The Regular Meeting of the Board of Supervisors of East Norriton Township was called to order by the Chairman, Mr. Donald Gracia, at 7:05 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18, 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 – Vera Fedorkiw – Dedicated Township Employee – Resolution No. 2295.  The Board of Supervisors presented Vera Fedorkiw a proclamation for her dedicated service to the Township since October, 1979.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2295.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by McQuirns and approved unanimously.

The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Open Bids for Equipment Leasing for 2006.  The Chairman asked if there were any additional bids.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to close the bids for the Equipment Leasing 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 for 2006 were opened and the following were announced as submitting bids:  T & T Contracting, Inc. and P. K. Moyer & Sons.  The bids were deferred at this time for review by the Public Works Director, Mr. Joseph Sorgini for recommendation later in the meeting.

            The Chairman announced that the Board of Supervisors met earlier this evening in Executive Session to discuss matters of litigation and personnel, volunteered with the Veterans Memorial Breakfast fundraiser on Sunday, April 2, 2006 and attended the Little League Season opening on Saturday, April 8, 2006.  The Board of Supervisors also met with the Norriton Fire Engine Company Board of Trustees on Thursday, March 30, 2006.

            Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 28, 2006.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Serratore and approved unanimously.

Mr. Staufenberg 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 March, 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 March, 2006.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously.

            Mr. Serratore introduced the first item under “Old Business” Resolution No. 2294 – ACT 537 – Adoption of Official Sewage Facilities Plan update.  This is a formality which is required before the Township submits its Act 537 Plan to the Department of Environmental Protection.  This plan will also be part of a joint Act 537 Plan being submitted to the Department of Environmental Protection by the East Norriton Plymouth Whitpain Joint Sewer Authority.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2294.   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, Johnson Highway Address. Police Chief, John McGowan reviewed two recent incidents that occurred on Johnson Highway in East Norriton Township where the Norristown Police Department was dispatched instead of the East Norriton Police Department.  Chief McGowan recommends renumbering Johnson Highway from Swede Road to New Hope Street and fixing the problem once and for all.  Several Johnson Highway residents expressed concerns with how the renumbering will affect them financially and questioned the need for the renumbering and why Norristown Borough can’t change there numbering.  Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio reported that the Township staff will work with the business owners on the implementation of a time frame. Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to change all the address numbering in a time table to be determined.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved three to zero with Mrs. Heckman and Mr. Gracia abstaining. 

            Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, Norristown Farm Park Master Plan.  Township Manger, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald reviewed this informational item; the Township’s goals do not differ with those of the Master Plan. However, the Township does have requests pertaining to the land that is south of the cemetery.  The Township is in full agreement with the no through road concept in the Farm Park.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Financial Accountability Policy. Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald recommends that all donations over one thousand dollars that the Township receive an audit or at least a financial statement from the organization.  Mr. Serratore made a motion that requiring an audit or at least a financial statement for organizations which the Township donates one thousand dollars or more a year.  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, Development and Construction Updates.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reported:  Pimlico Farms – three building permits issued of the forty-six lot single family home subdivision; Reserve at Penn Crossing – thirty-nine building permits have been issued and thirteen units have gone to settlement of the seventy-eight units; Jefferson Crossing – first building being finalized and second building being started; 317 West Germantown Pike – proposed thirty-three square foot office building going through the land development phase; Mercy Suburban General Hospital – additional parking lot is completed, new expanded emergency room is open and township staff is inspecting the second floor; MRA Car Wash – the building is under construction, storm sewer sanitary work is proceeding; Evergreen Terrace – proposed ten lot subdivision is proceeding through the land development process; Valenza Property – proposed two story office building; Miller Brothers Electric – proposed warehouse office; Northwoods – proposed flex development; and Williamstadt – proposed sixty-six unit aged restricted development.  

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Storm Drainage Issues/Projects.  Township Engineer, Mr. Bob Blue reported:  Item A.  North Whitehall and Township Line Roads Storm Drainage work project – pending funding; Item B.  Briar Lane and Hillcrest Avenue watershed – reviewed proposed plan to address standing water problem, cannot expand the scope of the project unless more funding is available; Item C.  Storm Water System design plans for Lawnton Road, Lafayette and Springview Roads – pending funding;  Item D.  Faith Drive drainage problem - work is scheduled for April; Item E.  605 Meadowbrook Road – working on detailed cost estimate; and Item F.  Stream erosion around sanitary sewer manhole located behind Stony Creek Road near Roland Drive – to schedule meeting with the Department of Environmental Protection.

            Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, Sewer Infiltration and Inflow Status Report.  Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald reviewed the Township’s first quarter report for the Corrective Action Plan and a list of the priority connections.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Sewer Lateral Repairs Meeting.   Mr. McQuirns made a motion to authorize the Township Manager to schedule the Sewer Later Repairs meeting for later in May at the Board of Supervisors availability for the week of May 22, 2006.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Heckman and approved unanimously.

            The Chairman called on Public Works Director, Mr. Joseph Sorgini for the bid award recommendation for the Equipment Leasing for 2006.  Mr. Sorgini recommended all bids for the Equipment Leasing for 2006 be awarded to P.K. Moyer and Sons.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to award the Equipment Leasing for 2006 to P. K. Moyer and Sons per Mr. Sorgini’s recommendation.  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, Traffic Issues.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe provided an update:   Item 1.  Germantown Pike/Whitehall Road – the curb realignment and utility poles are to be relocated in the next three weeks; Item 2. Township Line Road traffic study – pending funding; and item 3.  Germantown Pike Corridor – pending funding.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, US Route 202 Widening. Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reported the East Norriton section construction is proposed to start September 2007.  Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald reported that East Norriton Township is scheduled to have three informational cameras installed along Route 202.

            Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, Route 202 Sidewalk Agreement with PADOT. Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald reviewed a draft Sidewalk Maintenance Agreement from PADOT.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to authorize execution of the Sidewalk Maintenance Agreement from PADOT subject to removal of certain provisions.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the first item under “New Business”, Resolution No. 2290 – Extension Agreement State Turnback – Old Arch Road, Resolution No. 2291 – Extension Agreement State Turnback – Burnside / Potshop Roads, Resolution No. 2292 – Extension Agreement State Turnback – Swede Road and Resolution No. 2293 – Extension Agreement State Turnback – Whitehall Road.  Assistant Township Manager, Mr. Donald Delamater briefly explained the resolutions, since the Township has not expended all of the road turnback funds; the Township has requested the extension until December 31, 2007.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve Resolutions No. 2290, 2291, 2292 and 2993.  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, 2006 Proposed Resolutions – PSATS.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to authorize the Township delegates to vote on the 2006 proposed resolutions in the best interest of the Township.  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, 2208 Old Arch Street Request.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reviewed a request received from an attorney for the applicant requesting to rezone the property at 2208 Old Arch Street (Clemens Market property) from AR to BR-1.  The developer’s attorney, planner and engineer provided a presentation on the proposed rezoning to BR-1 for the proposed ten residential lots.  At this time the Township staff does not have a recommendation on this proposal.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to schedule a public hearing for June 7, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. to include an additional three properties along Old Arch Road and possibly the other AR properties along New Hope Street depending on the recommendation from the Township planning.  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, Northwood Development.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reviewed the EC II ordinance pertaining to the access drives.  Mr. Shoupe reported the Township staff needs direction with regard to the proposed access drives.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to defer comment until all review letters are received back from consultants.  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, Williamstadt Development.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe briefly presented the landscaping plan for this development.  Mr. Shoupe reported that the proposed access onto Route 202 still has to be addressed.

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Village at Caralea Development.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reviewed the latest sketch plan for this development.

            Mrs. Heckman introduced the next item on the agenda, Review of Meeting with Norriton Fire Company Board of Trustees.  This is an informational item the minutes from the March 30, 2006 meeting are available for review.

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Sewer Rate Adjustment (East Norriton Plymouth Whitpain Joint Sewer Authority Bond Issue).  Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald reviewed his proposal on the sewer rate adjustment which will be necessary to fund the Township’s portion of the recent $14.5 million bond issue by the East Norriton Plymouth Whitpain Joint Sewer Authority.  Mr. Baerwald proposes that the Township use the developer connection fees that will accrue at the Joint Sewer Authority in the interim to pay the Township’s annual contribution for the Joint Sewer Authority’s Bond Issue.  Mr. Baerwald also, proposes to implement a ten dollar a quarter in 2007 and another ten dollar a quarter increase in 2008 to cover this annual bond payment cost.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to start alerting the residents in the newsletter of the possible upcoming sewer rate increase.  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, Expenditure Authorization.  A.  Traffic Planning and Design – Proposal for Traffic Impact update - $9,850.00; B.  Garage Doors – Cold Storage Building - $4,200.00; C.  Detention Basin Cutting Contract for 2006, 2007 and 2008 - $680.00 per cutting; D. item removed; E. Reimbursement to L. Mincarelli – Zoning Law and Administration Instruction - $340.86; F.  Center for Technical Studies Ad – request IDA to pay - $80.00; G.  Penn Christian Academy Anniversary Ad – request IDA to pay - $622.00; and H.  Gas Monitor (Odor Detector) and Chart Recorder approximately - $1,660.00.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve items A through C and items E through H.  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.  A.  Retirement celebration – Vera Fedorkiw –May 8, 2006 at Presidential Caterers; B.  Police Training – Lt. Kates, Sgt. Stinson and Sgt. Walters – June 26, 2006; C.  22^nd Annual PLGSA Academy – May 15 – 19, 2006 – Township Manager; D.  Police Training (SWAT Operations) – Lt. Taboga – May 22 -23, 2006; and E.  Visiting Nurses Annual Luncheon – Supervisors.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to authorize items A through E.  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 Governor has suspended the new prevailing wage mandate for road maintenance projects.   Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to authorize the Township Manager to write letters supporting the firefighters tax rebate initiative.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously. 

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Retirement Benefits Advisory Committee Recommendations.  Assistant Township Manager, Mr. Donald Delamater reviewed that the Advisory Committee recommends the approval of William Scurry’s DROP pension and the establishment of a Retiree Health Savings Account plan through ICMA which would be completely employee funded.  Mr. Delamater also reported that the Township will be receiving proposals from Conrad Siegel Investment Advisors for managing our pension plans which the Board will consider at a later date.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve William Scurry’s joint and survivor DROP pension benefit.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to authorize the Township to establish a retiree health savings account plan through ICMA.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously.

Mrs. Heckman reviewed the meeting schedule for April 18^th through July 25^th, 2006.

            The Chairman added a request for permission for a banner, “Run for Life 2006” to be place on the property on Germantown Pike and Barley Sheaf Road at the Norristown Farm Park for April 19^th through the 22^nd by a Baby’s Breath.  Mrs. Heckman made a motion to approve the sign request and waive any fees.  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.

Mrs. Heckman made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:20 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