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, October 25, 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.

            Mr. Gracia welcomed Cub Scout Troop 622 from St. Titus parish who are in attendance tonight working on their Citizenship badge.

            The Chairman asked everyone for a moment of silence for Lawrence F. Tornetta.

            The Chairman introduced the first item on the agenda, Proclamation - Resolution No. 2247 – William Butler retirement.  The Board of Supervisors presented William Butler with a Proclamation for his dedicated service as an employee of East Norriton Township.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2247.  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, Swearing in of Police Officer.  Chief of Police, Mr. John McGowan introduced Dana Poehner as East Norriton Township’s newest Police Officer.  Assistant Township Manager, Mr. Donald Delamater swore in Police Officer, Dana A. Poehner.

The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Swearing in of Fire Police Officer.  Assistant Township Manager, Mr. Donald Delamater swore in Dennis Gravinese as our newest Fire Police Office.

The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Presentation to our Police Department by Teamster Local 384.   Rob Keller a representative from the Teamster Local 384 presented the East Norriton Township Police Department with a check in the amount of two thousand dollars.

The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Open Bids for Gasoline Dispensing Tank.  The Chairman asked if there were any additional bids.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to close the bids for the Gasoline Dispensing Tank. After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.  The bids for the Gasoline Dispensing Tank were opened and the following were announced as submitting bids:  Warren F. DeLong Inc - $38,500.00; Fourth River Company - $ 44,500.00; Center Point Tank Services Inc. - $28,945.00 and Tier De Inc. - $32,170.00.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to defer the awarding of bids for review by Township staff and recommendation at the November regular 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 Thermoplastic Roadway Striping.  The Chairman asked if there were any additional bids.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to close the bids for the Thermoplastic Roadway Striping. After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.  The bids for the Thermoplastic Roadway Striping were opened and the following were announced as submitting bids:  Guide Mark Inc. - $47,100.00; Interstate Road Management - $42,050.00 and Mid Atlantic Marking Inc. - $63,080.00.  Mr. Gracia made a motion defer the awarding of bids for review by Township staff and recommendation at the November regular meeting.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously. 

Upon a recommendation from the Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald, Mr. Gracia made a motion to award the Thermoplastic Roadway Striping bid to Interstate Road Management at $42,050.00 subject to the Township staff confirmation at the November regular 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 held a special public hearing earlier this evening to discuss Zoning Ordinance text changes and met prior to the special meeting in Executive Session to discuss matters of personnel and litigation.       

            Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve the minutes of the special meeting and regular meeting held on September 27, 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 September, 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 September, 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 September, 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”, Ordinance No. 481 – Zoning Code Text changes.  Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio briefly reviewed Ordinance No. 481 which was discussed earlier in the evening at a special meeting amending the zoning ordinance pertaining to seasonal business signs, the time limit of the removal for temporary political signs, residential dwelling above the first floor in the professional residential district and to allow driveways to be one foot off the property line in the BR and BR1 residential district as long as there are no storm water implications on the neighboring property.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to adopt Ordinance No. 481.  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, Ordinance No. 482 – Sewer Tapping Fee. Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe briefly reviewed Ordinance No. 482 which establishes the sewer connection rates for East Norriton Township and the East Norriton Plymouth Whitpian Joint Sewer Authority based on the legislation recently adopted by the state.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to adopt Ordinance No. 482.  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. 2253 – East Norriton, Plymouth, Whitpain Joint Sewer Authority Inter-Municipal Agreement.  Mr. Matt Brown of ARRO Consulting, Inc. reviewed the draft Corrective Action Plan for the western end of East Norriton Township.  Mr. Brown reported on the Inflow and Infiltration Survey to date; out of one hundred and forty laterals inspected only three did not fail.  ARRO Consulting Inc. will continue until all three hundred plus laterals are televised and a report is generated outlining the findings with the inspections.  Mr. Brown also reviewed the status of the Joint Sewer Authority‘s Corrective Action Plan.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2253 and the amended Inter-municipal Agreement with the East Norriton Plymouth Whitpain Joint Sewer Authority.   After requesting any comment 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. 2254 – PADOT Master Casting Agreement. Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2254 - PADOT Master Casting Agreement regarding the replacement of sewer casting rings located on manholes in the streets during paving operations.  After requesting any comment 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 Water Line. Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reviewed this informational item; the project should be completed by the end of the year.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Gill Quarry Litigation. Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio reported that legal arguments are schedule for November 14, 2005.

Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Development & Construction Updates.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reported:  Pimlico Farm – forty six lot single family homes moving forward; Walgreen’s – site work almost complete; Reserve at Penn Crossing – six units of this seventy-eight unit development have gone to settlement; Jefferson House  - eighty-six age restricted fifty-five year old owner occupied units are pending construction; Scenic Park – two new office buildings are proposed; Mercy Suburban General Hospital  - construction of a thirty thousand square foot addition moving forward; East Norriton Middle School – addition moving forward; Stoney Creek Farms – a two hundred and nine unit age restricted community that borders East Norriton Township at North Wales and Township Line Roads in Worcester Township.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to authorize a letter be sent to PADOT in concurrence with condition design for intersection of North Wales Road and Township Line Road.  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. North Whitehall and Township Line Roads storm drainage work project – re-advertising to open bids at the November regular meeting and for possible award at December regular meeting; B. survey and design plans for the Briar Lane and Hillcrest Avenue watershed – reviewed and provided drawings of the four options to address storm water problem in this area and cost estimates for each option; C.  Storm Water System design plans for Lawnton Road, Lafayette and Springview Roads – developer proceeding with enclosing existing off-site stream; D. Faith Drive area - work is subject to funding; and E.  605 Meadowbrook Road – will prepare a report on stream erosion around manholes.  Township Manger, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald assured the residents from the Faith Drive area he will try as best he can to make funds available in next year’s budget.

Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Traffic Issues. Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reported:  A. Germantown Pike/Whitehall Road – radius work is pending; B. Roland Drive/Township Line Road – traffic signal installed and activated; and C. Township Line Road traffic study – moving forward.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Heatherwood Development Pumping Station. Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reviewed the maintenance/regulatory issues on the proposed pumping station for this development.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to authorize the Township Solicitor to prepare agreements for the Township to accept the dedication of the pump station with the developers providing the escrow funding to maintain this pump station.  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, US Route 202 Widening. Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe gave a brief update this project is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2007.  Mr. Shoupe reviewed a request from PADOT that the Township accept a drainage system along DeKalb Boulevard that can carry a 10 year storm versus a fifty year storm as specified.  Township Engineer, Mr. Robert Blue does not recommend the Township accept this request.  Mr. Gracia made a motion that the Township denies the request that PADOT provide a drainage system along DeKalb Boulevard that can carry the ten year storm versus the recommended twenty-five year storm by Township Engineer, Robert Blue.  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, Road Turnback Program Extension. This is an informational item; the Township is requesting an extension from PADOT beyond the December 31, 2005 deadline to expend approximately fifty thousand dollars remaining in that fund.  These remaining funds are projected to be used for the Whitehall Road storm sewer project.

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 Wednesday, November 30, 2005 and Wednesday, December 7, 2005.

Mr. Gracia introduced the first item under “New Business”, Presentation of 2006 Proposed Budget and Authorize Advertisement. Assistant Township Manager, Mr. Donald Delamater gave a brief presentation of the proposed 2006 budget.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to authorize advertisement of the proposed 2006 budget.  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, Proposed 2006 East Norriton, Plymouth, Whitpain Joint Sewer Authority Budget.  This is an informational item, Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald briefly reviewed the proposed 2006 Joint Sewer Authority budget.  

Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Resolution No. 2249 – Schedule Conditional Use Request Hearing. Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe explained the purpose of the hearing to discuss Evergreen Terrace Land Development located on Evergreen Road east of Hillcrest Avenue.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to schedule the public hearing for Tuesday, November 22, 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, Industrial Development Authority Application.  Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald reported that the Township Solicitor’s office is still researching if the IDA borrowing can occur because of the impacts of the Joint Sewer Authority Bond Issue. Mr. McQuirns made a motion to authorize the IDA borrowing if it meets the legal requirements.  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. 2248 – Pension State Aid Allocation.  The Township recently received its Pension State Aid allocation for distribution to the Township’ pension funds.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2248.  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. 2250 – Deed of Dedication Baronowski and Ditterlines.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2250.  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. 2251 – MRA Car Wash Sewer Module Exemption Request., Resolution No. 2252 – Jefferson Crossing Sewer Module Exemption Request, Resolution No. 2255 – Carol Mobley Sewer Module Exemption Request and Resolution No. 2256 – Patrick Bradley Sewer Module Exemption Request.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe explained the sewer module exemption requests.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2251, 2252, 2255 and 2256.  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. 2257 – Schedule Public Hearing for the Re-Codification of Ordinances.  Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio briefly explained the purpose of the public hearing.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to schedule the public hearing for Tuesday, December 20, 2005 at 6:30 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, Megan’s Law. Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio brought this to the attention of the Board of Supervisors for discussion.  The Board of Supervisors will review this and discuss it further.

Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Veteran’s Memorial DCED Grant.  Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald announced that the Department of Commerce and Economic Development has awarded a five thousand dollar grant to the Township for the Veteran’s memorial.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Leaf Collection Schedule. This is an informational item; leaf collection will begin on October 17, 2005 and will end on December 9, 2005.

Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Expenditure Authorization. Item A. Homer Group Printing - various proposals for letterhead, newsletter, certificates and other printing needs; and Item B.  Site Master Plan – DeSage Property - $4,200.00.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to authorize items A and B.  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 Authorization. Item A.  9^th Annual Domestic Violence Prevention Dinner – 10/27/05 - $45.00 person; and Item B.  Plymouth Community Ambulance Awards Dinner -11/12/05 – no charge 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, Legislation.  Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald reviewed; residential property tax relief - a number of plans  to restructure these taxes are in the works. One of these would make Act 72 mandatory (with a few changes), and another would eliminate school property taxes in favor of a broader state sales tax on food and clothing.  Mr. Baerwald also reviewed the proposed changes to the emergency and medical service tax.   Mr. Gracia made a motion to authorize the Township Manager to write a letter to the legislators that East Norriton Township Board of Supervisors is in favor of eliminating school property tax in favor of a broader state sales tax on food and clothing.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.

Mr. McQuirns reviewed the meeting schedule for October 27, 2005 through. December 30, 2005.

Mr. McQuirns made a motion to reschedule the Board of Supervisors meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 27, 2005 to Tuesday, December 20, 2005 at 7:00 p.m.  After requesting any comment 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 if there were any residents who wished to speak,   Mr. Jack Fessler of 816 Sandra Lane commended Police Officer, Barry Lopoten for his service performed.  Mr. Fessler commented on repaving his driveway and needing a permit which cost him one hundred and thirty dollars.  Mr. Fessler requested written information about the fee and apparently received the information after six requests.  Mr. Fessler claims the information he received states a fee of thirty dollars and asked for clarification.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe explained that the contractor registration annual fee is seventy-five dollars and the driveway overlay permit fee is thirty dollars and Mr. Fessler had two driveways overlaid.

Mr. Vince Palaia of 824 Sandra Lane expressed concern with a problem he is having with the sewer trap vent in his driveway which is collecting storm water.  The Township had provided Mr. Palaia with a resolution to this problem which Mr. Palaia believes is too costly.

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