MINUTES OF MEETING

MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

MARCH 12, 2018

             At 7:30 p.m. Vice Chairman Michael J. Fox called to order an executive session. In attendance were Supervisors Tanya C. Bamford, Jeffrey W. McDonnell and Matthew W. Quigg. Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera was absent. Also in attendance were Township Manager Lawrence J. Gregan, Township Solicitor Frank R. Bartle, Esquire, Director of Administration and Human Resources Ann Shade and Director of Recreation and Community Center Floyd Shaffer.

            Vice Chairman Michael J. Fox called the action meeting to order at 8:08 p.m. In attendance were Supervisors Tanya C. Bamford, Jeffrey W. McDonnell and Matthew W. Quigg. Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera was absent. Also in attendance were Township Solicitor Frank R. Bartle, Esquire, Township Manager Lawrence J. Gregan, Police Chief J. Scott Bendig, Director of Finance Ami Tarburton, Director of Administration and Human Resources Ann M. Shade, Assistant to the Township Manager Stacy Crandell, Director of Planning Bruce Shoupe, Director of Public Works Kevin Costello, Director of Recreation and Community Center Floyd Shaffer, Information Technology Associate Lance Allen and Recording Secretary Deborah A. Rivas.

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

            Solicitor Frank R. Bartle, Esquire announced that the Board had met in an executive session prior to this meeting and discussed two personnel matters. One item was a personnel matter involving a grievance. Mr. Bartle stated that these matters are legitimate subjects of executive session pursuant to Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Law.

            Vice-Chairman Michael J. Fox recognized Director of Finance Ami Tarburton on receipt of the Certificate of Achievement for Financial Reporting (CAFR Award), which was presented at the previous board meeting as Ms. Tarburton was not able to attend the meeting. He stated that he wanted to make sure her efforts did not go unnoticed and thanked her for her efforts.

            Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford recognized the Public Works Department, Police Department and the Fire Department for their hard work during the last two Nor’easter snow and wind storms. The Board all commented about the great job each department did handling the many calls for service during the storm and how well the roads were plowed.

            Vice-Chairman Michael J. Fox made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 26, 2018 Board of Supervisors meeting, and Supervisor Matthew W. Quigg seconded the motion. The minutes of the meeting were unanimously approved as submitted.

            Assistant to the Township Manager Stacy Crandell announced that a special storm debris drop off event would be held on March 17, 2018. This special debris collection event will be held in conjunction with the Township’s regular monthly leaf and yard waste drop-off to assist Township Residents who have large branches and trees that have fallen during past two storms.

            Assistant to the Township Manager Stacy Crandell announced that an E-Recycling and Shredding Event will be held on April 7, 2018 from 9:00am-11:00am. This event will be co-hosted by Representative Todd Stephens’ office and will be held in the parking lot of his office located at 515 Stump Road, North Wales. There will be $30 fee per TV and Monitor at the event. The fee will be paid directly to the e-recycling company.

            Assistant to the Township Manager Stacy Crandell presented a proposed Access Easement Agreement with R & F Montgomeryville, L.P. located at 985 Bethlehem Pike for approval. The agreement for approval is requested for the following improvements at the intersection of Bethlehem Pike and Stump Road:

  • Maintaining existing traffic signal mast arm and underground electric to the mast arm;
  • Installing and maintaining proposed pedestal pole/button/hand-man signal and associated underground electric and;
  • The construction of an ADA compliant ramp and associated sidewalk reconstruction with the agreed upon easement area.  

            This agreement is being coordinated as part of the traffic signal improvements required by PennDOT for LDS#694- Higher Rock Partners, LP. All improvements are the responsibility of the Higher Rock development and will be included in the escrow funds posted to guarantee the completion of the traffic signal/ADA ramp improvements.   Resolution #1 made by Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford, seconded by Supervisor Matthew W. Quigg and adopted unanimously, authorized the execution of an Access Easement Agreement with R & F Montgomeryville, L.P., 985 Bethlehem Pike for traffic signal and ADA compliant ramp improvements at the intersection of Bethlehem Pike and Stump Road.

            Director of Public Works Kevin Costello reported that bids were opened on February 28, 2018 at 10:00am by staff for asphalt, stone aggregate and law care treatments. Resolution #2 made by Vice Chairman Michael J. Fox, seconded by Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford and adopted unanimously, awarded the following contracts:

  • Asphalt/Bituminous Concrete             Eureka Stone Quarry              Various Unit Pricing
  • Stone Aggregate                                 Glasgow, Inc.                          Various Unit Pricing
  • Lawn Care Treatments                       Moyer & Son, Inc.                   $17,310 Annually

            Director of Public Works Kevin Costello reported that staff received and opened bids on February 28, 2018 at 10:30am for the Windlestrae- Rose Twig Tennis Court Repair Project.  Resolution #3, made by Vice Chairman Michael J. Fox, seconded by Supervisor Matthew W. Quigg and adopted unanimously, awarded the bid for the Windlestrae-Rose Twig Tennis Court Repair Project to Top-A-Court, for a total projected cost of $24,590.00. 

            Director of Public Works Kevin Costello reported that the Public Works Department is proposing to purchase (1) Rotary MCH Flex 419, 75,200 lb. capacity portable truck lift with remote control under Co-Stars Contract #025-134 from Rotary Lift of Madison, IN. The total cost of lift and accessories is $45,503.60 compared to a list price of $76,278.00, which represents a cost savings of $30,774.40 or 40%. The lift is part of our Capital Replacement Plan and was included in the 2018 Final Approved Budget. The current lift which is 22 year old will be submitted for auction sale once the new lift is set up and operational. Resolution #4 made by Vice Chairman Michael J. Fox, seconded by Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford and adopted unanimously, awarded the contract for the purchase of a MCH Flex 419 Truck Lift to Rotary Lift of Madison IN, authorized vendor under the Co-Stars Purchasing Contract #025-134, at a cost of $45,503.60. 

            Director of Planning and Zoning Bruce Shoupe requested authorization to advertise proposed Ordinance #18-306-Z – Zoning Code Text Amendment Deleting Language Permitting Waiver of Landscaping and Security Fencing Requirements. This Ordinance proposes to amend the Township’s Zoning Code by deleting language permitting a waiver or reduction of required planting area language in the “Landscaping and Screen” provisions of Article XIII, Section 230-78(A) of the C-Commercial District; Article XV, Section 230-89(I) of the S-Shopping Center district; Article XVI, Section 230-95(B) of the RS-Regional Shopping Center district and Article XXX, and deleting language permitting waiver of required security fencing language in Section 230-223(5)(C) - Wireless Communication Facilities. Resolution #5 made by Vice Chairman Michael J. Fox, seconded by Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford and adopted unanimously, authorized the Township Solicitor to advertise for a Public Hearing to consider Proposed Ordinance #18-306Z.

            Director of Planning and Zoning Bruce Shoupe requested approval for a PADEP Sewage Facilities Planning Module for LDS #694 Higher Rock Partners, LP located at Stump Road and Bethlehem Pike. The Township’s Act 537 Plan serves as the plan for provision of sanitary sewer service for the Township. The Montgomery Township Municipal Sewer Authority (MTMSA) is responsible for the implementation of this plan. Occasionally, the plan must be changed due to development and a planning module must be submitted to Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP). The Montgomery Township Municipal Sewer Authority has approved the Planning Module. Resolution #6 made by Vice Chairman Michael J. Fox, seconded by Supervisor Matthew W. Quigg and adopted unanimously, accepted the DEP Sewage Facilities Planning Module for LDS#694 Higher Rock Partners, LP.

            A motion to approve the payment of bills was made by Vice Chairman Michael J. Fox, seconded by Supervisor Jeffrey W. McDonnell, and adopted unanimously, approving the payment of bills as submitted.

            Under Other Business, Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford encouraged everyone to attend the Networking Event the Township is hosting with the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Montgomery County that will be held on March 15, 2018 at 8:00am at the Community and Recreation Center.

            There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 8:29 p.m.