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, November 22, 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 extended congratulations to Mr. James Serratore, Mrs. Candy Heckman and Mr. James Staufenberg as newly elected Supervisors, Mr. Kevin McDevitt as Tax Collector, Mr. Kevin Tickner as elected Auditor and Ms. Ester Casillo as Magistrate.

The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Swearing in of Police Officer.  Chief of Police, Mr. John McGowan introduced Cristie Leah Soto as East Norriton Township’s newest Police Officer.  Assistant Township Manager, Mr. Donald Delamater swore in Police Officer, Cristie Leah Soto.

The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Authorize Bids for Skid Mounted Odor Control System (Norris City Avenue Sewer Pumping Station). Mr. Gracia made a motion to authorize advertisement of bids for acceptance at the December regular meeting for the Skid Mounted Odor Control System for the Norris City Avenue Sewer Pumping Station.  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, Award Bid - Gasoline Dispensing Tank.   Mr. McQuirns made a motion to award the bid for a new two thousand gallon gas tank to Center Point Tank Services of Douglassville, PA for twenty-eight thousand nine hundred forty-five dollars per Public Works Director, Mr. Joseph Sorgini’s memo dated November 15, 2005.   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 Bid – Thermoplastic Roadway Striping.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to award the bid for Thermoplastic Line Stripping  to Interstate Road Management of Hazelton, PA for forty-two thousand fifty dollars per Public Works Director, Mr. Joseph Sorgini’s memo dated November 1, 2005. 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 - Whitehall Road Storm Sewer project.  The Chairman asked if there were any additional bids.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to close the bids for the Whitehall Road Storm Sewer project. After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.

The bids for the Whitehall Road Storm Sewer project were opened and the following were announced as submitting bids:  A. J. Juroch - $194,263.00; Drum Construction Co. Inc. - $120,110.13; G & M Enterprises - $138,234.50; D. Malloy Paving - $ 230,818.55; Gateway Project Management - $124,705.00; and Naticchione Brothers, Inc. - $150,200.00.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to defer the bids for review by Township staff and possible award at the December regular meeting.  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 with the Fire Company Board of Trustees on November 1, 2005 and held a special meeting on November 10, 2005 to discuss Long Term Sewer plans.  The Board of Supervisors also held a Public Hearing earlier this evening regarding a Conditional Use request for Evergreen Terrace and met prior to tonight’s meeting in Executive Session to discuss matters of personnel and litigation.       

            Mr. Gracia made a motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held on October 25, 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 October, 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 October, 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 October, 2005.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the first item on the agenda under “Old Business”, Second presentation and update of the 2006 Proposed Annual Budget.  Assistant Manager, Mr. Donald Delamater reviewed the proposed annual budget for the fiscal year 2006.

Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Authorize Submission of the Township’s Corrective Action Plan to the Department of Environmental Protection.  Mr. Matt Brown of ARRO Consulting, Inc. reviewed the Township’s Corrective Action Plan.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to authorize submission of the Corrective Action Plan to the Department of Environmental Protection.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.

Mr. Matt Brown reported he received verbal approval from the Department of Environmental Protection for the Joint Sewer Authority’s third quarter report which authorized an additional one hundred fifteen connections for East Norriton Township, all downstream of the Germantown pumping station.  Written confirmation was received of this authorization last week.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Report on Sewer Meeting called by Senator Williams’ in Norristown.  This is an informational item, Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald reported that he and Vice Chairman, Mr. Lewis McQuirns attended a meeting called by Senator Williams on November 4, 2005 to review the sewer issues for Norristown.  Mr. Baerwald reported the next meeting is scheduled for Friday, December 16, 2005.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to authorize Mr. Matt Brown of ARRO Consulting, Inc. to attend the next meeting on behalf of the Township with Messrs. Baerwald and McQuirns.  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, Gill Quarry Litigation.  Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio reported that an argument was held on November 14, 2005 before a panel of judges at the Court of Common Pleas, there were no surprises as described to the Board of Supervisors. At this point the Township has to wait for the Commonwealth Court to issue a written order and opinion.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Rahway Avenue Area Water Line.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reported there are twelve houses remaining to be connected and the well capping is continuing.

            Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Megan’s Law.  Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio reported the Township’s liability insurance carrier is reviewing the issue and the Township will wait until the review is complete for consideration.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Developments and Construction Updates.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reviewed:  Walgreen’s – building is enclosed, parking lot to be started soon; Reserve at Penn Crossing – seven units of the seventy-eight structures have gone to settlement; Jefferson Crossing – one building is up the Township is reviewing buildings two, three and four.  Township Engineer to be scheduling meeting with the residents on Springview and Lafayette Roads and Valleyview Circle to discuss proposed work; Scenic Park – plans to be submitted shortly for two new thirty-three thousand square foot office buildings on this property; Mercy Suburban General Hospital – thirty thousand foot addition under roof and additional one hundred seventy-five car parking lot is complete; East Norriton Middle School – Township to do final inspection in December for switch over in January; and McDonald’s -  moving forward, demolition anticipated for early 2006.       

            Mr. Gracia 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 – bids opened tonight also waiting for revised plans from Heatherwood development; B.  Briar Lane and Hillcrest Avenue – reviewed four designs plans at last months meeting – no funding; C.  Storm Water System for Lawnton Road, Lafayette and Springview Roads – to be meeting with residents to review project; D.  Faith Drive – pending funding; and E.  605 Meadowbrook Road – pending funding, erosion around sewer manhole located behind Stoney Creek Road – Mr. Blue will perform a survey to locate the sewer line in the stream and provide a recommended solution.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Traffic Issues. Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reported:  A. Germantown Pike/Whitehall Road – PECO to relocate pole; B. Roland Drive/Township Line Road – traffic signal has been installed and is operating; and C. Township Line Road traffic study – discussions are pending.

            Township Manger, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald commented that two land development extensions are due to expire on December 31, 2005.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reported he has been in contact with the Sharon Corporation and they intend to file an extension tomorrow until March 31, 2006 and Tone General Partnership will make decision  for the extension by December 9, 2005.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to authorize the Township Solicitor and Zoning Officer to determine how to proceed with the two developments whose extensions will expire on December 31, 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, U.S. Route Widening.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reported the pending start date is Spring of 2008.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Deer Hunt Farm Park.  This is an informational item; there will be a deer hunt in the Farm Park on Wednesday, November 30, 2005 and December 7, 2005.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the first item under “New Business”, Resolution No. 2262 – Conditional Use Request Evergreen Terrace LD (Evergreen and Hillcrest).  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2262.  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. 2258 – Schedule Public Hearing – Zoning Map Change – Clemens. Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reported that a letter was received asking this item be deferred to the December 20, 2005 regular meeting.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Resolution No. 2259 – Preliminary approval of Village at Caralea L.D.  Del Markward presented the proposed plan for a fifty-five age restricted residential units located along Germantown Pike between Potshop Road and Burnside Avenue.  This item was deferred for further review by Township staff and consultants for the Board of Supervisors consideration at the December 20, 1005 regular meeting.

            Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Heatherwood Development (Whitehall Road) Sewer Pumping Station Agreement. Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio is working on an agreement with the Developer.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Resolution No. 2260 – Authorization to dispose of Old Leaf Machine. Assistant Township Manager, Donald Delamater explained the Township is in possession of an older leaf collector model number LCT 650 tow behind vacuum with a twelve yard leaf box that the Township no longer uses and was purchased with a DEP grant, if we sell this machine the money obtained for it must go back to the DEP.  Public Works Director, Mr. Joseph Sorgini is recommending we give this machine to another Township.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to authorize the disposal of the leaf collector as outlined in Resolution No. 2260.  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. 2261 – Authorization for the Sale of Township Vehicles. Mr. Gracia made a motion to authorize Resolution No. 2261 for the sale of a 1994 Chevrolet Blazer, a 1995 Pontiac Grand Prix, a 1997 Mercury Mountaineer and a 1998 Ford Explorer.  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. 2263 – Proclaiming the Start of the Christmas Season.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2263 proclaiming December 3, 2005 the official start of the Christmas season in East Norriton 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, Resolution No. 2264 – Fee Schedule.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe explained Resolution No. 2264.  Mr. Gracia requested this item was deferred for consideration at the December 20, 2005 regular meeting.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Authorize Advertisement Auditor Appointment. Mr. McQuirns made a motion to authorize an advertisement that the Township intends to appoint the firm of Maillie, Falconiero & Company, LLP to serve as the Township’s auditors for the review of the financial records for the 2005 fiscal year.  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, Business Privilege Tax Waiver request of penalties and interest – Hair Statements by Gina. The Township has received a letter from the CPA of  Hair Statements by Gina requesting the waiver of penalties and interest for the tax years 2001,2002 and 2003 in the amount of $334.40.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to approve the waiver of penalties and interest.  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, Fee Waiver Request – Cub Scout Troop 389 Annual Christmas Tree Sale.  The Township has received a request from Cub Scout Pack 389 for the fees for their annual Christmas Tree Sale to be held at the Paul Fly Elementary School on December 9, 10 and 11, 2005.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve the waiver of fees.  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 Holiday Parade.  This is an informational item, the thirteenth annual East Norriton Township Holiday Parade will take place on Saturday, December 3, 2005.  The beneficiary of the parade will be the Elmwood Park Zoo. 

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Township Christmas Party.  This is an informational item, the Township Christmas Party will be held on Friday, December 16, 2005 at Presidential Caterers.

            Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Expenditure Authorizations.  A.  Fire Alarm System Upgrades by Protection One - $7,100.00; B.  Recycling Data Collection proposal by Hough Associates for 2005 - $8,500.00; C.  Elmwood Park Zoo – Operating support for 2006 - $100.00; and D.  G.I.S. system update - $800.00.  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, Attendance Authorization.  A. Chief McGowan – LEEDA Executive Board meeting, Memphis, TN 01/04-08/2006. Mr. McQuirns made a motion to authorize item A.  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 had nothing new to report on.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Township Vacancies for 2006.  This is an informational item; there are vacancies for 2006 on the following boards:  Vacancy Board, Shade Tree Commission, Planning Commission, Zoning Hearing Board, Historical Commission, Industrial Development Authority, and Traffic Advisory Board.  Anyone interested in applying please submit a letter of interest and a brief resume to the Township.

 Mr. Gracia reviewed the meeting schedule for November 22, 2005 through. January 27, 2006.

There being no other business to come before the Board, the Chairman asked if there were any residents who wished to speak, Mrs. Harrison of 511 Faith Drive expressed concerns with why their storm water problem has not been corrected when they received letters stating the work would be completed.  The Board of Supervisors asked to have the Township Staff to review all correspondence and report back at the December 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