MINUTES OF MEETING

MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

MARCH 11, 2019

             At 6:00p.m. Chairman Michael J. Fox called to order the Work Session. In attendance were Vice-Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera, and Supervisors Jeffrey W. McDonnell, and Tanya C. Bamford. Supervisor Matthew W. Quigg was absent. Also in attendance was Township Manager Lawrence J. Gregan, Assistant to the Township Manager Stacy Crandell, Director of Finance Ami Tarburton, Director of Fire Services Rick Lesniak, Director of Administration and HR Ann Shade, Director of Planning and Zoning Bruce Shoupe, and Township Solicitor Frank Bartle, Esquire. Jay Clough and Michael Strohecker from KCBA Architects presented the Feasibility Study of possible upgrades to the Township Administration Building. The focus being on increasing security for the public and the employees, improving operating efficiencies due to changing space needs and alternative technologies, refreshing the exterior accesses to the building, replacing aging finishes and furnishings and analyzing the existing mechanical, electrical, and data systems of the building.  

            At 6:30 p.m. Chairman Michael J. Fox called to order the Executive Session. In attendance were Vice-Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera, and Supervisors Jeffrey W. McDonnell, and Tanya C. Bamford. Supervisor Matthew W. Quigg was absent. Also in attendance were Township Manager Lawrence J. Gregan and Township Solicitor Frank Bartle, Esquire.

            Chairman Michael J. Fox called the action meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. In attendance were Vice-Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera, and Supervisors Jeffrey W. McDonnell, Tanya C. Bamford and Matthew W. Quigg. Also in attendance were Township Solicitor Frank Bartle, Esquire, Township Manager Lawrence Gregan, Police Chief Scott Bendig, Director of Fire Services Richard Lesniak, Director of Finance Ami Tarburton, Director of Administration & HR Ann Shade, Assistant to the Township Manager Stacy Crandell, Director of Planning and Zoning Bruce Shoupe, Director of Public Works Kevin Costello, Director of Recreation and Community Center Floyd Shaffer, and Director of Information Technology Richard Grier.

            Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Chairman Michael J. Fox called for public comment from the audience and there was none.

            Solicitor Frank Bartle, Esquire announced that the Board had met in an executive session prior to this meeting at 6:30 p.m., in the room adjacent to this one, and discussed two personnel matters and one matter of potential litigation, which was the Cutler Development matter. Mr. Bartle stated that these matters are legitimate subjects of executive session pursuant to Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Law.

            Chairman Michael J. Fox made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 25, 2019 Board of Supervisors meeting, and Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford seconded the motion. The minutes of the meeting were unanimously approved.

            Police Chief Scott Bendig reported that Carlos Cartagena, who worked for the police department as a police dispatcher since December 4, 2013, will be resigning effective March 13, 2019 to pursue an opportunity as a full-time police department in another department. Chief Bendig wished to recognize and acknowledge his service to the Township and wish him well in his future position. Resolution#1 made by Chairman Michael J. Fox, seconded by Supervisor Matthew W. Quigg and adopted unanimously, recognized the resignation of Carolos Cartagena from his position as a police dispatcher with Montgomery Township.

            Police Chief Scott Bendig announced that the Montgomery Township Police Department will be hosting Emergency Services Day at the Montgomery Mall on March 23, 2019 from 11AM to 3PM. He reported that this free annual indoor event, held in the Macy Courtyard, gives the general public the opportunity to interact with police, fire, and emergency medical service professionals from throughout Montgomery and Bucks Counties. The event will include giveaways, displays, canine demonstrations, and child fingerprinting.

            Township Solicitor Frank Bartle, Esquire opened the public hearing to consider the adoption of proposed Ordinance#19-310 Establishing Volunteer Service Earned Income and Real Property Tax Credit at 7:05PM. Township Manager Lawrence Gregan presented a summary of the provisions of the Volunteer Service Tax Credit Program and Procedures. The public hearing was closed at 7:14pm. Resolution #2 made by Chairman Michael J. Fox, seconded by Vice Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, adopted the proposed Ordinance#19-310 Amending the Township’s Code, Chapter 209 (Taxation) by adding a new article IX (Volunteer Service Earned Income Tax Credit and Real Property Tax Credit), providing incentives for qualifying volunteers serving a Volunteer Fire Company or a Non-Profit Emergency Medical Services Agency in accord with Pennsylvania Act No.172 of 2016.

            Township Manager Lawrence J. Gregan reported under the provisions of Ordinance#19-310, the Board needed to pass a resolution setting the maximum Earned Income and Real Property Tax Credit for 2018 and 2019. Resolution#3 made by Chairman Michael J. Fox, seconded by Vice Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, set the maximum earned income of $500 and a maximum real estate tax credit of $500 for tax years 2018 and 2019.

            Assistant to the Township Manager Stacy Crandell introduced Michael Fuller, Keystone Lighting Solutions, the Design Services Professional for DVRPC’s Regional Streetlight Procurement Program. Michael Fuller reviewed the results of the feasibility study which identified potential improvements and costs involved in transitioning the Township’s current street light and traffic signal equipment to lower cost, more energy efficient and less maintenance intensive LED Technology. Mr. Fuller explained the next steps of the process, under Phase 2, which includes conducting an investment grade audit that would provide a GIS map and data base detailing information regarding the current street light system in anticipation of moving forward with upgrade contract. Resolution#4 made by Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford, seconded by Vice Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, authorized the Township to enter into an agreement with Keystone Lighting Solutions to proceed with the DVRPC Regional Streetlight Procurement Program Phase 2, which includes an investment grade audit and design services at an estimated cost of approximately $35,000 based on final fixture count from the audit.

            Director of Public Works Kevin Costello reported that the Township opened bids for Annual Highway Materials and Services on February 28, 2019 at 10AM. The lowest responsible bidders were Glasgow, Inc. for asphalt/bituminous and Moyer Indoor Outdoor for Lawn Care Treatments. Resolution#5 made by Chairman Michael J. Fox, seconded by Vice Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, awarded the contracts for the Public Works Department Annual Materials and Services to Glasgow Inc. for Asphalt/Bituminous at Various Unit Pricing, and to Moyer Indoor Outdoor for Lawn Care Treatments at an annual cost of $17,310.00.

            Director of Public Works Kevin Costello requested approval for out of state training for Dave Fulton to attend the IMSA Traffic Signal Field Technician Level II Certification Course to be held on March 25 and March 26, 2019 to be trained in all aspects of traffic signal maintenance and repairs. The training will be held at the Rutgers Eco Complex in Bordentown, New Jersey and Dave will be commuting to training both days using a township vehicle. Resolution#6 made by Chairman Michael J. Fox, seconded by Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford and adopted unanimously, authorized Dave Fulton to attend the out of state training hosted by the New Jersey Chapter of the International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA) for Traffic Signal Technician Level II Certification.

            Director of Fire Services Rick Lesniak requested approval for Firefighter Robert Hedden to attend two out of state training courses. Firefighter Hedden currently holds three Pennsylvania Code Certifications and has submitted an application for renewal of those certifications for a new three year cycle and needs these courses for continuing education credits to maintain these certifications. Resolution#7 made by Chairman Michael J. Fox, seconded by Vice Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, authorized Firefighter Hedden to attend the “Violation Notices and Enforcement” course to be held on April 17, 2019 and “Duct Inspection” course to be held on April 18, 2019 at The Inn at Lambertville Station, Lambertville, NJ.

            Resolution#8 made by Chairman Michael J. Fox, seconded by Vice Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, authorized a construction escrow release#4 in the amount of $263,914.70 for LDS #694 Higher Rock Land Development Phase 1 as recommended by the Township Engineer.  

            Resolution#9 made by Chairman Michael J. Fox, seconded by Vice Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, authorized a construction escrow release#3 in the amount of $139,953.05 for LDS #694 Higher Rock Land Development Phase 2 as recommended by the Township Engineer.

            Director of Planning and Zoning Bruce Shoupe requested authorization to obtain bids for Phase 6 of the Forestry Management Program for the removal of Ash Trees in the Wiseman Tract, Chaps Way Open Space, Montgomery Leas Open Space, Gordon Lane Basin Open Space and Baker Place Open Space. Resolution #10 made by Chairman Michael J. Fox, seconded by Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford and adopted unanimously, authorized the Township Manager to advertise and solicit bids for Phase 6 of the Forestry Management Program for the removal of Ash Trees in the Wiseman Tract, Chaps Way Open Space, Montgomery Leas Open Space, Gordon Lane Basin Open Space and Baker Place Open Space.

            Director of Planning and Zoning Bruce Shoupe reported that an application for a Preliminary/Final Land Development plan, LDS #679, was received for Meadows at Parkview, which is located at the intersection of Enclave Boulevard and Bethlehem Pike. The project involved the subdivision and development of this 8.59 acre parcel for 42 age-restricted dwelling units. Resolution #11 made by Chairman Michael J. Fox, seconded by Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford and adopted unanimously, approved the Conditional Preliminary/Final Land Development for LDS #697 Meadows at Parkview Subdivision, subject to compliance with 20 conditions.

            A motion to approve the payment of bills was made by Chairman Michael J. Fox, seconded by Vice-Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera, and adopted unanimously, approved the payment of bills as submitted.

            Under other business, Assistant to the Township Manager Stacy Crandell requested authorization to accept a proposal from Control Point Associates, Inc. for additional survey work for the Powerline Trail Connector- Phase 1 Project. The Township’s Traffic Engineer, Traffic Planning and Design, Inc. (TPD) has determined that additional survey work is needed in order to better delineate the FEMA flood plain. The additional survey of the flood plain is required to complete a hydrology and hydraulics (H&H) study in order to confirm that an unacceptable increase in the water surface elevation does not occur as a result of the location of the bridge in the flood plain. Otherwise, the bridge would need to be a 400 ft., span, which is not feasible or cost effective. Resolution#12 made by Chairman Michael J. Fox, seconded by Vice-Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera, and adopted unanimously, approved the proposal from Control Point Associates, Inc. in the amount of $16,800.00 to survey the flood plain that is needed to proceed with the proposed trail connection between the Route 202 Parkway Trail and the Community and Recreation Center.    

            There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 8:13 p.m.