The Regular Meeting of the Board of Supervisors of East Norriton Township was called to order by the Chairman, Mr. Donald Gracia, at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 24, 2006, at the Township Municipal Building.  Supervisors present were Donald J. Gracia, Lewis K. McQuirns, James K. Staufenberg, James J. Serratore and Karen “Kandy” Heckman.

            Following roll call, Mr. Gracia offered a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance was then recited by all in attendance.

 The Chairman introduced the first item on the agenda, Distinguished Citizen 2005 – Patricia Angelucci.  The Board of Supervisors presented Mrs. Angelucci with a certificate in recognition of her seventeen years of dedicated service to the Patrician Society, a non-profit human services agency which conducts various programs in the greater Norristown area.

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Presentation of Certificate of Heroism – Anita McHugh.  Mr. Staufenberg showed a video presentation of the severe fire which precipitated the courageous and heroic life saving efforts of Anita McHugh on the evening of December 20, 2005 at the home of her elderly neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Allmond at 3201 Patricia Circle.  The Board of Supervisors presented Mrs. McHugh with a certificate of heroism.

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Presentation of Proclamation – Francis “Bud” Denner. The Board of Supervisors presented Mr. Denner with a proclamation for his dedicated service as a member and Chairman of the East Norriton Township Board of Supervisors, a member and Chairman of the East Norriton Township Planning Commission, as Chairman of the East Norriton Township Open Space Committee, and continues to serve as the Chairman of the East Norriton Veteran’s Memorial Committee.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to approve Proclamation/Resolution No. 2272.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously.

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Presentation of Proclamation – Frank Brouse.  Mr. Brouse served as a member of the East Norriton Township Shade Tree Commission. Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve Proclamation/Resolution No. 2273.   After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Heckman and approved unanimously.

The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Presentation of Proclamation – Ed Duffy. Mr. Duffy served as a member of the East Norriton Township Planning Commission.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to approve Proclamation/Resolution No. 2274. After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously.

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Police Department Commendation – Officer Lawrence Thomson.  Police Chief, Mr. John McGowan presented Officer Thomson with a commendation for his professional and decisive action leading to the arrest for alleged fire arson on January 15, 2006.

            Mrs. Heckman made a motion to add to the agenda a Settlement Agreement with East Norriton Township and Mr. Calvin Lucas.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously.

            Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio briefly reviewed the settlement agreement between East Norriton Township and Mr. Calvin Lucas.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve the settlement agreement with Mr. Calvin Lucas and East Norriton Township.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Heckman and approved unanimously.

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Reject Bids for Skid Mounted Odor Control System.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to reject the one bid for the skid mounted odor control system.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously.

The Chairman made an announcement that the Board of Supervisors held a public meeting earlier this evening with the Open Space Plan Committee and some members of the Planning Commission to review the Township’s draft Open Space Plan and met prior to the public meeting in Executive Session to discuss matters of personnel and litigation.  

Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held on December 20, 2005 and the re-organization meeting held on January 3, 2006.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Serratore and approved unanimously.

Mr. Serratore made a motion to approve the Finance Reports for December, 2005.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously.

The Chairman requested that the reading of the Committee Reports for December, 2005 be deferred and also commented that the Committee Reports were available on the table in the back of the meeting room.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve the Committee Reports for December, 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 under “Old Business”, Ordinance No. 485.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 485 increasing the number of members on the East Norriton Township Planning Commission from seven members to nine members.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Serratore and approved unanimously.

Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, Resolution No. 2242 – Tone 2000 – preliminary approval of subdivision.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reviewed Resolution No. 2242 granting conditional, preliminary approval of the application for the proposed land development located at 2935 Whitehall Road.  A representative for the developer presented the proposed plan for the eight lot residential development. The Township Manager informed the applicant of severe inflow and infiltration in a sewer main line to which his property is connected.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2242 – Tone 2000.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Township Vacancies.  The Township still has a number of vacancies to fill on the different boards and commissions of the Township.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to defer appointment to the Planning Commission for one month to meet the effective date of the ordinance adopted earlier in the meeting.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Heckman and approved unanimously.

Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to appoint Thomas Brodoski to the Shadetree Commission.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Serratore and approved unanimously

Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, Rahway Avenue Water Line. Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald briefly explained the Pennsylvania American Water Company Agreement.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to authorize the Township Manager to execute agreement indicating there are no funds owed to Pennsylvania American Water Company for the Rahway Avenue water line installation.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Serratore and approved unanimously

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Developments and Construction Updates.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reported:  Pimlico Farms – two building permits have been issued for the forty-six lot single family home subdivision; Reserve at Penn Crossing – thirty-nine building permit issued, twelve units have gone to settlement of the seventy-eight upscale triplex residential development; Jefferson House Restaurant – one building permit and two foundation permits have been issued; Swede Square Shopping Center – Minando a Japanese restaurant looking to open the beginning of February; and Mercy Suburban General Hospital -  work is progressing on the thirty thousand square foot addition with the super structure erected and the additional one hundred seventy-five car parking lot is completed.

Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, Storm Drainage Issues/Projects. Township Engineer, Mr. Robert Blue reported:  A. North Whitehall and Township Line Road Storm Drainage Work – talking with developer of the Heatherwood development; B. Briar Lane and Hillcrest Avenue watershed – pending funding; C.  Lawnton Road storm water system design plans – proceeding with slip lining the sewer mains and laterals; D. Faith Drive – work to be scheduled, weather permitting; E.  605 Meadowbrook Road – spoke with resident about illegal fence installation within the township’s easement; F.  Stony Creek Road near Roland Drive stream erosion around a sanitary sewer manhole -  survey proposal being considered later on the agenda; and G.  Rahway Avenue area sanitary sewer manhole – work to be handled by the Public Works Department.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Traffic Issues. Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reported:  A. Germantown Pike/Whitehall Road – PECO submitted design plan to Township, Township trying to get easement for the guide wire  for the property owner; B.  Township Line Road traffic study – still in discussion; and C.  Roland Drive – Norristown Area School District to install signs to lift the drive through traffic prohibitions on weekends.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, US Route 202 Widening.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reported East Norriton Township is now scheduled for the Fall of 2007.  Property owners along the corridor have received letters from PADOT concerning construction easements. 

Mrs. Heckman introduced the first item under “New Business”, Resolution No. 2275 – Schedule of Rates for Towing Establishments.   Police Chief, John McGowan reviewed the rate changes for towing establishments.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2275.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Serratore and approved unanimously.

Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Resolution No.  2276 – Adopting Sanitary Sewer Module Exemption request – Tone 2000.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Shoupe reviewed Resolution No. 2276 adopting the Tone 2000 subdivision sanitary sewer module exemption.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2276.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Heckman and approved unanimously.

Mrs. Heckman introduced the next item on the agenda, 2277 - Adopting Sanitary Sewer Module Exemption request – Pimlico Farms Phase II.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reviewed Resolution No. 2277 adopting the Pimlico Farms subdivision sanitary sewer module exemption.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2277.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Heckman and approved unanimously.

Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, DCED Survey of the Township’s Financial Condition for the Year 2005.  Assistant Township Manager, Mr. Donald Delamater reviewed the Township’s Financial Condition for the Year 2005 survey.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to authorize the Chairman to execute the survey.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Serratore and approved unanimously.

Mrs. Heckman introduced the next item on the agenda, Request Authorizing bids on Equipment Leasing and Road Materials for 2006. Mrs. Heckman made a motion to authorize advertisement of bids for Equipment Leasing and Road Material for opening at the February 28, 2006 regular meeting.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Serratore and approved unanimously.

Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Request for the use of Norris City Cemetery corner stones. The Township has received a request from the Norristown Yellow Cab Company to obtain the pile of corner markers removed from the Norris City Cemetery and use as barricades at their company.  Norristown Yellow Cab will supply all labor and expenses in removing this pile from the Township and make a one hundred and fifty dollar donation to the cemetery.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve the request pending approval from the Township’s insurance carrier.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Heckman and approved unanimously.

Mrs. Heckman introduced the next item on the agenda, Proposed Personnel Policy Amendment. Assistant Township Manager, Mr. Donald Delamater provided a brief update on the proposed amendment.  Mrs. Heckman made a motion to approve the proposed amendment to the personnel policy.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Serratore and approved unanimously.

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Plymouth Ambulance Association. Police Chief, Mr. John McGowan provided an update.

Mrs. Heckman introduced the next item on the agenda, Expenditure Authorization.  Item A.  Land surveying proposal for sanitary sewer profile for Stoney Creek - $3,957.00; Item B.  Penn Christian Academy Sponsorship – refer to the ENT - IDA; Item C.  Montgomery County Consortium – Verizon Intergovernmental Agreement and share of legal cost - $226.05; Item D.  Pension Funds Investment Advisory Services – Conrad Siegel - $4,000.00 - $6,000.00; Item E.  Taft Road Lining of sewer manholes – Terre Hill Composites - $8,758.27;  Item F.  Norriton Fire Engine Company Truck Loan Payment - $42,000.00; Item G.  Norriton Fire Engine Company Deferred Benefit Plan - $15,000.00; Item H.  Police Vehicles - $87,668.00; Item I.  Traffic Signal Standards and Loops; Item J. Street Sweeper Lease Purchase Agreement & Resolution #2278 and K.  Two sets of Bleachers for the Stanbridge Street Park - $6,806.00.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to authorize items A through K.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Serratore and approved unanimously.

Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Attendance Authorization.  Item A.  Police Officer Training – March 14^th – 16^th, 2006; Item B.  Montgomery County Foundation Awards Dinner – Joan Morello; Item C.  MCATO Spring Convention – Supervisors, Tax Collector, Auditors and Manager; Item D.  PELRAS Training Conference – Assistant Township Manager; Item E.  New Supervisors Training Seminars; and Item F.  2006 Municipal Road Maintenance Seminar – Township Staff.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to authorize item A through F.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Heckman. and approved unanimously.

Mrs. Heckman introduced the next item on the agenda, Legislation.  Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth J. Baerwald reviewed House Bill 881 pertaining to changing the Uniform Construction Code.  Mr. Serratore made a motion authorizing the Township Manager to write a letter to the legislators in opposition of House Bill 881.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Heckman and approved unanimously.  Mr. Baerwald also reviewed House Bill 1902 that would require municipalities to establish a leaf and yard waste collection program in order to receive grants for recycling.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to authorize the Township Manager to write a letter to the legislators in opposition of House Bill 1902.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Heckman and approved unanimously.

The Chairman reviewed the meeting schedule for January 23 through. March 28, 2006.

The Chairman made an announcement that the Veteran’s Memorial Committee will be holding an all you can eat breakfast on Sunday, April 2, 2006 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Tall Cedars Club.  The proceeds will benefit the Veteran’s Memorial Maintenance Fund.

Mr. Serratore made a motion to authorize the Township Manager to schedule a workshop meeting with the Township staff for Monday, February 13, 2006 at 6:00 p.m.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg 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. Serratore made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:01 p.m. After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously.

Helmuth J. H. Baerwald
Township Secretary