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, August 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 asked everyone for a moment of silence in memory of John B. Gourley, Senator Edwin G. Holl and Fireman Charlie Sacks.

The Chairman made an announcement that the Board of Supervisors met in Executive Session immediately after the Public Hearing on August 15, 2005 and 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 July 26, 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 July, 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 July, 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 July, 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”, East Norriton, Plymouth and Whitpain Joint Sewer Authority Action Plan.   Mr. Matt Brown of the ARRO Group reviewed the status of the Corrective Action Plan and the Joint Sewer Authority proposed fifteen million dollar Bond Issue for the Capital Improvement Plant.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to authorize Township Staff to proceed with what is needed to implement the financing for the Bond Issue.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracia and approved unanimously.

Mr. Brown provided an update on the I & I Survey, since there has been no significant rain fall since the last meeting there is no progress to report on.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Rahway Avenue Water Line.  Mr. Gracia reported that he spoke with Myles Bartos of the EPA and thirty –five homes are about to be hooked up by the local water authority and an additional thirty-five should be hooked up in a next few weeks.

Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Gill Quarry Litigation.  Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio reported that both sides have filed their briefs and the Township is waiting for an argument date to be scheduled by the Commonwealth Court.

Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Storm Drainage Issues/Projects.  Township Engineer, Mr. Robert Blue reported: A. Calvert Hurdle Park - work almost complete; B. North Whitehall and Township Line Roads - storm drainage project advertising of bids for opening at the September meeting; C. Briar Lane and Hillcrest Avenue Watershed - proceeding; D.  Storm Water System design plans for Lawnton Road, Lafayette and Springview Roads still exploring alternative options; E.  509 – 523 Faith Drive area - have signed agreements from property owners and will now schedule work; F. 3042 Taft Road property - work being scheduled; G.  605 Meadowbrook Road - met with property owners about access to easement and will provide a report to the Township; and H.  3103 West Hayes Road - met with property owners this is not an easy fix, will provide a proposal to perform a drainage study and 523 Faith Drive no work to be performed, letter to be sent to property owner.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Traffic Issues.  Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald reported: A. Germantown Pike/Whitehall Road – still trying to get PECO to relocate pole for road widening; B. Roland Drive/Township Line Road – traffic signal being installed; and C.  Traffic study for traffic improvements on Township Line Road is proceeding.

Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Township Centennial Committee.  This is an informational item, the committee will be formally established soon.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Route 202 Widening.  Work is scheduled to begin the spring of 2007.

Mr. Gracia introduced the first item under “New Business”, Ordinance No. 480 – Re-zoning of the Water Works property from BP to RR.  Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio reviewed the public hearing held by the Board of Supervisors on Monday, August 15, 2005.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to adopt Ordinance No. 480.  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. 2244 – PECO Green Region Grant.  Assistant Township Manager, Donald Delamater reviewed the grant application process.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2244.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracia and approved unanimously.

Mr. Garcia introduced the next item on the agenda, Appointment to the East Norriton Industrial Development Authority. With the resignation of Mr. William Randall and the relocation of Mr. Zajack the East Norriton Industrial Development Authority has two vacancies.   The Board of Supervisors thanked Messrs. Randall and Zajack for serving on the board.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to appoint Mr. William Griffin Jr. to the East Norriton Industrial Development Authority.   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, Sewer Easement Agreement – East Norriton Shopping Center.  Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald reviewed the Sewer Easement Agreement.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to authorize execution of the Sewer Easement Agreement by 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, Grant Application – DCNR – Community Conservation Partnership Grant Program.  This is an informational item to advise that the Township will be filing an application under this program for the continuation of our trail system. 

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Township Recycling Funds.  This is an informational item that the Township has received a total of $80,617.00 in recycling funds.

The Chairman at this point called on Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe to review the Development and Construction Updates.  Mr. Shoupe reported:  Walgreen’s at Township Line Road – building is be constructed; East Norriton Middle School – exterior work being completed; Swede Square Shopping Center – new tenant in the former Mario’s drugstore; Mercy Suburban General Hospital – expansion is moving forward; McDonald’s on DeKalb Pike – to be demolished in the near future and a new McDonald’s to be built; Waterworks property – rezoned BP-Business Professional to RR-Retirement Residential earlier in meeting; and DeSage property – addition being constructed.

Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Deer Hunt – Farm Park.  This is an informational item on the pending deer hunt in the Farm Park scheduled for November 30, 2005 and December 7, 2005.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Valley Forge Division – Allied Waste Services.  This is an informational item to advise that the BFI solid waste hauler has been purchased by Allied Waste Services.

Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Life, AD&D and Long Term Disability Insurance proposal.  Assistant Township Manager, Donald Delamater reviewed a program developed by the Delaware Valley Insurance Trust providing Life, AD&D and Long Term Disability Insurance to its member municipalities.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to approve the Township’s participation in the program effective September 1, 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, Schedule Goals and Accomplishments Meetings.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to schedule the Goals and Accomplishments Meetings for Tuesday, September 27, 2005 to start at 8:30 a.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 add to the agenda the scheduling of a workshop meeting to review Sanitary Sewer Issues.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracia and approved unanimously.

Mr. McQuirns made a motion to schedule the Sanitary Sewer Issues workshop for Tuesday, September 27, 2005 at 1:00 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, Authorize the Solicitor to attend the O’Hara Zoning Hearing Board Variance Case. Mr. Gracia made a motion to authorize the Township Solicitor to attend the O’Hara Zoning Hearing Board Variance Case to oppose the O’Hara Use 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, Authorize Letter to Residents with Outdated Sewer Vent Traps.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to authorize the Township to send letters to all property owners identified as having outdated sewer vent traps which allow storm water to enter the sewer system.  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, Authorize Letter to Residents Regarding Well Water Tests.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to authorize the Township to send out letters to all property owners identified as having private water wells recommending annual testing of the well water.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.  Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald stated the Township Fall 2005 Newsletter advised all residents of well testing.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Expenditure Authorization.    A.  Tree Removal at Stanbridge Street Park - $1,150.00; B.  Traffic Signal Equipment Upgrade Program Phase III - $865.81; C.  MCES Criminal Justice Program 30^th Anniversary Ad Booklet - $100.00; D.  Add Water Distribution Pipes to GIS Maps - $1,040.00; and D.  St. Titus Golf Outing Sponsorship/Troop 622 - $100.00.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to authorize items A through E.  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 Authorizations. A.  Disabled American Veteran’s Installation Dinner – September 12, 2005 (no charge); B.  DVWCT Annual Meeting, Luncheon and Outing – September 20, 2005 (no charge); and C.  Fire Company Relations Seminar (Chairman, Manager and Chief) - $35.00 each.  Mr. Gracia made a motion authorizing items A through C.  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 letters sent urging legislators to oppose  the Health Insurance Legislation that would negatively impact the self-insurance trust. 

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

Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Other Business.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to add Resolution No. 2245 – Fixing the time and place for a public hearing to consider an amendment to the East Norriton Zoning Code.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.

Mr. Gracia made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2245 scheduling the Public Hearing for Tuesday, October 25, 2005 at 6:30 p.m.  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 if there were 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