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 Thursday, April 21, 2005, 2005, at the Township Municipal Building.  Supervisors present were F. “Bud” Denner, Lewis K. McQuirns and Donald J. Gracia.

            Following roll call, Mr. Gracia 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 George Smisko Sr. who passed away on April 8, 2005.  George served as tax collector for East Norriton Township for the past fifteen years; he was a life member of the Norriton Fire Co. and served as membership secretary, financial secretary/treasurer and chairman of the Board of Trustees. George was a resident of East Norriton Township for fifty-one years.

            The Chairman introduced the first item on the agenda, Open Bids for Sale of Scag Zero Turn Mower.  The Chairman asked is there were any additional bids and one was present.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to close the bids for the Scag Zero Turn Mower.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.

            The bids for the Scag Zero Turn Mower were opened and the following were announced as submitting bids:  John Gibson - $2,000.00 – Cash.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to award the bid to John Gibson subject to review and recommendation by the Public Works Director, Mr. Joseph Sorgini.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracia and approved unanimously.

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Open Bids for 2005 Roadway Improvement and Overlay Contract.  The Chairman asked is there were any additional bids.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to close the bids for the 2005 Roadway Improvement and Overlay Contract.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.

            The bids for the 2005 Roadway Improvement and Overlay Contract were opened and the following were announced as submitting bids:  Marino Corporation $195,483.80; Blooming Glen Contractors Inc. $244,669.00; Scott Contractors $221,232.00; and G. Antonniti Construction Inc. $168,881.90.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to refer bids to the Public Works Director and Township Engineer for recommendation and possible award at the May regular meeting.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracia and approved unanimously. 

The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Award Bid for Equipment Leasing and Road Materials for 2005.   Mr. Denner read from a memo from Public Works Director, Mr. Joseph Sorgini dated April 12, 2005 recommending the bid for the Road Material and Equipment with Operators be awarded as follows:  the Blacktop and Stone Bid to Glasgow Inc., the Concrete Bid to JDM Materials and the Equipment with Operator to P. K. Moyer Paving. All three bidders meet all the Township Specifications.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to approve Mr. Sorgini’s recommendation.  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 and on Thursday, April 7, 2005 to discuss matters of personnel and litigation.       

            Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held on March 22, 2005 and April 7, 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 March, 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 March, 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 March, 2005.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracia and approved unanimously.

            The Chairman made an announcement of an opening on the Zoning Hearing Board effective June 30, 2005.  Anyone interested should submit a letter of interest to the Township Manager.

Mr. Gracia introduced the first item under “Old Business”, Consider Adoption of Ordinance No. 477 – Rahway Avenue Water Line Hook Up.  Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio reviewed Ordinance No. 477 requiring mandatory connections of the properties located in the Rahway Avenue area to the existing and/or soon to be constructed water distribution system and also requiring the capping of all wells in the Rahway Avenue area.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 477.  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, Pennsylvania American Water – Authorize Deposit Agreement.  Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald briefly reviewed the Pennsylvania American Water “Bona Fide Extension Deposit Agreement”.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion authorizing the Chairman and Secretary to execute the Bona Fide Extension Deposit Agreement.  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.  This is an informational item, the County has declined the use of Open Space grant funds to pay for a feasibility study on the Woods Golf Center.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Gill Quarry Litigation.  Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio reported that the Township is waiting for another hearing to be scheduled. 

Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Police Department Accreditation.   Lieutenant Kurt Taboga provided a status report on the accreditation process.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Development and Construction Updates.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe gave an update:  Pimlico Farms – roadways are being cut in,; Walgreen’s DeKalb Pike/Township Line Road –sanitary sewer lines on Butchers Lane have been replaced, erosion control and storm water management starting; Reserve at Penn Crossing – three buildings out of the ground, Township has received three foundation applications ; Mercy Suburban General Hospital – proceeding; Autumn Ridge Development – maintenance bond extended an additional sixty days, to expire August 1, 2005; East Norriton Middle School – steel structure  constructed; and Plymouth Ambulance Co. –  proceeding.

            Mr. Gracia 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 to start in May or June; Briar Lane and Hillcrest Avenue watershed – survey work to start soon and invoicing will be held in abeyance until funding is available; Heatherwood development – plans are still being reviewed; Faith Drive – Township Engineer, Robert Blue reviewed a record plan of the development, including the twenty feet wide drainage easement along the west side of the development and north side.  Mr. Blue recommends reshaping the swale and installing an under drain along the easement. Mr. Blue stated one problem is that trees have been planted within the easement and the Township will need signed releases from the residents holding the Township harmless of any potential damage to the trees and anything else located within the easement. Mr. Blue cautioned that repairs to the easement may help with the private property water problems but probably will not resolve the private property water problems.  Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald commented that the Township will need agreements with the property owners before work is performed.  Mr. Blue will prepare a cost estimate for next month’s meeting.

            Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald advised of a one hundred and thirteen acre development be constructed at North Wales Road and Township Line Road in Worcester Township.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reviewed the proposed development.           

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Sanitary Sewer Issues.  Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald reported that the Township’s Sewer Engineer, EDM Consultants, resigned today.  Mr. Baerwald recommends during the transition that the Township have Township Engineer, Mr. Robert Blue perform development inspections and ARRO Engineers continue to perform the Inflow and Infiltration study.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve Mr. Baerwald’s recommendation.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracia and approved unanimously.  Resident, Lee Berg of 20 Lawnton Road advised of a water problem on Lawnton Road.  Township Engineer, Mr. Robert Blue advised that he is currently performing a study of storm water drainage along Lawnton Road.

Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Traffic Issues.   Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reported:  Germantown Pike and Whitehall Road –meeting with representatives from PECO in the near future to discuss relocating a pole for widening work which will reduce the congestion at this intersection; Roland Drive/Township Line Road –traffic signal at this intersection has been approved by PADOT and start of construction is pending.

 Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reviewed Resolution No. 2226 amending Article Four of the East Norriton Township Code- Street Opening Requirements.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2226.  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 Centennial Committee.  No further information is available at this time.

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

Mr. Gracia introduced the first item under “New Business”, Annual State of the Township Report.  This is an informational item that the Annual State of the Township report has been completed and will be disseminated to all Boards, Commissions, Township Consultants and Department Directors.  The report will also be made available for public inspection and possibly printed for wider circulation.  The Board of Supervisors commended Assistant Township Manager, Mr. Donald Delamater for his excellent job in completing this very valuable report.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to authorize entering the publication into a state wide competition.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.  Mr. Gracia then made a motion to authorize printing of one hundred and twenty-five copies at a cost of approximately $1,000.00.  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, Appointment of Tax Collector.  With the passing of George Smisko Sr., Mr. McQuirns made a motion to appoint Helmuth J. H. Baerwald to serve as Township Tax Collector for the remainder of the 2005 tax year and all revenue derived would be turned over to the Township. 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, Autumn Ridge Development.  Township Engineer, Mr. Robert Blue reported the maintenance bond has been extended for an additional sixty days and the developer is performing the necessary repairs.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Sewer Tapping Fee Study.  This is an informational item, the Township’ Sanitary Sewer Engineer is preparing the appropriate study to complete an ordinance which will implement the new tapping fee as mandated under State law.

Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Authorize Bids for the Sale of Police Vehicles – Resolution No. 2223.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to authorize advertisement of bids for the sale of three police vehicles; 2002 Dodge Intrepid Sedan, 1995 Ford Crown Victoria and a 2000 Ford Econoline Van E250 to be opened at the May 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, Expenditure Authorizations.  Item A. Center for Technical Studies ad - $80.00.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve the Center for Technical Studies ad.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracia and approved unanimously. Item B. Visiting Nurses Annual Contribution - $1,000.00. Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve the Visiting Nurse contribution. After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracia and approved unanimously.   Item C. Sanitary Sewer Lateral Camera – approximately $45,000.00 and Resolution No. 2224 - East Norriton Township to participate in the Pennsylvania Capital City Automotive and Equipment Contract. Per Public Works Director, Mr. Joseph Sorgini’s memo dated April 12, 2005 recommending that the Township purchase a new Aries Lets Camera System for the televising of not only the Township Sewer mains, but also the residents lateral’s from Golden Equipment using the PACC Purchase Contract. Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve Mr. Sorgini’s recommendation and Resolution No. 2224.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracia and approved unanimously.  Item D. MONTCO Chamber Ad- $75.00.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve the MONTCO Chamber ad.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracia and approved unanimously. Item E.  Montgomery County Lands Trust membership - $250.00.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve the Montgomery County Lands Trust membership.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracia and approved unanimously. Item F.  PSATS expenses – Donald Gracia $475.87, Lewis McQuirns $343.65.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve the PSATS expenses.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracia and approved unanimously. Item G.  1000 gallon double wall skid tank $2,540.00 from Warren F. DeLong, Inc. Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve the purchase the skid tank.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracia and approved unanimously. And Item H.  Backwater Flow preventer from Zoom Drain and Sewer Service - $3,696.00.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve the purchase of the backwater flow preventer.   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, Attendance Authorization.  Item A. ICN’s Annual Meeting and Luncheon; Item B. Visiting Nurses Annual Luncheon; Item C. MONTCO Chamber Awards Dinner and Item D. Treptow-Köpenick Summer Festival (no cost to the Township).  Mr. Gracia made a motion to authorize item A through D.  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; the Township Newsletter has been mailed to all property owners of the Township.  Important information about the Township’s Land Use Plan and proposed Open Space Plan was included as part of the Newsletter.  The Township is asking the residents for feedback about these very important issues.

Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Comprehensive Plan for Montgomery County.  This is an informational item to announce that the Vision Plan, Shaping our Future has been adopted by the County Commissioners.  The plan replaces the old County Comprehensive Plan which was adopted in 1979.  For more information of the Plan you may contact the County Planners Messrs. Stokes or O’Leary at 610-278-3722.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Legislation.   Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald reviewed Act 72 and encouraged the residents to become educated with the legislation.  Resident, Lee Berg of 20 Lawnton Road cautioned the Board of Supervisors not to express opinions about this legislation.   

            Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Reschedule May Regular Meeting.  Due to a possible conflict with the MONTCO Chamber Awards Ceremony and the May regular meeting the date needs to be changed.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to change the meeting from Tuesday, May 24, 2005 to Monday, May 23, 2005 beginning at 7:00 p.m. After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.

            Mr. McQuirns reviewed the meeting schedule for April 18, 2005 through May 30, 2005.

            Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Other Business.  The Township has received a letter from the Lawnton Road residents requesting to hold a multi-family yard sale on Saturday, May 7, 2005 and waiver of the temporary sign permit fee.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to approve the request and a waive the temporary sign permit fee.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.

            The Township has received a request from Bike for Scores 2005 a fundraising bicycling event scheduled for October 8^th through the 10^th which should be in the East Norriton area Sunday, October 9^th, 2005 from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and requesting police support.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to approve the request.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.

            The Township has received a letter dated April 18, 2005 from Attorney, J. Kenneth Butera representing residents Julie and Charles Thomas at 218 Warsaw Street regarding a water problem.  Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald reviewed the problem with the Township Engineer, Mr. Robert Blue and in view of the fact that a public waterline will be installed along Warsaw Street, the Township can do some remedial action when the water company installs the water line and install storm water piping drainage in the trench.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to approve Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald’s recommendation and convey the actions to be taken to the residents.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.

            The Township has received a request from Valley Forge Properties to waive the five degree driveway slope requirement for the Kinder Care project.  Township Engineer, Mr. Robert Blue reported that the development’s driveway slope will be six degrees and he has no objection to that waiver request.   Mr. Gracia made a motion to approve the waiver request.  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 is there way any residents who wished to speak. Mr. Eric Beerer of 2813 West Crossing Circle asked on the status of the Holding Tank.  Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald replied that the DEP has advised that no building permits can be issued until the Sewer Authority develops an action plan for the overflows at the Saw Mill Run pumping station.  Mr. Baerwald reported that the action plan is being prepared which must be approved by the three municipalities and then submitted to the DEP.  Mr. Helmuth Baerwald stated that the Holding Tank option would be a last resort desperate measure after the Inflow and Infiltration survey is exhausted.

            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