The Regular Meeting of the Board of Supervisors of East Norriton Township was called to order by the Chairman, Mr. Donald Gracia, at 7:06 p.m. on Tuesday, July 24, 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, Dr. Theresa Carfagno Retirement Certificate Presentation.  The Board of Supervisors presented Dr. Carfagno with a certificate on the occasion of her retirement as Principal of East Norriton Township’s Paul Fly Elementary School.

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Grant Check Presentation.  Representative Jay Moyer presented the Board of Supervisors with a mock check representing a grant for the sewer lateral repair program in the amount of $550,000.00.

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Swearing In - Assistant Fire Marshal/Fire Fighter, Frank Ludwig and Code Enforcement Officer/Fire Fighter, Joseph Perkins. Police Chief, John McGowan introduced Frank Ludwig and Assistant Township Manager, Donald Delamater swore Mr. Ludwig in as the Township’s new Assistant Fire Marshal/Fire Fighter.  Director of Code Enforcement, Bryan Bortnichak introduced Mr. Perkins and Assistant Township Manager, Donald Delamater swore Mr. Perkins in as the Township’s new Code Enforcement Officer/Fire Fighter.

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Announcement Post Office Issue (19403 Zip Code and Eagleville).  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reviewed an issue with the post office changing the default city for zip code 19403 from Norristown to Eagleville.  Mr. Staufenberg made a suggestion that we notify the residents in the next newsletter.

            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 June 26, 2007.  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 the sale of two vehicles and a Zero Turn mower.  The Chairman asked if there were any additional bids.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to close the bids for the sale of two vehicles and a Zero Turn mower.   After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Serratore and approved unanimously.

            The bids for the sale of two vehicles were opened and the following were announced as submitting a bid:  Rogers Auto Sales for the 2002 Ford - $2,876.00 and for the 2004 Ford - $4,568.00, David Goldstein for the 2002 Ford - $4,888.00 and for the 2004 Ford - $6,588.00, Mark Motors for the 2 vehicles - $4,950.00 and Grace Quality Used Cars for the 2002 Ford - $1,846.00 and for the 2004 Ford - $3,646.00.  The bids for the Zero Turn mower were opened and the following were announced as submitting a bid:  Brett Stephens - $1,800.00 (cash) and Gaudino Brothers - $780.00.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to award the Zero Turn mower bid to the highest bidder subject to approval from the Public Works Director.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.   Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to award the 2002 and 2004 Ford to David Goldstein for $11,476.00 per Police Chief, John McGowan’s recommendation.  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 Garage Doors for the New Public Works Garage.  The Chairman asked if there were any additional bids.  Mrs. Heckman made a motion to close the bids for Garage Doors for the New Public Works Garage.   After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously.

            The bids for the garage doors for the new Public Works garage were opened and the following announced as submitting a bid:  KJ Door Services Inc. - $13,569.23 and Jaydoor Company - $10,000.00.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to award the bid for the garage doors for the new Public Works garage in the best interest of the Township pending recommendation from the Public Works Director.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously. 

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Open bids for Small Skid Loader and Accessories.  The Chairman asked if there were any additional bids.  Mrs. Heckman made a motion to close the bids for the small skid loader and accessories.   After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously.

            The bids for the small skid loader and accessories were opened and the following announced as submitting a bid:  Green Valley Tractor Sales - $23,361.00.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to award the bid for the small skid loader and accessories in the best interest of the Township pending approval from the Public Works Director and Parks and Recreation Director.  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, Authorization to Bid for Traffic Signal and Street Light Maintenance.  Mrs. Heckman made a motion to authorize advertisement for bids for traffic signal and street light maintenance.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously.

            Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve the Finance Reports for June, 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 June, 2007 be deferred and also, commented that the Committee Reports were available on the table in the back of the meeting room.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to approve the Committee Reports for June, 2007.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously.

            The Chairman asked if there were any citizens to be heard; Carol Mobley of 3200 Butchers Lane requested the status of the storm water work at Walgreen’s. Supervisor Staufenberg assured Mrs. Mobley the storm water work is a priority of the Township staff.

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the first item under “Old Business”, Resolution No. 2345 – Crowley Foods Land Development Approval.   No new update.

            Mrs. Heckman introduced the next item on the agenda, Resolution No. 2357 – Swede Square Shopping Center – Land Development Waiver Request.  Director of Code Enforcement, Bryan Bortnichak reviewed Resolution No. 2357 granting a waiver of the requirements for the land development application for Swede Square Associates, L.P. for improvements to the parking lot and the construction of a building not to exceed sixty-six hundred square feet.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2357.  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. 2344 – Historic Resources Inventory List for East Norriton Township.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reviewed Resolution No. 2344 establishing an historic resources inventory list for the Township of East Norriton and read into record the list. Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2344.  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, Sanitary Sewer Lateral Repair Project.  Matt Brown of ARRO Consulting reported to date out of two hundred and fifty one properties one hundred and forty-five have paid or have had the work completed.   Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald recommended that the Board of Supervisors extend the deadline for the Whitehall Road properties to October 31, 2007.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve the Whitehall Road properties deadline be extended to October 31, 2007.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Heckman and approved unanimously.

            Resident, Mr. Farrell of 3008 Whitehall Road would like to have some questions answered.  Mr. Brown advised Mr. Farrell that he will be in contact with him to answer any questions.   Resident, Mrs. Ogle of 3006 Whitehall Road asked how long the work will take.  Matt Brown reported that the work takes less than a day.  Mrs. Ogle also asked if any storm water drainage can be installed along Whitehall Road in this area.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald advised Mrs. Ogle that he will meet with her to discuss the matter. 

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Corrective Action Plan.  Matt Brown of ARRO Consulting reported that the milestones of the Corrective Action Plan continue to be on target.  Mr. Brown reported on the status of the proposed swaps to eliminate one existing pump station and one proposed pump station. Mr. Brown reported that ARRO Consulting has received verbal approval for the proposed swap and the Township will receive written notice soon from the Department of Environmental Protection.

            Mrs. Heckman introduced the next item on the agenda, FEMA – NIFP Biennial Report.  Township Engineer, Bob Blue reported the report has been submitted on time.

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Development and Construction Updates.  Code Enforcement Director, Bryan Bortnichak reported:  the following are on the Planning Commission agenda for Wednesday, July 25, 2007:  2006 DeKalb Pike – Scott Harrity has submitted a land development application to convert a single family dwelling into a real estate office; 2601 Swede Road – proposed subdivision of existing lot and create a buildable lot; and Wendy’s Restaurant – 2811 and 2815 DeKalb Pike has submitted a zoning application for the August 7, 2007 meeting to demolish the existing restaurant and build a new restaurant on the combined lots and Mr. Bortnichak reported on the Northwood Development fence and gate – all parties have come to an agreement to relocate the fence.

            Mrs. Heckman introduced the next item on the agenda, Storm Drainage Issues/Projects.  Township Engineer, Robert Blue reported:  A. Briar Lane and Hillcrest Avenue – no new update; B. Lawnton Road, Lafayette and Springview Roads storm water system – no new update; C.  605 Meadowbrook Road – Mr. Blue met with Mr. Morton who wants to keep the pool equipment in the easement and is willing to repair the erosion if the Township provides the material.  This item was deferred until next month’s meeting until Mr. Blue can give a detailed report. D. 123 and 126 West Hartranft Blvd - Mr. Blue will provide a detailed report with repair costs at next month’s meeting.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald advised the Board of Supervisors that the Township may have to look into extending the storm water system east through the Coleston area.  E.  Sandra Lane Homeowner’s Association - Mr. Blue reported that this is not a Township issue; F. Walgreen’s – no new update and G. 102 Dorp Circle – Mr. Blue looked at the area and found no storm water problem with the adjacent office building.

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Traffic Issues. Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reported:   A. Township Line Road traffic improvements – no new update; B. Germantown Pike study – no new update; C. Germantown Pike corridor – no new update; and D. Swede Road right turn lane – proceeding with design plans.

            Mrs. Heckman introduced the next item on the agenda, US Route 202 Widening.  Assistant Township Manager, Donald Delamater reported that there is no new update.  The Board requested that Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald send a letter to the State Representative regarding the loss of income from the loss of businesses and no definite schedule for the actual widening project to commence.

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Sanitary Sewer Issues.  Stuart Rosenthal of Gilmore & Associates, Inc. reported: A. Act 537 Update – no new update; B. Heatherwood Pumping Sewer Alternative Proposal – no new update (DEP verbally approved swap); C. Timberlake Station Pump Replacement – replacing defective pump at this station; D. Taft Road Sewer Interceptor Slip Lining Work – work proceeding two thirds completed; E. US 202 Widening required sewer work by the Township – no new update, will follow up with PADOT; and F. Comparison of Flow Data Norris City and Saw Mill Run Pumping Station – will provide a more detailed analysis to be performed in the fall.

            Mr. Serratore introduced “New Business” and moved United Storage up on the agenda.  J. Peirce Anderson, Attorney for the applicant and Rob Irons from Bohler Engineering, Engineer for applicant reviewed the waiver requests addressed in the letter dated July 18, 2007 and Robert Blue’s letter dated July 20, 2007.  After a lengthy and detailed discussion Mr. Anderson reported once the technical issues are resolved between the engineers, they will present the proposal back to the Board of Supervisors.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Resolution No. 2359 – Request for Studies and Surveys.  Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio reviewed Resolution No. 2359 directing the Planning Commission to look at readopting the township’s zoning ordinance.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2359.  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, Resolution No. 2361 – Subdivision and Land Development Ordinances.  Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio reviewed Resolution No. 2316.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2361.  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. 2360 – Uniform Construction Code Appeals Board.  Code Enforcement Director, Bryan Bortnichak reviewed Resolution No. 2360 establishing a building code board of appeals in accordance with the uniform construction code.  The appeals board would consist of:  Frances L. Siegel (architect), Bill Hitman (general contractor), Stanley J. Segal (plumbing contractor) and Peter Lawler (general contractor). Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2360.  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, Resolution No. 2362 – Adoption of Montgomery County Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan.  Police Chief, John McGowan reviewed Resolution No. 2362.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2362.  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. 2363 – Police Department of Schedule of Fees.  Police Chief, John McGowan reviewed Resolution No. 2363 amending the Police department schedule of fees by adding fees for investigation photographs transferred to a CD.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2363.  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, Resolution No. 2364 – Set Public Hearing for the enactment of a Traffic-Impact Fee.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to schedule a public hearing for Tuesday, August 28, 2007 at 6:30 p.m.  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, 2007 Budget Revisions.  Assistant Township Manager, Donald Delamater reviewed the 2007 budget revisions.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to approve the 2007 budget revisions as of July 15, 2007.  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, Village of Caralea Sewer Connection Fees.  The property owner has paid the appropriate sewer connection fees for the fifty-four EDU’s in order to get on the list of developers waiting to connect their respective projects to the public sewer pending approval by the Pennsylvania Department of Protection.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to add the Village of Caralea to the EDU release schedule list.  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, 2007 Road Paving Schedule.  This is an informational item of the roads scheduled for paving in August, 2007:  West Hartranft Blvd, Cottage Lane, Brenda Lane (from Northampton to Nottingham Road), Washington Ave and Whitehall Road (from Northampton to Township Line Road).

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, School Zone Signage – Cole Manor Elementary School.  Police Chief, John McGowan reviewed a request dated July 10, 2007 from the Norristown Area School District and recommended the Township add one school zone sign in each direction, halfway between the existing signs, add to all the school zone signs a sign indicating the arrival and departure times of the students and the painting of “School Zone” across Springview Drive in large lettering, in each direction.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve Chief McGowan’s recommendations stated in a memo dated July 12, 2007.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously.

            Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, Norriton Fire Engine Company’s Nextel Service.  Police Chief, John McGowan reviewed a request dated July 11, 2007 from the Norriton Fire Engine Company to be added to the township’s account and they will pay all charges and expenses associated with the additional phones.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to approve the 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, Safety First Emergency Equipment Co. – Waiver of Performance Bond.  Police Chief, John McGowan reviewed a request for a waiver of performance bond.  Mrs. Heckman made a motion to waive the performance bond for this bid only.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously.

            Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, Expenditure Authorization.  A.  7^th Annual PAL’s Extravaganza – Fundraiser Ad Book - $150.00; B. Smart Board – Interactive Whiteboard System - $8,829.00; C. Mechanical Assist Storage System - $24,582.82; and D. 6^th Annual Fire Company Golf Outing Fundraiser - $500.00.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to approve item A through D.  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, Attendance Authorization.  A.  NASD Educators Foundation – 2^nd Annual Golf Outing Fundraiser - $300.00; B. Police Training – Officer Thomson, August 22, 2007; C. Police Training – Office Brennan, August 1, 2 and 3, 2007; D.  Police Training - Officers Pasquale and Lopoten, September 11, 12 and 13, 2007; E. PMAA Conference – State College- Vice Chairman and Township Manager; and F.  Police Training – Officer Brennan, August 28, 29 and 30, 2007.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve items A through F.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously.

            Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, Legislation.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reviewed recently enacted legislation – Volunteer Fire Company and Volunteer Ambulance Grants will expire on June 30, 2012; Limits to Challenging Local Ordinances – would limit challenges to the adoption of local ordinances, resolutions, maps, or similar action of political subdivision; and Vehicle Scofflaw Violators – would allow a parking authority or municipality to notify PADOT when someone has six or more unpaid parking tickets. Once notified in writing, PADOT will suspend the vehicle registration of the person until all unpaid tickets have been paid.

            Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reviewed a letter received from Shop Rite dated July 20, 2007 requesting permission to hold a Hispanic Festival for Saturday, August 18, 2007.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve the request subject to all permit and township requirements are met.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Serratore and approved unanimously.

            Mr. Serratore reviewed the meeting schedule for July 23, 2007 through September 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, Rick Williams questioned the EMS tax amendment.  Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio reported she is in the process of preparing an ordinance for the Board of Supervisors consideration.

Mr. Serratore made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:50 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