The Regular Meeting of the Board of Supervisors of East Norriton Township was called to order by the Chairman, Mr. Donald Gracia, at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 25, 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 asked for a moment of silence in memory of William Butler Sr. who was a dedicated employee of the Township for forty-two years.

            The Chairman introduced the first item on the agenda, Sergeant Ryan Stinson Certificate Presentation.  Police Chief, John McGowan read into record and presented Sergeant Ryan Stinson with a certificate of appreciation for his thirteen years of dedicated service.

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Sergeant Promotion and Probationary Officer.  Police Chief, John McGowan recommended that the Board of Supervisors grant Officer Karl Fischer permanent status as a Police Officer for East Norriton Township.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to approve Officer Karl Fischer for permanent status of a Police Officer.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Heckman and approved unanimously. 

            Police Chief, John McGowan presented Officer Brandon Pasquale with his Sergeant badge.  Officer Pasquale will be sworn in as Sergeant Thursday, September 27^th, 2007 for a one year probationary period.

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Police Department Commendations.  Police Chief, John McGowan presented and read into record Merit Commendations for Officer David McDermott and Officer Matthew Cover for assisting the West Norriton Township Police Department with a robbery. 

            Police Chief, John McGowan presented Mark Ross, Security Director of Mercy Suburban Hospital with a certificate recognizing his assistance with the Police Department with information which led to the apprehension of a subject who was being pursued for criminal activity.

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Employee Recognition.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald commended all the Township employees for their hard work and dedication.

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Elmwood Park Zoo.  Rafael Suarez, Executive Director gave a presentation of the Elmwood Park Zoo Master Plan Phase One.

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Woods Golf Center.  The Chairman read a statement from Richard Montalbano, Vice President and Project Executive for Albert Einstein Healthcare Network regarding the status of the planning efforts for a new hospital.  Mr. Gracia recognized Mr. Montalbano who was in the audience.

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Authorize Bids for Thermo Plastic Line Striping.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve advertising for bids for Thermo Plastic Line Stripping to be opened at the October regular meeting.  After requesting any comments, the motion was second by Mr. Serratore and approved unanimously.

            The Chairman made an announcement that the Board of Supervisors met in Executive Session on Thursday, September 20, 2007 and earlier this evening to discuss matters of litigation and personnel.

            Mrs. Heckman made a motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of August 28, 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, Award Bid for Traffic Signal and Street Light Maintenance.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve Tim Bradbury’s recommendation to award the bid for Traffic Signal and Street Light Maintenance to Precision Electric.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Heckman and approved unanimously.

            Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve the Finance Reports for August, 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 August, 2007 be deferred and also, commented that the Committee Reports were available on the table in the back of the meeting room.  Mrs. Heckman made a motion to approve the Committee Reports for August, 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. Tryst Anderson of  3336 East Hayes Road stated that his lateral repair was completed and would like a hold harmless letter from the township so that if he attempts to sell his home in the future this work will not have to be done again.  The Chairman requested that Mr. Anderson send a letter to the township with that request with the contractors report on his lateral repair.

            Several residents questioned the Pennsylvania American Water Company low pressure problems that have occurred.  Representatives from Pennsylvania America Water Company reported on the problems due to a pump failure and the calling notification that occurred.  The representative urged everyone to contact Pennsylvania American Water Company and verify their contact information at 1-800-565-7292.  The consumer notification system will be investigated. 

            Ms. Rosemary Dillon of 101 Dorp Circle commented on the monument at Stanbridge Street and Dorp Circle that the monument is beautiful but, that children are playing and littering on the property.  Ms. Dillon expressed concerns with an incident that her parents had with a car in their driveway in the Coleston area and being citied.  Police Chief, John McGowan asked Ms. Dillon to provide her name and phone number and he would look into the situation and get back to her.

            Mr. Viglinese of 3105 Whitehall Road is looking for some assistance from the township regarding his wet basement that he believed has occurred since the township installed storm drains. Mr. Viglinese received a letter from the township engineer and the letter is unsatisfactory to the homeowner. Township Engineer, Bob Blue updated the Board of Supervisors with the property situation.  The township engineer will send someone from his office out to look this over again.

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the first item under “Old Business”, Resolution No. 2368 – United Storage LD Final Conditional Approval.  Township Engineer, Bob Blue reviewed that attempts have made by both the township and the applicant to extend a public water supply system to the United Storage site.  Supervisor Staufenberg expressed concerns with waiver requests #7, 10, 13 and 14. Marc Kaplin a representative for United Storage Partners reviewed the waiver requests.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to deny the application of United Storage Partners, L.P. for the property at 535 West Germantown Pike.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion to deny was seconded by Mr. Serratore and approved unanimously.

            Mrs. Heckman introduced the next item on the agenda, SALDO Ordinance.  Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio reported this is moving forward and that the ordinance will be on the agenda for next month’s meeting.

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Sanitary Sewer Lateral Repair Project. Liz Cheeseman of ARRO Consulting reported to date that one hundred and ninety–seven residents have paid out of the two hundred and fifty-one to utilize the township’s contractor of these one hundred and forty-three properties are substantially complete except for restoration.  Thirty-five properties are utilizing a private contractor to have their laterals repairs.  There are eighty-nine properties awaiting sewer lateral repair work with the township contractor and there are twenty properties that have had no response with their intent.

            Resident, Dick Smith of 3018 Taft Road asked if any improvements have been seen with the inflow and infiltration.  Liz Cheeseman of ARRO Consulting stated that the township received three inches of rain in August and that there were no overflows.

            Mrs. Heckman introduced the next item on the agenda, Corrective Action Plan Update.  Liz Cheeseman of ARRO Consulting reported on the third quarter report of 2007 and reviewed the milestones that have been completed. Ms. Cheeseman also stated that during the second quarter the township has removed in excess of two hundred thousand gallons per day of contributory Inflow and Infiltration.

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Development and Construction Updates.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald introduced Ross Weis a representative for McDonalds who reviewed the expansion project history with the McDonalds on Route 202 and would like to resubmit plans to Robert Blue Engineers. Mr. Baerwald reviewed that Evergreen Terrace is getting geared up to start project; Northwood  development is coming out of the ground; Penn Crossing development is almost complete; Village of Caralea has received final approval; 317 W. Germantown Pike plans should be submitted shortly; Swede Square Shopping Center design for right hand turn have been completed; MRA Car Wash pedestrian bridge is being constructed over creek; Tone 2000 an eight lot subdivision, possibly to be sold; Wendy’s is working out an easement situation; and Provident Indemnity should be coming in with sketch plans.

            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 – met with David Erb and they should be coming in shortly with plans soon; B. storm water system design plans for Lawnton Road, Lafayette and Springview Roads – no new update; C. 605 Meadowbrook Road - reported on this at last month’s meeting; and D. Walgreen’s storm drainage work to start in the spring of 2008.

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Traffic Issues.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reported that the Swede Road right hand turn lane is to be installed. The township has entered into a partnership with PADOT to install close circuit cameras that will be located at US 202 and Johnson Highway and US 202 and Germantown Pike at the time the US 202 project begins. The purpose of these cameras are to monitor traffic and will ultimately have the ability to permit the police department to time traffic signals in the event of  an emergency situation.

            Township Manger, Helmuth Baerwald reported that US Route 202 widening project is proposed for 2011.

            Mrs. Heckman introduced the next item on the agenda, Sanitary Sewer Issues.  Stuart Rosenthal of Gilmore & Associates, Inc. reported:  A. Act 537 Update reimbursement has been received by the township; B. Timberlake Station Pump (Impellors) Replacement still having issues with the equipment; C. Taft Road Sewer Interceptor Slip Lining Work completed, a few punch list items need to be completed;  D. US 202 Widening required sewer work by the township to come up in front of PADOT  in 2009; and E. Comparison of flow data at Norris City and Saw Mill Run pumping station will have a report at next month’s or November’s meeting.

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Ordinance Regulating Demolition of Historic Resources. Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio reviewed the ordinance that has to do with historic resources in the township and if someone wants to change or demolish a historic structure that they have to go before the zoning hearing board.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to advertise this ordinance for consideration at the October 23, 2007 meeting.  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, Authorize Advertisement Ordinance No. 499 Local EMS Tax Amendments.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reviewed Ordinance No. 499.  Mrs. Heckman made a motion to advertise Ordinance No. 499 for consideration at the October 23, 2007 meeting.  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, Postal Issue 19403 Eagleville.  There was nothing new to report.

            Mrs. Heckman introduced the next item on the agenda, NFEC Meeting.  This is an informational item; the meeting had originally been scheduled for September 18, 2007, the Fire Company has requested that the meeting be rescheduled to October 11, 2007.

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Reduction of Emergency Access Easement Width Request – 531 Faith Drive.  This item needs further review by the solicitor. 

            Mrs. Heckman introduced the next item on the agenda, Dedication of Reserve at Penn Crossing.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to authorize the Township Engineer and Township Solicitor to speak with Mr. McBride regarding the process of dedication for this development. After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Heckman and approved unanimously.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the first item under “New Business”, Consider Ordinance No. 2371 – Wendy’s Hamburgers LD Waiver Request.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2371.  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, Consider Resolution No. 2372 – Authorizing the destruction of certain public records and disposal of equipment.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reviewed Resolution No. 2372 authorizing the disposition of certain public records and the disposal of equipment.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2372.  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 Consider Ordinance No. 2373 – Authorizing the sale of a Township Vehicle.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2373 authorizing advertisement for bids for the sale of a 2004 Ford Explorer XLT Serial # 1FMZU73W24UB44664 to be opened at the October 23, 2007 meeting.  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, Consider Resolution No. 2374.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reviewed Resolution No. 2374 establishing a time and place for a public hearing to consider an amendment to the East Norriton Township Zoning map.  This involves the “Power House” and other properties on DeKalb Blvd. for possible zoning change from AR to CR1.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to schedule a public hearing for Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 5:30 p.m.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Heckman and approved unanimously.

            Mr. McQuirns made a motion to remove Resolution No. 2375 – Akram Jacob – 2601 Swede Road Subdivision from the agenda.  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. 2376 – Sewer Planning Module Revision - Heatherwood.  Stuart Rosenthal of Gilmore & Associates, Inc. reviewed   Resolution No. 2376 which is a revision to an earlier sewer planning module. Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2376.  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, 2008 Budget for Police and Employees Pension Plan.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reviewed the Minimum Municipal Obligation calculations.  Mrs. Heckman made a motion to approve and accept the report and affirm the 2008 Minimum Municipal Obligations. 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, IDA – Authorized application for financing to PA Academy of Fine Arts.  Supervisor, James Serratore reviewed the East Norriton Industrial Development Authority Resolution No. 2007-09-05 authorizing and directing the issuance of authority indebtedness and authorizing proper authority officers to take all action necessary to complete the project financing for the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to affirm the Township’s authorization.  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, Schedule Public Hearing for Liberty Bell Trail.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to schedule a public hearing with the affected property owners as called for in the planning contract for Thursday, November 8, 2007 at 6:30 p.m.  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, Traffic Signal Timing Sequence – Township Line Road, Swede Road and DeKalb Pike. The township has received a letter from a resident regarding possible timing sequence traffic signal changes which may be necessary for Township Line Road, Swede Road and DeKalb Pike.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to authorize the Township Manager to contact PENNDOT to conduct a traffic survey to determine timing sequence changes.  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, Traffic Safety Sign (Bus Stop Ahead).  Resident, Lori Ann Siegle of 419 West Township Line Road spoke about her request for a “Bus Stop Ahead” sign on Township Line Road.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to authorize Police Chief, John McGowan to follow up with appropriate action and install the sign.  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, FEMA – Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan.  Police Chief, John McGowan reviewed this informational item; the Township is using the plan as a resource for emergency management.

            Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, ENPWSJA – MIPP.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reviewed the Interjurisdictional Agreement between the Townships and the Joint Sewer Authority dealing with the Municipal Industrial Pretreatment Users. Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to authorize the Chairman to execute the agreement on behalf of the township.  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, PODS – Portable on Demand Storage.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reviewed a letter received from PODS.   Mr. Serratore made a motion to have the Code Enforcement Director to look into this with the Township Solicitor.   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, Emergency Management Exercise.  Supervisor James Staufenberg reviewed the exercise that was held on Community Day, September 8, 2007.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Reschedule November Regular Meeting.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to reschedule the Board of Supervisors November meeting from Tuesday, November 27, 2007 to Tuesday, November 20, 2007.  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, Schedule Goals and Accomplishments Meeting with Department Directors.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to schedule the goals and accomplishments meeting for Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at 9:00 a.m.  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, Expenditure Authorization.  A.  1 year contract with JD2 Environmental – Gas and Diesel Tank Inspection - $2,250.00;  B. Township Garage Stucco Work – Breen Stucco, Inc.  – $16, 565.00; C.  Replace Street Lighting  - Hidden Ridge Area – go out for bid;  D. Taft Road Interceptor Repair Contract Extension; E. Stony Creek slip lining approximately - $30,000.00; F. Stony Creek Stream Bank stabilization – pending estimated budget; and G.  Norristown High School Hall of Champions ad - $100.00.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve items A through G. 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, Attendance Authorization. A.  Eleventh Annual Domestic Violence Awareness dinner.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve item A.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Ms. Heckman and approved unanimously.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Legislation.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald stated there is nothing new to report.

            Mr. Serratore reviewed the meeting schedule for September 25, 2007 through November 26, 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 10:20 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