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, September 27, 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 for fireman Richard “Larry” Andren.

            The Chairman introduced the first item on the agenda, Authorize Bids for Gasoline Dispensing Tank.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to authorize bids for Gasoline Dispensing Tank for possible opening at the October 25, 2005 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, Authorize Bids for Thermoplastic Roadway Striping. Mr. McQuirns made a motion to authorize bids for Thermoplastic Roadway Striping for possible opening at the October 25, 2005 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, Open Bids for the Storm Sewer Extension on Whitehall Road.  The Chairman asked if there were any additional bids.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to close the bids for the Storm Sewer Extension on Whitehall Road. After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.

            The bids for the Storm Sewer Extension on Whitehall Road were opened and the following were announced as submitting bids:  Natachia  Brothers Inc. $661,980.00.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to reject the bid based on the cost submitted.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracia and approved unanimously.

            Mr. McQuirns made a motion to authorize the rebidding for the Storm Sewer Extension on Whitehall Road.  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, Presentation of Eagle Scout Project Township Storm Water Inlet Identification.  Assistant Township Manager, Mr. Donald Delamater introduced Jonathon Thomas of Boy Scout Troop 268, who presented his proposed Eagle Scout project.  Mr. Thomas will distribute and notify the residents in the West End of the Township with information pertaining to the marking of the storm water inlets that drain into the Stoney Creek.  Mr. Thomas along with members of his troop will be marking approximately three hundred fifty storm drains with a decal informing the residents that the storm drain flows into the Stoney Creek.   Mr. Gracia made a motion to approve the Storm Water Inlet Identification Eagle Scout Project.  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 on Saturday, 10, 2005 to conduct police candidate interviews, met with department directors this morning to review the goals and accomplishments, held a special meeting in the early afternoon today to discuss Sanitary Sewer issues and met 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 August 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 August, 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 August, 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 August, 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 Capital Action Plan.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reviewed the Action Plan which has been submitted to the Department of Environmental Protection and a public meeting which was held earlier in theday.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Rahway Avenue Water Line.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe provided a brief update; all but two properties in the Rahway Avenue area have service connections by the Environmental Protection Agency.  Pennsylvania American Water Company will now start installing the water main lines on the side streets off of Rahway Avenue.

            Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Gill Quarry Litigation.  Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio reported the Commonwealth Court has scheduled arguments for November 14, 2005.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Development and Construction Updates.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reported:  Walgreen’s – building is up, site work continuing; Reserve at Penn Crossing – twenty-four building permits issued, two properties have gone to settlement; Jefferson House property – one building permit issued, site work continuing; Scenic Park – new proposal of two thirty-three thousand square foot office buildings on the District Court property; Mercy Suburban General Hospital – parking lot for additional one hundred seventy-five parking spots is completed, thirty thousand square foot addition is proposed to be completed by the end of November 2006; East Norriton Middle School – interior work is being started; McDonald’s – construction of a new building to start shortly; and Amoco – moving forward for purchase by Wendy’s and construction of a new Wendy’s.

            Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Storm Drainage Issues/Projects.  Township Engineer, Mr. Robert Blue reported: A. Calvert Hurdle Pond – waiting for final grading and seeding; B. North Whitehall and Township Line Roads drainage work – job to re rebid.   Mr. Gracia made a motion to schedule a special meeting to open bids for the Whitehall Road Project for Wednesday, October 12, 2005 at 10:30 a.m.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to advertise to open bids on Wednesday, October 12, 2005 at 10:30 a.m.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracia and approved unanimously.  C.  Briar Lane and Hillcrest Avenue Watershed – will have plan of action and cost estimate for next months meeting; D.  Lawnton Road, Lafayette and Springview Roads – designing gravity storm water line; E.  509 – 523 Faith Drive – consideration of cost estimate to be discussed later in the evening, 218 Warsaw Ave -  sump pump line to be connected by Pennsylvania American Water Company; F. 3042 Taft Road – work completed last month; G.  605 Meadowbrook Road – met with property owner about cleaning storm drainage easements; and H.  3103 West Hayes Road – forwarded proposal to perform survey to the Township; 523 Faith Drive – no action necessary.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Traffic Issues. Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reported:  A. Germantown Pike/Whitehall Road – reviewed status; B.  Roland Drive/Township Line Road – waiting for traffic signal to be activated by PADOT; and C.  Township Line Road – this is an informational item the Township has requested a traffic study for traffic improvements on Township Line Road with the Townships of Skippack, Worcester, East Norriton, Plymouth and Whitpain would be involved in the study as would the County.  The participating municipalities would share the cost with the County agreeing to fifty percent of the study’s cost.

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

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Route 202 Widening.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reported this project is proposed to start in the spring of 2007.

            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 for November 2005 and December 2005.

            Mr. Gracia introduced the first item under “New Business”, Resolution No. 2246 Liberty Bell Trail Grant Application.  Assistant Township Manager, Mr. Donald Delamater reviewed the grant application process.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to   approve Resolution No. 2246.  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 Sewer Tapping Fee Ordinance.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to authorize advertisement of Sewer Tapping Fee Ordinance.  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, Appointment to the East Norriton Industrial Development Authority.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to appoint Kristl Wiernicki 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, Autumn Ridge – DeKalb Roadway Improvement.  Chief of Police, Mr. John McGowan reviewed the proposed elimination of certain road improvements that were requested on DeKalb Pike to facilitate left turning movements from DeKalb Pike.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to the  approve elimination of the original proposed run-around lane.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracia and approved unanimously.

Mr. McQuirns made a motion to release the developer of the Autumn Ridge development from the maintenance period subject to the replacement of certain trees that are detailed in a letter dated September 27, 2005 and agreement from PADOT to remove the run-around lane. 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, Rahway Avenue Area property purchase.  Mr. Robinson’s property on 212 Central Avenue abuts a vacant lot on Rome Street owned by East Norriton Township.  Mr. Robinson wishes to purchase the property from the Township. The property is assessed exempt at one thousand two hundred seventy dollars and is of no interest to the Township.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to authorize the sale of the Rome Street property to Mr. Robinson for the amount of eight hundred dollars and to authorize the Chairman and Secretary’s attendance at the closing on September 28, 2005 to execute the appropriate documents. 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, Bocce Ball Courts. Mr. McQuirns reviewed a memo from Parks and Recreation Director, Mr. Larry Brown dated August 25, 2005 stating that the Township has two very good possible areas for the construction of bocce ball courts; Old Arch Road Park and Calvert Hurdle Park.  Mr. Brown is available to discuss these areas with the interested parties in developing these facilities and which area might be more conducive to their needs.

Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Township Park’s Memorial Dedication Program.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to approve Parks and Recreation Director, Mr. Larry Brown’s memo dated August 25, 2005 formalizing the Township Park’s Memorial Dedication Program.  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, 2006 Minimum Municipal Obligation for Township Pension Plan. Assistant Township Manager, Mr. Donald Delamater reviewed the 2006 Minimum Municipal Obligation calculations for the Police Pension Plan which would be $215,195.00 and Employees’ Pension Plan which would be $133,757.00.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve the 2006 MMO’s as outlined by Mr. 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, Sidewalk Maintenance Agreement for US Route 202.  The Department of Transportation has forwarded a Draft Sidewalk Maintenance Agreement to the Township for review and/or approval.  As part of the construction of U.S. Route 202 the Township has requested that sidewalks be installed where currently none exist.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to approve the agreement with PADOT subject to the Township Solicitor’s comments and revisions.  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, SEPTA Bus Route Changes. Assistant Township Manager, Mr. Donald Delamater reviewed SEPTA Route 95, 97, 98 and new route 90 changes effective October 30, 2005.

Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Master Casting Agreement. Mr. Garcia made a motion to approve the agreement with PADOT to replace manhole rings at the time state roadways within the Township are paved.  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. Assistant Township Manger, Mr. Donald Delamater reviewed budget revisions for the period ending August 31, 2005.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve the Budget Revisions.  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, Handy and Harmon Plan Application to DEP. Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reviewed the Plan Application for a Baghouse Control System.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to approve the Plan Application.  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, Hayes Road Block Party.  The Township has received a request from the residents of Hayes Road between Pierce Road and Kelly Drive to hold their sixth annual Hayes Road Block Party on Saturday, October 1, 2005.  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, Bike for SCORES 2005. This is an informational item that a fundraising bicycling event (Bike for SCORES 2005) will be held through the Township on Sunday, October 9, 2005 beginning at approximately 7:00 a.m. through 9:00 a.m. from the Farm Park onto North Wales Road to Morris Road.  

 The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Request to Waive Fees for Memorial.  The Township has received a request from the Norriton Fire Engine Company for waiver of the fees associated with the construction of the Firefighter’s Memorial to be constructed at the substation.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to approve the waiving of fees associated with the construction of the Firefighter’s Memorial.  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 Authorization.   A. 2 Electric Golf Carts - $4,740.00; B.  Swede Road Storm Sewer repair – T & T Contracting - $18, 407.00; C.  NAHS Hall of Champions Ad - $75.00; D. Germantown Sewer Pump Station Comminutor Replacement - $20, 627.00; E.  Drainage Work Faith Drive - $24, 463.00 – pending funding; F.  Road Improvement Program Invoice - $115,091.90 – conditional; G. Swede Road at Woodlyn Avenue run-a-round - $1,731.00 – pending funding; and H. Chamber of Commerce Ad - $150.00.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve item A through H.  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. A.  Police Officer Training:  Officers Stinson & Walters - $840.00; B.  Police Officer Training:  Officer Brandon Pasquale - $1,000.00; C.  Chamber of Commerce Award Dinner - $60.00 each; and D.  PennBOC Conference:  Mark Highley and Sergeant Boyer - $690.00.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to authorize items 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, Legislation.  Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald reported legislators have just returned, the next session will start September 28, 2005.

Mr. Gracia reviewed the meeting schedule for September 26, 2005 through November 25, 2005.

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