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, April 17, 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 announced that the Board of Supervisors met in Executive Session earlier this evening to discuss matters of litigation and personnel and held a Conditional Use Public Hearing.

            Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 27, 2007.  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, Award bid for back-up generators and Blacktop Roller.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to award the bid for the blacktop roller for $11,689.00 and a back up generator for $34,373.00 to Norris Sales Inc. per Public Works Director, Joseph Sorgini’s recommendation dated April 12, 2007.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Heckman and approved unanimously.

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Award bids for Road Materials and Equipment Rentals.  Mrs. Heckman made a motion to award the bid for stone and AC 20 tar to Glasgow Inc., the bid for concrete to JDM Materials and the bid for Equipment with Operators to P. K. Moyer and Sons and the bid for Super Pave material must be rebid per Public Works Director, Joseph Sorgini’s recommendation dated April 16, 2007.  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 the Super Pave material to be advertised for rebid.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously.

            Mrs. Heckman made a motion to approve the Finance Reports for March, 2007.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously. 

            The Chairman requested that the reading of the Committee Reports for March, 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 March, 2007.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.

            The Chairman asked if there were any citizens to be heard.  Mr. Robert Green questioned Ordinance Nos. 490 and 494 and asked who will incur the expense for lateral televising.  Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio explained that all properties sold need a Use and Occupancy permit and the lateral televising is part of the Use and Occupancy.  Mr. Green thanked the Road Crew for a beautiful job on the Whitehall Road storm water project.  A resident from Taft Road questioned the status of the Inflow and Infiltration grant money.  Mr. Gracia reviewed that the grant was submitted but, the Township has not received any confirmation that the Township would receive funding.   Mr. Gracia stated that if the grant money is received, it will be used for the lateral program. 

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the first item under “Old Business”, Stony Creek Farms.  Mr. Carr, a representative from McMahon Associates gave a brief presentation of the Stony Creek Farms development, an age restricted development of approximately two hundred and nine town homes in Worcester Township at the intersection of Township Line Road and North Wales Road.  The intersection at Township Line Road and North Wales Road will be realigned and access to the development will be across from Knoeller Road on Township Line Road with access also on North Wales Road.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald questioned Mr. Carr about the proposed village commercial area (corner parcel at the intersection).  Police Chief, John McGowan asked about the access to the commercial area.  Mr. Carr responded that access will be coordinated with the PADOT project. Construction is scheduled for mid June/July and to begin roadway improvements in approximately six to eight weeks.

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Ordinance No. 495 – Sanitary Sewer Rate.  Mr. Dennis of ARRO Consulting reviewed the sewer rate study performed by his firm, the current billing process and the new sewer billing process that will be based solely on actual water usage. In addition, the minimum usage will be decreased from seven thousand gallons of water to four thousand gallons of water per quarter.  A number of attendees raised questions about the rate increases and how it would affect them.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 495.  After requesting any comments on the Ordinance and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Ordinance No. 496 – Historical Advisory Commission Membership.  Mrs. Heckman made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 496 increasing the membership on the Historical Advisory Commission from the current seven members to nine members.  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, Ordinance - Demolition of Properties.  Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio reviewed the draft Ordinance which may be considered for advertising at the June regular meeting.  Mrs. Heckman made a motion to approve advertisement of the Ordinance.  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, Sanitary Sewer Lateral Repair Project and Quarterly Consent Order and Agreement report to the Department of Environmental Protection.  Matt Brown of ARRO Consulting, Inc. reported to date that thirty-one laterals have been repaired, twelve are scheduled for repair and ARRO has received a number of inquires from outside contractors.  Mr. Brown reported that it is the contractor’s responsibility to clean up after the work, the paving of the work will be completed sixty days after the work is done and working hours are from 7:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m.  Mr. Brown addressed several questions from the audience.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reported with reference to the televising of the Taft Road main interceptor line which, based on the analysis that the engineer prepared, an total estimate of 250,000 to 300,000 gallons of I & I per day are contributed from the noted leaks. The Township has awarded a contract to New Hope Pipelines to slipline the Taft Road interceptor as well as address a number of lateral repairs.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to approve the quarterly Consent Order and Agreement report be sent to the Department of Environmental Protection.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously.

            Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald read a letter dated April 4, 2007 from the DEP to Mr. Tryst Anderson of 3336 East Hayes Road, which had been copied to the Township.

            Mrs. Heckman introduced the next item on the agenda, Liberty Bell Trail Update.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reported there is no update; the grant has been applied for.

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Traffic Capital Improvement Plan Update.  Mr. Jerry Baker of Traffic Planning and Design gave a presentation of the Township’s Capital Improvement Plan.  This plan will be forwarded to the Traffic Impact Fee Advisory Committee for review and determining the appropriate traffic impact fee to be charged for future development.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to place the information on the Township’s website.   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, Development and Construction Updates.  Code Enforcement Director, Bryan Bortnichak provided a review:  The Township has received a land development proposal for two new single family dwellings on Connor Street with demolition to existing dwelling; final recommendation from the Planning Commission has been received.  Mr. Bortnichak also reported, 2605 DeKalb Pike will be on the May agenda for land development final approval and United Storage Partners – 535 West Germantown Pike a two story self storage facility has received a recommendation from the Planning Commission.

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Storm Drainage Issues/Projects.  Township Engineer, William Owen provided a brief update on:  A. North Whitehall Road and Township Line Roads storm drainage work completed ahead of schedule and under budget, the system now provides a more than adequate means for drainage.  The Public Works Department should be commended for their hard work in completing this project; B. Briar Lane and Hillcrest Avenue watershed – no new update; C. Lawnton Road, Lafayette and Springview Road storm water design plans – no new update; and D. 605 Meadowbrook Road – no new update.

            Mrs. Heckman introduced the next item on the agenda, Traffic Issues.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reported that the Township received a letter from a resident, Nicole Drabousky on Mill Road about alleged speeding and the possible installation of speed bumps.  Police, John McGowan responded that he would not recommend speed bumps because of the liability and Mill Road is part of the proactive program.

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, US Route 202 Widening re: Provident Property and ITS.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reported that staff has met with the PADOT on the proposed development of the Provident Property.  Provident Property is applying to the Township to rezone the property from the current Business Professional to High Rise Residential; the applicant is proposing to build approximately one hundred and eighty condominiums. Police Chief, John McGowan reported on the ITS that the Township is slated to receive cameras at two intersections and one traffic counter.

            Mrs. Heckman introduced the next item on the agenda, Sanitary Sewer Issues.  Brian Brochon from Gilmore and Associates reported on:  A. Heatherwood Pumping Sewer Alternative Proposal - project is to redirect the sewage from the Germantown Pump Station area through to Barbara Drive and by gravity to the Timberlake Pumping Station, preparing easement descriptions; B. Germantown Pumping Station Capacity Study – Timberlake pump station upgrades should be completed by June 2007; C. Saw Mill Run Pumping Station Project – the JSA is to rebuild the manhole in front of  the pump station; D. Whitehall Road Televising Activity – ARRO Consulting; E. Taft Road Sewer Interceptor – pre construction meeting to be scheduled; and F. US 202 Widening required sewer work by the Township – letter sent to PADOT with the requirements that the Township wants as part of the PADOT project.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reported: G. ENPWJSA 2006 Year End Financial Report is available for public inspection during normal business hours and H. Authorize Easement Agreement 13’ wide easement from the Whitehall Venezia, LP development and Colleen Manuola which will permit the sewer line in that easement.   Mr. Serratore made a motion to authorize the easement agreement.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Heckman and approved unanimously.

            Mr. Serratore introduced the first item under “New Business”, FEMA. This is an informational item; Township Engineer, William Owen reported on the changes made in determinations of base flood for the Township of East Norriton under the National Flood Insurance Program.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Road Improvement Program Resolution No. 2347.   Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald read into record Resolution No. 2347.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2347.  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, Resolution No. 2348 – Schedule Public Hearing for Conditional Use – 207 Germantown Pike (Dr. Ko).  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to schedule a public hearing for May 22, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. preceding the regular Board of Supervisors meeting.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was second by Mrs. Heckman and approved unanimously.     

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Recycle Bank.  Mr. Robert Milligan of Recycle Bank gave a presentation on a unique recycling concept coming soon to East Norriton Township through a local solid waste management company (C & G Waste Services). Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald announced that the Township has received a recycling grant of $70,403.00 which is based on 3,115.4 tons of material recycled in 2004 in our Township and that the Township is filing for a Pennsylvania Recycling Technical Assistance Grant in the amount of $7,500.00.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Annual Financial Report year ending 2006.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald announced that the Township’s Annual financial report for the year ending 2006 is available for public review during normal business hours of the Township.  The Board of Supervisors commended the Finance Department for their hard and exact work in dealing with the Township’s finances.  Assistant Township Manger, Donald Delamater and all of the Township’s Department Directors are to be commended for developing and maintaining the annual Township budget.  Mr. Staufenberg requested Mr. Baerwald to send out an interoffice memo thanking everyone from the Board of Supervisors.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Waiver of Permit Fees – Lawnton Road Yard Sale.  The Township has received a request for a permit waiver fee for the Lawnton Road annual yard sale.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve the permit fee waiver for the Lawnton Road annual yard sale.  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, Waiver of Permit Fees – NAHS Drama Club Sign Permit Fee.  The Township has received an application for a sign permit with a permit fee waiver request from the Norristown Area High School Drama Club.  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. McQuirns and approved unanimously.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Waiver of Permit Fees – Penn Christian Academy fee waiver for County Fair.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve the permit fee waiver request from Penn Charter Christian Academy for their annual Spring County Fair.  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, NASD Act 1 Taxes Referendum. Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reminded the residents when voting in the May primary to carefully read the proposed referendum.

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Expenditure Authorization.  A.  Montgomery County Lands Trust – Protector Support - $100.00; B.  Gasoline Tank Spill Prevention Control and Plan - $3,200.00; and C. Environmental Landscaping Services (Brush Collection) - $20,000.00 annually 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. 

            Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, Attendance Authorization.  A.  Police Training - $900.00; B. Opening Day Ceremony – East Norriton Little League – Saturday, April 21^st beginning at 9:30 a.m. – Paul Fly Elementary School; and C. Schuylkill Alliance Chamber of Commerce – May 16^th, 2007 Community Awards.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve items A through C.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Heckman and approved unanimously.

            Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald read three items to be added to the Expenditure Authorizations. D. Ad for Montgomery County Opportunities Industrialization Center - $50.00; E.  Center for Technical Studies Ad - $80.00 and F. Precision Electric Base - $2,380.00 Whitehall Road and Township Line Road intersection moving of traffic signal standard (asking Worcester for half).    Mr. Staufenberg mad a motion to approve the three additional items.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Heckman and approved unanimously. 

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Legislation.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reviewed the May primary that is coming up and that residents need to get out and vote.

            Mr. Serratore reviewed the meeting schedule for April 17th, 2007 through June 26th, 2007.

            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 9:55 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