Monday, January 05, 2009
Chairman Jeff McDonnell called to order an executive session at 6:45 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Birch, Fox, Prousi and Sarosky. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Pam Gural-Bear, Bruce Shoupe, Larry Gregan, Frank Bartle, Rich Brady and Taylor Jones. Items of personnel, potential real estate acquisition and a potential matter of litigation were discussed.
Chairman Jeff McDonnell called to order the Re-Organization meeting at 8:05 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Birch, Fox, Prousi and Sarosky. Also in attendance were John Nagel, Rich Brady, Bill Brightcliffe, Larry Gregan, Pam Gural-Bear, Bruce Shoupe, Kevin Costello, Phil Wursta, Judy Stern Goldstein, John Chambers and Shirley Snyder.
There was no public comment at this evenings meeting.
In keeping with previous township procedure, Chairman McDonnell was nominated to become the Temporary Chair until a new chairman was elected. Supervisor Birch nominated Michael Fox to be the 2009 Chairman of the Board. Chairman McDonnell seconded the motion. Supervisor Prousi nominated Supervisor Sarosky to be the 2009 Chairman of the Board. Supervisor Sarosky declined, and Supervisor Prousi withdrew the nomination. The nomination for Chairman of the Board of Supervisors was closed. Supervisor Michael J. Fox was elected Chairman of the Board for 2009 by a unanimous vote and by Resolution #1. Chairman Fox nominated Supervisor Robert Birch to be the Vice Chairman. Supervisor McDonnell seconded the motion. The nomination for Vice Chairman of the Board of Supervisors was closed. The Board voted unanimously by Resolution #2 to elect Robert J. Birch to be the Vice Chairman for 2009.
Chairman Fox commended the Township's volunteer Boards and Committees for their service during the year 2008. Chairman Fox thanked each committee member for their dedication and time in serving on township committees.
Chairman Fox presented Supervisor McDonnell with a plaque and thanked him for his commitment and dedication in serving as the Chairman of the Board for 2008.
Chairman Fox made a motion to appoint Gary Christensen to the Montgomery Township Municipal Sewer Authority for a full five year term, to expire January 1, 2014. The motion was seconded by Supervisor McDonnell. Supervisor Prousi stated that he is appalled that Robert Witmer is being replaced on the Sewer Authority, as he has served the township well as both a former Supervisor and a member of the Sewer Authority. Motion #1 appointed Gary Christensen to serve as a member of the Montgomery Township Municipal Sewer Authority by a vote of 4 - 1 with Supervisor Prousi casting the opposing vote.
Chairman Fox made a motion to appoint Anthony Ruggieri to the Park & Recreation Board for a full five year term, to expire January 1, 2014. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Birch. David Keightly, a member of the Park & Recreation Board requested time for public comment on this matter. Mr. Keightly was advised that public comment had already been entertained for the meeting. The question was raised as to why public comment was not being heard during the discussion of an agenda item, if requested. A discussion followed as to the policy of where public comment would be heard, at the beginning of the meeting and also during an agenda item, or in conjunction with each agenda item only. Mr. Keightly was given the opportunity to comment, at which time he stated that he felt that the Park & Recreation Board was not being permitted to do their job of interviewing potential candidates, and recommending them to the Board of Supervisors. Mr. Keightly further stated that he feels that Mr. Ruggieri will be a welcome addition to the Park & Recreation Board. Motion #2 was unanimously approved by the Board. David Keightly, requested the courtesy of being able to administer the Oath of Office to Mr. Ruggieri. Chairman Fox agreed to this request.
Resolution #3 unanimously approved the re-appointment of volunteer advisory committee members for all township committees.
Under the consent agenda, Resolution #4 established the holidays for 2009. The meeting dates for the Board of Supervisors were set by Resolution #5. Resolution #6 set the Treasurer's and the Business Tax Collector's Bond. Resolution #7 named Harleysville National Bank and Smith Barney as the depositories for Montgomery Township. Resolution #8 appointed the Township Officials for the year 2009. Resolution #9 certified Robert J. Birch as the voting delegate to represent Montgomery T ownship at the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS) in the year 2009. Board Liaisons to Township Committees were established by Resolution #10. Resolution #11 approved authorized drivers of Township vehicles for 2009. Resolution #12 appointed the Fire Department of Montgomery Township Fire Police for 2009. Resolution #13 established the 2009 Fee Schedule. Resolution #14 reaffirmed the Board's support of the commitment by the Township Manager to adhere to the International City Managers Association Code of Ethics for the year 2009. All consent agenda items were unanimously approved.
The re-organization meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Chairman Fox called to order the regular meeting at 8:31 p.m.
Frank Bartle reported that the Board had met in an Executive Session earlier in the evening to discuss matters of personnel, potential real estate acquisition and a potential matter of litigation.
Two residents were unanimously appointed to the Planning Commission by Resolution #15. Ellen Reynolds was appointed to fill a vacancy with a term to expire January 1, 2010. Michael Beatty was appointed to fill a vacancy with a term to expire January 1, 2011.
Robert Hedden was sworn in and welcomed as a full time firefighter with Montgomery Township. Firefighter Hedden had previously been assigned to the Department's workforce pool, supplementing the full time staff on a part time basis. Resolution #16 unanimously welcomed Robert Hedden as a firefighter with Montgomery Township, effective January 2, 2009.
John Nagel reported that there was no new information available concerning the new regulations for storm water management. Mr. Nagel advised that County Officials will be meeting on January 12th to discuss this matter. John Chambers noted that this is an evolving project, with a very tentative time line.
Larry Gregan reported that as of December 8, 2008, Act 110 prohibits the Township from requiring the registration of a deed at the Township prior to the recordation of the original deed with the Recorder of Deeds. Chapter 178 of the Township Code required the pre-registration of any deed for property in the Township, prior to the recording at the County, and therefore must be repealed. Resolution #17 unanimously adopted Ordinance #08-235 repealing Chapter 178 of the Montgomery Township Code entitled Real Estate Registry.
Pam Gural-Bear congratulated the staff of the Township for their efforts that resulted in Montgomery Township being awarded a second place honor for its entry in the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors 41st Annual Township Citizen Communication Contest. The award was received in the "Annual Reports" category. John Nagel commented that this is the 8th award that the Township has received from PSATS.
Under the consent agenda, the minutes of the meeting of December 15, 2008 and the payment of bills were approved as submitted. Resolution #18 approved the adoption of the revised bylaws for the Autumn Festival and Pension Committees and the newly created bylaws for the Senior Committee. Resolution #19 approved the authorization of contract for police uniforms be awarded to Red the Uniform Tailor. An escrow release for W.B. Commons was approved by Resolution #20. Resolution #21 approved the receipt of the Highway Safety Project Aggressive Driving Project PA "Smooth Operator" grant, which is effective from January 1st through September 30th 2009.
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 8:44 p.m.