The Regular Meeting of the Board of Supervisors of East Norriton Township was called to order by the Chairman, Mr. Donald Gracia, at 7:08 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22, 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, Commendation Detective Jean Morrison.  Police Chief, John McGowan read into record the Commendation for Merit that will be presented to Detective Jean Morrison. 

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Appointment of Sergeant as Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to appoint Sergeant David Boyer as Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator.  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 met in Executive Session earlier this evening to discuss matters of litigation and personnel and held a Conditional Use Public Hearing prior to this meeting.

            Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 17, 2007.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Serratore and approved unanimously.

            Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald made an announcement that East Norriton Township has received a $550,000.00 grant notification from the Department of Environmental Protection on May 3, 2007.  The duration of this grant is from July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007 (the state of Pennsylvania’s fiscal year).  The Township fully intends to seek an extension of the grant funding deadline.  The Board of Supervisors is very grateful to Representative Jay Moyer who was instrumental in obtaining these funds for the Township. 

            The Chairman asked if there were any comments or questions, resident Terry Skahan of 3037 Taft Road asked when the funds will be distributed.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reported as soon as possible, Representative Moyer and the Board of Supervisors will meet to decide how to distribute the money on a reimbursement basis.

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Open bids for Super Pave Materials.  The Chairman asked if there were any additional bids.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to close the bids for the Super Pave Materials.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.

            The bids for the Super Pave Materials were opened and the following announced as submitting bids:  Glasgow Inc. $32.00/ton and $39.00/ton; Independence Construction Materials $33.50/ton and $38.50/ton; and Highway Materials Inc. $35.00/ton and $39.00/ton.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to defer the bids for review and possible award at the June 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, Open bids for Police Department Vehicle Equipment.  The Chairman asked if there were any additional bids.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to close the bids for the Police Department Vehicle Equipment.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.

            The bids for the Police Department Vehicle Equipment were opened and the following announced as submitting bids:  Havus Shields $16,586.15; Safety 1^st Products $16,199.47 and J Tech Emergency Lighting $20,768.79.  The bids were deferred for review by Police Chief, John McGowan and possible award later in the meeting.

            Mr. Serratore made a motion to approve the Finance Reports for April, 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 April, 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 April, 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 citizens to be heard, there were none.

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the first item under “Old Business”, Scott Harrity (2006 DeKalb Pike) Conditional Use Decision.  Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio read into record the approval decision.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve the Scott Harrity Conditional Use Decision subject to the three conditions:  1- The applicant obtain any and all necessary approvals from the appropriate regulatory entities.  2 – The proposed use will operate in accordance with the exhibits and testimony presented at the hearing.  3 – That the conditions of this approval shall inure to the applicant, his heirs, successors and assigns and shall run with the land.  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, Resolution No. 2345 – Crowley Foods Land Development Approval.  This item was tabled for next month’s meeting.

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Liberty Bell Trail Update.   Assistant Township Manager, Donald Delamater reported on this informational item: the Township has submitted a grant application to DCNR for the construction part of the Liberty Bell Trail.  Simone & Collins have started the survey work.

            Mrs. Heckman introduced the next item on the agenda, Sanitary Sewer lateral Repair Project.  Matt Brown of ARRO Consulting reported on the status of the sewer lateral repair project and the deadlines for the repairs.  Mr. Brown reviewed the stipulations of the Consent Order and Agreement.

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item n the agenda, Authorize Final Notice Letter – Sewer Later Repair Project.  The Township Solicitor is reviewing the draft letter.

            Mrs. Heckman made a motion to remove Old Business item no. two (Resolution No. 2345) and five (Final sewer lateral repair notice) from the agenda.  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, Compost Consortium.  Assistant Township Manager, Donald Delamater reviewed this informational item.

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Developments and Construction Updates.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reviewed:  Pimlico Farm – still active; Village of Caralea – zoned for an aged restricted private community is still pending; Reserve at Penn Crossing – seventy-eight building permits and sixty occupancy permits for this seventy-eight unit tri-plex residential development; Evergreen Terrace Subdivision – ten lot subdivision for proposed twins at Hillcrest Avenue and Evergreen Road; Northwood – flex development on Germantown Pike between Northtowne Plaza and Arch Road will be an age restricted independent/assisted living building, two banks, two sit down restaurants, office buildings and possibly a hotel; Williamstadt – an age restricted retirement community at the corner of DeKalb Pike and Johnson Highway pending completion of a number of conditional requirements; 317 W. Germantown Pike – proposed two new office buildings; Walgreen’s – has completed with the exception of a storm drainage facility to the rear of Butchers Lane; Jefferson Crossing – seventy-two building permits and forty-four occupancy permits have been issued; Mercy Suburban General Hospital – thirty thousand square foot addition has been completed; Swede Square Shopping Center – Potters Tavern has been demolished and the developer proposes  to develop and premlinary plans show to install a right turn lane form southbound Swede Road onto Gemantown Pike; Heatherwood – proposed twenty-eight lot subdivision on Whitehall Road; MRA Car Wash – project is complete with the exception of a pedestrian bridge that has yet to be installed along Germantown Pike; Crowley Foods – proposed fifteen thousand square foot warehouse office; Gorman Welding – proposed fifteen thousand square foot warehouse office; Tone 2000 – eight lot subdivision of 2935 Whitehall Road; Valenza Property –proposed three story office building is pending final approval; Miller Bros. Electric – proposed warehouse office for vacant land at the end of Felton Road; Altemose Property -  plans have been submitted for proposed retail use along the Germantown Pike frontage and self-storage on the rear of the property is still pending; Handy Harmon Property – sale of property on hold; Provident – public hearing to be held on this property on June 26, 2007; and United Storage – proposed two story self storage facility.

            Police Chief, John McGowan recommended the Police Department Vehicle Equipment bid be awarded to Safety 1^st Products for the amount of $16,199.47.  Mrs. Heckman made a motion to award the bid to Safety 1^st Products per Chief McGowan’s recommendation.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Serratore and approved unanimously.

            Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reported that the Auto Dealer’s Association has purchased a property West of their location on Township Line Road and in order to connect to public sewers, the Auto Dealer’s Association has asked the Township to allow them to connect into Whitpain Township’s sewer line along Township Line Road.  To facilitate this connection the Township  is required to enter into an agreement with Whitpain Township.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to authorize the execution of the agreement with Whitpain Township once it is reviewed by the Township Solicitor’s office. After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously.

            Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald also reported on the easement for 317 West Germantown Pike through St. Titus ownership of the easement is subject to the developer maintaining the easement.

            Mrs. Heckman introduced the next item on the agenda, Storm Drainage Issues/Projects.  Township Engineer, Bob Blue reported:  A.  Briar Lane and Hillcrest Avenue Watershed –no new update; B.  Lawnton Road, Lafayette and Springview Roads storm water –no new update; C. 605 Meadowbrook Road – Township will need a new agreement with the property owner in regards to the property owner maintaining the easement and the pool equipment in the right of way; and D.  Letter from the Montgomery County Planning Commission dated April 30, 2007 on the Stone Arch Bridge Management Plan – informational item, no action needed.

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Traffic Issues.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reported:  A. Traffic Study for traffic improvements on Township Line Road –no new update; B.  Germantown Pike Corridor – no new update; and C.  Swede Square Shopping Center – looking to put in right turn lane.

            Mrs. Heckman introduced the next item on the agenda, US Route 202 Widening.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reported no new update. The Township is working to resolve issues for Mercy Suburban Hospital.  Supervisor Staufenberg questioned when the Germantown Pike paving repairs will be performed at Stanbridge Street.  Mr. Baerwald reported that it is the water company that is going to do the repairs on Germantown Pike just East of Stanbridge Street.

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Sanitary Sewer Issues.  Mr. Rosenthal of Gilmore Associates reported:  A. Act 537 Update – has been approved by the DEP, the reimbursement application is being prepared; B.  Heatherwood Pumping Sewer Alternative Proposal – working with the developer; C.  Germantown Pumping Station Capacity Study – waiting for delivery of equipment for the Timberlake Station upgrade; E. Whitehall Road Televising Activity – laterals being televised by Township staff; F.  Taft Road Sewer Interceptor Work – additional scope of work will be considered. Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve the additional cost of $118,881.00 for a new total of $186,423.00 prepared by Gilmore & Associates dated May 21, 2007.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously. G.  US 202 Widening required sewer work by the Township – nothing new to report; and H.  Overflows during Nor’easter storm – Germantown pump station overflowed for approximately thirty hours, will now start to look at Stony Creek interceptor line for Inflow and Infiltration. 

            Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to add Dr. Ko Conditional Use request decision to “New Business”.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.

            Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio reported on the public hearing held earlier in the evening for Dr. Ko’s conditional use application.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve the application subject to Dr. Ko utilizing the property in accordance with the testimony and exhibits presented at the public hearing.  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, Resolution No. 2349 – Proclamation – Louis Mincarelli.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald read into record Resolution No. 2349 recognizing Louis Mincarelli, distinguished volunteer of Norriton Fire Engine Company.  The proclamation was presented to Mr. Mincarelli at the Norriton Fire Engine Company banquet. Mrs. Heckman made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2349.  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. 2350 – Amending fee schedule to include liquor license transfer fee.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald read into record Resolution No. 2350 setting a fee for a public hearing to consider the transfer of a restaurant liquor license.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2350.  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, Resolution No. 2351  - Schedule Time and Place for a Public Hearing for a restaurant liquor license (Chili’s).  Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio explained the liquor license transfer process and the scheduling of a public hearing.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to schedule the public hearing for Tuesday, June 12^th, 2007 at 9:30 a.m.  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, Resolution No. 2352 – Approval to scrap obsolete Township equipment.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald read into record Resolution No. 2352 authorizing the Township Manager to dispose of through sale or other means a Wildcat Compost Turner.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2352.  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, Resolution No, 2353 – Minnick and Associates – 2605 DeKalb Pike.  This item was tabled until the June meeting.

            Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, PA American Water Co.  This is an informational item, Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald read a notice of proposed rate changes for the Pennsylvania American Water Co.  Supervisor Staufenberg recommended that a letter be sent from the Township opposing a 15% increase because it is excessive.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Norriton Fire Engine Company Capital Plan and Annual Allocation.  Assistant Township Manager, Donald Delamater reviewed the capital plan.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve the capital plan as a future budget planning guide and further to approve the release of the 2007 budget allocation on a monthly basis to the NFEC.  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, Waiver of Permit Fees – Paws Across PA.  The Township has received a sign permit fee waiver request for Paws Across PA Fundraiser.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to approve the waiver request.  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, Blue Star Memorial Highway Designation.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reviewed a request from the Norristown Garden Club regarding placement of a Blue Star Highway marker a tribute to the Armed Forces that have defended the United States of America.  Mrs. Heckman made a motion to approve the sign placement of the marker between North Wales Road and Rainbow Arts and Crafts along Germantown Pike on the Farm Park side in the Township’s sewer easement.  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, Quakertown – Lansdale Freight Line.  This is an informational item; Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald read a letter dated May 1, 2007 from the Regional Improvement Consortium.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Expenditure Authorization.  A.  State of Township Report - $2,935.00; B. Taft Road Interceptor Repair –as recommended by Gilmore & Assoc. $186,423.00; C. Insurance Deductible Vehicle Repair Expense - $500.00; D.  PSATS Delegates’ Expenses – Mrs. Heckman - $454.13, Mr. Baerwald - $352.86, Mr. Serratore – 231.44, Mr. McQuirns - $298.26 and Mr. Gracia - $254.04; E. ARRO – Sewer Lateral Televising - $30,875.00; F. Simone & Collins Liberty Bell Deed Search - $1,750.00; G. Hartranft Boulevard Storm Drainage Pipe – Township Engineer cost to inspect area; H. Affirmation of invoice for Abbonizio - $34,138.52 and I. LRM, Inc. – Flow Recorder - $1,800.00.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve items A through I.  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 – Chief McGowan and Lieutenant Kates - $220.00; B. Police Training – Detective Morrison and C. Open Space Workshop.  Mr. Staufenberg 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.

            Township Manger, Helmuth Baerwald reported that the initiative to enact taxation under Act 1 failed, only four school districts out of five hundred in the State passed it.

            Mr. Serratore reviewed the meeting schedule for May 19th, 2007 through August 28^th, 2007.

            There being no other business to come before the Board, the Chairman asked if there were any residents who wished to speak, Carol Mobley of Butchers Lane questioned the status of the offsite storm water improvements at her property.  Township Engineer, Bob Blue reviewed the status of the storm water improvements.

Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 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