The Regular Meeting of the Board of Supervisors of East Norriton Township was called to order by the Chairman, Mr. Francis “Bud” Denner, at 7:25 p.m. on Tuesday, July 26, 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, Swearing in of Fire Marshal.  Assistant Township Manager, Mr. Donald Delamater swore in Police Sergeant Boyer as the Township’s new Fire Marshal.

The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Authorize Bids for Storm Drainage Work at Whitehall and Township Line Roads.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to authorize advertisement of bids for acceptance at the September regular meeting for the storm drainage work at Whitehall and Township Line Roads.  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 the Sale of Two Police Vehicles.  The Chairman read Chief of Police, Mr. John McGowan’s memo dated June 29, 2005 affirming the award of the bids for the two police vehicles as follows:  2002 Dodge Intrepid to Dave Dubner for $3,505.00 and the 2002 Ford Explorer to Al Gaudino for $4,862.00.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve Chief McGowan’s recommendation. 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. Gracia made a motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held on June 28, 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 June, 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 June, 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 June, 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”, Consider Adoption of Ordinance No. 478- Zoning Text Amendments.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reviewed Ordinance No. 478 removing Article XIX, § 205-118, Temporary Political Signs and Article XIX, §205-114.D, Business Signs.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 478 with the two items removed.  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, Consider Adoption of Ordinance No. 479 – Pension Plan Ordinance amendment.  Assistant Township Manager, Mr. Donald Delamater reviewed the pension plan amendment to eliminate the Social Security offset provision from the pension benefit formula and to provide for the requisite of five percent of compensation the mandatory employee contribution.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 479.  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. 2241 – Reschedule of Public Hearing on Waterworks Property.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to schedule the Waterworks Property Public Hearing for Monday, August 15, 2005 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 introduced the next item on the agenda, East Norriton , Plymouth and Whitpain Joint Sewer Authority Action Plan.  Mr. Matt Brown of ARRO Engineers gave a status update of the Action Plan that was recently submitted to the Department of Environmental Protection.

Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Rahway Avenue Water Line.  Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald provided a brief update on the status of the Rahway Avenue project.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Gill Quarry Litigation.  Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio reported the Township is waiting for arguments to be scheduled by the Commonwealth Court.

 Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Developments and Construction Updates. Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe gave an update:  Pimlico Farms - Gambone Construction  is seeking outside regulatory permits and completing required resolution approval items, the installation of roadways and utilities has begun; Walgreen’s – site work has started and building construction will begin soon, sanitary sewer main replacement on Butchers Lane is completed and the storm water management system installation is on going; Reserve at Penn Crossing – the Cutler Group has begun installing roadways and the underground utilities, presently the first nine units are under roof with an additional fifteen building permits issued; Jefferson House Restaurant -  this over fifty-five development has received conditional final phase approval, the work required for Phase One will start shortly; Mercy Suburban General Hospital – the preparation of the parking lot has begun and placement of the building foundation for the addition has started; and East Norriton Middle School – utility installation, steel superstructure and roofing on seventy thousand square foot addition are being performed.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Storm Drainage Issues/Projects.  Township Engineer, Mr. Robert Blue reported:  A. Calvert Hurdle Park - Work almost complete, additional fill needed; B.  North Whitehall and Township Line Roads – bidding for this project was authorized earlier in the meeting; C. Swede Road – emergency project recently completed; D. Briar Lane and Hillcrest Avenue watershed – performing preliminary survey work; E. Lawnton, Lafayette and Springview Road – reviewed design plans for Lawnton Road storm sewer system project, still reviewing other options; F.  509 – 523 Faith Drive area and 218 Warsaw Avenue – project to be performed middle to late August; G.  909 Filmore Road – work completed to solve problem in Township storm water easement, 3042 Taft Road- work to be performed mid to late August; H.  605 Meadowbrook Road – obstacles in easement will have to be addressed, Stony Creek Road – large rip rap rock placed around manhole to protect it; and I.  808 Pierce Road – found no problem will send letter, 3103 West Hayes Road  - attempting to contact resident and 523 Faith Drive – property owner upset with Township surveyors entering property.

            Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Sanitary Sewer Issues.  A.  I & I Study – Matt Brown from ARRO Engineering reviewed his report dated July 25, 2005, two major problems in laterals – root extrusion and improper connections; B.  Act 537 Plan Update – nothing new to report; and C.  Joint Sewer Authority Plant– Matt Brown reported a meeting is set for August 9, 2005 with three municipalities to discuss the cost, financing and time of capital project.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Traffic Issues.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reported:  A. Germantown Pike/Whitehall Road – nothing new to report; B. Roland Drive/Township Line Road – signal approved by PENNDOT and proceeding for operation by end of 2005; and C. Township Line Road – beginning stages of planning.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to authorize the Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald to send a letter to the TIP Committee to support a number of projects including Germantown Pike from North Wales Road to Route 363.  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, Township Centennial Committee.  This is an informational item, preliminary meeting to be scheduled after the summer.

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

Mr. Gracia made a motion to remove Item No. 1 - Resolution No. 2242 – Whitehall Road “Tone” Land Development and Item No. 10 – Cingular Cell Tower under  “New Business”,  and to add Tax Collector Bond and Alternative Youth Services issues to the agenda.  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, Tax Collector Bonding.  Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio recommended that the Township not bond Mr. Baerwald and the Township self-insure Mr. Baerwald for the remainder of 2005.  Ms. Pionzio stated that only approximately one hundred thirty-seven thousand dollars remain to be collected in Real Estate taxes and the deductible for the bond would be one hundred thousand dollars.  The cost of the bond would be about one thousand dollars.   Mr. Gracia made a motion to authorize the Township to self-insure the bond for Mr. Baerwald for the remainder of 2005.  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, Alternative Youth Services.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to authorize the Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio to oppose the Zoning Hearing Board application from Youth Services Agency for a variance request.  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, Gambone – Pimlico Request.  Township Engineer, Mr. Robert Blue reviewed a request from the Gambone Brothers Development Company, dated July 12, 2005 for a variance from the curb detail on the approved site plans.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve the request for a variance from the curb detail, changing from the approved curb type to a Belgium Block curb.  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, Liberty Bell Trail. Assistant Township Manager, Mr. Donald Delamater gave a brief update, the Township is applying for a grant through PECO to perform a feasibility/planning study for the section of the Liberty Bell trail along the PECO power lines.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Pump and Haul Temporary Use Requirements – Crowley Foods (Foundry Road) - Resolution No. 2243.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reviewed that due to the current sewer connection moratorium, a number of developers have inquired about the pump and haul temporary use requirement permitted by the DEP.   Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2243.  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, Tax Collections.  This is an informational item, Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald reported on the Act 511 taxes collected by Berkheimer Associates.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Cole Manor School permit fees.  The Township has received a request to waive the building permit fees of approximately three hundred and twenty-five dollars for some minor renovating work at the Cole Manor Elementary School.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve the request to waive the building permit fee for Cole Manor Elementary School.  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, Plymouth Ambulance Building Permit Fees. The Township has received a verbal request from Plymouth Ambulance to waive the building permit fees of approximately one thousand eight hundred thirty-four dollars.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to waive half ($917.00) of the building permit fee for Plymouth Ambulance.  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, Recycling Performance Grant.  This is an informational item, the Township has been advised that we will be receiving eighty thousand six hundred seventeen dollars as its recycling grant based on the 2003 recycling information.

            Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Fire Company Deferred Benefit Plan Amendment.  Assistant Township Manager, Mr. Donald Delamater reviewed the changes to the Norriton Fire Engine Company Deferred Benefit Plan based on recommendations from the Actuary in his May 16, 2005 letter.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to approve the changes to the Norriton Fire Engine Company Deferred Benefit Plan.  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, Block Party – Hancock Avenue and Coles Boulevard.  The Township has received a request from Joseph McColini Jr. of Hancock Avenue and Lois Saboe of Coles Boulevard to hold a block party on Saturday, September 3, 2005 from noon until 5:00 p.m.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to approve the request for a block party to involve the blocking of the 2000 block of Coles Boulevard from Francis Avenue to Hancock Avenue.  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, Police Support re: Iraqi Freedom.  Chief of Police, Mr. John McGowan reviewed a letter from Platoon Sergeant Thomas Stone thanking the East Norriton Township Police Department for their donation of handcuffs, body armor and sirens for the Operation Iraqi Freedom III project.

            Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Expenditure Authorization.  Item A.  PAL Contribution recommended from the IDA - $500.00; Item B.  Philomeno & Salamone Park Development Fee - $5,000.00; Item C.  T & T Swede Road Emergency Storm Drainage Project - $18,000.00; Item D.  Norriton Fire Engine Company Golf Outing recommended from the IDA - $100.00; Item E. Code Enforcement Vehicles – approximately $25,000.00; and Item F.  Road Paving Change Order (Denise Road) - $5,810.00.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to approve 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 Authorizations.  Item A.  AGRIP conference September 21^st – 23^rd, 2005 – Township Manager, DVWCT Executive Officer; Item B.  Police training – Lt. Kates and Lt. Taboga – Quota-Free Police Productivity Systems - October 20, 2005; Item C.  Police training – Lt. Kates and Lt. Taboga – Applied Leadership Skills - November 10, 2005; and Item D.  Police training – Sgt. Stinson and Officer Walters – First Time/First-Line Supervision - November 11, 2005.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve items 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, Well Water Contamination.  Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald reviewed a letter dated July 14, 2005 from the Montgomery County Department of Health pertaining to well testing and the appropriate notifications to be provided to the homeowners.  Mr. Gracia made a motion authorizing to send the County notice to all properties in the Township served by well water. 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, Municipal Complex Walking Trail Paving Announcement.  Mr. McQuirns made an announcement that the walking trail is tentatively scheduled to be paved the first week of August.

            Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Legislation.  Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald reviewed proposed legislation to permit payment of school taxes on an installment basis. Mr. Baerwald also reviewed letters that were sent on behalf of the Board of Supervisors to Senator Crahalla and Representative Fichter supporting the legislation.

            Mr. McQuirns reviewed the meeting schedule for July 25, 2005 through September 29, 2005.

There being no other business to come before the Board, the Chairman asked if there were any residents who wished to speak.  A resident from West Norriton Township running for a school board position thanked the Board of Supervisors for listening to concerns regarding the Zoning ordinances and political signs.

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