The Regular Meeting of the Board of Supervisors of East Norriton Township was called to order by the Chairman, Mr. Donald Gracia, at 7:02 p.m. on Tuesday, February 28, 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, Presentation of Proclamation - Gerard Geisel.  The Board of Supervisors presented Gerard Geisel with a proclamation for serving on the East Norriton Township Industrial Development Authority.

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Police Department Unit Commendation.  Police Chief, Mr. John McGowan presented a unit commendation to Detective Sergeant Peter Mastrocola, Sergeant Craig Walters, Officer Michael Myers and Officer Matthew Brannen for their quick response to a “theft in progress” on February 3, 2006.

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Proclamation Honorable Discharge Officer Joseph Strycharz – Resolution No. 2281.  The Board of Supervisors presented Officer Joseph Strycharz with a proclamation recognizing his dedication to his duties since December, 1987.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2281.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously.  The proclamation was presented to Officer Strycharz who was in attendance with his spouse and children.

            Mr. Staufenberg made a motion pursuant to the Police Tenure Act, to grant an honorable discharge to Officer Joseph Strycharz because he suffers from a physical disability which prevents him from performing his full duties as a police officer.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Serratore and approved unanimously.

            Mr. Serratore made a motion that the Township terminates Officer Strycharz’s Heart and Lung benefits because his injury is now permanent such that those benefits will be replaced with a lifetime disability pension.  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, Opening bids on Equipment Leasing and Road Materials for 2006.  The Chairman asked if there were any additional bids.  Mrs. Heckman made a motion to close the bids for the Equipment Leasing and Road Materials for 2006.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Serratore and approved unanimously.

The bids for the Equipment Leasing and Road Materials for 2006 were opened and the following were announced as submitting bids:  Glasgow Inc.; Highway Materials; JDM Materials Co.; and T & T Contracting.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to defer the awarding of bids for review by Township staff and recommendation at the March regular meeting.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Heckman and approved unanimously. 

The Chairman made an announcement that the Board of Supervisors held a special workshop meeting on February 13, 2006 for general purposes and met earlier this evening in Executive Session to discuss matters of personnel and litigation.       

            Mr. Serratore made a motion to approve the minutes of the Open Space meeting held on January 24, 2006 and the regular meeting held on January 24, 2006.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Heckman and approved unanimously.

Mr. Serratore made a motion to approve the Finance Reports for January, 2006.  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 January, 2006 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 January, 2006.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Heckman and approved unanimously.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the first item under “Old Business”, Appointment to Planning Commission.  At the January 24, 2006 regular meeting Ordinance No. 485 was approved increasing the number of members on the East Norriton Township Planning Commission from seven members to nine members.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to schedule interviews with individuals interested in serving on the commission prior to the March regular meeting.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously.

Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, Resolution No. 2258 – Set Time and Place for Public Hearing.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reviewed the possible rezoning of the Clemens property off of Old Arch Road.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to table this item until the March regular meeting.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Heckman and approved unanimously.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Open Space Presentation at MONTCO Open Space Board.  Mr. Serratore provided a brief report on the Township’s Open Space Plan which was presented at the MONTCO Open Space Board meeting on Tuesday, February 14, 2006.

Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, Meeting with DEP regarding Handy and Harmon.  Mr. Staufenberg provided a brief report on the meeting that was held at the Department of Environmental Protection offices in Norristown regarding the Handy and Harmon Tube Co. Clean Air Act violations. 

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Plymouth Ambulance Association.  Police Chief, Mr. John McGowan reported there is nothing new to report since last month’s meeting.

Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, Sharon G. Corporation development - 1026 Germantown Pike.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe provided a brief update on the Sharon G. Corporation development, and that the Township has been granting extension after extension on formal action for this proposed development for approximately two years.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Developments and Construction Updates.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reported:  Pimlico Farms – two buildings are being constructed presently for the forty-six lot single family development; Walgreens – hoping to open Friday, March 3, 2006; Reserve at Penn Crossing – thirty-nine building permits have been issued, twelve units have gone to settlement of this seventy-eight unit triplex development; Jefferson Crossing – first building (six units) out of the ground, starting the third foundation.  Waiting for water to be supplied to the site; Swede Square Shopping Center – Minado opened February 14, 2006; Scenic Park – working through the land development for two thirty-three thousand square foot office buildings; Mercy Suburban General Hospital – work is continuing on the thirty thousand square foot addition and the additional one hundred and seventy-five car parking lot is completed; East Norriton Middle School – seventy thousand square foot addition complete and the students occupied this new area in January 2006.  The new traffic signal at Roland Drive and Township Line Road was placed into full operation on October 18, 2006; DeSage Property – addition has been constructed and a doctor’s group will occupy the whole building; MRA Car Wash – building is out of the ground with a completion in the next ninety days; Evergreen Terrace – ten lot subdivision proposed; Valenza Property – three story office building proceeding forward; Miller Brothers Electric – proposing a warehouse/office for the vacant land at the end of Felton Road; Northwoods –proposed development for an aged restricted independent/assisted living building is moving through the land development process; and Williamstadt – proposed an aged restricted retirement community.

Mr. McQuirns made a motion to add to the agenda, Evergreen Terrace.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Serratore and approved unanimously.

Mr. McQuirns made a motion to send the Township Solicitor to represent the Board of Supervisors and support the developer’s relief request at the Zoning Hearing Board.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was approved four to one with Mr. Staufenberg opposing.

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 Roads Storm Drainage Work project – waiting for equipment bids for 2006; B. Briar Lane and Hillcrest Avenue Watershed – completing survey work; C. Lawnton Road, Lafayette and Springview Roads – pending funding; D. Faith Drive – work has been scheduled for late spring/summer – Mr. Blue to inspect possible inlet malfunction in this area; E. 605 Meadowbrook Road – working on cost proposal; and F.  stream erosion around sanitary sewer manhole located behind Stony Creek Road – survey work completed, to schedule meeting with Department of Environmental Protection to review scope of project.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Traffic Issues.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reported:  A. Germantown Pike/Whitehall Road – utility pole to be relocated soon; B. Township Line Road traffic improvements – pending funding by the County and Skippack Township’s involvement; C. Germantown Pike Corridor – work pending future funding; and D. Roland Drive –signs have been installed.

Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, US Route 202 Widening.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reported PADOT has notified properties along the DeKalb Pike corridor and the East Norriton section has a proposed schedule to begin the fall of 2007.

Resident, Rob Schottmiller of 547 Barbara Drive questioned why the traffic patterns on Whitehall Road/Germantown Pike were not identified when Walgreens/WaWa were built.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe replied PECO would relocate the pole in front of Beneficial Bank first then when funding was available the radius in front of Walgreens would be corrected.

Mr. Staufenberg introduced the first item under “New Business”, Soil Conservation Waiver Request – Olivet Church.  The Township has received a waiver request from the Engineer for the Olivet Schwenkfelder Church of Christ.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe explained the soil conservation waiver request.    Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve the requested waiver.  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, Waiver of Land Development Permits - Wachovia Bank - Resolution No. 2283.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reviewed the former Frank’s Nursery site is to be demolished and a Wachovia Bank will be built on the site.  Resolution No. 2283 will waive the East Norriton Township subdivision requirements for the reconstruction of the Wachovia Bank and the applicant is responsible for all fees incurred conditioned upon the Use and Occupancy that will be issued.  Mrs. Heckman made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2283.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously.

Mr. Staufenberg announced that East Norriton Township is the recipient of the First Place Award of the  Pennsylvania State Association of Township Communications contest for its quarterly newsletter.  The Board of Supervisors commended Messrs. Brown and Delamater for the fine work they do in preparing the newsletter.

Mrs. Heckman introduced the next item on the agenda, Verizon Agreement – Resolution No. 2282.  Assistant Township Manager, Mr. Donald Delamater briefly explained the agreement with the Montgomery County Consortium and Verizon.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to execute the agreement and approve Resolution No. 2282.  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, Waiver of Building Permit Fees – Cole Manor Elementary School.  The Township has received a letter from the Norristown Area School District requesting a waiver of the building permit fees for the Cole Manor Elementary School.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to waive one third of the building permit fees for the Cole Manor Elementary School.  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, Veteran’ Memorial Fund Raiser.  This is an informational item, 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.  Tickets are available at the Township building.  The proceeds will benefit the Veteran’s Memorial Maintenance Fund.

Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, MONTCO Department of Housing and Community Development Block Grant Program.  This is an informational item, Assistant Township Manager, Mr. Donald Delamater reviewed the Community Development Block Grant Program for the general purpose of low income areas.

Mrs. Heckman introduced the next item on the agenda, Pennsylvania American Water Company and the Norristown Waste System Authority.  This is an informational item, a number of East Norriton Township residents have received an erroneous mailing which was generated by the Pennsylvania American Water Company and included a billing from the Norristown Waste System Authority.  The Township has written a letter to Pennsylvania American Water Company and we have been assured that the problem will be rectified and the Township residents who have mistakenly paid this fee will be reimbursed.

Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Schedule Meeting with the Norriton Fire Engine Company.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to schedule a meeting with the Norriton Fire Engine Company for Thursday, March 30, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. at the Norriton Fire Engine Company main station.  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, Expenditure Authorizations.  Item A.  Authorize Tymco sweeper lease with CalFirst Government and Education Group – six year least at $26,898.54 per year; Item B.  Authorize the purchase of a wood chipper under the State Contract from Cherry Valley Tractor Sales - $31,517.70; and Item C.  Lease two motorcycles - $246.42 per month.  Mrs. Heckman made a motion to authorize items A through C.   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 Authorizations.  Item A.  OPD Spring courses – Homeland Security; Item B.  Officer Training  - Police motorcycle instructor training for Sergeant Pritchett and Officer Pasquale; Item C.  Pathway School Luncheons; Item D.  PSATS Training for Township Secretaries; Item E.  PennBoc Training – Building Inspector; Item F.  FBI LEEDA Conference April 8 – 13, 2006– Chief McGowan; Item G.  Zoning Law & Administration conference April 8, 2006 – Louis Mincarelli; Item H. Chamber of Commerce luncheon March 3, 2006; and Item I.  DVIT trustees retreat – April 26 – 28, 2006.   Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to authorize items A through I.  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, Legislation.  Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald reviewed that the property tax issue is continuing to be debated in Harrisburg.  Mr. Baerwald reported that the Governor has signed the Municipal Police Pension  - Act 89 of 2005  amending the Municipal Police Pension Law to allow Townships to pay length of service increments for twenty-five years or more of service. Mr. Baerwald reviewed the Department of Community and Economic Development County Wide Earned Income Tax Proposal to centralize the collection of these taxes through the PA Department of Revenue. Mrs. Heckman made a motion to authorize Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald to write a letter to the legislators opposing this proposal.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Serratore and approved unanimously.

Mr. Staufenberg reviewed the meeting schedule for February 27^th through April 26^th, 2006.

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. Staufenberg 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. Serratore and approved unanimously.

Helmuth J. H. Baerwald
Township Secretary