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, June 28, 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, Awarding of Accreditation to East Norriton Police Department.  Mr. Richard Hammon, Accreditation Manager for the Pennsylvania Accreditation Commission presented the East Norriton Township Police Department with a plaque.

            The Board of Supervisors congratulated Lieutenant Kates for her completion at the FBI National Academy.

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Resolution No. 2235 – Recognition of William Randall. The Board of Supervisors presented a certificate of recognition to William Randall upon his retirement from the East Norriton Township Zoning Hearing Board and the Industrial Development Authority.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2235.  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 Bids for Sale of Three Police Vehicles.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to affirm the bids that were awarded at the May 23, 2005 regular meeting as per Chief of Police, Mr. John McGowan memo dated June 22, 2005.  Both the bids for the Ford Van $4,000.00 and the Dodge Intrepid $2,900.00 were award to U. S. Properties Outlet and a third vehicle a 1995 Crown Victoria was later sold to Hassan’s for $500.00 which is $113.00 more than the highest bid received at the May meeting.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Open Bids for Sale of Two Police Vehicles, 2002 Dodge Intrepid and a 2002 Ford Explorer XLT 4 x 4.  The Chairman asked if there were any additional bids.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to close the bids for the two police vehicles. After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.

            The bids for the two police vehicles were opened and the following were announced as submitting bids:  Gaudino Brothers $2,060.00 for the 2002 Dodge Intrepid, $4,862.00 for the 2002 Ford Explorer; Timothy Bradbury $3,041.01 for the 2002 Ford Explorer; David Dubner $3,505.00 for the 2002 Dodge Intrepid; and U.S. Properties Outlet $2,525.00 for the 2002 Dodge Intrepid and $4,725.00 for the Ford Explorer. Mr. Gracia made a motion to defer for review by the Police Chief and award later in the 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.       

            Mr. Gracia made a motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held on May 23, 2005.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.

Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve the Finance Reports for May, 2005.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracia and approved unanimously.

The Chairman requested that the reading of the Committee Reports for May, 2005 be deferred and also commented that the Committee Reports were available on the table in the back of the meeting room.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to approve the Committee Reports for May, 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 “Old Business”, Rahway Avenue Water Line.  Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald reported that construction of the water main and connections to the water main will commence in mid July.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Resolution No. 2236 – Sewer Tapping Fee Study.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reviewed Resolution No. 2236 implementing the new tapping fees as mandated under state law. Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2236.   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. 2237 – Police Labor Contract.  Assistant Township Manager, Mr. Donald Delamater briefly reviewed the contract which has been negotiated over the last year.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2237.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.

The Board of Supervisors thanked Messrs. Baerwald and Delamater for their hard work over the past year with the Police Labor Contract.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Gill Quarry Litigation. Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio reported that attorneys for Gill Quarry filed their brief and that the Township has thirty days to respond and arguments will be scheduled in mid July.

Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Development and Construction Updates.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe gave an update:  Jefferson Crossing – project is moving forward.  Mr. Shoupe reviewed the additional waiver requests from Jefferson Crossing and the Pimlico Farms Developments.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to approve the waiver requests from Jefferson Crossing and Pimlico Farms Developments.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.

The Chairman read the recommendation from Police Chief, John McGowan for the awarding of bids for the two police vehicles; 2002 Ford Explorer to Guadino Brothers for $4,862.00 and the 2002 Dodge Intrepid to David Dubner for $3,505.00.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to accept Chief McGowan’s award recommendations.  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, Storm Drainage Issues/Projects.   Township Engineer, Mr. Robert Blue reported:  A. Calvert Hurdle Pond – work proceeding; B. North Whitehall and Township Line Roads – negotiating with developer; C. Briar Lane and Hillcrest Avenue  watershed – nothing new to report; D. Lawnton Road, Lafayette and Springview Roads – designing underdrain system; E. Heatherwood development – waiting for plans; F. 509 – 523 Faith Drive – property owners signing releases pending a plan to show the intended work; and Warsaw Avenue – putting storm water line in public water trench; and G. Swede Road project – Mr. Blue met with PADOT and the work will be performed in near future.

Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Sanitary Sewer Issues.  A. I & I Study - Mr. Matt Brown from Arro Engineering provided a status report outline in his memo dated June 23, 2005; D.  Mr. Brown reviewed the Joint Sewer Authority permit applications in his letter dated June 13, 2005.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to approve the water quality management permit application by Arro Engineering.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.  B.  Corrective Action Management Plan - Matt Brown reviewed the status of the Corrective Action Plan submitted to the DEP.  Improvements to the treatment plant are estimated to cost in the area of 6 million dollars.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Traffic Issues.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reported:  A. Germantown Pike/Whitehall Road – being reviewed by PECO for the pole relocation; B. Roland Drive/Township Line Road – road is being reconstructed and reconfigured and is closed until August 31, 2005; and C. Township Line Road – joint municipal study being proposed with Montgomery County. 

Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Township Centennial Committee.  This is an informational item, 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, Mrs. Mary Ann Fichter and Mr. Bob Schmidt.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Route 202 Widening.  This is an informational report by Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe.

Mr. Gracia introduced the first item under “New Business”, Affirm Resolution No. 2227 – Chief John McGowan.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2227 which was presented to our Chief of Police, Mr. John McGowan at the recent MONTCO Chamber of Commerce awards dinner held on May 24, 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, Authorize Advertisement of Pension Plan Ordinance Amendment.  Assistant Township Manager, Mr. Donald Delamater reviewed the proposed amendment.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to authorize the advertisement of the Pension Plan ordinance amendment.  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. 2238 – Baranowski Lot Line Adjustment.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reviewed the request from Alexander Baronowski for lot line adjustment for property located at 505 Norris City Avenue.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2238.  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. 2239 and 2240.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reviewed Resolution No. 2239 adopting the Heatherwood subdivision amended sanitary sewer planning module and Resolution No. 2240 adopting 3154 Sunset Avenue sanitary sewer module exemption request.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2239 and 2240. 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, DEP Corrective Action Plan for ENPWJSA.  Mr. Matt Brown of Arro Engineering reviewed the Corrective Action Plan earlier in the meeting.  Mr. Brown reviewed that DEP has provided one hundred and thirty-four EDU connections to the Joint Sewer Authority. Thirty-four EDU’s are designated specifically for Jefferson Crossing and the remaining to be divided amongst the three municipalities thus fore leaving thirty-three EDU’s available for East Norriton Township.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to allocate East Norriton Township’s thirty-three EDU’s as follows:  fifteen for the Cutler development, four for the Kinder Care facility, six for the MRA car wash and eight for the Pimlico Farms Development.  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, Montgomery County Redevelopment Authority Alternative Sewer Study Committee.  Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald reported that the Township received an invitation to participate in a meeting to discuss the Norristown Treatment Plant solution.  The Joint Sewer Authority respectfully declined the invitation pending a resolution of the moratorium with the DEP. 

Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, BoomerANG Project.  The Township received a request from the BoomerANG Project, Boomers – Aging Next Generation to participate with this project.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion for the Township to participate in the BoomerANG  Project.  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, Fire Company Grant Applications.  Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald reported that the Township has received the grant application which was submitted by James Staufenberg of the Norriton Fire Engine Company.

Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, DCNR Grants Update.  Parks and Recreation Director, Mr. Larry Brown has alerted the Township to a new round of grants becoming available in September from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to approve the applications for the following grant requests per Mr. Brown’s memorandum dated May 10, 2005:  A.  Paving for the circular trail to an area near Cirak Lane, B.  Construction and Paving of the Liberty Bell Trail, and C. Land Trust Grant from PECO for  a design study for the construction of the Liberty Bell Trail.  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, Zoning Hearing Board Vacancies.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to appoint Evelyn Melchiorre to the Zoning Hearing Board.  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, Planning Commission Vacancies.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to appoint William Griffin to the Planning Commission.  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, NASD Finance Committee Meeting.  Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald gave a brief update that the 2005/2006 budget has been passed.

Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Liberty Bell Trail.  Assistant Township Manager, Mr. Donald Delamater reported that the Township is seeking a grant to proceed with the Liberty Bell Trail which will run along the PECO power line right-of-way.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, PA New Steer Clear Law.  Police Chief, Mr. John McGowan reviewed that this new law is important for the safety of those involved in an accident and the safety of others traveling on the road.

Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Deer Hunt of Farm Park.  This is an informational item, the Farm Park has scheduled a two-day deer hunt set for November 30 and December 7, 2005.  Mr. Gracia expressed that he doesn’t feel shotgun slug is the safest way to perform the hunt.  Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald recommended that the municipal Police Chiefs attend the next Farm Park Advisory Committee meeting.  Police Chief, Mr. John McGowan expressed that he would rather see bow hunters and not shot guns.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to authorize Police Chief, Mr. John McGowan to contact the other Police Chiefs and attend the next Farm Park Advisory Committee 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, Budget Revisions as of May 31, 2005.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve the budget revisions as reviewed by Assistant Township Manager, Mr. Donald Delamater.   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, Road Improvement Program.  This is an informational item, letters have gone out to residents of the roads to be resurfaced in the very near future.  Roads to be resurfaced are:  Denise Road, the new section of Carol Lane, Teardrop Circle and Embassy Circle.  Notice will again be given at least one week prior to the actual paving operations.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Expenditure Authorization. Item A.  Senior Adult Activities Center - $500.00; and Item B. Charges for the DeSage Subdivision - $10,200.00.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to authorize 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, Attendance Authorization.  Item A.  America’s Town Meeting, Washington, DC September 7^th – 9^th.  No one is attending.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Legislation.  Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald reviewed House Bill 1646.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to authorize a letter be sent supporting PSATS opposition to House Bill 1646 with regard to agricultural activities.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracia and approved unanimously.

Mr. Gracia reviewed the meeting schedule for June 28, 2005 through August 23, 2005.

There being no other business to come before the Board, the Chairman asked if there were any residents who wished to speak.  Mr. George Myers of the Norriton Fire Engine Company requested a meeting with the Township to come up with a plan for the Fire Marshal position.  Chief of Police, Mr. John McGowan stated he will meet with the Fire Company representatives after the regular meeting.

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