MINUTES OF MEETING
OCTOBER 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 and Frank R. Bartle, Esquire. Four matters of personnel, one matter of potential litigation and a potential purchase of real estate were discussed.
Chairman Robert Birch called the regular action meeting to order at 8:04 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Candyce Fluehr Chimera, Michael Fox, Jeffrey McDonnell and Joseph Walsh. Also in attendance were Frank R. Bartle, Esquire, Lawrence Gregan, Richard Brady, Scott Bendig, Bruce Shoupe, Kevin Costello, Rick Lesniak, Ann Shade, Shannon Drosnock, Vicki Zidek and Deborah Rivas.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Chairman Robert Birch called for public comment from the audience. Richard J. Roller, 1142 Knapp Road, presented a check to the Board in the amount of $87,803.79 for the recycling efforts of the residents of Montgomery Township in 2009. The Montgomery Township representative to the Northern Montgomery County Recycling Commission, he noted that each year, the commission provides funds based on the volume of recycling materials processed by each Township. Mr. Roller stated that the 2010 grant will be paid later this year; however, DEP has instituted a new policy to withhold 40% of the 2010 grant money to fund other DEP activities. Mr. Roller stated that this money should be coming back to the townships and for the benefit of the residents. Township Manager Lawrence Gregan reported that the Township currently utilizes the grant money to fund the activities of the Environmental Advisory Committee, a portion for recycling programs that are run by the committee. The Township does put the funds to good use.
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 four matters of personnel, one matter of potential litigation and a matter of potential purchase of real estate discussed. Mr. Bartle reported that all of these matters are legitimate subjects of executive session pursuant to Pennsylvania's Sunshine Law.
Chairman Robert Birch made a motion to approve the minutes of the September 26, 2011 Board meeting and Supervisor Michael Fox seconded the motion. The minutes of the meeting were unanimously approved as submitted.
Chairman Birch announced that a new member of the Planning Commission would be appointed this evening. Steven Krumenacker is a resident of the Township and a structural engineer. Supervisor Walsh complimented Mr. Krumenacker on his impressive resume and thanked him for volunteering to become a member of the Planning Commission. Resolution #1, adopted unanimously, appointed Steven Krumenacker to the Montgomery Township Planning Commission to fill an existing term which expires in January 2013.
Finance Director, Shannon Drosnock, reported that the annual allocation by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has been received in the amount of $414,125.20. These funds are used to support the Fire Department of Montgomery Township Relief Association for the purchase of fire equipment and training. The President of the Fire Relief Association, Dave Wolfe, was present to accept the check. Resolution #2, adopted unanimously, officially presented the check in the amount of $414,125.50 from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to the FDMT Fire Relief Association.
Fire Services Director, Rick Lesniak, reported that in 1999 Pennsylvania adopted legislation that enacted the Uniform Construction Code (UCC). Mr. Lesniak stated that one aspect of the UCC is the requirement for inspectors to receive and maintain certification based on the type of work performed and continuing education courses are required. Mr. Lesniak reported that Firefighter Robert Hedden currently holds two UCC certifications in Pennsylvania. To maintain his certifications, Firefighter Hedden is requesting permission to attend two out of state training sessions, one on October 12th and the other on December 8th, hosted by the New Jersey Center for Government Services. Mr. Lesniak reported that the courses offered are free of charge. Resolution #3, adopted unanimously, authorized Firefighter Hedden to attend the two training sessions.
Chairman Birch and the Board of Supervisors recognized the service provided by the Volunteers and Township Employees in the coordination of events surrounding Montgomery Township's annual Autumn Festival on October 1, 2011. Resolution #4, unanimously adopted, recognized the over 150 volunteers who contributed to the success of Autumn Festival, including Township employees, the Autumn Festival Committee, the Park and Recreation Board, the Environmental Advisory Committee, the Senior Committee, the 300th Anniversary Committee, Township Engineer Chambers Associates, Volunteer FDMT, the Key Club at North Penn High School and Central Bucks West, the North Penn High School National Honor Society, the North Penn High School Junior ROTC, the Pennbrook Middle School Volunteer Corps and the residents of Montgomery Township.
Chairman Birch reported that the Board would be considering the authorization to advertise for a public hearing on proposed Ordinance #11-251Z and proposed Ordinance #11-252Z to amend the Township Zoning Ordinance for the Billboard Overlay District Regulations and Map. Mr. Birch stated that Township Solicitor Frank Bartle had provided an overview at the last Board meeting addressing the proposed amendments and that tonight's action was to authorize the public hearing. Township Manager Lawrence Gregan reported that the proposed Ordinances would be reviewed by the appropriate Township consultants and Planning committees prior to the public hearing. Resolution #5, adopted unanimously, authorized the advertisement and set the date for the proposed Ordinances to be heard no earlier than December 12, 2011, after 8:00 p.m.
Planning Director, Bruce Shoupe, reported that the Montgomery Square United Methodist Church, LDS#638, has requested that their construction escrow be reduced to five percent (5%) of the total escrow for the 18 month maintenance period. The project is completed and all public improvements were inspected and approved. Resolution #6, adopted unanimously, authorized the release of $66,213.60 from the escrow account for this project.
Township Manager Lawrence Gregan reported that annually the Board has adopted a resolution that establishes the minimum percentage rate that police officers are required to contribute to the Police Pension Plan for the following year. Mr. Gregan stated that the amount is based on the requirements for funding the plan and based on the funding obligations for 2012, when combined with State Aid and the Township contribution. It is proposed that Officers will continue to contribute at the rate of 5% for 2012. Resolution #7, adopted unanimously, requires the Police Officer contributions to the Police Pension Plan to continue in the amount of 5% of Base Salary, Longevity and Holiday pay for the year 2012.
Finance Director Shannon Drosnock reported that the annual general municipal pension system state aid allocation has been received for 2012. The State requires that the Board adopted a resolution approving the allocation of the State Aid to the pension systems for its employees. Ms. Drosnock stated that based on the 2011 Minimum Municipal (MMO) Obligations to the Police and Non-Uniformed Pension Plans, it has been recommended that the 2011 Pension System State Aid be allocated as follows: Police Pension Plan, 67.2% or $410,010.94 and the Non-Uniformed Pension Plan, 32.8% or $200,000.00, for a total of $610,010.94. Resolution #8, adopted unanimously, accepted the recommendation for allocation as noted above.
Finance Director Shannon Drosnock reported that the accounting firm of Maillie Falconiero has performed the Township's annual audit since 2004 and has provided the Township with excellent service including assistance in converting the audit to the CAFR format. Ms. Drosnock stated that Maillie Falconiero also performs the audits for the Fire Department of Montgomery Township and its Relief Association. Ms. Drosnock reported that the current engagement with Maillie Falconiero expired with the completion of the 2010 audits. Maillie Falconiero has submitted a proposal and proposed engagement letter to perform the audits for 2011 and 2012 at the same cost as the 2010 audit. Resolution #9, adopted unanimously, accepted the proposals from Maillie Falconiero to perform the 2011 and 2012 at the cost of $28,000 for the Township Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, $2,700 for the Fire Department of Montgomery Township Audited Financial Statement and $2,700 for the Fire Department of Montgomery Township Relief Association Audited Financial Statement.
Chairman Birch reported that budget amendments are required for internal and external reporting purposes. The Board proposed amendments include an adjustment to the Capital Reserve Fund for Designated Reserves for two technology upgrades, two new Police vehicles and the leveling and recoating the Fellowship Park tennis courts. Resolution #10, approved unanimously, approved the Third Quarter Budget Amendments to the General Fund, Capital Reserve Fund, Park and Recreation Fund and the Police Donation Fund Budgets for 2011.
Chairman Robert Birch 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 8:30 p.m.