MINUTES OF MEETING

MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

MAY 29, 2018

 

            At 7:30 p.m. Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera called to order the executive session.  In attendance were Supervisors Tanya C. Bamford, Jeffrey W. McDonnell and Matthew W. Quigg.  Vice Chairman Michael J. Fox was absent.  Also in attendance were Township Manager Lawrence J. Gregan and Township Solicitor Frank R. Bartle, Esquire.

            Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera called the action meeting to order at 8:02 p.m.  In attendance were Supervisors Tanya C. Bamford, Jeffrey W. McDonnell and Matthew W. Quigg.  Vice Chairman Michael J. Fox was absent. Also in attendance were Township Solicitor Frank R. Bartle, Esquire, Township Manager Lawrence J. Gregan, Police Chief J. Scott Bendig, Director of Fire Services Richard Lesniak, Director of Finance Ami Tarburton, Director of Administration and Human Resources Ann Shade, 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 Recording Secretary Deborah A. Rivas.

            Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera 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 at 7:30 p.m. this evening to discuss a matter of potential litigation involving the Cutler Group Development and Zoning Hearing Board Applications for #18-05-0001 - Cornerstone Elite LLC – 619 Bethlehem Pike and #18-05-0002 – Christopher Lear – 1079 Horsham Road. Mr. Bartle stated that these matters are legitimate subjects of executive session pursuant to Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Law.

            Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera made a motion to approve the minutes of the May 14, 2018 Board of Supervisors meeting, and Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford seconded the motion.  The minutes of the meeting were unanimously approved as submitted.

            Chief of Police Scott Bendig introduced the top two candidates for appointment to recruit police officer, Connor Kreston and Nicholas Eufasio.  Both candidates completed the department’s hiring process which consisted of a written examination, a physical agility test, police oral review board, background investigation (which includes a polygraph examination, neighborhood interviews, and employer interviews), and a Public Safety Committee oral interview.  Connor Kreston is a resident of Horsham, PA and a graduate of Ithaca College, where he received his Bachelors of Science Degree in Business Administration in May of 2017, graduating with honors. Mr. Kreston completed his Act 120 Certification through the Montgomery County Community College Municipal Police Academy, graduating in December of 2017. Nicholas Eufrasio is a resident of Swarthmore, PA and a graduate of Marquette University where he received his Bachelors of Arts Degree in Criminology and Law with a minor in Sociology in May of 2017. Mr. Eufrasio completed his Act 120 Certification through the Delaware County Community College Municipal Police Academy, graduating in December of 2017. Mr. Eufrasio most recently worked for the Norwood Borough Police Department in Delaware County. Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera administered the oath of office to both officers.  Resolution #1 made by Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford, seconded by Supervisor Matthew W. Quigg and adopted unanimously, appointed Connor Kreston and Nicholas Eufrasio to the position of Recruit Police Officer in the Montgomery Township Police Department, effective June 1, 2018.

            Edward J. Furman, CPA, Partner of Maillie, LLP provided an overview of the 2017 Preliminary Audit Results for Montgomery Township.  Mr. Furman reported that Montgomery Township had a solid year for 2017, with an unqualified audit, strong balance sheets and an extremely strong financial report.  The complete Comprehensive Audited Financial Report is still being finalized and will be published on the Township’s website when completed.

            Director of Planning and Zoning Bruce Shoupe reported on Preliminary/Final Subdivision Plan #LDS675 for the McCallum Tract located at 120 Richardson Road. The applicant proposes to create one new lot for construction of a new single family dwelling. The applicant’s engineer, Rolph A. Graf, P.E., and legal counsel, John Iannozzi, Esquire were present representing the owner/applicant Helen J. McCallum. Mr. Iannozzi reported that the applicant is in receipt of all of the review letters and the draft resolution that was presented to the applicant is acceptable. Resolution #2 made by Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera, seconded by Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford and adopted unanimously, approved the preliminary/final minor 2-lot subdivision for LDS 675 – McCallum located at 120 Richardson Road.

            Director of Planning and Zoning Bruce Shoupe reported that staff is proposing amendments to the Township Zoning Code by deleting the Board of Supervisors’ waiver or reduction of required planting areas 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, Section 230-223(5)(C) of the Wireless Communication Facilities, deleting the Board of Supervisors’ security fencing waiver language. The proposed date to advertise the Public Hearing to consider this Ordinance #18-306-Z is June 25, 2018.  Resolution # 3 made by Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford, seconded by Supervisor Matthew W. Quigg and adopted unanimously, authorized the advertisement for a public hearing to consider proposed Ordinance #18-306-Z on June 25, 2018 after 8:00 p.m.

            Resolution #4 made by Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera, seconded by Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford and adopted unanimously, approved the construction escrow release #2 for #M-15-71 – North Wales Crossing Shopping Center Renovations in the amount of $12,962.48.

            Resolution #5 made by Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford, seconded by Matthew W. Quigg and adopted unanimously, approved the construction escrow release #2 for LDS#630 – Firefox Phase II in the amount of $48,722.46.

            Resolution #6 made by Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera, seconded by Supervisor Matthew W. Quigg and adopted unanimously, approved the waiver of a permit fee for special event for Mary Mother of the Redeemer Catholic Church Parish Festival to be held from June 19, 2018 through June 23, 2018.

            Township Manager Lawrence J. Gregan reported that PennDOT’s planning and design of upgrades to the intersection of Bethlehem Pike (Rt. 309), Doylestown Road, Cowpath Road and Horsham Road, better known as the 5 Points intersection (S.R.0309 section 71A) has been underway since 2006. The date for award of PennDOT’s contract for this project has finally been scheduled for the Fall of 2018. Part of the project will include the installation/replacement of sidewalks at various locations along each of the five approaches to the intersection addressing pedestrian access and pedestrian safety. These locations have all been reviewed and recommended for inclusion in this project by the Township Police Department and Traffic Engineer. As a condition for including the sidewalk installation/replacement work in the final design and contract award, PennDOT requires the Township’s concurrence to maintain the sidewalks after installation and final acceptance by the Department. PennDOT has provided a Sidewalk Maintenance Agreement for this purpose to be considered for acceptance by the Board.  Resolution #7 made by Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford, seconded by Supervisor Matthew W. Quigg and adopted unanimously, approved the PennDOT Sidewalk Maintenance Agreement for the 5 Points Intersection Project S.R. 0309, Section 71 A.

            Township Manager Lawrence J. Gregan reported that the 2018 Capital Reserve Budget includes funding to perform upgrades to the Township Administration Building to address operational/physical needs that have developed since the building was opened twenty-three years ago in 1995. These needs include increasing security for the public and 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.  As a first step in this effort, Mr. Gregan stated that a proposal from KCBA Architects has been requested to undertake a Feasibility Study of the building needs. KCBA was the original design architect for the building. KCBA’s scope of work would involve conducting an analysis of the architectural, mechanical, electrical and data systems of the building, provide a list of recommended improvements with estimate of costs, prepare sketches for three levels of upgrades, and meet with staff and the Board to present their findings with discussion for the next steps. Supervisor Bamford inquired into the feasibility of including live broadcasting of Township meetings.  Mr. Gregan advised that the space needed for this use can be incorporated into the study and that he would ask the Director of Information Technology Richard Grier to look into the feasibility and cost of live broadcasting meetings.  Resolution #8 made by Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera, seconded by Supervisor Matthew W. Quigg and adopted unanimously, accepted the proposal from KCBA Architects to perform a feasibility study of upgrades to the Township Building in accordance with their proposal dated May 8, 2018 at a fixed lump sum fee of $12,490.00.

            Director of Fire Services Richard Lesniak reported that during the 2017 annual risk control survey, the Township’s insurance trust risk manager recommended that the township consider a video intercom system in order to safeguard the occupants of Battalion 1. At times, employees and volunteers are alone inside the building and, for their safety, it’s important to identify the visitors prior to opening the door. A video intercom would allow the employees and volunteers to interact with these individuals behind a secure door until their intent can be established. Mr. Lesniak stated that it was also recommended that the township consider a remote door control using a magnetic lock or equivalent. After assessing the building design and operations at both firehouses, it was decided that a security system should be installed at both locations. Director of Information Technology Richard Grier met with the township’s security vendor, The Protection Bureau, to recommend the best solution to secure both facilities. The Protection Bureau provided a quote for the installation of security systems at a cost of $11,065.00. Resolution #9 made by Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera, seconded by Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford and adopted unanimously, authorized the purchase and installation of video intercom systems with remote door control at bot firehouses from The Protection Bureau at a cost of $11,065.00.

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

            Under other business, Township Manager Lawrence J. Gregan reported that the Shade Tree Commission budgeted for a project in 2018 to replace 38 shade trees within the Windlestrae Rose Twig Parking lot areas. Although the project does not exceed the limit required for public bidding, the Township’s purchasing policy requires requesting three quotes and Board approval for expenditures in excess of $10,000. Resolution #10 made by Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera, seconded by Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford and adopted unanimously, approved the contract for the replacement of trees in Windlestrae Rose Twig Parking Lot Areas of Windlestrae Park in the amount of $16,699 to Holly Days Nursery of Ambler, PA.

            Also under other business, Township Manager Lawrence J. Gregan reported that an approval is requested from the Board to execute an Easement Agreement with Univest Bank & Trust Company, 986 Bethlehem Pike, for the installation and maintenance of traffic signal preemption equipment to be used by the Township Fire Department to provide access to Stump Road during emergency responses. The equipment includes a signal pedestal and detector/confirmation light equipment and underground conduit/wire. The conduit and wire will run from the existing light pole in the parking lot of the Univest Bank and Trust Company Branch property to the existing traffic signal at the intersection of Bethlehem Pike and Stump Road and the proposed traffic signal at the intersection of Stump Road and Witchwood Drive.  The agreement is being coordinated as part of the traffic signal improvements required by PennDOT for LDS #694 – Higher Rock Partners, LP. All of the 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 #11 made by Supervisor Matthew W. Quigg, seconded by Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, approved the execution of an Access Easement Agreement with Univest Bank & Trust Company for the installation of traffic signal preemption equipment to be used by the Township Fire Department to provide access to Stump Road during emergency responses.

            Chairman Candyce Fluehr Chimera proposed a motion to authorize the Township Solicitor to intervene on the Township’s behalf in the zoning hearing board matter of Cornerstone Elite, LLC and present the case of the Township, recommending appropriate restrictions on the proposed use of the property. The Township will request a condition imposing a covenant on the property running with the land. Supervisor Matthew W. Quigg made a motion and Supervisor Tanya C. Bamford seconded the motion which was adopted unanimously.

            There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 8:52 p.m.