The Regular Meeting of the Board of Supervisors of East Norriton Township was called to order by the Chairman, Mr. Francis “Bud” Denner, at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 25, 2005, at the Township Municipal Building.  Supervisors present were F. “Bud” Denner, Lewis K. McQuirns, and Donald J. Gracia.

Following the roll call, Mr. Gracia offered a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance was then recited by all in attendance.  

The Chairman introduced the first item on the agenda, Distinguished Citizen Award – Mr. and Mrs. Angelo Romano.  The Board of Supervisors presented Mr. and Mrs. Angelo Romano with a certificate in recognition of their loyalty and dedicated service to the citizens of East Norriton Township.

The Chairman reviewed the recent evacuation of Timberlake Apartments and publicly thanked all the organizations involved.

The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Open Bids for the purchase of Corrugated Pipe. The Chairman asked if there were any additional bids.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to close bids for the purchase of Corrugated Pipe.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracia and approved unanimously.

The bids for the purchase of Corrugated Pipe were opened and the following were announced as submitting bids:  Lane Enterprises Inc. - $23,778.60 and National Water Works - $30,488.04.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to defer the bids for review by Township staff for possible award at the February regular meeting.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracia and approved unanimously.

The Chairman made an announcement that the Board of Supervisors met in Executive Session immediately prior to tonight=s meeting to discuss matters of personnel and litigation.       

Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held on December 21, 2004 and the reorganization meeting held on January 3, 2005.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracia and approved unanimously.

Mr. Gracia made a motion to approve the Finance Reports for December, 2004.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.

The Chairman requested that the reading of the Committee Reports for December, 2004 be deferred and also commented that the Committee Reports were available on the table in the back of the meeting room.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve the Committee Reports for December, 2004.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracia and approved unanimously.

Mr. Gracia introduced the first item under “Old Business”, Ordinance No. 470.  This ordinance will increase the sanitary sewer rates of metered and non-metered residences.  As presented during the budget hearings the sewer rates will have to be increased to facilitate the Township’s payments to the Joint Sewer Authority.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 470.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Ordinance No. 472.  This ordinance amends the Zoning Code, regarding definitions, boundaries, adding a new residential district to be entitled BR-1, reclassifying the MR district, amending fence height and replacing any inconsistent provisions therewith.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 472.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracia and approved unanimously.

Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Ordinance No. 473.  This ordinance amends the Zoning Code by changing the zoning classification and map of a certain tracts of ground from AR and BR-Residential to BR-1 Residential.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 473.  After requesting any comments, Mr. Mike Howell of 2945 Stoney Creek Road commented that the Montgomery County Planning Commission Board claims they have not reviewed the ordinance, only the staff from Montgomery County Planning Commission reviewed the ordinance. Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald advised that the Township has a review letter from the Montgomery County Planning Commission.  The motion to approve Ordinance No. 473 was then seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Ordinance No. 474.  This ordinance amends the “Occupational Privilege Tax” provisions of the Township Code to “Emergency and Municipal Services Tax”.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 474.  After requesting any comments, Ms. Virginia Craciun of 3102 North Whitehall Road questioned the exemption level and was advised that it will be set at $5,000.00.   The motion was then seconded by Mr. Gracia and approved unanimously. 

Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Rahway Avenue Area Water Project.  This is an informational item to report that the Township has received an affirmative review for this project from the Montgomery County Planning Commission as stated in a letter dated January 6, 2005.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Veteran’s Memorial.  This is an informational item that the estimated annual maintenance for the Veteran’s Memorial will be $2,450.00.

Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Appointment to Sewer Authority Board.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald’s term as a Township representative expired on December 31, 2004.  Mr. Baerwald has expressed an interest in being reappointed to the Sewer Authority Board.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to appoint Mr. Helmuth Baerwald for another five year term.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Development and Construction Updates.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe gave an update:  Walgreen’s construction to start shortly; Reserve at Penn Crossing – construction to start shortly of seventy-eight triplex units, Township  has issued nine building permits; Swede Square Shopping Center – moving forward on occupying the space, has purchased Potter’s Tavern; Mercy Suburban Hospital – under construction for 30, 000 square foot expansion and 250 car parking lot; Basic Equipment –approved through Zoning Hearing Board for car wash use; East Norriton Middle School – two year construction project scheduled for completion in 2007; Plymouth Ambulance Co. – Potshop Lane – building permits to be submitted shortly; and the Bradley subdivision – moving forward with two lot subdivision.

Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Storm Drainage Issues/Projects.  Township Engineer, Mr. Glenn Eby reported:  Work on Calvert Hurdle Pond is pending due to the weather; Surveying and design work is complete on North Whitehall and Township Line Roads storm drainage.  Bids for materials received this evening.  The Township has received a quote from the Township Engineer dated October 21, 2004 in the amount of $6,000.00 to perform a survey and design plan for the Briar Lane and Hillcrest Avenue watershed.  The Township will be writing to our legislators requesting assistance with the engineering and eventual construction costs of this project.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Sanitary Sewer Issues.  Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald reviewed :  I & I Study – work continuing, letters have been mailed and house to house inspections have begun; Equalization tank – pending further I & I inspections; Act 537 Study and MONTCO Redevelopment Authority Sewer Issue – ongoing.

Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Traffic Issues.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reviewed:  Germantown Pike/Whitehall Road – started contact with utility companies to relocate poles; Johnson Highway/Old Arch Road & Johnson Highway/New Hope Street – working with Norristown Borough; and Roland Drive/Township Line Road –  traffic signal has been approved pending the new construction opening.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, DeSage Property.  Mr. McQuirns reported the closing for this property is scheduled for January 26, 2005.

Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, U.S. Route 202 Widening.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reported bids scheduled to go out February 15, 2006 for estimated completion 2008.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe also reported bids for the Markley Street Improvement Project will go out February 15, 2006 for estimated completion in 2010.

Mr. Gracia introduced the first item under “New Business”, Authorize Advertisement of Parking Ticket Ordinance.  Police Chief, John McGowan has requested to raise the rates on parking tickets from $20.00 to $30.00.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to approve the advertisement of the Parking Ticket Ordinance.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Authorize Advertisement of Nuisance Ordinance Amendments.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reviewed his recommendation to amend Chapter 129-2E, Nuisance, to allow no more than two recreational vehicles to a property.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to authorize advertisement of the ordinance for consideration at the February regular meeting.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracia and approved unanimously.

Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Resolution No. 2211- Authorize Sale/Disposal of 1989 Pick-up Truck and Plow Frame.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to authorize the sale/disposal of 1989 Chevrolet pick-up truck and plow frame per Public Works Director, Mr. Joseph Sorgini’s memo dated January 13, 2005.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Open Space Plan Issues. Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald reviewed that the Open Space Plan Committee is recommending that the Township initiate contact with the County Parks Department on the proposed Master Plan revision of the Norristown Farm Park and reviewed a draft letter prepared by Township Planning Consultant, E. Van Rieker to the Montgomery County Parks Department.  Mr. Baerwald also reviewed that the Open Space Plan Committee recommends the Township send a letter to Wood’s Golf Center about asking for a “right of first refusal” if the golf course property would ever be sold.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to authorize these two initiatives.  After requesting any comments, Mr. Gracia responded that he opposes any changes to the Farm Park Master Plan.  Chairman, Mr. Denner explained that this is merely a fact finding mission.  Mr. Ed Duffy of the Planning Commission commented there are parts of the Master Plan which are not desirable and the Farm Park Preservation Committee would like to see addressed.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Denner and approved two to zero with Mr. Gracia abstaining.

Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Norriton Fire Engine Company Annual Report.  Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald reviewed that the annual report dated January 3, 2005 and commended all the volunteers who participate with the Fire Company.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Liquid Fuels Audit Finding – December 31, 2003.  Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald reviewed the audit ending December 31, 2003.  Liquid fuel funds are derived from state gasoline sales which the Township receives proportionate to the miles of road and population in the Township.  The Township receives approximately $230,00.00 annually, which may only be expended for the maintenance of Township roads.

Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Faith Drive Easement – Tornetta.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reviewed a request received to reduce the Township emergency access easement from Faith Drive to Whitehall Road.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to delay this item until all the appropriate information is gathered.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Denner and approved unanimously.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Hillcrest Detention Basin.  The Township has been advised by the owners of the Hillcrest Shopping Center that the growth in the basin is reducing its capacity to hold water and would like the Township to remove the vegetation and restore the basin to its original capacity.  In addition the owners would like to know from the Township Engineer how much storm water flow has been eliminated from the watershed with the construction of the underground basin at the Wal Mart Shopping Center.  Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald stated that the Township staff will address the storm water issues with this basin and Briar Lane watershed area with any future development of the Swede Square Shopping Center.

Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Expenditure Authorizations.  Item A. Pick-up truck with plow/State contract approximately $35,000.00 and Item B. Police Vehicles $78,426.00.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to authorize items A and B.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Attendance Authorizations.  Item A.  Police Training – Officer Ulmer; Item B. MONTCO Chamber  Luncheon – Township Supervisors and Manager; and Item C. MCATO Convention – Township Supervisors, Auditors and Shirley Jording.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to authorize items A through C.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracia and approved unanimously.

            Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Legislation.  Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald reviewed there is nothing new to report on.

            Mr. McQuirns reviewed the Meeting Schedule for January 25, 2005 through March 22, 2005.

            Mr. Gracia made a motion to add Resolution No. 2212 amending Resolution No. 2179 granting additional waivers of the requirements for land development for Mercy Suburban Hospital to the agenda.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.

            Mr. Gracia made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2212.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.

            There being no other business to come before the Board, the Chairman asked if there were any residents who wished to speak,  John Badalamenti of 2995 Brambling Lane questioned the Township’s snow removal guidelines.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe responded that residents have twenty-four hours to remove the snow from the sidewalks and if not removed within that time period the Township Code Enforcement officer will hand out door knockers.  Mr. Badalamenti expressed concerns that the guidelines are not being enforced equally, many properties on their street are not cleared.   Ms. Tina Howell of 2945 Stoney Creek Road questioned if the plows can slow down and not push the snow up on the sidewalks.  Ms. Julie Thomas of 218 Warsaw Avenue commended the Public Works Department with the snow and ice removal.  Ms. Thomas also expressed concerns with storm water problem because of adjacent development digging.   Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald advised Ms. Thomas that the Public Works Department will be out to salt the area.

            Mr. McQuirns made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracia and approved unanimously.

Helmuth J. H. Baerwald
Township Secretary