OFFICIAL MINUTES July 9, 2015 Approved: August 13, 2015 MONTGOMERY COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY NORRISTOWN, PA BOARD MEMBERS: Mr. Scott Brown; Mr. Peter Denitz; Mr. Tom Kohler; Mr. Steven Malagari; Mr. Rian Nemeroff; Ms. Jeannette Quirus; Ms. Allison Slizofski; Mr. John Wichner BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Mr. Charles Tabourn GUESTS ATTENDING: Stephen Snyder, Arrow Land Solutions; Dawn Renninger, Stantec; Rob Diehl, Stantec STAFF ATTENDING: Mr. Matt Edmond; Ms. Crystal Gilchrist; Ms. Natasha Taylor-Smith; Ms. Robin McLean I. Call to Order The Montgomery County Transportation Authority (MCTA) meeting was called to order by Mr. Scott Brown, Chair. II. Public Comment There were no other public comments. III. Approval of June 11, 2015 Minutes The minutes from the June 11, 2015 MCTA Meeting were approved by the Board. Motion: Ms. Quirus motioned and Mr. Kohler seconded to approve the June 11, 2015 Authority Meeting minutes. The minutes were approved by all present. IV. Finance Director Report Mr. Edmond: Mr. Schaible and Mr. Monson were unavailable to give an update on the County budget for the Lafayette Street Extension Project. Details of the expenditures and grant revenues will be explained at the August meeting of the MCTA Board. The MCTA Audit for 2014 has been completed and Mr. Schaible will review it with the Board at the August meeting. V. Lafayette Street Section MGN (Barbadoes Street to Ford Street) One (1) handout was given to the Authority: MCTA Resolution 15.7.1 Authorization for Property Acquisition PECO (Parcel 36)
Transportation Authority Meeting 2 July 9, 2015 Mr. Edmond: Gave a background summary of the issues surrounding the condemnation against PECO and explained that Ms. Taylor-Smith has been working extensively with PECO s lawyers to resolve the various issues in order to settle amicably with PECO. After considerable discussions and negotiations PECO has agreed to settle amicably for an appraised value of $1,069,300.00 rather than proceed with eminent domain. The acquisition consists of 175,982 sq. ft. of fee simple right-of-way and 435 sq. ft. of temporary construction easement of the premises on the south side of Lafayette Street between Swede and Ford Streets in Norristown.. Ms. Gilchrist: Presented a descriptive detail of the parcels involved, where the existing viaduct is and will be taken down, and where the high tension tower structures are. A resolution is before the Board for its approval to acquire property amicably from PECO for Parcel 36. Motion: Ms. Slizofski motioned and Mr. Denitz seconded to approve MCTA Resolution 15.7.1 to pay PECO Energy Company a sum not-to-exceed $1,069,300.00 for acquisition of a fee simple right-of-way and a temporary construction easement from its premises on the south side of Lafayette Street between Ford and Swede Streets, Norristown (Parcel 36); to pay Robert Chalphin Associates Division of Land Services USA a sum not to exceed $6,000.00 for various real estate settlement costs for furthering of the Lafayette Street Extension Project. The resolution was approved by all present. VI. Ridge Pike Improvement Project PA Turnpike to Regal Drive Authorization for Property Acquisition Paul J. Cotteta (Parcel 6) Mr. Edmond: Paul J. Cotteta owns property located at 1651 Ridge Pike, Plymouth Township (Parcel 6). The MCTA is acquiring 2,439 sq. ft. of fee simple right-of-way (ROW) and 8,903 sq. ft. of slope easement. Details were given in a brief overview of the property that is to be acquired for the Ridge Pike Improvement Project. The acquisition of fee simple and easements was valued at $47,600.00 in November of 2013 and negotiated in an administrative settlement for $70,000.00, which amount was supported by the claimant s own appraisal, the MCTA s ROW negotiator and PennDOT District 6 s ROW administrator as an appropriate settlement. The Board is being asked to approve a resolution to compensate Paul J. Cotteta for right-ofway acquisition and remaining property taxes due at settlement; and Robert Chalphin Associates Division of Land Services USA for various real estate settlement costs associated with the acquisition. Motion: Mr. Malagari motioned and Mr. Kohler seconded to approve MCTA Resolution 15.7.2 to pay Paul J. Cotteta a sum not-to-exceed $70,000.00 for acquisition of a fee simple right-of-way and a slope easement from 1651 Ridge Pike, Plymouth Township (Parcel 6); a sum not-to-exceed $12.12 for remaining property taxes due at settlement; and to pay Robert Chalphin Associates Division of Land Services USA a sum not-to-exceed $1,090.00 for various real estate settlement costs for furthering of the Ridge Pike Improvement Project in Plymouth Township. The resolution was approved by all present
Transportation Authority Meeting 3 July 9, 2015 Authorization to Reimburse Professional Services Fees Paul J. Cotteta (Parcel 6) Mr. Edmond: Gave a brief overview of the Paul J. Cotteta property at 1651 Ridge Pike, Plymouth Township, PA (Parcel 6) and detailing part of the property that is to be acquired for the Ridge Pike Improvement Project. Mr. Cotteta is eligible to be reimbursed for professional services they have incurred during negotiations up to a maximum of $4,000.00. A resolution is before the Board to authorize reimbursement for attorney fees incurred by Mr. Cotteta during right-of-way negotiations related to the Ridge Pike Improvement Project. Motion: Ms. Quirus motioned and Mr. Nemeroff seconded to approve MCTA Resolution 15.7.3 authorizing payment to Paul J. Cotteta, owner of 1402 Ridge Pike, Plymouth Township (Parcel 6), a not-to-exceed sum of $3,000.00 for attorney fees incurred during right-of-way negotiations for the furthering of the Ridge Pike Improvement Project in Plymouth Township. The resolution was approved by all present. Authorization for Property Acquisition John Taylor Paul, Jr. (Parcel 18) Mr. Edmond: John Taylor Paul, Jr. owns property located at 1205 Ridge Pike, Plymouth Township (Parcel 18). The MCTA is acquiring 2,157 sq. ft. of fee simple right-of-way (ROW) and 2,635 sq. ft. of temporary construction easement (TCE). Details were given in a brief overview of the property that is to be acquired for the Ridge Pike Improvement Project. The acquisition of fee simple and easements was valued at $95,800.00 in February of 2014 and negotiated in an administrative settlement for $98,500.00, which amount was supported by the claimant s own appraisal, the MCTA s ROW negotiator and PennDOT District 6 s ROW administrator as an appropriate settlement. The Board is being asked to approve a resolution to compensate John Taylor Paul, Jr. for right-of-way acquisition and remaining property taxes due at settlement; and Robert Chalphin Associates Division of Land Services USA for various real estate settlement costs associated with the acquisition. Motion: Mr. Denitz motioned and Mr. Wichner seconded to approve MCTA Resolution 15.7.4 to pay John Taylor Paul, Jr. a sum not-to-exceed $98,500.00 for acquisition of a fee simple right-of-way and a temporary construction easement from 1205 Ridge Pike, Plymouth Township (Parcel 18); a sum not-to-exceed $173.59 for remaining property taxes due at settlement; and to pay Robert Chalphin Associates Division of Land Services USA a sum notto-exceed $1,172.50 for various real estate settlement costs for furthering of the Ridge Pike Improvement Project in Plymouth Township. The resolution was approved by all present Authorization to Reimburse Professional Services Fees John Taylor Paul, Jr. (Parcel 18) Mr. Edmond: Gave a brief overview of the John Taylor Paul, Jr. property at 1205 Ridge Pike, Plymouth Township, PA (Parcel 18) and detailing part of the property that is to be acquired for the Ridge Pike Improvement Project. Mr. Paul is eligible to be reimbursed for professional services they have incurred during negotiations up to a maximum of $4,000.00.
Transportation Authority Meeting 4 July 9, 2015 A resolution is before the Board to authorize reimbursement for attorney fees incurred by Mr. Paul during right-of-way negotiations related to the Ridge Pike Improvement Project. Motion: Mr. Kohler motioned and Ms. Slizofski seconded to approve MCTA Resolution 15.7.5 authorizing payment to John Taylor Paul, Jr., owner of 1205 Ridge Pike, Plymouth Township (Parcel 18), a not-to-exceed sum of $3,990.00 for attorney fees incurred during right-of-way negotiations for the furthering of the Ridge Pike Improvement Project in Plymouth Township. The resolution was approved by all present. Authorization for Property Acquisition Rita Tornetta Partnership L.P. (Parcel 28) Mr. Edmond: Rita Tornetta Partnership L.P. owns property located at 1011 Ridge Pike, Plymouth Township (Parcel 28). The MCTA is acquiring 11,456 sq. ft. of fee simple right-ofway (ROW) and 2,396 sq. ft. of temporary construction easement (TCE). Details were given in a brief overview of the property that is to be acquired for the Ridge Pike Improvement Project. The acquisition of fee simple and easements was valued at $341,200.00 in February of 2014 and negotiated in an administrative settlement for $376,200.00, which amount was supported by the claimant s own appraisal, the MCTA s ROW negotiator and PennDOT District 6 s ROW administrator as an appropriate settlement. The Board is being asked to approve a resolution to compensate the Rita Tornetta Partnership, L.P. for right-of-way acquisition and remaining property taxes due at settlement; and Robert Chalphin Associates Division of Land Services USA for various real estate settlement costs associated with the acquisition. Motion: Mr. Brown motioned and Ms. Quirus seconded to approve MCTA Resolution 15.7.6 to pay Rita Tornetta Partnership L.P. a sum not-to-exceed $376,200.00 for acquisition of a fee simple right-of-way and a temporary construction easement from 1011 Ridge Pike, Plymouth Township (Parcel 28); a sum not-to-exceed $354.66 for remaining property taxes due at settlement; and to pay Robert Chalphin Associates Division of Land Services USA a sum not-to-exceed $2,792.00 for various real estate settlement costs for furthering of the Ridge Pike Improvement Project in Plymouth Township. The resolution was approved by all present. Authorization to Reimburse Professional Services Fees Rita E. Tornetta Partnership L.P. (Parcel 28) Mr. Edmond: Gave a brief overview of the Rita Tornetta Partnership L.P. property at 1011 Ridge Pike, Plymouth Township, PA (Parcel 28) and detailing part of the property that is to be acquired for the Ridge Pike Improvement Project. The Partnership is eligible to be reimbursed for professional services they have incurred during negotiations up to a maximum of $4,000.00. A resolution is before the Board to authorize reimbursement for attorney fees incurred by the Partnership during right-of-way negotiations related to the Ridge Pike Improvement Project. Motion: Mr. Brown motioned and Mr. Kohler seconded to approve MCTA Resolution 15.7.7 authorizing payment to Rita Tornetta Partnership L.P., owner of 1011 Ridge Pike, Plymouth
Transportation Authority Meeting 5 July 9, 2015 Township (Parcel 28), a not-to-exceed sum of $4,000.00 for attorney fees incurred during right-of-way negotiations for the furthering of the Ridge Pike Improvement Project in Plymouth Township. The resolution was approved by all present. Authorization to Increase Appraisal Contract Maureen Fox Company Mr. Edmond: Explained that Maureen Fox Company was contracted to appraise six parcels associated with the Ridge Pike Improvement Project. In February condemnation was filed against the owners of Parcels 10 and 14, which Ms. Fox appraised. These claimants are contesting the MCTA s valuation and requested a Board of View to determine the value of property and easements needed for right-of-way to complete the Project. Continuation of the Maureen Fox Company s services is required to update the valuation of those properties to the date of taking and to testify before a Board of View for the subject two parcels. The Company submitted a cost proposal of $5,000 per parcel to update the appraisal and $1,500 per parcel to testify before the Board of Review. An increase of $13,000.00 will bring the total contract to $37,000.00. Motion: Ms. Quirus motioned and Mr. Denitz seconded to approve MCTA Resolution 15.7.8 to authorize supplementing the existing contract with the Maureen Fox Company of Doylestown, PA for an amount not-to-exceed $13,000 to update appraisals and testify before a Board of View for Parcels 10 and 14 of the Ridge Pike Improvement Project in Plymouth Township, bringing the total contract to a not-to-exceed amount of $37,000.00. VII. Authorization for Payments of Invoices One (1) handout was given to the Authority: Payment Breakdown for July, 2015 Mr. Edmond: Explained that with Mr. Schaible away this week, the official check register will be available at the August MCTA meeting; however, a payment breakdown of check amounts that will be issued and were discussed in the various previous agenda items is available for review and approval by the Board. There is also one invoice from PROforma for fabricated updated signs for the Lafayette Street Project in the amount of $534.00. There were no questions by the Board. Motion: Mr. Wichner motioned and Mr. Brown seconded to approve the Authorization for Payments of the amounts listed on the payment breakdown and payment of the invoice from PROforma. The authorization was approved by all present. VIII. Lafayette Street Section MGL (Ridge Pike/Diamond Avenue) Mr. Edmond: Section MGL is now under construction. Utility work by PECO is almost complete. Steve Ryan, the PennDOT resident engineer, reviewed the plans and realized that a full depth reconstruction of the road can be done at a cost of approximately $50,000 more than the original scope to patch the existing roadway base. This section will be done by the end of 2016 or early 2017, at which point Lafayette Street will be opened to Diamond Avenue.
Transportation Authority Meeting 6 July 9, 2015 IX. Ridge Pike Improvement Project (Regal Drive to Chemical Road) Status Mr. Edmond: Coordination between the various engineering firms for the Ridge Pike project and the Lafayette Street Interchange is ongoing. Received Supplement E, partially executed, back from Pennoni Engineering for extending design and ROW services from Regal Drive to Chemical Road. It will be sully executed by the County Commissioners within the next two weeks, and then Notice to Proceed will be given. The ROW negotiator will continue to be Stantec. X. Ridge Pike Improvement Project (Butler Pike to Crescent Avenue) Status Mr. Edmond: The long term contract with the engineer (HRG of Harrisburg) expired this Spring. A new RFP will go out once the Crescent Avenue to Philadelphia section gets started. XI. Ridge Pike Improvement Project (Crescent Avenue to Philadelphia Line) Status Mr. Edmond: County staff continues to negotiate the project scope with the top-ranked engineering firm for services to be performed on this section of the project. Negotiations are nearing completion. XII. Chester Valley Trail Status Award of Contract for ROW Negotiation Services Mr. Edmond: Explained that the Board approved a resolution at the June MCTA meeting authorizing the MCTA to enter into a contract with Keystone Acquisition Services of Pittsburgh, PA for a not-to-exceed price of $118,108.46 to perform right-of-way negotiation services for the portion of the Chester Valley Trail Extension project in Montgomery County. An RFP for new engineering services will hopefully be ready by late summer or early fall of 2015, with appraisals beginning in the first half of 2016. Other Business Mr. Edmond: A tour for Board Members of the transportation projects will be planned for October. Details will be forthcoming. Ms. Quirus: John Wichner, the MCTA secretary/treasurer was recognized in June by Lehigh Valley Business as one of the Lehigh Valley Business Rising Stars under the age of 40. Congratulations from all to Mr. Wichner.
Transportation Authority Meeting 7 July 9, 2015 XIII. Adjournment A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the regular meeting. Mr. Brown moved to Executive Session to obtain information on a legal matter. The next MCTA Board meeting will be August 13, 2015 at 1:00 pm.