The Regular Meeting of the Board of Supervisors of East Norriton Township was called to order by the Chairman, Mr. Donald Gracia, at 7:04 p.m. on Tuesday, March 27, 2007, 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, Promotion of Police Officer Matthew Brannen to Sergeant.  Assistant Township Manager, Donald Delamater swore in newly appointed Sergeant Matthew Brannen.

            Chief of Police, John McGowan introduced Timothy Warner and Samantha Smith the Township’s newly hired police officers.  Assistant Township Manager, Donald Delamater swore in Timothy Warner and then Samantha Smith.

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Authorize Bids.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve the advertisement of bids for equipment for new police cars.  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, Open bids for Police Uniforms.  The Chairman asked if there were any additional bids.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to close the bids for the Police Uniforms.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously.

            The bids for the Police Uniforms were opened and the following announced as submitting bids:  Red the Tailor - $10,843.10.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve the awarding of the bid for Police Uniforms to Red the Tailor for $10,843.10.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously.

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Open bids for Equipment Leasing with Operators, Road Materials for 2007.  The Chairman asked if there were any additional bids.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to close the bids for Equipment Leasing with Operators, Road Materials for 2007.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously.

            The bids for Equipment Leasing with Operators, Road Materials for 2007 were opened and the following announced as submitting bids:  P.K. Moyer and Sons; Glasgow Inc. for road materials; Independence Construction Materials Inc. (2 bids); Highway Material Inc for road materials; and JDM Materials Company for road materials.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to defer the bids for review by Township staff and consideration at next month’s 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, Open bids for two emergency back-up generators and a two ton blacktop roller.  The Chairman asked if there were any additional bids.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to close the bids for two emergency back-up generators and a two ton blacktop roller.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously.

            The bids for the two emergency back-up generators and a two ton blacktop roller were opened and the following announced as submitting bids for the two ton blacktop roller: Asphalt Care Equipment Inc. for - $13,850.00; Norris Sales Company - $11,689.00; and Selly Equipment and Supply Co., Inc. - $14,995.00.  And for the two emergency back-up generators: Selly Equipment and Supply Co., Inc. – no bid; Penn Power Systems - $38,990.00; Power Tech Services, Inc. - $47,425.00 and Norris Sales Company - $34,373.40.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to defer the bids for review by staff and consideration at next month’s 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, Open bids for the Stony Creek Bank Restoration Project.    The Chairman asked if there were any additional bids.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to close the bids for the Stony Creek bank restoration project.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Serratore and approved unanimously.

            No bids were received for the Stony Creek Bank Restoration Project.

            The Chairman announced that the Board of Supervisors met in Executive Session earlier this evening to discuss matters of litigation and personnel.

            Mrs. Heckman made a motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of February 20, 2007.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously.

Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve the Finance Reports for February, 2007.  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, 2007 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 February, 2007.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Serratore and approved unanimously.

            The Chairman asked if there were any residents to be heard, there were none. 

            Mr. Serratore introduced the first item under “Old Business”, Demolition Ordinance Proposal.  Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio reviewed the proposed demolition ordinance.  The Board of Supervisors will review and consider advertising the demolition ordinance at the April meeting.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Sanitary Sewer Lateral Repair Project.  Matt Brown of ARRO Consulting, Inc. provided a map of all the properties that need repairs to their laterals and those that have paid and those that have been repaired to date.  To date twenty repairs have been completed, a total of thirty-four residents have paid using the Township’s contractor.  Mr. Brown reviewed that discussions with the Department of Environmental Protection have been positive.  The hours of working on the laterals are from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., work for the next three weeks have been mapped out.  Mr. Gracia advised Mr. Brown that the school district should be notified of possible road closings.

            Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, Sanitary Sewer Rate Study and Ordinance.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reviewed the proposed sewer rate restructure and the sewer rate increase to generate an additional $500,000.00 in funds for capital needs of the Township and the Joint Sewer Authority.  Mr. Baerwald read the proposed letter to be sent to the residents concerning the rate increase.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve the mailing of the letter to residents regarding the rate increase.  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 advertising of the ordinance for consideration at the April regular 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, Ordinance – Historical Advisory Commission Membership.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to authorize advertisement of the Ordinance increasing the membership of the Historical Advisory Commission from seven members to nine members.  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, Cancel HR 1 re-zoning Public Hearing.  The hearing scheduled for Tuesday, April 17, 2007 has been cancelled.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Developments and Construction Updates.  Zoning Officer, Bryan Bortnichak reviewed 535 West Germantown Pike – a land development application has been received proposing a two story self storage facility to go before the Planning Commission on April 11^th, 2007; Township staff are continuing to work on obtaining the necessary easements to eliminate the Marion Avenue Pump Station in conjunction with the Heatherwood Development on Whitehall Road; and Pimlico Development still needs five EDU’s which have not been release by the DEP.  Township Manger, Helmuth Baerwald reported that Tone Development on Whitehall Road has paid for the sewer connections and has received the planning module approval from the DEP.  Mrs. Heckman made a motion to authorize Tone Development be added to the list for the EDU releases.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously. Mr. Baerwald reported that the Village of Caralea has an issue with the road widening and an issue with the proposed holding tank.  Mr. Markward explained the need for the holding tanks so that they can start construction until capacity is available at the Germantown Pumping Station.  The Board of Supervisors did not support the holding tank proposal.  Mr. Baerwald reported on the McDonald’s driveway easement with the adjacent East Norriton Crossing Shopping Center, the property owner will not allow the easement to be opened. Finally, the Township has received a minor land development application for 2605 DeKalb Pike.

            Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, Storm Drainage Issues/Projects.  Township Engineer, William Owen reported:  A. North Whitehall and Township Line Roads storm drainage work is proceeding; B. Briar Lane and Hillcrest Avenue watershed work is pending funding; C. Lawnton Road, Lafayette and Springview Roads storm water design plans nothing new to report; and D. 605 Meadowbrook Road pending remedial work.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Traffic Issues.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reported there is no change from last month’s report.

            Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, Gill Quarries.  Township Solicitor reported the Township was successful with the court decision.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next time on the agenda, U S Route 202 Widening re: Provident Property and ITS.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reported that the project has been pushed forward indefinitely.  Mr. Baerwald reported that Township staff is proposing a partnership with PADOT, the developer and contractor to perform road work at the Provident property.   Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to proceed with discussions for the possible partnership.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Heckman and approved unanimously.  Mr. Baerwald reported that East Norriton Township has come to an agreement with Plymouth Township to install cameras at the intersection at Germantown Pike and Arch Road.

            Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, Sanitary Sewer Issues.  Mr. Stuart Rosenthal of Gilmore & Associates, Inc. reported:  A. Chapter 94 Report Questionnaire – completed and submitted to Township for execution; Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to authorize execution of the Chapter 94 Report Questionnaire.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Serratore and approved unanimously.  B.  Planning Module for the 2935 Whitehall Road (TONE) project – approved by the Department of Environmental Protection; C. Act 537 Plan Update – waiting for Department of Environmental Protection to complete review and approval; and D. Joint Sewer Authority 2006 Year End Financial Report –  deferred until next month’s meeting.

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the first item under “New Business”, Repository Sale Fourth Street.  Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio reviewed the informational item of the proposed repository sale by the tax claim bureau.

            Mrs. Heckman introduced the next item on the agenda, Resolution No. 2343 – Schedule Public Hearing to create a new Zoning District HR1.  Zoning Officer, Bryan Bortnichak reviewed Resolution No. 2343 fixing the time and place for a public hearing by the Board of Supervisors to consider an amendment to the East Norriton Township Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2343 setting the public hearing for Tuesday, June 26, 2007 at 6:00 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, Resolution No. 2344 - Schedule Public Hearing to re-zone Provident Property from BP to HR 1.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2344 setting the public hearing for Tuesday, June 26, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.  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, Resolution No. 2342 – Schedule Public Hearing – Conditional Use request for 2006 DeKalb Pike.  Zoning Officer, Bryan Bortnichak reviewed Resolution No. 2342 fixing a time a place for a public hearing by the Board of Supervisors to consider a conditional use application for Scott Harrity to use 2600 DeKalb Pike as a real estate, mortgage and title company office.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2342 setting the public hearing for Tuesday, April 17, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.    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, Resolution No. 2341 – Accepting the Ultimate Right of Way for Stony Creek Farms; Township Line Road and North Wales Road.  Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio reviewed Resolution No. 2341 and will have the development’s engineers come to a meeting and provide a review of the traffic plans.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2341 pending release on the developer’s commitment to attend a meeting and to give a presentation.  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, Resolution No. 2340 – Authorizing the disposition of certain records.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reviewed Resolution No. 2340 authorizing the disposition of certain public records.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2340.  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, NASD Earned Income Tax Increase Referendum.  Township Manger, Helmuth Baerwald reviewed the Earned Income Tax increase from one percent to two point five percent will be included in the May primary referendum.

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Traffic Signal Plan – Germantown Pike and Burnside Avenue and Holding Tank.  This item was addressed earlier in the meeting.

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Shade Trees.  Township Engineer, William Owen reviewed that there are already regulations in place in the land development ordinances with regards to the tree planting in new developments so that the roots do not intrude in the sewer lines. 

            Mrs. Heckman introduced the next item on the agenda, Proposal for Township Brush Collection.  Assistant Township Manager, Donald Delamater reviewed a Brush Collection proposal from Environmental Landscaping Services, Inc. A representative from the Department of Environmental Protection is reviewing the proposal and will get in contact with East Norriton Township regarding the proposal.  This item was deferred until next month’s meeting.

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Sign Permit Fee Waiver – Norristown.  The Township has received a sign permit fee waiver request from the Municipality of Norristown for the installation of four directional signs.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve the sign permit waiver request.  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, Liberty Bell Trail Grant.  This is an informational item; the Township has received a $10,000.00 grant from the PECO Open Space grant program, the proceeds of which will be used to fund the Liberty Bell Trail study.

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Tree Vitalize Watershed Grant.  This is an informational item; the Township has received a $1,130.04 grant from the Montgomery Conservation District for the Green Hill detention basin.

            Mrs. Heckman introduced the next item on the agenda, Pennsylvania American Water Grant Applications.  Assistant Township Manager, Donald Delamater reviewed the grant application for possible assistance with the Stony Creek bank restoration project behind Penn Square Road near the East Norriton Middle School.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve the grant application be submitted.  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, Resolution No. 2346 – DCNR Grant Applications – Liberty Bell Trail.  Mr. Staufenberg read Resolution No. 2346 into the record authorizing a grant for the construction of the Liberty Bell Trail.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2346.  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, Traffic Capital Improvement Plan Update.  This item was deferred until next month’s meeting.

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, St. Titus Sign Permit Fee Waiver Request.  Zoning Officer, Bryan Bortnichak reviewed a sign permit fee waiver request received from  Saint Titus Church for two signs to be installed on the parish grounds as part of an Eagle Scout project.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to approve the sign permit waiver request.  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, Expenditure Authorization.  A. Stony Creek Anglers – five breeder fish at $20.00 each - $100.00; B.  Traffic Planning and Design, Inc. proposal – Swede Road right turn lane concept plan - $2,750.00; C.  Survey proposal – Swede Road – estimated $8,500.00; D. Veteran’s Memorial fundraising breakfast - $160.00 from IDA; E. Fire Hydrant – Oak Tree and Penn Square Roads – annual fee; F.  Liberty Bell Trail development construction documents - $94,603.00; G.  Carpeting for Finance and Administration - $5,851.00; H. Trash Hauling contract with G & C Waste Services - $525.00/month; I. Police Pension – Sergeant Charles Pritchett; J. Bench for Norriton Fire Company memorial from the Shade Tree Commission - $675.00; and K.  Penn Christian Academy annual fund - $200.00.  Mrs. Heckman made a motion to authorize items A through K.  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, Attendance Authorization.   A. Police training – Officer Brennan - $275.00; B. Norristown Area School District Spring Gala dinner - $45.00 each; C. Parks and Recreation Director – DCNR seminar - $76.00; D. Sergeant Charles “Chip” Prichett’s retirement party - $35.00 per person (supervisors); and E. Police training – Officer Carfrey - $400.00.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to authorize item A 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, Legislation.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reviewed the Resolutions to be considered at the PSATS Convention in April.  Mr. Baerwald reviewed a press release received from Senator Constance Williams regarding the Storm Drainage Systems maintenance on State Roads.

            Mr. Staufenberg reviewed the meeting schedule for March 26th, 2007 through May 28th, 2007.

There being no other business to come before the Board, the Chairman asked if there were any residents who wished to speak, Steve Yakin of Montgomery Avenue questioned the Board of Supervisors on their position of the Norristown Area School District Earned Income Tax increase referendum. 

Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 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