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 Monday, May 23, 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 introduced the first item on the agenda, Presentation of Certificate to Richard Graboyes.  The Board of Supervisors presented Graboyes Window and Door owner, Richard Graboyes with a certificate recognizing their business which has been operating for over fifty-six years and over thirty years in the Township.

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Open Bids for Sale of Three Police Vehicles, 1995 Ford Crown Victoria, 2002 Dodge Intrepid Sedan and a 2000 Ford Econoline Van E250.  The Chairman asked if there were any additional bids. Mr. Gracia made a motion to close the bids for the three police vehicles.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.

            The bids for the three police vehicles were opened and the following were announced as submitting bids:  Marks Motors $5,265.00 - $105.00 for the 1995 Ford, $1,875.00 for the 2002 Dodge, and $3,285.00 for the 2000 van; Chris Fryer $1,800.01 for the van and $1,500.01 for the Explorer (not a valid bid); Grace Quality Used Cars $2,074.00 - $1,787.00 for the 2000 van and  $287.00 for the  1995 Ford; and U S Properties Outlet Inc. $150.00 for the 1995 Ford, $2,900.00 for the 2002 Dodge and $4,100.00 for the 2000 van.    Police Chief, Mr. John McGowan recommended to award the 2002 Dodge to U S Properties Outlet Inc for $2,900.00 and the 2000 Ford Econoline Van  to U S Properties Outlet Inc for $4,100.00 and reject all bids for the 1995 Ford Crown Victoria.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to award the bids per Chief McGowan’s recommendation.   After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracie and approved unanimously.

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Award Bid for 2005 Roadway Improvement and Overlay Contract.  The Chairman read a recommendation from Township Engineer, Robert E. Blue dated April 22, 2005 to award the 2005 Roadway Improvement to G. Antonini Construction, Inc. in the mount of $109,281.90. Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve the bid award to G. Antonini Construction, Inc. per Robert Blue’s recommendation.   After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracie and approved unanimously.

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Awards to Officers Caso and Lopoten.  Police Chief, Mr. John McGowan presented Officer Anthony Caso with the “2004 Officer of the Year” and Officer Barry Lopoten with the “2004 On-Going Commitment Award” from the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill/Montgomery County Emergency Services for their quick action on August 28, 2004. A representative from  Montgomery County Emergency Services gave a brief presentation. 

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Award to Officer Ulmer.  Police Chief, Mr. John McGowan presented a commendation to Officer Richard Ulmer with an official citation from the United States House of Representatives for his efforts in the fight against drunk driving.  Officer Ulmer also received a certificate of appreciation for his efforts in drunken driving enforcement from MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving).

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Award Bid for Sale of a Scag Zero Turn Mower.  Mr. Denner made a motion to approve Public Works Director, Joseph Sorgini’s memo dated April 22, 2005 recommending that the Township award the bid for the Scag Zero Turn Mower to Jay Gibson for $2,000.00.  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, Resolution No. 2234 – Authorize Sale of Vehicles.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to authorize Resolution No. 2234 authorizing the sale of a 2002 Dodge Interpid and a 2002 Ford Explorer XLT 4x4. After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracie 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 Friday, May 6, 2005 and Monday, May 9, 2005 to discuss matters of personnel and litigation.        

            Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held on April 21, 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 April, 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 April, 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 April, 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 Water Line.  Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald reviewed that the construction is expected to begin in mid-July and completed by the end of the summer.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Sewer Tapping Fee Study.  The Township’s Sanitary Sewer Engineer is preparing the appropriate study which will implement the new tapping fee as mandated under State Law. This is an informational item to be considered at the June regular meeting.

            Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Open Space Plan Issues.  The only thing new to report is that 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 Gill Quarries has until June 20, 2005 to file briefs and the Township will have until July 30, 2005 to file briefs.

            Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Police Department Accreditation.  Police Chief, Mr. John McGowan reported that on May 10, 2005 the East Norriton Township Police Department received notification of State accreditation.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Developments and Construction.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe  gave an update:  Pimlico Farms – roadways are being cut and utilities installed; Walgreens – site work started and sanitary sewer main replaced on Butchers Lane; Reserve at Penn Crossing – six buildings brought out of the ground and another nine foundations being done; Amoco – Wendy’s still pursuing; Mercy Suburban General Hospital – thirty thousand square foot expansion proceeding; and East Norriton Middle School – proceeding.

            Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Storm Drainage Issues/Projects.   Township Engineer, Mr. Robert Blue reported: Item A. Cal Hurdle Pond – work continuing, weather permitting; Item B. North Whitehall and Township Line Roads storms drainage – materials have been ordered, getting quotes for construction; Item C. Briar Lane and Hillcrest Avenue – nothing new; Item D. Lawnton Road, Lafayette and Springview Roads – basic drawings completed, preparing designs; Item E.  Heatherwood development(Whitehall Road) – still working on resolution; Item F. 509 – 523 Faith Drive area – work to start in summer, further complaints have been received from residents on the other side of the street.  Mr. Rader of 503 Faith Drive and Mr. Lewis of 508 Faith Drive have expressed concerns with storm water issues and Mr. Blue advised that these properties are not within a Township easement and any work recommended would be at the property owners expense.  Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald advised that the Township Engineer and Township Solicitor have developed an agreement to be sent out to the residents who are adjacent to the easement where work will be performed.  Mr. Baerwald reviewed additional properties that have been visited with storm water issues:  3042 Taft Road – extensive erosion, Township is looking at property and will come up with cost estimate to bring to the Board of Supervisors; 3111 Shirlene Drive – recommendation has been made by Township Engineer as to what property owner can do to rectify problem; 909 Filmore Road – minor work to be done by the Township; 2210 Swede Road – private property matter, Township to take appropriate action if no substantial cost, the Township will consider a maintenance item; and 218 Warsaw Avenue – the water company agreed to permit the Township to place a storm water pipe in the public water trench to connect the sump pump to. 

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Sanitary Sewer Issues.  Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald reported: Item A.  I & I Study being performed by ARRO Engineering and the expansion of that study to be considered under the Expenditure Authorization portion; Item B. Corrective Action Management Plan of the East Norriton Plymouth Whitpain Joint Sewer Authority submitted to the Department of Environmental Protection on May 6, 2005; Item C. informational item  The Times Herald article – Sewer Plant Proposed, April 30, 2005 and letter from the Montgomery County Redevelopment Authority of April 21, 2005; and Item D. Act 537 Pan Update- Revised Preliminary Sewage Needs. Mr. Gracia made a motion to approve sending information in EDM’s letter dated May 13, 2005 to the East Norriton Plymouth Whitpain Joint Sewer Authority.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.

            Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Traffic Issues.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reported:  Item A.  Germantown Pike/Whitehall Road – radius work pending, working with PECO on road widening; Item B. Roland Drive/Township Line Road – traffic signal has been approved by PADOT and school district has awarded the contract; and Item C. Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald reviewed this informational item regarding a traffic study for traffic improvement on Township Line Road.  The Townships of Skippack, Worcester, East Norriton, Plymouth and Whitpain would be involved in the study as would the County.  The municipalities will share the cost with the County agreeing to fifty percent of the study’s cost.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Township Centennial Committee.  This is an informational item anyone interested in serving on the Centennial Committee is asked to submit their information to the Township Manager.  The following individuals have agreed to serve on the Committee to date:  Messrs. Denner, Gracia, Mark Chalphin and Ben Hynes.  Suggested names which have been submitted are:  Mrs. Joan Morello, Mrs. Lenhardt and Mr. Bob Schmidt.

            Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Route 202 Widening.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe briefly reviewed a letter from URS, the US 202 project engineer pertaining to storm water controls at the Township Line/North Wales Roads dated May 5, 2005.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to approve the concept of Offline Intersection Stormwater Management outlined in the URS letter dated May 5, 2005.   After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.

            Mr. Gracia introduced the first item under “New Business”, Resolution No. 2229 – Schedule Public Hearing – Zoning Code Text Amendments.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reviewed the proposed text amendments.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2229 scheduling a public hearing for Tuesday, July 26, 2005 at 6:00 p.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, Resolution No. 2230 – Schedule Public Hearing – Waterworks property re-zoning to RR-Retirement Residential.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reviewed a request received by the Township from developer, Philomena & Salamone to re-zone the Waterworks property from the current BP-Business Professional zoning to RR-Retirement Residential. Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2230 scheduling a public hearing for Wednesday, July 20, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. 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. 2231 – Final Approval - Mobley Land Development.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reviewed Resolution No. 2231.  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. 2232 – Pension Advisory Board.  Assistant Township Manager, Mr. Donald Delamater reviewed Resolution No. 2232 renaming the Pension Advisory Board to the Retirement Benefits Advisory Board and reestablishing the rules and regulations for the functioning of the Retirement Benefits Advisory Board.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2232.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracia and approved unanimously.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, DCNR Grants.  Our Parks and Recreation Director has alerted us to a new round of grants becoming available in September from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve applications for the request made in the Parks and Recreation Director’s memo dated May 10, 2005.  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. 2233 – Waiver of Land Development –Wood’s Golf Center.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe   reviewed Resolution No. 2233 granting a waiver of the requirements for land development for a 40’ x 24’ pavilion located behind 549 West Germantown Pike.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2233.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.

            Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Zoning Hearing Board Vacancies.  This is an informational item; the Township has received response for the vacancy on the Zoning Hearing Board which will occur on June 30, 2005.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Planning Commission Vacancies.  This is an informational item; pending the appointment to the Zoning Hearing Board the Board may have to make an appointment to the Planning Commission.  Mr. Richard Williams advised that a Statement of Financial interest must be recorded by the Zoning Hearing Board appointee with the Township ten days before appointment. 

            Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, East Norriton Township 2004 Audit Report.  This is an informational item; the Township has received it’s audit report for the fiscal year 2004.  The Board of Supervisors commended the Finance Department, Messrs. Scurry and Archambault for the continuing excellent fiscal integrity in accounting for the Township’s funds and Assistant Township Manager, Mr. Donald Delamater and the Department Directors who work very hard to ensure that year after year our budgets and fiscal accountability are adhered to.  The audit report is available for public inspection during regular business hours of the Township.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, NASD Finance Committee Meeting.  Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald reviewed the May 18, 2005 NASD Finance Committee Meeting.  Mr. Baerwald encouraged residents to attend the School Board meetings; the proposed millage rate increase is proposed at 1.130 mills.

            Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on agenda, SEPTA’s 2006 Service Plan.  This is an informational item to advise that the proposed SEPTA 2006 Service Plan will be the subject of several public hearings to be held in the area:  Monday, May 23, 2005 at the Spring Mill Fire Company No. 1, Tuesday, May 24, 2005 at the Philadelphia Park Race Track, Wednesday, May 25, 2005 at the SEPTA Board Room and Thursday, May 26, 2005 at the Lansdale Borough Hall.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Pension Plan Actuarial Studies.  This is an informational item on the Township’s two pension plans.  Assistant Township Manager, Mr. Donald Delamater briefly reviewed the highlights of the reports.

            Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, West Nile Virus Notification.  This is a reminder that the West Nile Virus season is upon us.  To report stagnant water or for more information on how to handle standing water you may call the MONTCO Health Department at 610-278-5117 or visit their web site www.montcopa.org/health/westnile.htm.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, SPEHD Yard Sale.  The Township has received a request waiving the sign permit fees from the Society for the Preservation of the Evansburg Historic District for a yard sale on June 4, 2005 at Wood’s Golf Center property as a fund raiser effort.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to waive the sign permit fees for the SPEHD Yard Sale.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracia and approved unanimously.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced a request from resident, Michel A. Wilde of 3011 Oak Drive for a Block Party on June 4, 2005 with the Oak Drive, Heather Lane and Hemlock Drive neighborhood.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve the block party request.  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, Termination of Restrictive Agreement – 1000 Kinglet Drive.  Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio briefly explained the agreement.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to authorize the Chairman to execute the agreement on behalf of the Township.  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, Sign Permit Fee Waiver. The Township has received a request dated May 17, 2005 from the Penn Christian Academy to waive the $35.00 weekly sign permit fee until June 4, 2005.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to waive the sign permit fee until June 4, 2005.  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, Expenditure Authorization.  Item A. United Computer Service Contract - $1,500.00 setup and $690.00 monthly; Item B. Arro Consulting, Inc. – TV Sewer Lateral Inspections - $67,000.00; Item C. PSATS Convention- F. Bud Denner - $555.08; Item D. PSATS Convention – Helmuth J. H. Baerwald - $501.87; and Item E. Authorize Engineering Survey – Hazelton Avenue and Deon Square Walkway -$2,500.00.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to authorize items A through E.  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 Chief McGowan – FBI Academy Graduation; Item B.  Police Chief McGowan – Conference at Valley Forge - $667.00; Item C. PSAB Zoning Seminar; and Item D.  15^th Annual Meeting GVFTMA – June 8, 2005 at 4:00 p.m.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to authorize item A through D.  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 legislation that would allow non-attorneys to represent employers before the Unemployment Compensation Board; US Department of Homeland Security offers grants for local fire departments. Local Government Legislation – EMS tax- this bill would require local governments to exempt anyone making less than twelve thousand dollars per year from paying the tax; Law Enforcement  Residency – would prohibit municipalities from requiring municipal law enforcement officers to live in the municipality in which they serve; Radar – would create a five year pilot program to allow seven full time municipal police departments, to use radar as a speed-timing devices; and Grandfather of existing buildings – would amend the Uniform Construction Code to clarify that existing buildings that did not have a certificate of occupancy prior to April 10, 2004 are to be treated as a legally existing buildings.

            Mr. McQuirns reviewed the meeting schedule for May 23, 2005 through June 28, 2005.   The Chairman made an announcement that on Monday, May 30, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. there will be a dedication of the plaques at the Veterans Memorial.  Everyone is invited to attend.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Other Business.  Agreement with Carbone property at 90 Cirak Lane for Drip Irrigation Trickle Sewer System.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to authorize execution of the agreement with the Carbone property.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracia and approved unanimously.

            Mr. Gracia introduced the next item under Other Business, Sidewalk on Germantown Pike.  Mr. Gracia read a memo from Public Works Director, Mr. Joseph Sorgini regarding the work of the final section of the sidewalk at the bridge on Germantown Pike at Timberlake started Monday, May 23, 2005 and should take approximately six days for completion.  The Public Works Department will work approximately one hour over each day to complete this job in a timely fashion.  The hours of work will be between 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  The County and news media have been notified.  All proper signage and traffic controls will be used during the time of operation.

            Mr. Gracia introduced the next item under Other Business, Tax Claim Bureau.  The Township has received notices from the Office of the Treasurer and Tax Claim Bureau regarding Repository Sale of two properties:  Parcel No. 33-00-01570-008 – Coles Blvd. and Parcel No. 33-00-04270-008 – Hazelton Street.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to hold any action in abeyance and authorize the Township Staff to look into obtaining the property on Coles Blvd. since it abut the Liberty Bell Trail and the property on Hazelton Street as part of a proposed Greenway Trail in that area.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracia and approved unanimously.

            There being no other business to come before the Board, the Chairman asked is there any residents who wished to speak, there were none.

            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