The Regular Meeting of the Board of Supervisors of East Norriton Township was called to order by the Chairman, Mr. Lewis McQuirns, at 7:03 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25, 2008, at the Township Municipal Building.  Supervisors present were Lewis K. McQuirns, Donald J. Gracia, 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.

            Police Chief, John McGowan introduced Officer Timothy Warner and Officer Samantha Smith who have successfully completed their one year probationary period and recommended Officers Warner and Smith for permanent status. Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve Chief McGowan’s recommendation.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Serratore and approved unanimously.

            Police Chief, John McGowan presented Officer Anthony Caso with a Merit Commendation for his professional and decisive action leading to the arrest of two subjects for an alleged narcotics and firearms possession on February 29, 2008.

            The Chairman introduced Dr. Janet C. Samuels, Norristown Area School District Superintendent. Dr. Samuels gave a power point presentation about the school district.  Anne Rohricht, Business Administrator for the Norristown Area School District then gave a brief presentation on where NASD gets their funds, how the funds are utilized and reviewed the Act One and the current school budget.

            Township Manger, Helmuth Baerwald thanked Dr. Samuels for the use of their facilities for the programs and for the recent public hearing meetings that were held.

            The Chairman introduced John Rafanello, Publisher and CEO of the Local Pages Publishing, LLC.  Mr. Rafanello presented the Norriton Fire Department and the East Norriton Police Department with donation checks in the amount of five hundred dollars each in recognition for their hard work and dedication.

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Open Bids – Diesel/MTU Generator Set.  The Chairman asked if there were any additional bids.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to close the bids for the diesel/MTU generator set.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Heckman and approved unanimously.

            The bids for the Diesel/MTU Generator Set were opened and read by the Township Manager as follows:  Norris Sales Co. - $51,525.00 and Penn Power Systems - $49,700.00.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to defer awarding the bids to next month’s meeting after township staff can review the bids.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Heckman and approved unanimously.

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Open Bids – Equipment Leasing with Operators and Road Materials.  The Chairman asked if there were any additional bids.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to close the bids for the Equipment Leasing with Operators and Road Materials.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracia and approved unanimously.

            The bids for Equipment Leasing with Operators and Road Materials were opened and by the Township Manager as follows:  Rahns Concrete and P. K. Moyer and Sons Inc. for equipment leasing with operators; Glasgow Inc., J & D Materials Co. and Highway Materials Co. for road materials.   Mr. Gracia made a motion to defer awarding the bids to next month’s meeting after township staff can review the bids.  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 – Roadway Improvements and Overlay.  The Chairman asked if there were any additional bids.  Mrs. Heckman made a motion to close the bids for the Roadway Improvements and Overlay.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Serratore and approved unanimously.

            The bids for the Roadway Improvements and Overlay were opened and by the Township Manager as follows: M & M Stone Co., Joseph E. Sucher & Sons, Inc., Kehoe Construction, Allan A. Myers, L.P. G. Antonini Construction, Inc. and P. K. Moyer & Sons, Inc.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to defer awarding the bids to next month’s meeting after township staff can review the bids.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Heckman and approved unanimously.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald announced that all the bids were available for public review at the Township Administration Building during regular business hours.

            The Chairman announced that the Board of Supervisors held a special public meeting on March 10, 2008 at the Norristown Area High School and met in Executive Session on March 10, 2008 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 February 26, 2008. 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, Boards and Commissions Vacancies.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reviewed correspondence received from an individual who had sent in a letter of interest for appointment of the various boards and commissions.

            The Chairman asked to move up “Old Business”, Resolution No. 2393 – Conditional Preliminary/Final approval for LD of United Storage Partners.   Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio reviewed an amendment to Resolution No. 2393 that connection to the public water main shall only be required in the event the water pressure for the fire suppression system is adequate without the need for an onsite pump.  In no event shall the applicant be required to connect to the public system within five years from the date the Use and Occupancy is issue for the property. Mr. Serratore made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2393 as amended by Ms. Pionzio.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracia and approved unanimously.

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, 2008 Comprehensive Plan Update presentation.   E. Van Rieker, Township Planning Consultant provided a brief presentation of the comprehensive plan and the pamphlet that will be mailed to all of the property owners in the township.

            The Chairman introduced the next item on the agenda, Emergency Notification System Presentation. Police Chief, John McGowan introduced Steve Linehan of Connect CTY a mass notification service provider.  Mr. Lineham provided a power point presentation and addressed a few questions.

            Mr. Serratore made a motion to approve the Finance Reports for February, 2008.

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 February, 2008 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 February, 2008.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Heckman and approved unanimously.

The Chairman asked if there were any residents to be heard, Nick Viglianese of 3105 Whitehall Road spoke pertaining to the March 10, 2008 meeting, he asked previously why the height restriction of fifty-five feet height was imposed years ago.  Mr. Viglianese claimed that he did not hear the motion/vote at the March 10, 2008 meeting and asked who made the motion.  Mr. Staufenberg responded that he made the motion and Mr. Serratore seconded the motion and the motion was unanimous.  Mr. Viglianese questioned why the Board of Supervisors did not have a discussion concerning the concerns with what people had said in the meeting.  Mr. Viglianese also, questioned the by-right plan, the possibility of a helipad and the legality, and the three minute limit to speak rule that was given at the March 10, 2008 meeting and the five people that were not able to speak. The Township Solicitor and Township staff addressed Mr. Viglianese questions.  Mr. Christovich spoke regarding the Norristown Area School Budget.

The Chairman called on Matt Brown of ARRO Consulting to review the Sanitary Sewer Lateral Repair Project and the Corrective Action Plan Update.  Mr. Brown reported that Township staff has performed the final construction work along Whitehall Road.  There are a total of twelve properties that have had no contact with the Township.  Mr. Brown stated that in the first quarter report to the DEP it was reported that two hundred forty-one of the two hundred and fifty-three laterals have been completed.  The next step is for ARRO Consulting to present the Township with a proposal on the flow monitoring for the purpose of analyzing the results compared to the first flow monitoring.  The level of overflows at the Germantown Pumping Station has significantly been reduced.  Mr. Brown reported in regards to the Corrective Action Plan that he contacted Jesse Goldberg of DEP to arrange a meeting to discuss the improvements. 

The Chairman called on Stuart Rosenthal of Gilmore Associates to review the Sanitary Sewer Issues.  A.  Germantown Pike Pumping Station Wet Well Expansion Study Proposal – Mr. Rosenthal provided  the Township with a scope of work and budget price to evaluate the feasibility and sizing of a wet well expansion to provide the additional storage volume that would mitigate the overflows at the Germantown Pump Station; B. Timberlake Station Pump (Impellors) Replacement – installed second rotating assembly with two pumps running, third pump is being renovated; C. Stony Creek Stabilization Project and required repair – installed by the Public Works Department, reviewed  power point pictures of the project; D. Comparison of Flow Data – Norris City and Saw Mill Run Pumping Station – reviewed power point analysis of flow measurements.

            Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reviewed the wet well expansion study proposal from Gilmore & Associates.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to approve the wet well expansion study by Gilmore & Associates for $7,900.00.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously.

            Mr. Rosenthal reviewed under Old Business, Resolution No. 2397 – Village of Caralea L.D. Sewer Planning Module that Director of Code Enforcement, Bryan Bortnichak was provided with paperwork that includes material that has to be submitted to the DEP with Resolution No. 2397.  The paperwork is complete with the exception of the PA Natural Diversity Inventory report, which the developer is attempting to resolve with the DCNR.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion approve Resolution No. 2397.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracia and approved unanimously.

            Mrs. Heckman introduced the next item on the agenda, Reserve at Penn Crossing Dedication.  Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio reported that the attorneys for the Cutler Group are working on the revised legal description.

            Mr. Staufenberg introduced the next item on the agenda, Liberty Bell Trail.  This item was deferred until the April meeting.

            Mrs. Heckman introduced the next item on the agenda, Development and Construction Updates.  Director of Code Enforcement, Bryan Bortnichak reviewed:  Williamstadt – the developer learned that they cannot obtain a second means of egress and an emergency access through the church property in the rear, instead they met with township staff and proposed a right in/right out access onto Route 202.  Unfortunately the right out access onto Route 202 would force cars into the right turn lane.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald stated that this is unacceptable with the Board of Supervisors and the developer will have to widen the frontage along DeKalb Pike; Swede Square Shopping Center Lot Consolidation – the township has received a lot consolidation plan to repave the parking lot, construct additional islands to improve the flow of traffic.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to authorize the Chairman to execute the consolidation plan.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracia and approved unanimously.  Webb Subdivision Sunset Avenue (ERB) – EDU Allocation four EDU’s – five lot subdivision.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to allocate four EDU’s for this proposed land development.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously. Altemose property – the township has received a zoning hearing board application for this property at Foundry Road with seven variances and two special exceptions.  The Planning Commission recommendation was that the applicants submit to PEMA to revise the flood plan map and then come back to the township with an amended application.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to authorize the Township Solicitor to attend the Zoning Hearing Board to approve this application.  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, Storm Drainage Issues/Projects.  Township Engineer, Bob Blue reported: Briar Lane and Hillcrest Avenue watershed – the developer of Evergreen Road picked up plans and Walgreen’s storm drainage work – had a preconstruction meeting and work getting closer to begin.

            Mrs. Heckman introduced the next item on the agenda, Traffic Issues.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reported that there is no new update. 

            Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reported on the US Route 202 Widening that PADOT has been advised about the condition of the Route 202 properties that have been demolished.  PADOT also has been advised of the Northbound Route 202 left turn lane condition.

            Mr. Gracia introduced the first item under “New Business”, Southeast Pennsylvania Regional Task Force (PEMA). Supervisor James Staufenberg reviewed the Southeast Pennsylvania Regional Task Force and asked the Township staff to write a letter regarding the findings by DVIT and that the township will not currently support the memorandum agreement. Mr. Serratore made a motion to have the Township Manger write the letter.  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, Change Orders – Whitehall Road Sewer Lateral Repairs.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reviewed the change orders for the Whitehall Road sewer lateral repairs.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to approve the change orders in the amount of $34,866.50.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracia and approved unanimously.

            Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Sign Request of Penn Christian Academy.  The township has received a request to waive any fees for signs for promoting Penn Christian Academy’s upcoming events at the school.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to approve the waivers and grant the sign permit as requested.  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, Sign Request of Norristown Area School District.  The township has received a request to waive any fees for sign promoting their upcoming Drama Club production.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to approve the waiver and grant the sign permit as requested.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Staufenberg and approved unanimously.

            Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Spring Leaf Collection.  Mr. Gracia reviewed Public Works Director, Joseph Sorgini’s memo dated February 6, 2008.  The Township will offer a one time spring collection of leaves according to DEP regulations, the collection will be done on a call-in basis.  The leaves must be placed in biodegradable bags from April 29^th through May 9^th, 2008.

            Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, Reappointment to Traffic Advisory Board.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to reappoint Mr. Carmen Italia to the East Norriton Township Traffic Advisory Committee.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Heckman and approved unanimously.

            Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, 2007 Tax Collection Accounting – Berkheimer.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald provided a brief review of the Township’s 2007 tax collection in comparison to the tax year 2006.

            Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, Public Water Fluoridation Referendum.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reviewed a letter from Mr. Ralph Insinga requesting the nine townships and boroughs supplied by Pennsylvania American Water Company to request a referendum to have our public water fluoridated.  Mrs. Heckman made a motion to authorize the Township Manager to respond to Mr. Insinga’s letter advertising that the Board of Supervisors had reviewed the letter.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracia and approved unanimously.

            Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Property at Germantown Pike and Barley Sheaf Drive and the Property at Whitehall Road and Germantown Pike and Doctor’s house.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reviewed that the Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. would like the township to pursue the acquisition of the parcel of land directly across from their offices.  The Norriton Fire Engine Company has expressed interest in acquiring the property at the corner of Whitehall Road and Germantown Pike for expansion purposes.  The doctor’s house on Norris City Avenue which the Historical Committee has expressed interest.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to authorize the Township Manager to write to the Norristown Farm Park and the legislators asking for assistance in acquiring these properties.   After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Heckman and approved unanimously.

            Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Parks and Recreation Ordinance.  Township Solicitor, Christen Pionzio reported the ordinance is being worked on.

            Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, Historic Designation of Property.  The Township received a letter from a resident requesting that his property be removed from the Historic Resources Inventory.  It had been placed on the list due to erroneous information and the Historical Advisory Commission at their January 29^th, 2008 meeting agreed to remove the property from the list.  Mr. Serratore made a motion to authorize the property be removed from the list.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracia and approved unanimously.

            Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Speed Rate Signs.  Police Chief, John McGowan reviewed the locations the township has chosen for the speed rate signs are North Wales Road northbound between 3108 and 3112, south bound of Springhouse Lane; Whitehall Road northbound at 2930 Whitehall Road, southbound between 3015 and 3019 Whitehall Road; and Potshop Road northbound at the driveway to Paul Fly School and southbound at 3031 Potshop Road.  Chief McGowan reported he is waiting for a price for the connection and the rate that will be charged for the electricity from PECO.

            Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, Reschedule meeting with the Norriton Fire Engine Company Board of Trustees.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to schedule the meeting with the NFEC Board of Trustees for Thursday, April 24^th, 2008. After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Serratore and approved unanimously.

            Mr. Gracia introduced the next item on the agenda, Attendance Authorization.  A. State Representatives Annual Luncheon – April 4, 2008; B. Workshop ‘Ethics in Public Service’ – April 5, 2008; C. MCIDC Seminar “The Economy” – APRIL 9, 2008; d. Police Training – Lt. Kates and Office Gibson; E. GVFTMA Retirement party – Peter Quinn – June 3, 2008; F. NA Education Foundations 2^nd Annual Gala – June 21, 2008; and G. Administrative Assistant Luncheon - April 23, 2008.  Mr. Gracia made a motion to authorize 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, Expenditure Authorization.  A. Street Lighting Replacement - $33,300.00; B. Engineering Proposal – Watershed Study - $1,584.00; C. Stony Creek Anglers Tournament - $100.00; D. Centennial History Book preparation - $11,520.00; E. East Norriton Little League; and F. Advertisement – Public Works Director/Township Engineer.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald stated the Centennial History Book preparation will be partially funded by donations.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve items A through D, no action with item E and approve item F.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Heckman and approved unanimously.

            Mr. Gracia reviewed the meeting schedule for March 31, 2008 through May 3, 2008.

            Mr. Serratore introduced the next item on the agenda, Legislation.  Township Manager, Helmuth Baerwald reported that their will be higher tolls if the state decides to lease the turnpike.

            Director of Code Enforcement, Bryan Bortnichak reviewed Resolution No. 2398 granting an extension to the prior land development approval to Hillcrest LP for the construction of an office building to the rear of the Hillcrest Plaza Shopping Center.  Mr. Staufenberg made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2398.  After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Heckman and approved unanimously.

            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 10:41 p.m. After requesting any comments and there being none, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gracia and approved unanimously.

Helmuth J. H. Baerwald
Township Secretary