MINUTES OF MEETING

MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

APRIL 22, 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 7:01 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 Robert Iannozzi, Esquire, Township Manager Lawrence Gregan, Police Chief Scott Bendig, 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 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 potential litigation and two matters of personnel matters. 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 April 8, 2019 Board of Supervisors meeting, and Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford seconded the motion. The minutes of the meeting were unanimously approved as submitted.

            Township Manager Lawrence J. Gregan announced that Public Service Recognition Week will be celebrated the week of May 5th through May 11th this year. This week celebrated the men and women who serve our nation as federal, state, county and local government employees for their contribution to the safety, security, and efficiency of our communities. Resolution #1 made by Chairman Michael J. Fox, seconded by Vice-Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, recognized the week of May 5 through May 11, 2019 as Public Service Recognition Week and extend our appreciation to the employees of Montgomery Township for their efforts on behalf of the residents and visitors of Montgomery Township.  

            Assistant to the Township Manager Stacy Crandell requested authorization for the Township to advertise for a public hearing for the Verizon Franchise Renewal. The Township’s Franchise Agreement with Verizon expired on July 24, 2018 and is in ongoing negotiations to reach a new agreement. The Township is required to hold a public hearing to review the past performance of Verizon and to identify the future cable-related community needs of the Township. Resolution#2 made by Chairman Michael J. Fox, seconded by Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford and adopted unanimously, set Monday, May 13, 2019 after 7:00pm, in the Township Building as the date, time and place for a Public Hearing regarding the Verizon Franchise Renewal.

            Director of Public Works Kevin Costello requested authorization to purchase two 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) 2019 Ford F-350 Pickup Truck equipped with a 9’ plow which is replacing a 2008 Ford F-350 which will be sent to auction. The new Ford F-350 Truck and Plow will be provided by Whitmoyer Ford Inc. under the Co-Stars Contract # 025-162 at a total cost of $50,024.00 compared to a list price of $63,030.00. This represents a cost savings of $13,006.00 or 21%. The truck will be utilized by the Public Works Department for maintenance operations and will be set up to plow and salt during the snow season.
  • (1) 2019 Custom Aluminum Flatbed Body with Side Mounted Tool Boxes to be installed on the new 2019 F-350 Truck outlined above, and will be provided by Levan Machine &Truck Equipment Company under Co-Stars Contract # 025-072 at a total cost of $32,381.00 compared to an estimated list price of $38,785.00. This represents a savings of $6,404.00 or 15%.

Resolution #3 made by Chairman Michael J. Fox, seconded by Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford and adopted unanimously, approved the two contract purchases listed above.  

            Director of Public Works Kevin Costello requested authorization to award the contract for the Administration/Police/VMSC Complex Exterior Wall Restoration Project to General Painting of Pennsylvania Inc. for a total cost of $17,743. Resolution #4 made by Chairman Michael J. Fox, seconded by Vice-Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, approved the contract for the block wall restoration project at the Administration, Police and VMSC buildings to General Painting of Pennsylvania, Inc. for a total cost of $17,743.

            Director of Planning and Zoning Bruce Shoupe presented a request by Lightbridge Academy, 671 Bethlehem Pike for a waiver from the Township’s formal land development application process for a proposed use of this building/property for a mixed-use project. The project consists of converting the existing 15,067 square foot vacant commercial building into an 3,247 square foot retail use with multiple tenants and an 11,820 square foot child care facility to accommodate up to 162 students, with a 3,775 square foot outdoor play area to support the child care center. The project also includes new storm water management facilities and reconfiguration of the parking area. The Zoning Hearing Board granted relief for the outdoor play area and parking stall size requirements. Representing the applicant was Neil Stein, Esquire, who confirmed that the applicant accepted all of the waivers and conditions in the approval resolution for the waiver. Resolution #5 made by Chairman Michael J. Fox, seconded by Vice-Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, granted the waiver of the formal land development for Lightbridge Academy, 671 Bethlehem Pike, with eight conditions and three waivers.

            Township Manager Lawrence J. Gregan requested approval to submit a Minor Act 537 Update Revision to provide for the extension of public sanitary sewer service to four existing residential properties allocated along Kenas Road near Oxford Lane. The properties will be served by individual grinder pumps connected to a proposed low-pressure force main to be installed along the rear of the four properties with connection into the public sewer system in Oxford Lane. The PA Sewage Facilities Act requires the Township to adopt a revision to the Township’s Official Sewage Facilities Plan to authorize the extension of the sewer service to these properties. Resolution #6, made by Chairman Michael J. Fox, seconded by Vice Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, approved the adoption and submission of the Sewage Facilities Planning Module for Minor Act 537 Update Revision for the Kenas Road Sanitary Sewer Extension to the Department of Environmental Protection for its approval as a revision to the Official Plan of the Township.  

            A motion to approve the payment of bills was made by Chairman Michael J. Fox, seconded by Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford, and adopted unanimously, approved the payment of bills as submitted.

            There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 7:21 p.m.