Monday, September 14, 2009
Chairman Michael Fox called to order the Executive Session at 7:00 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Birch, McDonnell and Prousi. Supervisor Sarosky was absent. Also in attendance were John Nagel and Frank Bartle. Items of personnel and litigation were discussed.
Chairman Michael Fox called to order the action meeting at 8:05 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Birch, McDonnell and Prousi. Supervisor Sarosky was absent. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Frank Bartle, Bruce Shoupe, Kevin Costello, Richard Brady, William Brightcliffe, Larry Gregan, Pam Gural-Bear and Shirley Snyder.
There was no public comment.
Solicitor Frank Bartle announced that the Board had met in an Executive Session prior to this meeting to discuss matters of personnel and litigation. The personnel matters included a candidate interview and a discussion of the decision of the Police Tenure Act Hearing Officer. The matters of litigation discussed were a review of assessment appeals, a discussion on a Zoning Hearing Board matter with Country Furniture, and a Zoning Hearing Board matter with Gwynmont Farms. Mr. Bartle indicated that these discussions were permissible in Executive Session under the guidelines of the Sunshine law.
Larry Gregan introduced the Township's Co-Op Student, Kevin McHugh. Kevin is an Architectural Engineering student at Drexel University, and will be working with the various departments during his internship with Montgomery Township. Resolution #1 unanimously welcomed Kevin McHugh as a Co-Op Student beginning his internship on Monday, September 14, 2009 and concluding around March 21, 2010.
Supervisor Jeffrey McDonnell noted that the newly formed Senior Volunteer Committee has been meeting for approximately eight months. During this time, the committee has decided that one way that they could serve the community would be to host a Senior Safety Seminar. This seminar will address issues concerning safety and security and provide valuable information for senior citizens. It will be led by Officer Jim Matlack of the Montgomery Township Police Department. The seminar will be held on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at the Montgomery Township building. The event will be advertised on the cable channels and website, and flyers will be distributed to the residents of Pine Crest and Neshaminy Falls. Resolution #2 unanimously approved the Senior Volunteer Committee's Safety Seminar on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at the Township building.
John Nagel reported that the Storm Water Consortium and the consultants met with Representatives Robert Godshall and Catherine Harper, Senator John Rafferty, several legislative staff members, municipal officials and representatives from DEP on September 10, 2009 which produced positive results. Mr. Nagel thanked Frank Bartle and Chairman Michael Fox for their efforts in leading this project. Chairman Fox noted that three engineers provided information on three scenerios, giving examples of how the proposed new regulations will affect local municipalities. Representatives from DEP welcomed the information and commented on the positive way the information was presented. DEP representatives requested that the consortium work with them and take an active part in making a presentation to the EPA. Frank Bartle noted that there have been no partisan issues and that State Legislators have been very responsive in this process. Updates will be provided as they are available.
John Nagel provided an update on transportation issues within the Township, noting that the middle section (Section 711) of the 202 Parkway came in $8.2 million under bid, with the low bid going to Blooming Glen Contractors.
Chief Brady advised that Horsham Road will be closed between Stump and Upper State Roads, for a two week period. The closure is expected to take place sometime in October, depending on the weather. Access will be provided to the residents and businesses along that stretch of road via Stump Road, but will be closed to through traffic. The closure is expected after the utilities have been relocated. PennDOT will install 21 directional signs for this impending closure, and is to provide the Township with two to three weeks advance notice of the closure, giving ample time to notify residents. Kevin Costello reported that work has begun on the milling and repaving of the five-points intersection. Route 202 to County Line Road will be re-paved in conjunction with this project. Work will be done from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., and is expected to be completed in 3 - 4 days, weather permitting.
John Nagel addressed the Board concerning updating the Park & Recreation Comprehensive Plan. The current plan is about ten years old. The staff is requesting the Board's approval to pursue proposals to update this plan and would like to include funds in the 2010 budget for this project.
Frank Bartle read a resolution which, if approved by the Board, will terminate the employment of Officer Richard Lesinski. Officer Richard Lesinski requested a hearing concerning the charges and the hearings were held by Hearing Officer, R. Kurtz Holloway, Esq, Resolution #3 unanimously (4 - 0; Supervisor Sarosky was absent) adopted these Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law and terminated the employment of Officer Richard Lesinski from the Township Police Department effective immediately.
Under the consent agenda, the minutes of the meeting for August 24, 2009 and the payment of bills were approved as submitted. Chairman Fox noted that there would be a change in consent agenda item #15, and revised it to read as follows: Consider Acceptance of PennDOT Pro-Tanto Payment Per Section 307 of the Eminent Domain Code for Route 202 Parkway project. The revision was recorded. Resolution #4 approved the award of contract for the purchase of Workforce Timekeeper V6.1 System to Kronos, Inc. at a cost of $33,375. Resolution #5 accepted the 401(a) Money Purchase Plan and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan Statement of Investment Policy Objectives and Guidelines Statement as revised July 2009. Resolution #6 accepted the pro-tanto payment from PennDOT for right-of-way for Parcel #1, in conjunction with the Route 202 Parkway. The dates for the 2010 Budget Workshops were authorized for advertisement for Tuesday, October 20th, Thursday, October 22nd, Thursday, October 29th and Thursday, November 5th, beginning at 7:30 p.m. each evening. Resolution #8 ratified the proposal for an organizational review by National Management Associates, LTD., dated August 25, 2009 in the amount of $5,500. Resolution #9 appointed Lawrence Gregan, Director of Finance, and John B. Nagel, Township Manager of Montgomery Township as Tax Collection Committee (TCC) representatives. All consent agenda resolutions were approved unanimously.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:34 p.m.