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, December 20, 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.

            Mr. Gracia recognized Scout Troop 369 from Visitation Parish who were in attendance tonight for qualification of one of their merit badges. Troop 369 lead everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Chairman introduced the first item on the agenda, Swearing in and Promotion of Sergeant.  Chief of Police, Mr. John McGowan introduced Officer Craig Walters.  Assistant Township Manager, Mr. Donald Delamater swore in Police Officer, Craig Walters as Sergeant.

The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Presentation of Proclamation – Robert M. Bucks – Public Official.  The Board of Supervisors presented Robert M. Bucks a proclamation who faithfully served East Norriton Township as an elected Township Auditor since January 1987.

The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Open Bids for Skid Mounted Odor Control System.  The Chairman asked if there were any additional bids.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to close the bids for the Skid Mounted Odor Control System. After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.

The bids for the Skid Mounted Odor Control System were opened and the following were announced as submitting bids: Calgon Carbon Corp - $30,660.00.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to defer the bid for review by Township staff and possible award at the January regular 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, Open Bids for the Sale of Township Vehicles.  The Chairman asked if there were any additional bids and a sealed bid was submitted.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to close the bids for the Sale of the Township Vehicles. After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.

The bids for the Sale of the Township Vehicles were opened and the following were announced as submitting bids:  U. S. Properties Outlet – total bid of $6,160.00 – 1994 Chevrolet Blazer - $826.25, 1995 Pontiac Grand Prix - $601.25, 1997 Mercury Mountaineer - $2,156.25, 1998 Ford Explorer - $2,576.25; Guardino Brothers – total bid of $2,640.00 –Chevrolet Blazer - $260.00, 1995 Pontiac Grand Prix - $260.00, 1997 Mercury Mountaineer - $1,060.00, 1998 Ford Explorer - $1,060.00; Hassan Auto Service – total bid of $5,000.00 – 1994 Chevrolet Blazer - $1,600.00, 1998 Ford Explorer - $3,400.00.   Mr. McQuirns made a motion to defer the bids for review for recommendation later in the 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, Reject Bid for Whitehall Road Storm Sewer Project.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to reject the bids for Labor only for the Whitehall Road Storm Sewer Project which were opened at last month’s meeting.  The bid rejection is as recommended by Township Engineer, Robert Blue who reported that the bids received were above the Engineer’s estimate so due to funding restraints the bids should be rejected.  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 held a public hearing earlier this evening to readopt the Township’s Codes and met prior to the public hearing in Executive Session to discuss matters of personnel and litigation.   The Board of Supervisors also held an orientation meeting with the new Supervisors on December 8, 2005.   

            Mr. Gracia made a motion to approve the minutes of the special public meeting held on November 10, 2005 to discuss Long Term Sewer plans and the minutes of the regular meeting held on November 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 November, 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 November, 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 November, 2005.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracia and approved unanimously.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the first item under “Old Business”, Proposed 2006 Budget.  Assistant Township Manager, Mr. Donald Delamater reviewed the proposed annual budget for the fiscal year 2006 with a power point presentation. The Board of Supervisors commended Messrs. Baerwald, Delamater and Scurry for their hard work and effort in producing this responsible spending plan for the Township.

One of the bidders for the Township vehicles questioned whether the one bidder met the requirements of the bid advertisement since the bid was turned in after seven o’clock. 

Mr. McQuirns made a motion to have the Township Solicitor review the bids for either consideration at the January meeting or rebid to open at the reorganization meeting   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, Consider re-adoption of the Subdivision Land Development – Ordinance No. 483. Mr. Gracia made a motion to adopt Ordinance No. 483.  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 re-adoption of the Zoning Code – Ordinance No. 484.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to adopt Ordinance No. 484.  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, informational item about the Industrial Development Authority Resolution. This Industrial Development Authority resolution approves the application for financing of the Child Guidance Resource Center to issue up to $4.8 million in debt through Sovereign Bank.  The funds will be used for the purchase and renovation of the property at the Mercy Haverford Hospital.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Second Sewer Meeting with Senator Williams. This is an informational item to report that the Mr. McQuirns the Vice Chairman of the Board, Township Manager Mr. Helmuth Baerwald and Mr. Matt Brown, P.E. of ARRO Consulting attended a second meeting on December 16, 2005 called by Senator Williams to review the sewer issues for Norristown.  Mr. Matt Brown briefly reviewed the meeting.

Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Gill Quarry Litigation.  Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio reported that the Township is still waiting for  a decision from the Commonwealth Court.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Rahway Avenue Area Water Line.  This is an informational item; all of the properties in the Rahway Avenue area affected by the well water contamination have now been hooked up to public water service. The Board of Supervisors commended Myles Bartos from the Environmental Protection Agency for his tireless efforts in initiating the corrective action and completing the project.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to authorize the Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald to write a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency administrator in Washington recognizing the efforts of Mr. Bartos.  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 had nothing new to report.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Developments and Construction Updates.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reported:  Pimlico Farms -  the Township has issued one building permit and one foundation permit for this  forty-six lot single family home subdivision; Walgreen’s - proceeding forward; Reserve at Penn Crossing - Township has issued thirty-nine building permits and eleven units have gone to settlement; Swede Square Shopping Center - new tenant Minado to open in January 2006; Mercy Suburban General Hospital parking lot completed thirty thousand square foot addition proceeding forward with a completion date of 2008; East Norriton Middle School trying to have children utilize the new section of the school and start old area next year; DeSage Property - Skrolling Stone Associates constructed an addition and looking for tenant; and MRA Car Wash started construction.

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 project – rejected bids this evening due to budgetary restraints; B.  Briar Lane and Hillcrest Avenue Watershed – work is pending funding; C.  Lawnton Road, Lafayette and Springview Roads looking at slip lining the sewer main and laterals; D.  Faith Drive – Township to fund work through the Sanitary Sewer Outfall Fund, on agenda to authorize funding; E.  605 Meadowbrook Road – pending funding; and F.  Stream erosion around sanitary sewer manhole located behind Stony Creek Road near Roland Drive to provide cost to Township to perform a study.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Traffic Issues.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reported:  A. Germantown Pike/Whitehall Road working with PECO on relocation of utility pole; B. Township Line Road traffic study – pending funding from the County; and C. Roland Drive – the Township has received a request to lift the drive through traffic prohibitions on weekends.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to authorize the school district to change the signs so that the hours of prohibition would only be Monday through Friday.  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, U. S. Route 202 Widening.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reported project slated to begin Spring of 2007 pending funding.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Deer Hunt Farm Park.  The Farm Park has scheduled an additional day of hunting to reduce the antlerless deer population on Wednesday, January 11, 2006.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the first item under “New Business”, Resolution No, 2264 – Fee Schedule.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe briefly reviewed the Township’s Fee Schedule changes.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2264.  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. 2266 – Schedule Public Hearing – Open Space Plan.  This item was deferred until the Reorganization meeting Tuesday, January 3, 2006.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Resolution No. 2267 – Annual Budget for 2006.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2267.  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. 2268 – Tax Levy for 2006.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2268 authorizing the real estate tax levy to fund the 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, Resolution No. 2269 – Affirmation of Requirement of payments by members into pension plans. Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2269 affirming the requirements of the members to contribute accordingly through payroll deductions.  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, Budget Adjustments.  Assistant Township Manager, Mr. Delamater reviewed the final budget adjustments for the fiscal year 2005.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to approve the budget adjustments.  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, Liquid Fuels Fund Audit Reports for the Year ended December 31, 2004.  This is an informational item that the Township has received the liquid fuels audit report for the period ending December 31, 2004.  There were no findings and the report is available for public review during regular business hours.

Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Plymouth Ambulance Association.    Police Chief, Mr. John McGowan briefly reported that the County is monitoring the situation and does not expect anything to change in the near future.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Draft Act 537 Plan Update, Sewer Facilities Regional Plan.  Mr. Matt Brown of ARRO Consulting  is reviewing the draft Act 537 Plan Update which was prepared by EDM Consultants, Inc. and will be providing comments in the near future.

Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Expenditure Authorization.  A.  Faith Drive Drainage Work – to be financed from the Sewer Outfall Fund $24,463.00; B.  Road Improvement Program Final Payment- $11,862.30; C.  Board Members e-mail address - $570.00; and D.  PSATS Dues and Fees - $2,201.00.  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.  PSATS 2006 Convention – Supervisors and Manager.  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 reported on possible legislation dealing with tax relief.

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

Mr. Gracia announced that the Township is accepting nominations for Distinguished Citizens Award.  Forms are available at the Township Administration Building.

Mr. McQuirns reviewed the meeting schedule for December 19, 2005 through. February 28, 2006.

The Chairman and Board of Supervisors wished everyone a Happy Holiday, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Mr. McQuirns noted that this was Mr. Denner’s last meeting and thanked him for serving on the Board of Supervisors for the past four years.  Mr. Gracia echoed this sentiment.

Mr. Gracia recognized in attendance the Township’s Park and Recreation Director, Mr. Larry Brown and Public Works Director, Mr. Joseph Sorgini.

There being no other business to come before the Board, the Chairman asked if there were any residents who wished to speak,  Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald on behalf of the Township staff thanked Mr. Denner for his dedicated service.

Mr. Gracia made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 p.m.. After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.

Helmuth J. H. Baerwald
Township Secretary