The Sewer Lateral Repair Project Meeting of the East Norriton Township Board of Supervisors was called to order by Chairman, Donald Gracia at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 19, 2006, at the East Norriton Township Municipal Building. Supervisors present were Chairman, Donald Gracia, Vice Chairman, Lewis McQuirns and Supervisors James Serratore, James Staufenberg, and Kandy Heckman. 

            Following roll call, Mr. Gracia offered a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance was then recited by all in attendance.

            The Chairman requested that everyone in attendance please sign the sign-in sheet.

            The Chairman then reviewed the purpose of the meeting.  Mr. Gracia thanked all who were able to attend tonight’s meeting.  Mr. Gracia explained that the staff will try and answer all the questions with respect to the sewer lateral repair project and hopefully all will come away with a better understanding of the challenges we face as we embark on this major project.  The successful completion of this project is vital to the Township’s fiscal integrity, to the residents, the properties and to the environment.

Mr. Matt Brown of ARRO Consulting Engineers reviewed the history of this project and explained how the Township will be proceeding and the ramifications to the Township and to the residents if we fail to work together to resolve this very serious inflow and infiltration problem in the Township.

Mr. Matt Brown of ARRO Consulting Engineers provided a power point presentation of the following key aspects of the sewer lateral repair project:  Department of Environmental Protection – Consent Order, Review of Sewer Lateral Repair Project, how the process will work. Mr. Brown stressed that the Township is not requiring the residents to use the Township’s contractor; the Township is encouraging the residents to get their own contractor that is registered with the Township.  Mr. Brown reviewed a video of a televised lateral.  Mr. Brown reviewed the Clean Water Act, what an administrative consent order is and the requirements, the role as a homeowner, the deadline for the work to be done and the financing available for the work. 

State Senator Connie Williams reviewed a low interest loan program that will be available through a state agency starting in February 2007.  Senator Williams reported there are no grants available for this work.  Her office will have more information in February.

State Representative Elect Jay Moyer reviewed that he is not giving up on grants, he will work with Senator Williams to obtain possible grants.  Representative Moyer’s office phone number is 610-584-0070 and his Harrisburg office number is 717-787-6423.  Representative Moyer cannot make any promises but said he will work hard on this matter.

            Several residents asked questions that were answered by Matt Brown of ARRO Consulting Engineers. A frequently asked question/FAQ pamphlet was available and distributed to all in attendance.

Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 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