July 9, 2013 The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Commissioners of West Norriton Township was convened at 7:00 P.M. on the above date by Vice President Piantone. President Stojanovich was absent; however, Commissioners Kennedy, McKenzie and Panzullo were present, along with: Jason M. Bobst; Richard Watt, Esquire; Kathy Frederick; A. Dale Mabry; Michael Kelly; Michael Valyo; Jon Dzedzy; Chris Frawley and Joseph Estock. There were eleven (11) people in the audience, including the press. After reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, the meeting proceeded. Announcement Presentation Minutes Approval Report of Bills Approval of Checks The resignation letter of President Commissioner, George J. Stojanovich, was read by Vice President Piantone. On behalf of the Board, Township staff and the residents, Mr. Piantone thanked Mr. Stojanovich for his many years of dedicated service. Mr. Piantone announced that the Board had thirty (30) days in which to fill the vacancy on the Board created by Mr. Stojanovich s resignation, and that, as such, letters of interest for the position should be submitted to Mr. Bobst on or before 8/24/2013. A presentation was made by Jon Dzedzy to Denise Santangelo, in absentia, for her 20+ years of service to the Parks & Recreation Department. Mr. Dzedzy read the inscription on a vase which will be given to Ms. Santangelo. Upon motion of Mr. Kennedy, seconded by Mr. Panzullo and unanimously passed, the minutes from the Board of Commissio ners meeting of June 11, 2013 was approved by the Board. Mr. Kennedy requested approval of: General Fund and Golf Club payroll checks numbered 1017006422 to 1017006488 incl.; payroll vouchers numbered 1641007229 to 1641007292 incl.; and 1781007293 to 1781007357 incl.; General Fund checks numbered 106610 to 106752 incl.; and checks numbered 41828 to 41886 incl. from the Golf Club Account. Upon motion of Mr. Panzullo, seconded by Mr. McKenzie and unanimously passed, the approval of checks as enumerated by Mr. Kennedy was approved by the Board. Committee Reports Administration All Committee reports are on file in the Administration office of the Township Building for the public to view during normal business hours. Manager Bobst introduced Township Auditor, Robert Stevenson of Kimmel Lorah, who commended the staff and management of the Township for their hard work and cooperation, and highlighted the results of the 2012 financial audit. Mr. Stevenson made mentioned of the negative fund balance at the end of 2012 and explained that it was due to the last payroll being at the very end of the year. Also, Mr. Stevenson noted that, due to the sizable amount of the severe repetitive loss grant, a single audit will be required next year, but that he will work with FEMA in an effort to reduce the burden and cost of the audit. -2- July 9, 2013
Thereafter, Mr. Bobst reviewed the Agenda for this evening and noted the addition of an item regarding the status of the Compost Site at the Norristown Farm Park. Finance Treasur er s Report Mr. Murray did not present his report at the meeting; however, he has since submitted his summary which shows cash balances in the various accounts as follows: May 31 st June 30 th General Fund 4,658,535.52 4,378,610.41 PLGIT 10105000 18,223.70 18,223.96 PLGIT CD 0.00 0.00 Continental CD 0.00 0.00 Golf Fund 260,272.01 309,271.51 Escrow Fund 221,442.85 219,103.83 Sinking Fund 1,865.82 1,866.59 Liquid Fuels 377,241.26 354,485.14 Capital Reserve PLGIT 220,562.98 220,581.68 Capital Reserve CD 0.00 0.00 Capital Reserve 4,729,821.84 4,731,765.98 Sewer Capital Acct 881,817.26 1,019,613.61 Police Pension Citizens 828,452.97 766,359.31 Non-Unif. Pens. Citizens 236,648.89 206,747.57 Grant DUI 0.01 0.01 Grant, Misc. 1,382.35 801.88 Traffic Impact Fee 355,076.26 355,222.21 Upon motion of Mr. Kennedy, seconded by Mr. Panzullo and unanimously passed, the Administration and Finance reports were approved by the Board. Public Safety Chief Mabry highlighted his monthly report, and noted that a website alert was sent out regarding recent thefts from parked cars. Also, it was mentioned by Chief Mabry that PennDOT was moving forward with the 3-way stop signs at Marshall St. & Burnside Ave., and that the SRO Agreement with NASD was signed. unanimously passed, the Public Safety Report was approved. Public Works The Public Works report was prepared and presented by Mr. Valyo. It was mentioned by Mr. Valyo that we received a bid in the approximate amount of $1,600.00 for the replacement of signs which were stolen from the Regents Park development. Also, Mr. Valyo advised the Board that an audit of the traffic lights system will be completed, and that flashing light signage will be erected on Burnside Avenue for 30 days warning of the pending 3-way stop ahead. -3- July 9, 2013
Further, it was mentioned to the Board that the Township is down to one (1) leaf machine due to mechanical failure. According to Mr. Valyo, two (2) leaf machines are needed in order to service the entire Township. Repair costs and/or maintenance on the broken machine is approximately $5,000.00 a year and a new machine costs $31,000.00. Mr. Bobst was directed by the Board to present options on financing a new machine by the end of the week. unanimously passed, the Public Works Report was approved. Building/ Zoning The Building and Zoning Report was presented by Mr. Valyo, who noted that the bid opening on the Residential Elevation Project is scheduled for July 30 th. Mr. Valyo informed the Board that a search warrant was issued this date on the Kurtz property at 2002 Juniata Road due to noncompliance. According to Mr. Valyo, Mr. Kurtz will receive a warning notice to comply and erect a construction fence, that demolition of the property is to be completed in sixty (60) days of receipt of the warning letter, and that a modular home is to be erected on the existing foundation. We are awaiting receipt of architectural plans in that regard. On motion of Mr. McKenzie, seconded by Mr. Panzullo and unanimously passed, the Building/Zoning Report was approved. Recreation Mr. Dzedzy prepared and presented the Recreation report for the previous month. According to Mr. Dzedzy, the 5K run was successful with over 170 individuals running. Mr. Kennedy thanked Mr. Dzedzy and Mrs. Irizarry for their efforts in this regard, as well as the Recreation Committee, Police Department and NASD. Mr. Dzedzy mentioned the upcoming Family Movie Night at Padden Park. It was also mentioned by Mr. Dzedzy that there was recently vandalism at Padden Park, but that the Police Department is investigating. On motion of Mr. Panzullo, seconded by Mr. McKenzie and unanimously passed, the Recreation Report was approved. Golf Club Mr. Panzullo presented the Golf Club report and noted that the weather is still uncooperative, but that the course is in great shape. On motion of Mr. Kennedy, seconded by Mr. McKenzie and unanimously passed, the Golf Club report was approved. -4- July 9, 2013
Sanitary The monthly Sanitary report was prepared and presented by Chris Frawley. According to Mr. Frawley, the outcome of the June 25 th meeting with DEP was favorable in that 120 additional EDU s were released for use by the Township. Also, Mr. Frawley reported that the sump pump/storm sewer inspections are completed and 92 homes had deficient sump pumps. All plans, photos and paperwork on the inspections are stored on RETTEW s software and will be available when the Township gets a dedicated computer for sewer work. On motion of Mr. Panzullo, seconded by Mr. McKenzie and unanimously passed, the Sanitary Report was approved. Engineer The monthly Engineer s Report as prepared by Mr. Estock was presented and highlighted. unanimously passed, the Engineer s Report was approved. Solicitor Mr. Watt reported that his firm: attended all staff and public meetings; advised the Township on personnel issues; and represented the Township on sewer, development, and ongoing litigation matters. On motion of Mr. Kennedy, seconded by Mr. McKenzie and unanimously passed, the Solicitor s Report was approved. Commissioners Comment(s) In light of Mr. Stojanovich s resignation, Mr. Kennedy requested that a new President of the Board be appointed. In response thereto, Mr. Piantone requested that such appointment wait until January. Per Mr. Watt, the vacancy on the Board created by Mr. Stojanovich s resignation needs be filled within thirty (30) days of receipt of the resignation; however, there is flexibility in filling the position of president. Mr. Watt suggested filling the position of president within thirty days in the event there is a problem with the Vice President, in which event there would be no one there to complete the duties. As such, Mr. Kennedy made a motion to reorganize the Board, which motion was seconded by Mr. McKenzie. A vote was taken with Messrs Kennedy and McKenzie supporting and Messer s Panzullo and Piantone opposing; therefore, with a 2-2 vote, the motion failed. Mr. McKenzie inquired what to do now if we need a President or VP and none are available. Mr. Watt suggested in the short term to make sure at least 2 people can sign bills & drafts.
-5- July 9, 2013 Public Comment Leroy James Watters, III, 1 E. Indian Lane, addressed the Board and acknowledged the accolades which Mr. Bobst received in the Two Cents section of the Times Herald. Thereafter, Mr. Watters voiced his concerns regarding water quality, flooding and storm water runoff. According to Mr. Watters, the PA Dept of Community & Economic Development recently granted funds to Whitemarsh Township and he is inquiring if we would be eligible to receive funds for Basin #4. Per Mr. Bobst, we are trying to prove independent ownership to place liability. Helen Estes, Westover Crossing Homeowners Association, asked the Board about the status of the VRJ v. West Norriton Township litigation regarding the proposed Westover development. It was noted that the matter is before a judge on entry of appearance and non-profit status. Ms. Estes asked if there are any business relationships with VRJ or Piazza by any members of Mr. Kerns law firm. Mr. Watt replied that no relationships exist to his knowledge, but that he would confirm that by the next meeting. Ms. Estes then inquired as to the status, spirit and intent of the O Neill proposed development. It was explained that Township officials have met with O Neill and staff and have advised them of many issues surrounding that proposed development, including substantial sewer issues. Chet Wurtz, 432 Heston Avenue, inquired as to the status of the Wawa project. Mr. Bobst replied that DEP permits are pending and construction is anticipated for the fall. Kim Haymans-Geisler of 1810 Ardin Drive requested that the Board table the grass height amendment on the Agenda this evening, and to form an environmental committee of residents to address such issues. Ms. Haymans-Geisler was adamant about not enacting the proposed amended Ordinance. After an often heated discussion, an informal poll was taken of all residents in attendance at the meeting and none (other than Ms. Haymans-Geisler) opposed the proposed amendment. Additionally, Ms. Haymans- Geisler advised the Board of her concerns regarding the proposed O Neill development and the development of the Reserve at Stoney Creek project, among other things. New Business unanimously approved, the Board adopted Resolution 13-1538 Amending the Fee Schedule for Administrative Fees from $25.00 to $60.00 (copy enclosed). Upon motion of Mr. Kennedy, seconded by Mr. Panzullo and unanimously passed, the Board authorized the preparation and advertisement of an Ordinance amending the pertinent parts of the Code of Ordinances regarding grass height from eighteen inches (18 ) to eight inches (8 ).
-6- July 9, 2013 After review and discussion on the Memorandum prepared by Mr. Bobst regarding Chapters 5 and 11 of the Code regarding rental licensing, Mr. Kennedy made a motion, which was seconded by Mr. Panzullo, to prepare and Ordinance regarding same in line with state laws enacted in 2011. unanimously approved, the item(s) up for bid on Muncibid was awarded to the high bidder. It was noted by Mr. Bobst that the Composting Agreement between East Norriton, Norristown and West Norriton is signed and is in place and that East Norriton is managing the composting site. Mr. Bobst announced that no Planning Commission or Zoning Hearing Board meetings are scheduled at the present time. There being no further business on the Agenda, on motion of Mr. Piantone, seconded by Mr. Kennedy and unanimously passed, the new business portion of the meeting was closed. Additional Public Comment L. James Watters, III readdressed the Board and inquired if there has been a change in the branch removal guidelines. Mr. Valyo responded that there has been a change in that only branches are now being collected and chipped, and not yard waste. There being no further public comment offered, on motion of Mr. McKenzie, seconded by Mr. Panzullo and unanimously passed, the additional public comment portion of the meeting was closed. Adjournment After an announcement was made by Mr. Piantone that an Executive Session would be held immediately after the meeting to discuss personnel issues, on motion of Mr. Kennedy, seconded by Mr. Panzullo and unanimously passed, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 P.M. Kathy K. Frederick Assistant Secretary