MINUTES OF MEETING

MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

MARCH 25, 2019

 

            At 6:00p.m. Chairman Michael J. Fox called to order the Executive Session. In attendance were Vice-Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera, and Supervisors Jeffrey W. McDonnell, Tanya C. Bamford and Matthew W. Quigg. Also in attendance was Township Manager Lawrence J. Gregan, and Township Solicitor Robert Iannozzi, Esquire.

            Chairman Michael J. Fox called the action meeting to order at 7:06 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 Robert Iannozzi, 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, Director of Information Technology Richard Grier and Public Information Coordinator Kelsey Whalen.

            Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Chairman Michael J. Fox called for public comment from the audience.

            Lee Stein, 128 Bayhill Drive, wanted to compliment the Fire and Police Departments for their quick action to a recent problem with one of the residence in the Preserve.

            Tom Harker, 130 Bayhill Drive, wanted an update on what was going on with the bond company in regards to the Cutler Development and what the bonds actually cover in the scope of the work that is remaining to be completed.  

            Gary Gelbart, 103 Preserve Lane, questioned what is going on with the safety concerns like streetlights. Chairman Michael J. Fox and Township Manager Lawrence Gregan gave an update on what is being done to get the streetlights energized and that more work is required from PECO. The Township is in contact with PECO to try to get the streetlights completed. In addition, the Township is waiting to hear back from the bond company after they were provided with a punch list of the remaining outstanding items.    

            Chairman Michael J. Fox announced that Township Manager Lawrence J. Gregan was going to be the 2019 PSATS Leadership Award recipient and will be receiving this honor at the upcoming PSATS conference in Hershey on April 15.  

            Solicitor Robert Iannozzi, Esquire announced that the Board had met in an executive session prior to this meeting at 6:00 p.m., in the room adjacent to this one, and discussed two personnel matters and three matters of potential litigation. Mr. Iannozzi 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 March 11, 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 welcomed and introduced new/returning employee Joe Bennett to Montgomery Township as a Police Dispatcher. Mr. Bennett previously was employed as a police dispatcher from 2013 to 2015 and currently serves as a volunteer firefighter with the Fire Department of Montgomery Township. Resolution #1 made by Chairman Michael J. Fox, seconded by Vice-Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, welcomed new and returning employee Joe Bennett to Montgomery Township, effective March 20, 2019.

            Police Chief Scott Bendig reported that on October 22, 2018, at 7:30PM an individual playing racquetball at LA Fitness sustained a serious medical issue, resulting in sudden cardiac arrest. LA Fitness Members Christy Thompson and Cynthia Possanza, both trained medical professionals, immediately came to the aid of the patient. They assessed the patient and rendered medical assistance, performing chest compressions and utilizing an automatic external defibrillator until the Volunteer Medical Service Corps of Lansdale arrived and transported the patient to the hospital. Chief Bendig reported that the patient is here and has fully recovered thanks to the efforts from both Thompson and Possanza. Mr. Guy Triano, Regional CEO of the American Red Cross of Eastern Pennsylvania presented Ms. Thompson and Ms. Possanza with the American Red Cross Award for Extraordinary Personal Action. Supervisor Tanya Bamford also wanted to thank Public Safety Committee member Sue Weiner who brought this to the attention of the Board of Supervisors. Resolution #2 made by Chairman Michael J. Fox, seconded by Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford and adopted unanimously, recognized Christy Thompson and Cynthia Possanza on their American Red Cross Award for Extraordinary Personal Action and commend them for their lifesaving actions.

            Township Manager Lawrence J. Gregan reported that are several vacancies on the Business Development Partnership. Lisa Martin from Costco, Laura Orr from Ground Luminosity and Troy Tradewell of 5 Points Automobile have expressed interest in serving on this committee. Resolution #3 made by Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford, seconded Supervisor Matthew W. Quigg and adopted unanimously, appointed Lisa Martin from Costco, Laura Orr from Ground Luminosity, and Troy Tradewell of 5 Points Automobile to the Business Development Partnership Committee for a one-year term to expire on January 1, 2020.

            Community and Recreation Director Floyd Shaffer requested approval to begin fundraising efforts for the 2019 Autumn Festival, which is scheduled for Saturday, October 12, 2019 from 12PM-5PM at William F. Maule Park at Windlestrae. Resolution #4 made by Chairman Michael J. Fox, seconded by Vice Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, approved the 2019 Autumn Festival Solicitation Letter and Brochure.

            Director of Planning and Zoning Bruce Shoupe requested authorization to submit an application to PennDOT for Traffic Signal Permit revisions at the intersection of Bethlehem Pike and Montgomery Mall Access Drive North. The signal changes involve revisions to pavement markings including directional arrows, skip lines, and signage to more clearly define the lane assignment for traffic exiting the North jughandle approach to Bethlehem Pike.  Resolution #5 made by Chairman Michael J. Fox, seconded by Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford and adopted unanimously, authorized the submission of an application to PennDOT for revisions to the Traffic Signal permit for lane marking and signage revisions at the signalized intersection of Bethlehem Pike and Montgomery Mall Access Drive.  

            Director of Planning and Zoning Bruce Shoupe reported that for preparation for issuance of permits for construction of buildings LDS# 694-Higher Rock Land Development project, the Township has requested and the Developer is agreeable, to enter into an amendment to the Land Development Agreement for the project. The amendment would amend the subsection entitled “Occupancy Permits,” and require that all traffic improvements be completed, installed and functional to the satisfaction of the Township’s Engineer as a precondition to any building on the property being occupied for business with the public.  Resolution #6 made by Chairman Michael J. Fox, seconded by Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford and adopted unanimously, authorized Chairman to execute the amendment to Higher Rock Partners, LP Land Development Agreement.

            Township Manager Lawrence Gregan reported that he has made the Board aware of his intention to retire at the end of 2019. In order to begin the search for the next Township Manager, the Township has obtained a proposal from Larry Comunale and Ronald Wagenmann, both former Montgomery County Managers, to perform services to assist the Board in conducting a candidate search for a new Township Manager to take over upon his retirement.  Resolution #7 made by Chairman Michael J. Fox, seconded by Vice Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, authorized execution of the Consultant Proposal with Larry Comunale and Ronald Wagenmann to conduct a candidate search for a new Township Manager.

            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.

            There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m.