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, March 22, 2005, at the Township Municipal Building.  Supervisors present were F. “Bud” Denner, Lewis K. McQuirns and Donald J. Gracia.

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

            The Chairman asked everyone for a moment of silence in memory of Elmer Maul who passed away on March 9, 2005.  Elmer, who was eighty-nine years old was a long time resident of the Township since 1939 and was active as a volunteer in many Township activities.  Elmer was the first part time police officer of the Township, a fire captain and life member of the Norriton Fire Engine Company and served many years as Treasurer of the East Norriton Plymouth Whitpain Joint Sewer Authority. Elmer was recognized by the Township in 1996 with the Distinguished Citizens Award.

            At this time the Chairman asked everyone to remember Mr. Ken Johnson with a moment of silence who passed away March 18, 2005.  Mr. Johnson was a member of the Norristown Area School Board, the Township’s Municipal Authority a charter member of the East Norriton Fire Company and active in Little League and the Junior American League Baseball.

            The Chairman recognized Police Chief, Mr. John McGowan who on March 19, 2005 retired as President of the Montgomery County Police Chiefs Association and became the Chairman of the Board of the Executive Committee of the Montgomery County Police Chiefs.  The Board of Supervisors congratulated Chief McGowan.

            The Chairman introduced the first item on the agenda, Presentation to Frank and Lorraine Korkus.  The Board of Supervisors presented a certificate to the owners of Pizza Mia, Frank and Lorraine Korkus on the occasion of the thirtieth anniversary of the business in the Township.

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Open Bids for Equipment Leasing and Road Materials for 2005.  The Chairman asked if there were any additional bids.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to close the bids for Equipment Leasing and Road Materials for 2005.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracia and approved unanimously.

            The bids for the Equipment Leasing and Road Materials for 2005 were opened and the following were announced as submitting bids: Glasgow Inc., JDM Materials Company, P.K. Moyer and Sons and Highway Materials Inc.  Mr. Gracia made a motion refer bids to staff for possible award at the April regular meeting.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns 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.       

            The Chairman made an announcement that due to a scheduling conflict the April regular meeting date needs to be changed.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to change the meeting from Tuesday, April 26, 2005 to Thursday, April 21, 2005 beginning at 7:00 p.m.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracia and approved unanimously.

            Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held on February 22, 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 February, 2005.  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 February, 2005 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 February, 2005.  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”, Rahway Avenue Area Water Ordinance and Project.  Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald reviewed the Pennsylvania American Water Bona Fida Water Main Extension Agreement and the proposed mandatory hook up ordinance.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to authorize advertisement of the ordinance for consideration at the April regular meeting.  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, Resolution No. 2216 – Conditional Final Approval – Jefferson Crossing.  Mr. Pierce Anderson a representative for Philomeno & Salamone reviewed the changes made to Resolution No.2216.  Mr. McQuirns read the waivers into record.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2216.  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. 2217 – Conditional Final Approval – MRA Carwash.  Mr. Gracia read the waivers granted with Resolution No. 2217.  With regard to the paving waiver and per the Township Engineer’s recommendation, the applicant agreed to install 6” CABC, 2” BCBC and 2” top layer.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2217. 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, Resolution No. 2218 – Sanitary Sewer Module MRA Carwash.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2218.  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. 2219 – Final Approval Patrick Bradley Minor Subdivision.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2219.  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, Resolution No. 2220 – Sanitary Sewer Module Patrick Bradley Minor Subdivision.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2220.  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, Open Space Plan Issues.  Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald reviewed the outcome of the latest Open Space Committee meeting held on March 10, 2005 and the proposed preservation areas.        Mr. Baerwald read the letter sent to the County Planning Commission regarding a joint effort to preserve Wood’s Golf Center as open space. 

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Gill Quarry Litigation.  Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio reported that Gill Quarries has now appealed to the Commonwealth Court.

            Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Development and Construction Updates.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe gave an update:  Pimlico Farms – Gambone Construction has received conditional final approval, moving of soil and cutting of roadways will start shortly; Walgreen’s – construction moving forward; Reserve at Penn Crossing-  seventy-eight unit triplex  development, Township has issued nine building permits and three foundations have been finished; Jefferson House property – Board of Supervisors approved earlier; Mercy Suburban General Hospital – in the process of constructing an additional thirty thousand square feet with an additional parking for one hundred seventy-five cars; Basic Equipment – Board of Supervisors  approved for demolition and reconstruction of a carwash; Valenza Property – plans completed, construction start date in the next sixty days; Plymouth Ambulance Co. – submitting shortly for building permits; Stareast Restaurant/K-Mart Shopping Center – new restaurant moving forward; and Crowley Foods on Foundry Road – demolition permit  has been applied.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Storm Drainage Issues/Projects.  Township Engineer, Mr. Robert Blue reported:  Calvert Hurdle Pond – work to continue, weather permitting; North Whitehall and Township Line Roads – storm drainage work – ordering materials; Briar Lane and Hillcrest Avenue watershed – pending funding for survey work; Heatherwood development – plans are still being reviewed; and 509 Faith Drive – not a Township issue, a private property issue. Barbara Gulick of 513 Faith Drive and Mrs. Cavalcante of 509 Faith Drive expressed concerns with storm water problem.  The Board of Supervisors authorized the Township Engineer, Mr. Robert Blue and the Public Works Director, Mr. Joseph Sorgini to meet with the residents and review the area of concern.

            Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Sanitary Sewer Issues.  Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald reported:  I & I Study – ARRO Engineering has completed the inspections,  out of three hundred nine properties ninety-nine property owners refused access for inspection.  Mr. Baerwald read into record a letter to be sent to the ninety-nine property owners.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to authorize the letter be sent to the properties requiring the inspections.                After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.  Mr. Baerwald reported:  Equalization Tank – possible relocation of proposed equalization tank adjacent to Timberlake Pump Station.  Engineer is reviewing this possible solution; Act 537 Study – Joint Sewer Authority is currently preparing an Act 537 Study for the entire collection area (East Norriton, Plymouth and Whitpain Townships); and Violation Notice to the East Norriton, Plymouth, Whitpain Joint Sewer Authority - Department of Environmental Protection issued violation report and Joint Sewer Authority now has to establish an action plan to address overflows.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Traffic Issues.   Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reported:  Germantown Pike and Whitehall Road – radius work on the Northeast corner is pending; Roland Drive/Township Line Road – construction has to be completed before traffic light can be functioning.

            Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Township Centennial Committee.  No further information is available at this time.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Route 202 Widening.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reported work scheduled to begin Spring 2007.

            Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Norristown Zoo/Ballfield.  No new information on this proposal other than what has been reported in the newspaper; that a ballfield is now being proposed in Norristown near Basin Street.

            Mr. Gracia introduced the first item under “New Business”, Autumn Ridge Development.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to authorize the Township Engineer and Township staff to perform the appropriate inspections prior to the expiration of the Maintenance Bond which will be expire in May.   After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.  Township Engineer, Mr. Robert Blue recommended that the developer extend the Maintenance Bond up to ninety days.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to authorize Mr. Blue to speak with the developer concerning extending the maintenance bond.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracia and approved unanimously.  Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio advised if the Township does not get the extension from the developer then in April the Board of Supervisors will authorize calling the Maintenance Bond.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Resolution No. 2215 – Establish Development Review and Inspection Fees.  Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio reviewed Act 206 of 2003-2004 Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2215.  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. 2221 – Authorizing the Township Manager to dispose of Equipment.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2221.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.  Police Chief, Mr. John McGowan explained how the Police Department will be donating used bullet proof vests to the service men in Iraq in conjunction with collection program with other Police departments.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Resolution No. 2222- Authorize the Sale of Scag Zero Turn Mower.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2222 authorizing advertising bids for the sale of a Scag Zero Turn Mower model number STT-22KA serial number 39-00-162.  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, Sewer Tapping Fee Study.  This is an informational item the Township in conjunction with the Joint Sewer Authority is conducting a review as mandated by legislation to implement a new sewer tapping fee schedule.   

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, East Norriton Plymouth Whitpain Joint Sewer Authority Audit.  This is an informational item to announce that this audit has been completed and is available for public inspection.

            Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Expenditure Authorizations. Item A.  Purchase of six Ballistic Bullet Proof Vests - $3,108.70; Item B. Authorize DROP Programs for Messrs. Baerwald and Sorgini; Item C. Detention Pond Cutting - $9,520.00 for 2005; Item D.  8’ Fence for Ballfield - $7,120.00; Item E.  Lawnton Road Storm water study (payable from Sewer Outfall Funds) - $5,356.00; and Item F. GIS System Update - $1,100.00.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to authorize items A through F.  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 Authorization.  Item A.  Montgomery Fire Academy – Lieutenant Taboga- $275.00; and Item B.  Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce Membership Luncheon.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve items A and B.  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, Participation in MONTCO Development Block Grant Program.  Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald reviewed a letter from the Commissioners of Montgomery County.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to authorize the Township to opt-in the Montgomery County Community Development Block Grant Program.  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, Township Newsletter Information.  This is an informational item that the Township’s first quarter newsletter is in the mail.

            Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Braking the Cycle.  Police Chief, Mr. John McGowan reviewed the request from Braking the Cycle a bicycle event to travel through the Township the weekend of September 16-18, 2005 to benefit the HIV/AIDS services of the LGBT Community Center in New York.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to approve the request for police assistance at the intersection Germantown Pike and North Wales Road on September 17, 2005 from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m.  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, Legislation.   Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald reviewed the Commonwealth Court ruling on Unemployment Compensation Appeals.  Mr. Baerwald also reviewed the proposed EMS Tax revisions.

            Mr. Gracia reviewed the meeting schedule for March 19, 2005 through May 25, 2005.

            Mr. Gracia made announcement there is a company painting house numbers on the curbs in the area and they are not associated with the Township.

There being no other business to come before the Board, the Chairman asked if there were any residents who wished to speak, Mr. Timbario of 2213 Carol Lane expressed displeasure with the twenty-three percent increase in the sewer rates.  Virginia Fitzpatrick of 6 Embassy Circle expressed she is happy that the increase in sewer rates is going toward the upgrade of the sewer system and not towards paying DEP fines.

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

Helmuth J. H. Baerwald
Township Secretary