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, September 26, 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 asked for a moment of silence in memory of Thomas Stralkowski Sr., Eleanor Watson and Harold Clemens.

            The Chairman introduced the East Norriton Little League eleven year old tournament team that won the district twenty-two and section five and came in second in the State Championship.

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Presentation to Greater Norristown Art League – 65^th Anniversary.  The Board of Supervisors presented the Greater Norristown Art League with a certificate congratulating them on their 65^th anniversary.

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Presentation of Proclamation – Bruce Shoupe.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald read the proclamation into the record.  The Board of Supervisors presented Bruce Shoupe with a Proclamation recognizing his dedicated service to the Township since 1989.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2315.  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, Swearing in of new Police Officers.  Police Chief, John McGowan introduced Raymond C. Hartman and Karl A. Fischer as the East Norriton Township Police Department’s newly hired police officers.  Assistant Township Manager, Donald Delamater swore in Officer Raymond Hartman and Officer Karl Fischer.

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Open Bids for Tymco Street Sweeper.  The Chairman asked if there were any additional bids.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to close the bids for the Tymco Street Sweeper.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously.  There were no bids received for the Tymco Street Sweeper.

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Award Bid for Sanitary Sewer Lateral Repairs. At last month’s meeting, bids were opened and read after which a motion was made to refer the bids to the appropriate Township officials for review.  Per Matt Brown’s from ARRO Consulting, Inc. letter dated August 29, 2006, he recommends that the bid be awarded to N. Abbonizio Contractors, Inc.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to approve Matt Brown’s recommendation.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously.

            The Chairman announced that the Board of Supervisors attended the Jefferson House gazebo dedication on Saturday, September 9^th, 2006, held the Township Open Space Hearing Monday, September 20^th, 2006, met with the Department Directors earlier today to review the goals and accomplishments and took a tour of the East Norriton Middle School this afternoon and also, met 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 August 22, 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 August, 2006.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Heckman and approved unanimously.

The Chairman requested that the reading of the Committee Reports for August, 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 August, 2006.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Heckman and approved unanimously.  

The Chairman thanked the residents for over ninety-eight percent of the real estate taxes collected as of August 31, 2006.

At this time the Chairman asked if there were any residents who wished to be heard.  Mr. Richard Smith of 3018 Taft Road asked when Potshop Road was going to be repaired.  Mr. Gracia reported that the Public Works Department was going to start work this Saturday, September 30, 2006.  Mr. Smith also, expressed concerns with a tree along the access road to Paul Fly School that needs to be removed.  The Public Works Director will be out to look at the tree.  Mr. Walter Stolarczyk of 913 Independence Road requested information on the sewer lateral repairs.

Mrs. Heckman introduced the first item under “Old Business”, Ordinance No. 487 – Shopping Carts.  This ordinance was duly advertised as authorized by the Board of Supervisors at the regular meeting in July for consideration by the Board of Supervisors at tonight’s meeting.  Mrs. Heckman made a motion to adopt Ordinance No. 487 amending Chapter 163, Shopping Carts, of the Code of the Township of East Norriton.  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. 2259 – Granting Preliminary Approval - Village of Caralea Subdivision.  Del Markward the applicant for this project provided a presentation on the proposed development located at the corner of Potshop Road and Germantown Pike.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2259.  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, Resolution No. 2308 - Preliminary Land Development Approval – Williamstadt Development.  Pierce Anderson and Mr. DePallo provided a presentation of behalf of the applicant of the proposed age restricted development at the corner of Johnson Highway and DeKalb Pike.  Mrs. Heckman made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2308.  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, Resolution No. 2316 – Preliminary Approval Land Development Evergreen Terrace.  Developer, David Erb provided a presentation of the proposed town house development located at Hillcrest and Evergreen.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2316.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously.  

Mrs. Heckman introduced the next item on the agenda, Resolution No. 2317 – Land Development Waiver Request Gambone Steel.  Zoning Officer, Bruce Shoupe reviewed Resolution No. 2317 granting a waiver of the requirements for land development for the construction of a two thousand square foot storage building on the Gambone Steel property located at 537 Foundry Road.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2317.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved four to one with Mr. Staufenberg opposing.

Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Gill Quarries Report.  Township Solicitor, Bernadette Kearney reported that we are awaiting action from the Supreme Court.

Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Sewer Lateral Repair Project Update.  Matt Brown of ARRO Consulting reported repair work on three homes currently in process of being sold is to begin on Thursday, September 28, 2006.  The Township is waiting a response from the Department of Environmental Protection on the second quarter report.  Mr. Brown reported the Consent Order and Agreement is being worked on.

Mrs. Heckman introduced the next item on the agenda, Developments and Construction Updates.  Zoning Officer, Bruce Shoupe reported:  Pimlico Farm – forty-six lot single family home subdivision, ten building permits and five use and occupancy permits have issued; Del Markward Ltd. – aged restricted private community was approved earlier this evening, sewer capacity is still an issue with this development; Reserve at Penn Crossing – all seventy building permits have been issued and twenty-nine units have gone to settlement; Evergreen Terrace – proposed five twins at Hillcrest Avenue and Evergreen Road approved earlier by the Board of Supervisors and sewer capacity is pending approval from the Department of Environmental Protection; Northwood’s/Shelter Group – proposed development may be an age-restricted independent/assisted living building, two banks, two sit down restaurants, office buildings and possibly a hotel; Williamstadt – an aged restricted retirement community moving forward to finalize plans; 317 West Germantown Pike – proposed two new thirty-three thousand square foot office buildings, developer has received preliminary approval and moving towards final approval; Jefferson Crossing – over fifty-five community fifty-six building permits and thirteen use and occupancy permits have been issued; Mercy Suburban Hospital – continuing to work on thirty thousand square foot addition and the expanded emergency room is now open; East Norriton Middle School – renovation are now completed; Swede Square Shopping Center – developer to present to the Township redesign the internal parking lot and discussing Potter’s Pub; Heatherwood – a proposed twenty-eight lot subdivision, road being cut and installation of a storm water basin; MRA Car Wash – moving slowly towards completion; Valenza Property – proposed three story office building moving towards possibly beginning construction in the next sixty days;  and Miller Brother Electric – moving forward with the proposed new warehouse/office.

Township Engineer, Bob Blue reviewed the Pimlico Farms waiver request regarding the pipe downspout water to seepage beds for lots nineteen through twenty-six.

Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Storm Drainage Issues/Projects.    Township Engineer, Bob Blue reported: A. North Whitehall and Township Line Roads storm drainage work – the plans have been reworked and are being reviewed by P. K. Moyer; B. Briar Lane and Hillcrest Avenue watershed – work is pending funding; C. Storm Water System design plans for Lawnton Road, Lafayette and Springview Roads – work is pending funding; and D.  605 Meadowbrook Road – waiting for fence to be removed so work may begin.  Supervisor Staufenberg recommended that the Township send a certified letter regarding the fence removal.

Mrs. Heckman introduced the next item on the agenda, Traffic Issues.  Zoning Officer, Bruce Shoupe reported:  A. Germantown Pike/Whitehall Road – the work is being completed; B. Township Line Road traffic study – pending funding; and C.  Germantown Pike Corridor – a meeting was held here 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 which were 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. 

Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, US Route 202 Widening.  Assistant Township Manager, Donald Delamater reported that the construction is now scheduled to begin the spring of 2008.

Mr. McQuirns introduced the first item under “New Business”, Ordinance No. 489 – Cable Franchise Agreement with Verizon.  Assistant Township Manager, Donald Delamater reviewed Ordinance 489 amending the East Norriton Township code to grant a nonexclusive franchise agreement to Verizon Pennsylvania Inc. to construct, install, maintain, extend and provide a cable system to the community of East Norriton Township.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to authorize advertising of Ordinance No. 489.  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, East Norriton Township Employee dental coverage.  Assistant Township Manager, Donald Delamater provided a brief explanation on the current policy with Met Life and the proposed policy with DVHIT’s Delta Dental coverage.  Mrs. Heckman made a motion to approve the implementation of Delta Dental coverage effective January 1, 2007.   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, Stipulation to Settle – Esposito Properties LLC vs. Norristown Area School District.  Township Solicitor, Bernadette Kearney reviewed the Stipulation to Settle and recommended the Township execute the Stipulation to Settle.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to authorize the Township Solicitor to execute the Stipulation to Settle.  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, Budget Revisions dated September 1, 2006.  Assistant Township Manager, Donald Delamater reviewed the proposed budget revisions as of September 1, 2006.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to approve the budget revisions.  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, 2007 Budget for Police and Employees Pensions Plans. Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reviewed the 2007 Minimum Municipal Obligation.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to affirm the 2007 Minimum Municipal Obligation to the Pension funds.  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, Rate Stabilization Funds with DVIT and DVWCT.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reviewed the Rate Stabilization Fund that is established at the Delaware Valley Insurance Trust and the Delaware Valley Workers’ Compensation Trust.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to authorize the rollover balance for possible use in 2008 based on Mr. Baerwald’s recommendation. 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, PHEEA Bonuses.  This is an informational item, the CEO of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency earns nearly $500,000.00 a year.

Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, Repository Sale Properties.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reported on the approximately eighteen repository sale properties in East Norriton Township totaling $9,925.00.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to authorize acquisition of the eighteen properties totaling $9,925.00.  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, Germantown Pike Paving.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reported that Germantown Pike will be paved from Church Road in Worcester Township all the way to Sandy Hill Road in Plymouth Township in the next several weeks.

Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, Authorize Stony Creek Bank Stabilization Application (Sewer Line).  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reviewed the application that will sent to the Department of Environmental Protection to stabilize the creek so that the Township’s sewer facilities will not be impaired by the continuing erosion.    Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve this application be sent to the Department of Environmental Protection.  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, Appointment of Acting Zoning Officer.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to appoint Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald as the Acting Zoning Officer until a replacement is appointed.  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, Expenditure Authorizations.  A.  Odor control system for Germantown Pump Station - $6,110.00; B.  Engineering Services Agreement (Sewer Lateral Repair project – ARRO) – not to exceed $32,000.00; C.  GIS Mapping Training - $707.20; D.  Electronic Gate Opener – not to exceed $5,000.00; and E.   Traffic Signal Generator Connections.  Mr. Serratore made motion to approve items A through E.  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, Attendance Authorizations.  A. 10^th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Dinner – October 26, 2006 - $45.00/each; B.  Police Officer Training (Officer Jay Gibson) - $275.00; and C.  Police Officer Training (Officers Richard Ulmer, Timothy Brennan and Brandon Pasquale) - $360.00.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve items A through C.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Serratore and approved unanimously.

The Chairman asked for a motion to add a Board of Supervisors workshop meeting for Tuesday, October 24^th at 6:30 p.m. and to change the Board of Supervisors meeting from Tuesday, November 28^th to Thursday, November 30^th.  Mrs. Heckman made a motion to authorize the workshop meeting and change the November meeting date.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously.

            Mr. Serratore reviewed the meeting schedule for September 26, 2006 through November 28, 2006.

            Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reviewed House Bill 1448 which would amend the tax reform code to authorize a state tax credit up to $500.00 for volunteer emergency responders to purchase equipment with their own money.  Governor Rendell recently signed Act 101 of 2006, which amends the Second Class Township Code to allow township supervisors to be compensated for lost wages when they attend township-related meetings.

            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 8:55 p.m. After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.

Helmuth J. H. Baerwald
Township Secretary