The Regular Meeting of the Board of Supervisors of East Norriton Township was called to order by the Chairman, Mr. Donald Gracia, at 7:05 p.m. on Tuesday, October 23, 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, Presentation of Certificates to East Norriton Little League District 22 Champions.  Mr. Gracia introduced the coaches and presented the team members with certificates. 

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Police Commendation – Officer Christi Soto.  Police Chief, John McGowan presented Officer Christi Soto with a Commendation of Merit for actions that helped capture a burglary suspect and clear two burglaries.

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Pennsylvania American Water Company.  Kathy Pape, President of Pennsylvania American Water Company apologized for the three boil water advisories that occurred in a nineteen day period during September and October. Daniel Hufton, Vice President of Production for Pennsylvania American Water Company provided a power point presentation and reviewed the Norristown Water Filtration Plant, the three outages that occurred during a maintenance process and the boil advisory that is a precautionary measure required by the DEP.   Residents are urged to contact PAWC and verify/update their information at 1-800-565-7292.  Kathy Pape stated that affected customers will receive a credit for five days of their minimum charge on the next or following month’s bill.  Several residents presented questions and comments to the PAWC representatives.

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Open Bids for Thermo Plastic Line Striping.  The Chairman asked if there were any additional bids.  Mrs. Heckman made a motion to close the bids for Thermo Plastic Line Striping.   After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously.

            The bids for the Thermo Plastic Line Striping were opened and read by the Township Manager as follows:  PSX Inc. - $16,525.00 and Interstate Road Management - $19,725.00.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to refer the bids for review by Township staff and possible award either tonight or at the November 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 Township Vehicle.  The Chairman asked if there were any additional bids.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to close the bids for the sale of a Township vehicle.   After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously.

            The bids for the Township Vehicle, a 2004 Ford Explorer were opened and read by the Township Manager as follows.  Guardino Brothers - $4,230.00; Modern Classics - $5,589.00; Michael Horowitz - $4,679.00 and Mario Perillo - $6,150.00.  Police Chief, John McGowan recommended the 2004 Ford Explorer be awarded to Mario Perillo for $6,150.00.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to award the bid per Chief McGowan’s recommendation to Mario Perillo.   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 for the annual Goals and Accomplishments meeting today and in Executive Session earlier this earlier evening to discuss matters of litigation and personnel.

            Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 25, 2007.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Heckman and approved unanimously.

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

            The Chairman requested that the reading of the Committee Reports for September, 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 September, 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, Mr. Quinn of Michele Drive requested to review the plans for the proposed Einstein Hospital.  Mr. Gracia advised Mr. Quinn that plans have not been submitted, the agreement of sale has been signed.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald suggested that the residents contact Mr. Richard Montalbano, Vice President and Project Executive for Albert Einstein Healthcare Network at Executive Offices 5501 Old York Road Philadelphia PA 19141 or 215-456-7018 or MontalbanoR@Einstein.edu with any questions and concerns. Several residents presented questions and concerns to the Board about the Wood property/proposed Einstein property.

            Mr. McQuirns called on Matt Brown of ARRO Consulting to discuss the Sanitary Sewer Lateral Repair Project.  Mr. Brown reported out of the two hundred and fifty-three properties that needed repair, two hundred and thirty-six residents have paid or had their work done. Out of those, one hundred and fifty-seven properties are substantially complete (thirty-seven residents have used a private contractor and one hundred and twenty residents have used N. Abbonizio Contractors) and there are seventy-nine properties to date that are waiting for the work to be performed.   Mr. Brown stated that ten properties have not approached the township about repairs and seven properties from the Whitehall Road area with a deadline of October 31, 2007 have not approached the township.  ARRO Consulting staff and Township staff met with Abbonizio to resolve some issues.  N. Abbonizio Contractors has requested an additional change to percentages in addition to the contract without any justifiable detail.  N. Abbonizio Contractors has stated that until there is an agreement they will not place a restoration crew on site. There are two crews out working on approximately two to four laterals a day.    Mr. Brown reported that the third quarter report has been sent to the Department of Environmental Protection.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Resolution No. 2375 – Akram Jacob 2601 Swede Road subdivision.  Township Engineer, Bob Blue reviewed this two lot subdivision at 2601 Swede Road.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2375.  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. 2377 – Scott Harrity 2006 DeKalb Pike Final Conditional LD approval.  Township Engineer, Bob Blue reviewed that the applicant is proposing the conversion of an existing dwelling into a business professional use.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2377.  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. 2379 – Sewer Planning Module – Evergreen Terrace.  Stuart Rosenthal of Gilmore Associates reviewed this Sewer Module Exemption request. Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2379.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Serratore and approved unanimously.

            Resident, Mr. Swank of 2602 Hillcrest Avenue questioned Resolution No. 2375 and the water problem on Hillcrest Avenue.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald advised Mr. Swank that his property would be added to the storm drainage study.

            Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, Resolution No. 2380 – Village of Caralea.  Mrs. Heckman made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2380 for the sewer module of the previously approved Del Markward age restricted development at the corner of Germantown Pike and Potshop Road.  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 No. 499 – Amending Code: Local Services Tax.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reviewed Ordinance No. 499 changing the collection procedures for the Emergency and Municipal Services Tax.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve Ordinance 499.  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, Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO).  Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio reported that this item will be discussed and a public hearing will be scheduled at the November regular meeting.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Ordinance No. 501 – Regulating Demolition of Historic Resources.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reviewed Ordinance No. 501 amending the code of the Township of East Norriton by adding Chapter 11-7 “Historic Resources” which regulates the demolition of historic resources.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 501.  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, Development and Construction Updates.  Director of Code Enforcement, Bryan Bortnichak reviewed:  Wendy’s is to be submitting plans this week; Crowley Foods is nearly complete; and the State is to demolish the canopy on DeKalb Pike (the Sunoco property).

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Storm Drainage Issues/Projects.  Township Engineer, Bob Blue reported there are no new updates.  The obstructions have been removed from the 605 Meadowbrook Road area and the grates will be installed on the storm drain system after leaf collection and Walgreen’s work is to begin in the early spring.

            Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, Traffic Issues.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reported there is no new update.  There is a PADOT meeting October 24, 2007.

            Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, US Route 202 Widening.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reported the work is scheduled to begin sometime in 2011.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Sanitary Sewer Issues.  Stuart Rosenthal of Gilmore and Associates reported:  A. Timberlake Station Pump (Impellors) Replacement – the pump was sent back to the manufacturer and has been rebuilt/installed and pump is operating at higher capacity; B. Taft Road Sewer Interceptor Slip Lining Work – work is completed and the punch list items are to be addressed; C. Route 202 Widening required sewer work by the Township - nothing new; and D. Comparison of Flow Data – Norris City and Saw Mill Run Pumping Station – need a change in the weather to address this item.

            Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, Reduction of Emergency Access Easement Width Request – 531 Faith Drive.  Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio reviewed and the easement is adequate. The paperwork will be forwarded to the Township tomorrow.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Dedication of the Reserve at Penn Crossing.  Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio reported that she along with Township Engineer, Bob Blue and the developer’s attorney are working together on this item.

            Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, Plymouth Ambulance.  This is an informational item; Police Chief, John McGowan reviewed a meeting with Sheriff John Durante and Tina Gambone that was held on September 21, 2007.

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the first item under “New Business”, Proposed 2008 Budget.  Township Manger, Helmuth Baerwald reviewed the proposed 2008 budget.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to authorize advertisement of the proposed 2008 budget.  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. 2378 – Authorize distribution of General Municipal Pension System State Aid.   Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reviewed Resolution No. 2378 authorizing the distribution of the General Municipal Pension System State Aid as follows: $183,019.00 allocated to the Police Pension Plan, $76,698.67 allocated to the Non-Uniformed Employees’ Pension Plan and the Township must contribute $55,313.33 to the Non-Uniformed Employees’ Pension Plan by December 31, 2007.  Mrs. Heckman made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2378.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Serratore and approved unanimously.

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Resolution No. 2381 – 2904 Sunset Avenue sub-division (Ruggiero).  Director of Code Enforcement, Bryan Bortnichak provided a brief explanation of the sub-division for 2904 Sunset Avenue.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2381.  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, DVWCT Rate Stabilization.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald briefly reviewed the Rate Stabilization Funds and the balances:  Delaware Valley Insurance Trust - $66,000.00, Delaware Valley Workers’ Compensation Trust - $76,813.00 and Delaware Valley Health Insurance Trust - $94,600.00.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to retain the funds with the option to use some of these funds to reduce our insurance premiums in order to balance the budget if need be. 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, Draft Report – Curbside Yard Debris Collection Implementation Assistance.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reported that the Township will be required to establish a curbside yard debris system next year and will start with a Christmas tree collection program by either the Township or a private contractor.  More information will follow in upcoming Township newsletters and mailings.

            Mrs. Heckman introduced the next item on the agenda, Barrington Property.  Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio asked that this item be discussed at next month’s meeting.

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Skate Board Park.  Mr. Staufenberg stated that the Township received a request for a skate board park. Director of Parks and Recreation, Larry Brown provided a detailed report on June 13, 2003 with his memo of October 9, 2007 in regards to skateboard parks and a recommendation not to move forward with a skateboard park based on the liability and risks.  No one was in the audience to present a case.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to have the Township provide written notice back to the submitter of this request stating there is no interest to have a skateboard park in East Norriton Township. 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, ENPWJSA – Operation and Capital Improvements Proposed 2008 Budgets. Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald stated that the Township will not have to ask its residents to pay additional sewer rents this year.  Mr. Baerwald reviewed that East Norriton Township contributed 37.4%, Whitpain Township contributes 34.3% and Plymouth Township contributes 28.3% to the flow.

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Snowplow Installation and Mailbox Damage Policies.  Mr. Staufenberg reviewed two policies that Director of Public Works, Joseph Sorgini is recommending that the Board of Supervisors adopt pertaining to the proper way to install a snowplow on a truck and mailbox damage done during snowplowing.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to adopt the snowplow installation and damaged mailbox policy.  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, Waiver Request NFEC.  The Township has received a letter from the Norriton Fire Engine Company requesting a permit fee waiver request for repairs to be done.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to approve the waiver request.  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, Waiver of fees.  Zoning Officer, Bryan Bortnichak reviewed a waiver of fees request received from Cub Scout Pack 389 for their annual Christmas tree sale at Paul V. Fly Elementary School on December 7, 8 and 9, 2007.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve the waiver request from Cub Scout Pack 389.  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, Expenditure Authorizations.  A.  LED Sign - $21,198.00 contributed by McDonald’s in lieu of other fees; B. Reimbursement to residents for sewer drain cleaning - $267.35 for 507 Norris City Avenue and $420.00 for 509 and 511 Norris City Avenue; C. Montgomery County Norristown Public Library - $6,500.00; D. Stanbridge Street grading and curbing - $3,200.00; E. Traffic Signal Modifications Township Line Road – DeKalb and Swede Roads  - pending;  F. Meadowbrook Drainage Repairs - $1, 300.00; G. Taft Road sewer interceptor point repair and slip lining - $84,312.40; H. Stony Creek Bank Stabilization  - Gilmore & Associates - $49,278.35; I. Precision Electric – traffic signal modifications - $3,650.00 and J. Fire Hydrant service fee for New Hope Street - $128.04.  Mrs. Heckman made a motion to authorize items A through J.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Serratore and approved unanimously.

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Attendance Authorization.  A. GVPTMA Freight Seminar - freight in the global economy – November 1, 2007; B.  GVF Transportation Seminar – Transportation 2007:  Going Green – November 11, 2007; C. Renew PA one day seminar – December 3, 2007 – Harrisburg; and D. Retirement Party – Leigh Narducci – November 9, 2007 - $60.00.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve items A. through D.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Serratore and approved unanimously.

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Legislation.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald had nothing new to report.

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, NFEC Meeting.  This meeting had originally been scheduled for September 18, 2007; however the Fire Company has requested that the meeting be rescheduled to another date.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to possibly reschedule the meeting for Tuesday November 13, 2007 or Thursday, November 15, 2007 at 6:30 p.m.   After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Serratore and approved unanimously.

            Mrs. Heckman reviewed the meeting schedule for October 23, 2007 through January 7, 2008.

            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 9:40 p.m. After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Serratore and approved unanimously.

Helmuth J. H. Baerwald
Township Secretary