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, March 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 Photos – Eleanor Yaworski.  Mrs. Yaworski, Chairperson of the Township’s Historical Advisory Committee presented the Township with photos of the former Jefferson House.

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Awarding of Contract for Road Materials for 2006.  Mr. Gracia read from a memo from Public Works Director, Mr. Joseph Sorgini dated March 23, 2006 recommending the bid for the Road Materials for 2006 be awarded as follows:  blacktop, stone and other paving materials to be awarded to Glasgow Inc., and the concrete bid to be awarded to JDM Concrete. All bidders meet all the Township Specifications.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve Mr. Sorgini’s recommendation for the Road Materials for 2006.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Serratore and approved unanimously.

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Reject Bids for Equipment Leasing.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to reject the lone bid received for the Equipment Leasing and authorize the readvertisement of bids for opening and possible award at the regular meeting in April. After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Serratore and approved unanimously.

            The Chairman announced that the Board of Supervisors met earlier this evening in Executive Session to discuss matters of litigation and personnel and held interviews with candidates for the vacancies on the Planning Commission, Industrial Development Authority and Historical Advisory Committee.

            Mrs. Heckman made a motion to approve the minutes of the Workshop Meeting held on February 13, 2006 and the Regular Meeting of February 28, 2006.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously.

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

The Chairman requested that the reading of the Committee Reports for February, 2006 be deferred and also commented that the Committee Reports were available on the table in the back of the meeting room.  Mrs. Heckman made a motion to approve the Committee Reports for February, 2006.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously.

Mr. Staufenberg introduced the first item under “Old Business” Appointments to the Planning Commission, Industrial Development Authority and Historical Advisory Committee.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to remove Kelly Brodoski from the Historical Advisory Committee as recommended by the Historical Advisory Committee’s letter dated March 1, 2006.   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 Herman Marks to the Historical Advisory Committee to the term ending December 31, 2008.  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 Derek Bell and Danielle Stinson to the East Norriton Township Planning Commission with terms ending December 31, 2009.  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 John Kelly to the East Norriton Industrial Development Authority for the remaining term of Gerard Geisel who resigned, term ending December 31, 2006.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Heckman and approved unanimously. 

Mr. Staufenberg made a motion that all appointments are conditioned on the members regularly attend the meetings of the Committee, Commission and Authority.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Heckman and approved unanimously.

Mrs. Heckman made an announcement that the Veteran’s Memorial Fundraiser Breakfast will be held on Sunday, April 2, 2006 at the Tall Cedars located in Germantown Pike.  Tickets are available at the Township Building.

Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Veteran’s Alleged Charity Scam.  Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald briefly reviewed an internet scam where someone is using “2006 East Norriton Area Fundraising Drive” to solicit funds. 

Mrs. Heckman introduced the next item on the agenda, Plymouth Ambulance Association.  Police Chief, John McGowan reported that everything is still status quo.  Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald read recommendations and suggestions from the interim Chairman and President, John Durante that was approved by the Plymouth Ambulance Board on February 1, 2006.

Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Road Marking Contract.  This is an informational item to advise that the contract has been awarded and road markings will be applied within the next several weeks throughout the Township. 

Mrs. Heckman introduced the next item on the agenda, Developments and Construction Updates.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reported:  Pimlico Farm – two buildings constructed and two more building permits issued; Walgreens – store opened; Reserve at Penn Crossing – seventy-eight unit triplex development, thirty-nine building permits have been issued and twelve units have gone to settlement; 317 West Germantown Pike – pending preliminary approval, to be discussed by the Board of Supervisors later this evening; Mercy Suburban General Hospital – emergency room addition pending opening in April; East Norriton Middle School – students in new section, former section under renovation; Venezia/Calamia – twenty-eight lot subdivision nearing final completion and construction to start in the next ninety days; DeSage Property – occupied by an orthopedic group; Evergreen Terrace – ten lot subdivision has received Conditional Use approval from the Board of Supervisors for five sets of twins; Northwoods – plans pending review; and Williamstadt – aged restricted retirement community under review.

Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Storm Drainage Issues/Projects.  Township Engineer, Mr. Glenn Eby reported:  A. North Whitehall and Township Line Roads Storm Drainage – meet with PADOT  regarding project; B.  Briar Lane and Hillcrest Avenue Watershed – work pending cost estimate for Public Works department; C.  Lawnton Road, Lafayette and Springview Roads – work pending funding; D.  Faith Drive – work to begin this Spring; E.  605 Meadowbrook Road – working on cost estimate and options; and F.  Stony Creek Road near Roland Drive – completed survey, Township to schedule a meeting with the Department of Environmental Protection to review the scope of the project.

Mrs. Heckman introduced the next item on the agenda, Sewer Infiltration and Inflow Status Report.  Mr. Matt Brown of ARRO Consulting provided a brief update on the status of the inflow and infiltration study in the western end of the Township. The televising has been completed with ninety-five percent of the laterals failing.  Mr. Brown reviewed the meeting on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 that he attended with the Department of Environmental Protection.  The Department of Environmental Protection was very pleased with the Township’s proactive approach towards establishing a corrective action plan for the west end of the Township.  The Corrective Action Plan submitted by the Township is to be reviewed shortly.   The Department of Environmental Protection volunteered to send a representative to a Township public meeting to review with residents specific problems in the west end of the Township and how they relate with an environmental compliance stand point.

Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Traffic Issues.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe provided an update:  A. Germantown Pike/Whitehall Road – radius work on Germantown Pike is pending funding; B. Township Line Road Traffic Study – the study is pending funding by the County and Skippack Township’s involvement; and C. Germantown Pike Corridor – some traffic signal modifications are being addressed and updated under the Act 209 Traffic Impact but the over whole corridor is years away because of the funding.

Mrs. Heckman introduced the next item on the agenda, US Route 202 Widening.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reported work to begin the fall of 2007.

Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, Resolution No. 2284 – Sanitary Sewer Module Exemption – Northwood Executive Campus.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2284.  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. 2285 – Conditional Preliminary Approval of Miller, Felton Road L.D.  Mr. Rob Lewis a representative from Miller Brothers presented the proposed subdivision/land development plan.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2285.  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. 2286 – Conditional Final Approval of Frangioso, New Hope Street Minor Subdivision.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe briefly explained the minor subdivision of Salvatore and Beverly Frangioso.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2286.  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. 2287 – Opposing Statewide and Federal Cable Franchising Legislation.  Assistant Township Manager, Mr. Donald Delamater explained Resolution No. 2287 opposing statewide cable franchising legislation in Pennsylvania and federal cable franchising legislation in Washington, D.C. Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2287.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.

Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, Resolution No. 2288 – Sanitary Sewer Module Exemption – DeStefano – 323 Bristol Street.   Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio explained Resolution No. 2288 subdivision sanitary sewer module exemption request.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to approve Resolution No.  2288.  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. 2289 – Conditional Approval of Land Development at 317 West Germantown Pike Office Complex.  Pierce Anderson a representative for Philomeno & Salamone presented the proposed land development for 317 West Germantown Pike Offices and the completion of a secondary emergency access.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve Resolution No.  2289.  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, Audits of Recipients of Township Contributions.  Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald asked the Board of Supervisors for direction with the Township requiring audited financial statements from all entities to which the Township or its agencies/authorities make sizeable and/or significant contributions on behalf of the tax payers of this Township in advance of any further contributions. The Board of Supervisors asked for a list of all contributions made in the year 2005.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to table this item until next month’s meeting.  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, Advertising for new Police Hires.  Police Chief, Mr. John McGowan explained there are no openings at the present time but there are a number of eligible for retirement soon so the department would like to be prepared.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to authorize advertising for new police officers.  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, Johnson Highway Addresses.   Police Chief, John McGowan explained the property numbering along Johnson Highway both the East Norriton Township side and the Norristown Borough side having the same numbering.  In addition, Chief McGowan noted that with two recent public safety incidents, Norristown was dispatched to the incidents when the property was in East Norriton Township.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to support and proceed with  Chief McGowan’s recommendation and have the Township Manager send a letter to the residents to advise the residents that this matter will be discussed at the April 18, 2006 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, Norristown Farm Park Master Plan.  Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald reported the Master Plan for the Norristown Farm Park is under review.  The Township supports the Farm Park Preservation Association issues of prohibiting a thru road.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to affirm the Township’s position of submission to the County to acquire property south and west of the cemetery.  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, Renovation of 530 Germantown Pike to a Child Advocacy Center.  This is an informational item Police Chief, John McGowan reported the property at 530 Germantown Pike is proposed to be refurbished and turned into a Child Advocacy Center, a center for victims not offenders.  The Board of Supervisors thanked ABC Builders, First Assistant District Attorney Risa Ferman and everyone who is committed to this project.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, National Incident Management System (NIMS).  Police Chief, Mr. John McGowan reviewed how the Township will come in compliance with the requirements of NIMS.

Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, Shade Tree Commission.  Mr. Serratore reported that the Shade Tree Commission would like to ask the Board of Supervisors for a budget for developing a plan to identity and mark certain trees in the Township.  The Chairman suggested the Shade Tree Commission look at  the Boy Scouts for assistance with this project.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Public Works Department Work Schedule for 2006.  Mr. McQuirns reviewed the Public Works project list for 2006.

Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, Audits of the Township, Veteran’s Memorial Committee, East Norriton – Plymouth – Whitpain Joint Sewer Authority and Industrial Development Authority. Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald made a formal announcement that all audits are available at the Township building during regular business hours. 

The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Schedule Public Forum.  Mr. Gracia reported that residents have approached him to have to the Board of Supervisors have some sort of informal meetings.  Mrs. Heckman made a motion to support the informal meeting concept and discuss at the April 18, 2006 regular meeting.  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, Schedule Interviews for Sanitary Sewer Engineering Consultant.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to schedule a date for interviews for sanitary sewer engineering consultants. 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, Announce Meeting with the Norriton Fire Engine Company Board of Trustees. Mr. McQuirns announced the Board of Supervisors will be meeting with the Norriton Fire Engine Company Board of Trustees on Thursday, March 30, 2006.

Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, Expenditure Authorization.  Item A.  Comminutor Replacement for Timberlake Pumping Station - $24,782.00; Item B.  Meeting Room Podium and rewiring - $7,000.00; Item C.  Printing of State of the Township Report - $2,573.00; and Item D.  Detention Basins Cutting - $680.00 per cutting.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to approve items A through D.  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, Attendance Authorizations.  Item A.  PSATS Conference Berkheimer Cocktail reception and Item B.  PRIMA 2006 Annual Conference Township Manager June 11 to June 15, 2006.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve items A and B.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Heckman and approved unanimously.

Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, Legislation.  Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald reviewed SB1000 known as the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act and will have the Township’s Code Enforcement department review the bill.  Mr. Baerwald reviewed the PSATS News Bulletin the NIMS training required for Township supervisors is at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at the Hershey Lodge during the upcoming convention.  Mr. Baerwald reported the court held that a municipality may not impose administrative fees on waste haulers or establish a licensing program for them. Mr. Baerwald reported PSATS is opposing a bill that resurrects the issue of charging municipalities for State Police services.  House Bill 2454 which is currently before the House State Government Committee would impose an annual fee of one hundred dollars per resident on local governments that have a population of at least nine thousand and receive full-time State Police service.  Mrs. Heckman made a motion to authorize the Township Manager to write a letter supporting House Bill 2454 that would require municipalities to pay for State Police services.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously.

Mr. McQuirns reviewed the meeting schedule for March 28^th through April 28^th, 2006.

The Chairman introduced an additional item, YMCA Flea Market and Family Fun Day and Lawnton Road Yard Sale fee waiver.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to waive the fees for the YMCA Flea Market to be held Saturday, April 8, 2006 at the Norristown Farm Park and the residents of Lawnton and Lafayette Roads yard sale to be held Saturday, May 6, 2006.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Heckman and approved unanimously.

Township Manger, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald asked for direction from the Board of Supervisors about the Clemen’s property rezoning request.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to not schedule public hearing as requested by the applicant.  The motion was seconded by Mrs. Heckman and was approved unanimously. 

There being no other business to come before the Board, the Chairman asked if there were any residents who wished to speak, Ms. Felicia Gray a new resident  expressed concerns with the trash from Deon Square.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reported that Deon Square has been issued a violation after talking with them twice.

Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:05 p.m. After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Heckman and approved unanimously.

Helmuth J. H. Baerwald
Township Secretary