supervisor Michael Fox seconded the motion. The minutes of the meeting were unanimously approved as submitted.
Vice Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera reported that the Township had received a request from Bear Ye One Another's Burdens Family Ministry Church to waive all fees associated with the special event permit for their picnic to be held on September 4, 2011 at the William F. Maule Park at Windlestrae. Supervisor Michael Fox made a motion to approve the request and Resolution #1, adopted unanimously, approved the waiver of fees as requested.
Police Chief Richard Brady reported that the Police Canine Unit presently consists of three canine teams, with two of the teams' canines nearing the age of retirement. One of the handlers, Corporal Glenn Davis, will not be retraining with another canine as he was recently promoted and desires to dedicate additional time to his supervisory position. Chief Brady reported that after interviewing the police officers desiring to be assigned to the Canine Unit, Officer Brian Schreiber had been recommended to be the next canine officer. Chief Brady also reported that the canine will be purchased and trained by the Tarheel Canine Training Academy in North Carolina. The cost of purchasing and training the Canine Team is $12,000.00, of which District Attorney Risa Ferman has offered to donate $6,000.00. This will be the second Canine Team that D.A. Ferman has assisted in sponsoring this year. Resolution #2, adopted unanimously, authorized the purchase of a new canine from the Tarheel Training Academy and approved the attendance of Officer Brian Schreiber for the four weeks of Handler's Training.
Planning Director, Bruce Shoupe reported that during last winter, a number of snow removal contractors deposited the snow from various private property driveways and parking lots out onto Township streets. This practice makes our snow removal operations more difficult. Mr. Shoupe reported that the staff would like to amend the ordinance to clarify the language in the code as to what is a nuisance, as well as responsibilities and methods of snow and ice removal under property maintenance standards and enforcement, and to allow the Police Department to respond to complaints and issue citations up to $600. Mr. Shoupe reported that the current ordinance places enforcement responsibility on the Department of Planning and Zoning. Resolution #3, adopted unanimously, authorized the advertisement of the Amendments to the Snow and Ice Removal Ordinance to be heard in a public meeting on September 12, 2011.
Public Works Director, Kevin Costello, reported that the four tennis courts at Fellowship Park are in desperate need of leveling and recoating. The Park Board has identified this project as a maintenance priority and is recommending that the work be moved up for completion in September of this year. Mr. Costello reported that the project was originally going to be proposed for the 2012 Budget until it was observed how rapidly the surface was deteriorating as a result of the extended heat wave experienced this summer. Resolution #4, adopted unanimously, authorized the Public Works Department to perform the Fellowship Park Tennis Court Leveling and Recoating Project with a not to exceed cost of $20,000.00.
Technology Manager, Richard Grier, reported that the Board had approved funds in 2010 to partially upgrade the audio system in the Public Meeting Room. The upgrade included new microphones and a mixer for the Board members. The upgrade significantly improved the capture of the audio for the televised Board meetings and closed captioning turnaround times. Mr. Grier reported that the next step in upgrading the Township Meeting room system is to address the issues of sound quality and reliability inside the room itself due to the age and poor condition of the amplifiers and remaining original mixer. Mr. Grier reported that during a well-attended public meeting in July, the audio cut out completely, leaving residents unable to hear what was being said at the front of the room. Mr. Grier stated that the upgrades will greatly improve the audio quality and resolve the reliability problem. Resolution #5, adopted unanimously, approved the audio upgrades to the Public Meeting Room to be completed by Clear Sound for $9,668.00.
Fire Services Director, Richard Lesniak, reported that the Fire Department desires to have a vehicle evaluation performed on its three engines, rescue and ladder truck. The fleet will be evaluated in terms of age, condition, tool and equipment layout and hose loads. Mr. Lesniak reported that the evaluation will recommend a replacement schedule for the Fire Department fleet. Proposals were obtained from two companies and the lowest responsible proposal was received from VFIS Education, Training and Consulting to perform a vehicle evaluation at the cost of $4,500.00. Resolution #6, adopted unanimously, approved the proposal from VFIS Education, Training and Consulting, dated August 16, 2011, to perform an emergency service vehicle evaluation in the amount of $4,500.00.
Supervisor Joseph Walsh made a motion to approve the payment of bills. Supervisor Michael 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 8:22 p.m.