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, July 25, 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.  The Board of Supervisors presented Sergeant Gary Stahl with a proclamation for his twenty-eight years of dedicated service to the East Norriton Police Department.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2310.  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, Clemens Meat Market Sixtieth Anniversary.  The Board of Supervisors presented Barry Clemens with a certificate recognizing their sixty years of service to the public.

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Storm of Tuesday, July 18^th, 2006 and Ensuing Power Outages.  Police Chief, John McGowan provided a report on the storm and ensuing power outage event which lasted until the weekend for some of our residents. The Board of Supervisors commended and thanked the Township’s Public Works and Police Department personnel on the fine work they performed in the late night and early morning hours to establish some order on our roads shortly after the storm and for the next several days following.  The Township also recognized the fire volunteers who spent countless hours in dealing with numerous fire and related calls during and after the storm event.  The Township also thanked PECO personnel for doing their best under the very difficult circumstances to restore electric power to the many residents who were affected. 

            Resident, Ellen Gaffney of 2955 Stoney Creek Road questioned why residents with special needs did not get power back sooner.  Police Chief, John McGowan replied that residents with special needs must plan for emergencies like this. A resident of Stoney Creek Road questioned why the East Norriton Middle School was not available to the affected residents.  Mr. Ed Duffy of the Coleston area commended East Norriton Township on addressing the storm.  Another resident commended the Public Works Department for the clean up activities.  A resident questioned the status of the Handy and Harmon property. Ralph Nealman of Sandra Lane commended the Public Works Department on the drainage work performed on Faith Drive.

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Open Bids for Sanitary Sewer Lateral Repair.  The Chairman asked if there were any additional bids.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to close the bids for the Sanitary Sewer Lateral Repair.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Serratore and approved unanimously.

            There were no bids submitted for the Sanitary Sewer Lateral Repair.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to reauthorize the advertising of bids for the Sanitary Sewer Lateral Repair for opening at the August regular meeting.   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, Announcement of Special Meeting.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to authorize the Township Manager to reschedule the Inflow and Infiltration meeting with the residents of the western end of the Township to review possible avenues of repair.   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 on Saturday, July 22^nd, 2006 for Police Interviews and earlier this evening in Executive Session to discuss matters of litigation and personnel.

            Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of June 27, 2006.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Heckman and approved with Mr. Serratore abstaining since he was absent from the meeting.

Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve the Finance Reports for June, 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 June, 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 June, 2006.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Serratore and approved unanimously.   The Chairman reviewed Public Works Director, Joseph Sorgini’s memo dated July 21, 2006 regarding the tree removal policy.

Mr. Serratore introduced the first item under “Old Business”, Ordinance No. 486 – Johnson Highway Addresses.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 486 renumbering certain properties located along Johnson Highway.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to authorize the mailing of the appropriate notification to all affected property owners and other agencies.  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, Resolution No. 2311 – Fee Schedule (Revised).  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe briefly reviewed the fee schedule and noted the permit requirements which will be eliminated.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2311.  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, Gill Quarries Report.  Township Solicitor, Merle Ochrach reported that the decision is pending an appeal by Gill Quarries.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Sanitary Sewer Inflow and Infiltration and Corrective Action Plan.  Matt Brown of ARRO Consulting provided the status of the requirements outlined in the township’s Corrective Action Plan.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve the second quarter report which must be submitted to the Department of Environmental Protection.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Heckman and approved unanimously.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve the response letter to Mr. Jesse Goldberg with the Department of Environmental Protection regarding Mr. Goldberg’s visit to the Germantown Pike Pump Station and his requested amendments to the Corrective Action Plan.  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, Corrective Action Plan East Norriton Plymouth Whitpain Joint Sewer Authority and Consent Order.  Matt Brown with ARRO Consulting reviewed the status of the requirements completed as part of the Joint Sewer Authority’s Corrective Action Plan.

The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Deputy Fire Marshal Compensation.  Mr. Gracia reported that recently appointed Deputy Fire Marshal, Mr. James Staufenberg one of the Township supervisors has not asked nor is it his intent to request any compensation for assisting in the capacity of Deputy Fire Marshal.  Mr. Staufenberg is doing this voluntarily because of his interest in the safety of our residents.

Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, Developments and Construction Updates.  Zoning Officer, Mr. Bruce Shoupe reported:  Pimlico Farms – a forty-six lot single family home subdivision, five building permits have been issued by the Township; Del Markward - the developer proposes to construct a gated community with fifty-five upscale age restricted units on the northeast corner of Potshop Road and Germantown Pike; Reserve at Penn Crossing – seventy-eight unit upscale tri-plex residential development, sixteen units have gone to settlement; Evergreen Terrace – ten lot subdivision for proposed twins on the property at Hillcrest Avenue and Evergreen Road is proceeding through the approval process and has received conditional use approval from the Board of Supervisors for twins; Northwoods – proposed flex development; Williamstadt – plans are under review for an aged restricted community at the corner of DeKalb Pike and Johnson Highway; and 317 West Germantown Pike – proposed construction of two new office buildings.

Mr. McQuirns 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 - work is pending scheduling and full funding; B. Briar Lane and Hillcrest Avenue Watershed – pending funding; C.  Storm Water System design plans for Lawnton Road, Lafayette and Springview Roads – pending funding; and D.  605 Meadowbrook Road – reviewed proposed remedial work.  Mr. Staufenberg alerted the Township to a storm water problem on Germantown Pike West of Valley Medical Center.  This will be directed the Montgomery County Roads and Bridges Department.

Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, Traffic Issues.  Zoning Officer, Bruce Shoupe reported:  A. Germantown Pike/Whitehall Road – radius work is pending on Germantown Pike and Whitehall Road with the construction of another bank; the one at the Walgreen’s site.  PECO has relocated its utilities for future road work on the opposite side of Whitehall Road to facilitate a longer turning/stacking lane.  The Township is waiting for Verizon to relocate all of its facilities before work by Township forces can be scheduled; B.  Traffic Study for traffic improvements on Township Line Road.  The Townships of Skippack, Worcester, East Norriton, Plymouth and Whitpain would be involved in the study as would the County.  The study would be similar to the one which was prepared for Germantown Pike with the participating municipalities sharing the cost with the County agreeing to fifty percent of the study’s cost.  This study is pending funding by the County and Skippack Township’s involvement; and C.  Germantown Pike Corridor – a meeting was held at the Township with a number of representatives from Lower Providence and Worcester Townships and Montgomery County to review the status of any pending action to resolve the issues raised in the Germantown Pike comprehensive study.  Currently some traffic signal modifications along the whole are being reviewed; however, any type of major road widening is still pending future funding considerations. Plans are being developed to accomplish widening of Germantown Pike from North Wales Road to Whitehall Road and possibly further to Burnside Avenue as part of the construction of the new entrance to the Farm Park property at Woody’s Golf Center.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, US Route 202 Widening.  Zoning Officer, Bruce Shoupe reported that the East Norriton Township section is scheduled for the spring of 2008.  Mr. Shoupe reviewed his memo on the various properties that will be affected by the 202 widening.  

Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, School Resource Officer Grant status.  Police Chief, John McGowan reported that the Township should be receiving the grant application in mid August.

Mrs. Heckman introduced the first item under “New Business”, Resolution No. 2312 – Appointment of Code Inspections, Inc. as Township Consultants.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2312 appointing Code Inspections, Inc. as the designated third-party inspection agency for East Norriton 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, DCNR Grant Announcement.  This is an informational item; the township is the recipient of a Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources grant in the amount of fifteen thousand dollars.  The proceeds of these funds will be used to perform a master plan study of the Liberty Bell Trail.

Mrs. Heckman introduced the next item on the agenda, Veteran’s Memorial Grant.  This is an informational item; the Township’s Veteran’s Memorial Fund has received a five thousand dollar grant from the Department of Community and Economic Development through Senator Connie Williams.

Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Stony Creek Farms Development. This is an informational item to advise that a major residential and retail development is planned in Worcester Township off of Township Line and North Wales Road. In view of that development the township may want to review the existing residential zoning on our side of the roadway to determine any mitigation of the impact on the property owners in our township.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to have the proposed rezoning of East Norriton properties informally presented to the East Norriton Township Planning Commission.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Serratore and approved unanimously.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to authorize a letter be sent to the residents along Township Line Road informing them of the possible rezoning.  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, Authorize Execution of Right of Way document for Traffic Signal at North Wales Road.  Township Solicitor, Merle Ochrach reviewed the right of way documents.  Mrs. Heckman made a motion to authorize the execution of the right of way documents.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously.

Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Industrial Development Authority.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reviewed Resolution No. 2006-07-18 recently approved by the East Norriton Industrial Development Authority. 

Mrs. Heckman introduced the next item on the agenda, Authorize Advertisement of Shopping Cart Ordinance.   Township Solicitor, Merle Ochrach reviewed the proposed ordinance.  Mrs. Heckman made a motion to authorize advertisement of the proposed ordinance with a twenty-five dollar per cart fee.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously.  Mrs. Heckman made a motion to authorize a letter be sent to all the shopping centers in East Norriton 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, Authorize Homebuyers Disclosure Statement.  Township Solicitor, Merle Ochrach reviewed the draft homebuyer’s disclosure statement.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to authorize advertisement of the homebuyer’s disclosure statement ordinance.  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, Germantown Pike Corridor Resurfacing.  This is an informational item; the County is going out for bid to “resurface” from curb to curb the Germantown Pike corridor from Church Road in Worcester Township to Jolly Road in Plymouth Township.  The paving work will be performed during the hours of 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., with the County picking up the cost of replacing all the loops, re-do all of the striping at the intersections and recast all of the sewer manholes (approximately seventy in each Township).  Township staff has been invited to a pre-job meeting in order to coordinate all of the various issues and prepare a notification to all property and business owners.  No exact date has yet been set for the actual paving but it is expected to be in late August or early September of this year.

Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Schedule Public Hearing – East Norriton Township Open Space Plan.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to schedule a public hearing – East Norriton Township Open Space Plan for Monday, September 25, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.  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, Schedule Meeting – Norriton Fire Engine Company Personnel Committee.  Mrs. Heckman made a motion to schedule a meeting with the Norriton Fire Engine Company Personnel Committee in August.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously.

Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Schedule Workshop Meeting for August 14, 2006.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve the workshop meeting for August 14, 2006, if needed.  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, Health Insurance Coverage.  This is an informational item; the township has received letters from Supervisors Serratore and Heckman requesting adjustments to their health insurance coverage. 

Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to add the East Norriton Township Pension Plans Investment Policy Statement to the agenda.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Serratore and approved unanimously. 

Assistant Township Manager, Donald Delamater reviewed the East Norriton Township Pension Plans Investment Policy Statement with Conrad Siegel Investment Advisors.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to authorize execution of the Investment Policy Statement with Conrad Siegel Investment Advisors.  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, PCAA Municipality Review and Advisory Board.  The Township has received a letter from the Plymouth Community Ambulance Association requesting the appointment of a member from East Norriton Township to sit on the PCAA Municipality Review and Advisory Board.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to appoint Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald to the PCAA Municipality Review and Advisory Board.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.

Mrs. Heckman introduced the next item on the agenda, Mutual Aid Agreement for Emergency Services.   This item was tabled for next month’s meeting.

Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Expenditure Authorizations.  Item A.  Sewer Rate Study Proposal - $4,250.00; Item B.  Senior Adult Activities Center of Montgomery County; Item C.  Survey and Sketch Plans for Stony Creek Erosion - $11,300.00; Item D.  Next Level Mapping  - $2,500.00; and Item E.  Ad – East Norriton Heartbreakers Softball - $200.00.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve items A and C through E.  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, Attendance Authorizations.  Item A.  Police Training – Sergeant Boyer – Conference September 10^th through 15^th, 2006; Item B.  NATAT Conference in Washington, DC – September 6^th through 8^th, 2006; Item C.  Municipal Authorities Association – Hershey, PA September 10^th through 13^th, 2006; and Item D.  Sergeant Stahl Retirement Dinner – August 24^th, 2006 - $35.00 per person.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve items A through D.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.

Mr. Staufenberg reviewed the meeting schedule for July 25, 2006 through September 26, 2006.

            Township Manager, Mr. Helmuth Baerwald reviewed various legislation being reviewed by the State legislators.

            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. McQuirns made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:28 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