MINUTES OF MEETING
MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
FEBRUARY 24, 2020
At 6:00 p.m., Chairman Tanya C. Bamford called to order the Executive Session at the Montgomery Township Municipal Building, 1001 Stump Road, Montgomeryville PA. In attendance were Vice Chairman Matthew W. Quigg and Supervisors Candyce Fluehr Chimera, Annette M. Long and Beth A. Staab. Also in attendance was Township Manager Carolyn McCreary, Police Chief J. Scott Bendig, Recruit Police Officer Candidates Johnny Saada and Ann Marie Dobson.
At 7:00 p.m., Chairman Tanya C. Bamford called to order the Action meeting at the Montgomery Township Municipal Building, 1001 Stump Road, Montgomeryville PA. In attendance were Vice Chairman Matthew W. Quigg and Supervisors Candyce Fluehr Chimera, Annette M. Long and Beth A. Staab. Also in attendance was Township Manager Carolyn McCreary, Township Solicitor Robert J. Iannozzi, Esquire, Police Chief Scott Bendig, Director of Finance Brian S. Shapiro, Director of Fire Services William F. Wiegman III, Director of Administration and Human Resources 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, Public Information Coordinator Kelsey Whalen, Recording Secretary Deborah A. Rivas and Director of Information Technology Richard Grier.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Chairman Tanya C. Bamford called for public comment from the audience and there was none.
Township Manager Carolyn McCreary announced that the Board had met in an executive session prior to this meeting at 6:00 p.m. to discussed several personnel matters. Ms. McCreary stated that these matters are all legitimate subjects of executive session pursuant to Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Law.
Chairman Tanya C. Bamford made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 10, 2020 Board of Supervisors meeting and Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera seconded the motion. The minutes of the meeting were unanimously approved as submitted.
Director of Public Works Kevin Costello introduced new Public Works employee David Wetzel who joined the department as a Laborer on February 18, 2020. Mr. Wetzel comes to the Township with over 20 years of laborer experience, most recently with North Wales Water Authority and previously with North Penn Water Authority. Mr. Wetzel has equipment operator skills and holds a Class A CDL. Resolution #20-49 made by Chairman Tanya C. Bamford, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, welcomed new employee, David Wetzel to Montgomery Township, effective February 18, 2020.
Township Manager Carolyn McCreary stated that the Board of Supervisors previously appointed Manish Ingle to the Municipal Sewer Authority Board for a five-year term at the Board meeting held on January 27, 2020. Chairman Tanya C. Bamford provided an oath of office and officially swore in Mr. Ingle to the Sewer Authority Board.
Township Manager Carolyn McCreary announced that William F. Wiegman III is being recommended for appointment as the Director of Fire Services/Fire Marshal/Emergency Management Coordinator effective February 19, 2020. Bill has been an active member of the fire services community for over 20 years, and specifically with the Fire Department of Montgomery Township (FDMT) for 13+ years, holding the positions of Health and Safety Officer, Deputy Chief, Training Officer, and currently as Battalion Chief. Bill comes to the Township most recently from the County of Bucks as a Juvenile Probation Officer. Bill is also an Instructor with both the Bucks County Public Safety Training Center and LaSalle University teaching courses in leadership, firefighting, rescue and forensic psychology. Bill holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from LaSalle University and a Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. His combined education and experience have prepared him well for his new responsibilities at Montgomery Township. Resolution #20-50 made by Chairman Tanya C. Bamford, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, appointed William Wiegman to the position of Director of Fire Services/Fire Marshal/Emergency Management Coordinator, effective February 19, 2020, and officially welcomed him to Montgomery Township.
Chairman Tanya C. Bamford reported that agenda item number 9, the Public Hearing for Redner’s Markets – Gasoline Filling Station will be tabled until later in the meeting as the staff is awaiting the arrival of a Court Stenographer.
Township Solicitor Robert J. Iannozzi, Esquire stated that Robert L. Brandt, Esquire, on behalf of Costco Wholesale, has submitted a proposed text amendment to the ECPOD – Expressway Corridor Preservation Overlay District regulations governing the Costco property. The text amendment proposes to revise Section 230-198 – Application Procedure Standards and Criteria by adding a new Section F – Standards and criteria for gasoline filling stations permitted by Conditional Use and restating Section 230-199.B (2) (b) Standard Retail Uses Permitted by Conditional Use allowing gasoline filling stations open to members only of a warehouse club or wholesale club in a unified development. For consideration this evening is the Board’s authorization to advertise for a public hearing for Proposed Ordinance #20-312Z. Resolution #20-51 made by Chairman Tanya C. Bamford, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, set Monday, April 27, 2020 after 7:00 p.m., in the Township Building as the date, time and place for a Public Hearing to consider the Text Amendment application of Costco Wholesale.
Resolution #20-52 made by Vice Chairman Matthew W. Quigg, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, approved a construction escrow release in the amount of $876,841.50 for Phase 2, as recommended by the Township Engineer for the Higher Rock Partners, LP.
Assistant to the Township Manager Stacy Crandell reported that the Township was awarded a grant from the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) in the amount of $70,000 from their Greenways, Trails & Recreation Program for the construction of Friendship Park, located along Enclave Boulevard between Hartman Road and Bethlehem Pike (Route 309). Some modifications were made to the original plan by staff and Township Engineer, Gilmore and Associates. Staff is seeking the Board’s approval of these changes and authorization for the preparation and advertisement of the bid documents. Resolution #20-53 made by Vice Chairman Matthew W. Quigg, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, authorized the Township Manager to prepare and advertise bids for the Friendship Park Project.
Assistant to the Township Manager Stacy Crandell reported that Montgomery County has established a grant program as part of the country’s comprehensive plan, Montco 2040: A Shared Vision. The Township is proposing to submit an application for the naturalization of Basin #23 located near the Winners Circle Development. The naturalization of this basin will remove approximately 2,361 lbs. of sediment per year in the 15-acre drainage area. In addition to the positive environmental results, this improvement will be helpful when the Township is reporting on the annual MS4 Report and the Pollution Reduction Plan (PRP). The estimated total cost of this project is $163,513. The minimum local match is 20%, which would be $32,703 if the entire grant amount were awarded in the amount of $130,810. Resolution #20-54 made by Chairman Tanya C. Bamford, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, authorized Township staff to submit an application to the Montgomery County 2040 Grant Program for the Naturalization of Basin #23.
Director of Public Works Kevin Costello reported that the Township received and opened bids for the 2020 Curb and Sidewalk Project on February 13, 2020 at 10:15 a.m. Township Staff recommends the award of the contract to Drumheller Construction Inc., as the lowest responsible bidder, at the projected cost of $379,533.20. Resolution#20-55 made by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera, seconded by Vice Chairman Matthew W. Quigg and adopted unanimously, awarded the contract for the 2020 Curb and Sidewalk Project to Drumheller Construction Inc., for a total projected cost of $379,533.20.
Director of Public Works Kevin Costello reported that the Township received and opened bids on February 13, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. for the 2020 In-Place Paving Project. Township Staff recommends the award of the contract to James D. Morrissey Inc. as the lowest responsible bidder, for total projected cost of $693,000.78. Resolution #20-56, made by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera, seconded by Supervisor Annette M. Long and adopted unanimously, awarded the contract for the 2020 In-Place Road Paving Project to James D. Morrissey Inc. for a total projected cost of $693,000.78.
Director of Public Works Kevin Costello reported that the Township received and opened bids for the Windlestrae Park Rose Twig Street Hockey Court Reconstruction Project on February 13, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. Township Staff recommends the award of contract to Top-A-Court, as the lowest responsible bidder, at the total projected cost of $78,152.00. Resolution #20-57, made by Chairman Tanya C. Bamford, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, awarded the contract for the Windlestrae Park Rose Twig Street Hockey Court Reconstruction Project to Top-A-Court for a total projected cost of $78,152.00.
Director of Public Works Kevin Costello reported that staff is requesting approval for the advertisement and solicitation of bids for the Knapp Road Reconstruction Project. The scope of the project includes storm sewer replacement, curb replacement and a complete mill and overlay of the roadway and re-striping. Township Engineer Gilmore & Associates Inc. has prepared the bid specifications and they will be available online at no cost on PennBid. Bids are scheduled to be opened on March 12, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. and will be considered for award at the Board of Supervisors meeting on March 23, 2020. Resolution #20-58 made by Vice Chairman Matthew W. Quigg, seconded by Supervisor Annette M. Long and approved unanimously, authorized the advertisement of bids for the Knapp Road Reconstruction Project.
Township Manager Carolyn McCreary reported that a vacancy exists on the Montgomery Township Public Safety Committee and Township resident Tonya Lupinacci has expressed an interest in being appointed to this committee. Resolution #20-59 made by Vice Chairman Matthew W. Quigg, seconded by Supervisor Beth A. Staab and adopted unanimously, appointed Tonya Lupinacci to the Public Safety Committee for a one-year term expiring on January 1, 2021.
Township Manager Carolyn McCreary reported that the Township has met with the residents’ designated representatives in the residential developments built by David Cutler including Montgomery Pointe, Montgomery Walk and Montgomery Preserve regarding landscaping concerns. The landscaping plans have been amended to reflect these discussions and are now ready to be publicly bid. Resolution #20-60 made by Chairman Tanya C. Bamford, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, authorized the advertisement of the landscaping plans for the Montgomery Pointe, Montgomery Walk and Montgomery Preserve residential developments, and to investigate the use of the COSTARS program for same.
Township Manager Carolyn McCreary reported that in March of 2016, the Township was awarded funding through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) in the amount of $850,000 for the Powerline Trail Connection – Phase 1 Project. This project proposes to connect the Route 202 Parkway Trail through the Township building property to the Township’s Community Center. This is phase 1 of a project that will eventually connect the 202 Parkway trail to the Powerline Trail in Horsham Township. The project site is located within a FEMA detailed flood hazard area and a submission to FEMA is required. There are currently three options for crossing the Little Neshaminy Creek which have been proposed. None of these options can be considered until the study is performed and FEMA reviews and provides comment. Township staff is requesting approval to obtain proposals to perform the CLOMAR study. It is estimated that the study would cost about $20,000. Resolution #20-61 made by Chairman Tanya C. Bamford, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, authorized the Township Manager to obtain proposals to perform the CLOMAR study for the Powerline Trail Connector Project – Phase 1 and to accept a proposal at a not-to-exceed amount of $20,000.
Director of Administration and Human Resources Ann Shade reported that the Township has updated its policy, PA Child Protective Services Law: Employment Related Practices, as required by the passage of Act 47 of 2019. This new law dictates that provisional hiring is now prohibited. All employees will be required to submit all necessary clearances prior to their first day of employment, without exception. Resolution #20-62 made by Supervisor Annette M. Long, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, approved the PA Child Protective Services Law: Employment-Related Practices Policy for distribution to employees and inclusion in the Montgomery Township Employee Handbook.
Community and Recreation Center Director Floyd Shaffer presented the 2020 Spring and Summer Recreation and Fitness Programs and the recommended fee schedules for the various activities. The programs/activity schedule will be valid from April 1st through September 5, 2020 and along with the popular regular programs will include new programs such as Basketball Fundamentals, Chess, Dodgeball League, Spring Break Camp, Bollywood Dancing, Book Club, Seasonal Senior Party, Princess & Pirate Breakfast/Lunch, Bricks 4 Kidz Camp, Chess Camp, Geoventures Camp and Imagine Arts Academy Crayola Camps. The 2020 Spring/Summer Recreation Newsletter should be in Township residential mailboxes by the third week of March. Resolution #20-63 made by Chairman Tanya C. Bamford, seconded by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera and adopted unanimously, approved the 2020 Spring/Summer Programs and Fee Schedule amendment as presented.
A motion to approve the payment of bills was made by Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera, seconded by Vice Chairman Matthew W. Quigg, and adopted unanimously, approving the payment of bills as submitted for February 24, 2020.
Under other business, Township Department Directors submitted monthly reports for activities in their departments during the month of January, 2020. Director of Planning and Zoning Bruce Shoupe updated the Board on the status of the Higher Rock Development and the recent opening of the new Police and Fire Credit Union.
Board of Supervisor liaisons reported on the activities of their respective Boards and Commissions for the month of January.
At 7:55 p.m., Chairman Tanya C. Bamford announced that the meeting would take a brief recess and then begin the Public Hearing for the Redner’s Market Conditional Use Application.
At 8:17 p.m. Chairman Tanya C. Bamford opened the Public Hearing for the Conditional Use Application #C-71 – Redner’s Markets, Inc. – 1200 Welsh Road – Gasoline Filling Station. Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera was absent. Notes of testimony were taken by Court Reporter Tim Kurek. Director of Planning and Zoning Bruce Shoupe reported that Redner’s Markets, Inc. is seeking Conditional Use approval to allow the store at 1200 Welsh Road to have a “Gasoline Filling Station” in the S-Shopping Center District. Township Solicitor Robert J. Iannozzi, Esquire introduced the advertisement and exhibits into the record. Redner’s Markets, Inc. was represented by Alexander Elliker, Esquire, Eric Britz, Engineer from Bohler Engineering, Steven Moetz of Redner’s Markets, Inc., and Chad Dixson of McMahon Associates. Testimony from expert witnesses, and questions and statements from neighboring residents covered traffic issues as well as public safety concerns. Land development planning details would be reviewed and concerns addressed if the conditional use is approved. Discussion followed. There being no further comments from the Board or audience, the hearing was closed at 10:15 p.m. Resolution #20-64 made by Chairman Tanya C. Bamford, seconded by Vice Chairman Matthew W. Quigg and adopted by a vote of 3 to 1 with Supervisor Beth Staab opposing and Supervisor Candyce Fluehr Chimera absent, approved the Conditional Use Application, #C-71 for Redner’s Market, Inc. at 1200 Welsh Road for a Gasoline Filling Station.
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 10:18 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah A. Rivas, Recording Secretary