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, December 18, 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 for John Yaworski and Gerald Geisel.

            Supervisor, James Staufenberg presented Henry Carneavale a certificate for recognition as an active member of the Norriton Fire Engine Company since 1959 and having served on numerous committees.  Henry is being recognized by the Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Police Association as one of four members with over fifty years of service.

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Leaf Collection Announcement.  Mr. Gracia read Public Works Director, Joseph Sorgini’s memo dated December 7, 2007 regarding leaf collection.  Resident, Nicholas Viglianese of 3105 Whitehall Road questioned why there wasn’t leaf collection on Whitehall Road.  Mr. Gracia explained that leaves are picked up on Whitehall Road in bags. Mrs. Virginia Craciun of 3102 Whitehall Road asked why Whitehall Road residents are discriminated against for leaf collection.  Mr. Gracia and Mr. Sorgini explained that the leaves are picked up in bags for safety reasons.  Frances Baptiste of 245 Connor Street complained about being harassed about a non registered van in her driveway.  Staff members addressed Ms. Baptiste’s concerns.  Mr. Vilglianese of 3105 Whitehall Road expressed concerns with the plowing of snow into his driveway and around his mailbox.  Public Works Director, Joseph Sorgini reviewed how the snow is plowed in their area and Mr. Sorgini will be sure to address this in the winter as he has when this matter was brought to his attention several years ago.

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Letters to The Times Herald Editor.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reviewed and commented on various letters to the editor of The Times Herald.  Mr. Baerwald explained the notification and hearing process of rezoning properties in East Norriton Township.

            The Chairman announced that the Board of Supervisors met in Executive Session earlier this evening to discuss matters of litigation and personnel.

            Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 20, 2007.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Heckman and approved unanimously.

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

            Supervisor, James Staufenberg commended the Township staff and Fire Department personnel on the completion of the ICS 300 training.  Vice Chairman, Lewis McQuirns commended the Public Works Department on the leaf collection for this year.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the first item under “Old Business”, Final Presentation of Proposed 2008 Budget. Assistant Township Manager, Donald Delamater gave a power point presentation and reviewed the proposed 2008 annual budget. Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald and the Board of Supervisors commended Donald Delamater and the Department Directors for putting together the proposed 2008 budget.

            Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, Resolution No. 2391 – Adopt Annual Budget for 2008.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reviewed Resolution No. 2391.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2391 – Adopt Annual Budget for 2008.  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. 2392 – Tax Levy for 2008. Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reviewed Resolution No. 2392.  Mrs. Heckman made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2392.  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, Ordinance No. 502 – Recycling Amendment.  Assistant Township Manager, Donald Delamater reviewed Ordinance No. 502 amendment keeping East Norriton Township in compliance with Act 101. Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 502.  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, Barrington Property.  Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio reported that she is working with Mrs. Barrington’s counsel.

            Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, Sanitary Sewer Lateral Repair Project.  Liz Cheeseman of ARRO Consulting provided an update on the project with eight repairs remaining by N. Abbonizio Contractors.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Development and Construction Updates.  Director of Code Enforcement, Bryan Bortnichak reviewed Pimlico Farms - the developer is in the process of widening and installing a right turn lane on Potshop Road; Jefferson Crossing development is seventy-five percent occupied and the Reserve at Penn Crossing development is ninety-two percent occupied.

            Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, Storm Drainage Issues/Projects. Township Engineer, Bob Blue reported:  A. Briar Lane and Hillcrest Avenue – no new update; B. Lawnton Road, Lafayette and Springview Roads – no action at this time; C. 605 Meadowbrook Road – the Public Works Department is constructing a grate for the pipe; D. Walgreen’s storm drainage work – in the process of being fabricated; and E. Proposal for evaluating storm water issues throughout the Township – no action at this time.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Traffic Issues.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reported:  A. Township Line Road traffic study – no new update; B. Germantown Pike Corridor – no new update; C. North Wales Road Widening – no new update; and D. Preemption device on the signal at the entrance the DeKalb Apartments and the K-Mart Shopping Center – no new update.

            Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, US Route 202 Widening.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reviewed issues with Route 202.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Sanitary Sewer Issues.  Township Engineer, Stuart Rosenthal of Gilmore Associates reported:  A. Timberlake Station Pump (Impellors) Replacement – the repaired rotating assembly was reinstalled and has developed a noise after running for a day, the manufacturer is still addressing; B. Taft Road Sewer Inceptor Slip Lining Work and Contractor Issues – completed and punchlist items are completed; C. Stony Creek Stabilization Work and Contractor Issues – the Public Works Department is scheduling the restoration work in January 2008 and coordinating the slip lining contractor to repair the sewer line in this area; and D. Comparison of Flow Data – Norris City and Saw Mill Run Pumping Stations – pending significant rainfall.

            Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reviewed a letter from the Department of Environmental Protection dated December 12, 2007 amending the Connection Management Plan to include seventy-three connection credits.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to approve the recommendation to allocate forty-four of the connections to the Village of Caralea.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.  Stuart Rosenthal of Gilmore Associates will contact the developer, Del Markward regarding submitting the Sewage Facilities Planning Module Application Mailer.

            Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, Reserve at Penn Crossing Dedication.  Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio reported this is still being worked on.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Waiver Request 2605 DeKalb Pike (Paula A. Minnick & Associates). Township Engineer, Bob Blue reviewed the waiver requests dated November 19, 2007 from Metz Engineers and recommended the waivers.  Mr. McQuirns made a motion to approve the waiver requests as reviewed by Township Engineer, Bob Blue.  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, Alternate Zoning Hearing Board Members.  This item was tabled for discussion at next month’s meeting.

            Mr. McQuirns introduced the next item on the agenda, Board and Commission Terms expiring 12/31/2007.    This is an informational item that there will be a number of terms expiring on the various boards and commissions of the township.  Residents of the township who would like to serve on any of these boards or commissions should send a letter of interest to the Township Manager.  This has also been advertised in the Township’s newsletter.

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the first item under “New Business”, McDonald’s Assessment Appeal.  Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio reviewed McDonald’s appeal from the 2008 Tax Assessment for the 651 West Germantown Pike location.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to authorize the Solicitor to appear so that East Norriton Township is party to the proceedings.  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, Little League Sponsorship Signs.  Code Enforcement Director, Bryan Bortnichak reported the Township has not received the fee waiver request letter.

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Personnel Policy Amendments. Assistant Township Manager, Donald Delamater reviewed the amendments to the Township’s Substance Abuse Policy to keep them consistent with other sections of the Personnel Manual.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve the amendments.  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, Final 2007 Budget Revisions.  Assistant Township Manager, Donald Delamater reviewed the 2007 Final Budget Revisions.  Mrs. Heckman made a motion to approve the revisions.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. McQuirns and approved unanimously.

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Internship program with Central Montco Technical High School.  Police Chief, John McGowan explained the internship program would not be appropriate for the Township.  The Township will send a letter to the Central Montco Technical High School letting them know that we are not interested in the internship.

            Mrs. Heckman introduced the next item on the agenda, Operating Principles of East Norriton Township.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve the Operating Principles of East Norriton Township that will be placed on the township website and issued in the next township newsletter.  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, Pension Plan recommendations for Ryan Stinson and Diane Hagner.  Assistant Township Manager, Donald Delamater briefly explained the pension plan recommendations.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve the pension recommendations.  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, NIMS Training Announcement.  Supervisor Staufenberg made an announcement about the recent training completed by Township Staff, the Fire Department, Police Department, and Code Enforcement Department.

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Memorandum of Understanding - FEMA.  This is an informational item at this time being reviewed by the Township insurance company.

            Mrs. Heckman introduced the next item on the agenda, Schedule Reorganization and Regular Meeting for January 7, 2008.  Mrs. Heckman made a motion to schedule the reorganization meeting for Monday, January 7, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. and the regular meeting for 8:00 p.m.   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, Expenditure Authorization.  A. Centennial Pole banners – Swirling Silks $3,965.00; B. Hough Associates – Recycling Grant Applications $8,500.00; C. Next Level Mapping LLC contract; D. Stucco Work Public Works Garage in lieu of fees $16,000.00; E. Centennial Committee Budget memo dated 12/17/07 $100,000.00; F. Drainage Pipe Hartranft Blvd $7,715.00; and G. End Wall MRA Car Wash – Engineering Proposal $3,200.00 - $4,200.00.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve items A. through F.  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, Attendance Authorization.  A.  PSATS Convention – May 11 through 14^th, 2008.  Mrs. Heckman made a motion to approve item A.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously.

            Mr. Staufenberg reviewed the meeting schedule for December 19, 2007 through February 29, 2008.

            Mrs. Heckman introduced the next item on the agenda, Legislation.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reviewed mandatory statewide police retirement system, intergovernmental cooperation for recreation, fees for police service, alternate planning commission members, code enforcement officer grants, state police fines, uniform construction code, and fire and emergency services.

            The Chairman on behalf of the township wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy and Prosperous New Year and Hanukkah greetings to all.

            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. Serratore made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:20 p.m. After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously.

Helmuth J. H. Baerwald
Township Secretary