MINUTES OF MEETING

MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

APRIL 8, 2019

 

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

            Vice-Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera called the action meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Jeffrey W. McDonnell, Tanya C. Bamford and Matthew W. Quigg. Chairman Michael J. Fox was absent. 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, Vice-Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera called for public comment from the audience and there was none.

            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 three personnel matters and two matters of potential litigation. Mr. Iannozzi stated that these matters are legitimate subjects of executive session pursuant to Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Law.

            Vice-Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 25, 2019 Board of Supervisors meeting, and Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford seconded the motion. The minutes of the meeting were unanimously approved as submitted.

            Public Information Coordinator Kelsey Whalen reported that Local Government Week will be celebrated state wide from April 8th to April 12th. Local Government Week focuses attention on the need for strong, independent, and active local governments, as well as recognizing the valuable contributions made by residents serving their communities in public offices. In order to accommodate all elementary schools in Montgomery Township, the Township is celebrating Local Government Week throughout the month of April this year. The event includes outside demonstrations of the Police Department, Fire Department, Public Works Department, Sewer Authority and Volunteer Medical Services of Lansdale. Resolution #1 made by Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford, seconded by Supervisor Matthew W. Quigg and adopted unanimously, recognized and honored Local Government Week and area elementary schools, Montgomery Elementary, Mary Mother of the Redeemer School and Bridle Path Elementary, for sponsoring student government programs and for their commitment to developing the leaders of the future.

            Assistant to the Township Manager Stacy Crandell announced the 2019 Spring Curbside Leaf and Yard Waste Collection, which is going to take place on Saturday, April 27, 2019. The curbside pickup and drop-off were moved from the third Saturday due to the Easter Holiday. The Township encourages residents to have all leaf and yard waste placed in biodegradable bags and placed outside on the curb the night before.  

            Assistant to the Township Manager Stacy Crandell announced the Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) is hosting their fourth annual e-recycling “Anything with a Plug” event for Township Residents on Saturday, April 27, 2019 from 9AM to Noon outside in the Township Building Parking Lot. The Township is contracting with eForce Recycling to hold this event. Certain items will be collected for a fee including televisions, computer monitors, dehumidifiers, air conditioners and microwaves.

            Director of Public Works Kevin Costello requested authorization to purchase three capital equipment items that were approved in the Final 2019 Budget. The following equipment was requested to be purchased using the PA State Cooperative Purchasing Co-Stars Program:

  • (1) 2020 Peterbilt Truck, which is replacing a 2003 Peterbilt that will be placed in reduced service. The new Peterbilt Truck will be purchased from G. L. Sayre, Inc. under the Co-Stars Contract # 25-017 at a total cost of $104,928.00 compared to a list price of $158,614.00. This represents a cost savings of $53,686.00 or 32%. The truck will be utilized by the Public Works Department to transport various types of material and will be set up to plow and salt during the snow season.

 

  • (1) 2019 Custom Dump Body, to be installed on the new 2020 Peterbilt Truck outlined above, and to be provided by Triad Truck Equipment under Co-Stars Contract # 025-060 at a total cost of $62,160.00 compared to the list price of $66,838.00. This represents a savings of $4,678.00 or 10%.

 

  • (1) Kubota Excavator K Series, which will replace a 2000 Case 590 SL Backhoe. The Kubota Excavator will be provided by Eagle Power and Equipment by way of Kubota Tractor Corporation under Co-Stars #44000-19962 for a total cost of $84,722.35 compared to a list price of $103,717.00. This represents a cost savings of $18,994.65 or 20%.

Resolution #2 made by Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford, seconded by Supervisor Matthew W. Quigg and adopted unanimously, approved the three contract purchases listed above.  

            Director of Finance Ami Tarburton reported that the Township received the list of Fire Department of Montgomery Township (FDMT) volunteers that are certified eligible to receive the tax credit for tax year 2018. The tax credit ordinance was adopted at the March 11th Board Meeting. Resolution #3 made by Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford, seconded by Supervisor Matthew W. Quigg and adopted unanimously, approved the list of Eligible Volunteers certified by the Chief of the Fire Department of Montgomery Township to receive the Earned Income Tax Credit and Real Property Tax Credit under Ordinance 19-310 for the year 2018.

            Director of Planning and Zoning Bruce Shoupe requested authorization to submit an application to PennDOT for Traffic Signal Permit revisions at Doylestown Road/Butler Avenue (SR0202) and County Line Road (SR2038). The signal changes involve revisions to pavement markings including lengthening southbound Butler Avenue left turn lane and associated signage and sidewalk for the proposed Wawa convenience market and gas station in New Britain Township. Resolution #4 made by Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford, seconded by Supervisor Matthew W. Quigg 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 Doylestown Road/Butler Avenue (SR0202) and County Line Road (SR2038).

            Director of Planning and Zoning Bruce Shoupe reported that the Shade Tree Commission sponsors an annual event to celebrate Arbor Day. This year, the Annual Arbor Day Tree Give-Away will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at the Montgomery Township Community and Recreation Center. Montgomery Township has also been named as a 2018 Tree City USA recipient with a presentation of the award by our State Forester scheduled during the event as well. Resolution #5, made by Vice Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera, seconded by Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford and adopted unanimously, urge all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and to support efforts to protect trees and woodlands.

            Director of Planning and Zoning Bruce Shoupe requested authorization to recommend the last six Township owned stormwater basins to be formerly entered into the Basin Naturalization Program. These basins have been assessed by the Township Landscape Architect, Boucher and James, Inc., and inspected by the Township Insurance provider, Delaware Valley Trusts, Resolution #6, made by Vice Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera, seconded by Supervisor Matthew W. Quigg and adopted unanimously, formally approved the following stormwater detention basins be entered into the Naturalized Basin Program: #26 – Summer Ridge, #58 – Tall Gables, #61 – Autumn Grove,  #64 – Community Center A, #65 – Community Center B and #66 – Community Center C. The resolution also authorized notification be given to residents who are located near the basins and also that a sign should be posted at the locations.

            Director of Planning and Zoning Bruce Shoupe requested approval to award the bid for Phase VI of Ash Tree Forestry Management Program to ProMark Tree Service, Inc in the amount of $49,725. Phase VI includes the felling of an estimated 550 trees located at the Wiseman Tract, Chaps Way Open Space, Montgomery Lea Open Space, Gordon Lane Basin, and Baker Place Open Space. Township Resident Andrew Hatstat of Veronica Lane, asked about the cost of the program and the reason for cutting down the trees. Resolution #7 made by Vice-Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera, seconded by Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford and adopted unanimously, authorized the award of the bid for Phase VI of the Ash Tree Forestry Management Program to ProMark Tree Service Inc. in the amount of $49,725.

            Director of Planning and Zoning Bruce Shoupe requested approval to obtain bids for Phase VII of the Ash Tree Forestry Management Program. Phase VII will include the following 15 open space areas- Davis Drive, Steevers Mill Road, Estates at Montgomery, Colwyn Terrace, Montgomery Ride, Westgate, Bradford Court, Hourglass Park, Twinning Road, Tree Line Drive, Andrew Lane, Summer Ridge, Upper State Road and Horsham Road Basin, Bark Park, De LaSalle Development. Resolution #8 made by Vice-Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera, seconded by Supervisor Matthew W. Quigg and adopted unanimously, authorized the Township Manager to obtain bids for Phase VII of the Ash Tree Forestry Management Program.

            A motion to approve the payment of bills was made by Vice-Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera, seconded by Supervisor Matthew W. Quigg, and adopted unanimously, approved the payment of bills as submitted.

            Under other business, Resolution#9 made by Vice-Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera, seconded by Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford, made a motion to enter into an installment settlement agreement with payment plan with a Township Business Owner for Business Privilege Tax for Tax Years 2011 to 2016. The name of the Township Business and terms and conditions of the settlement are required to remain confidential under PA law.

            Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford made an announcement about a fundraiser that was going to be held for the Forte Family, Township Residents, who have a son who is battling cancer. Supervisor Bamford wanted to encourage people to support this event on Sunday, April 14th at Nex Level Fitness in New Britain Township.  

           There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.