WEST HANOVER TOWNSHIP

PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY BOARD

7171 ALLENTOWN BOULEVARD, HARRISBURG, PA 17112

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2006

1. CALL TO ORDER – 6:35

At the time the meeting came to order there was no quorum. Motions: Mr. Rimer moved, seconded by Mr. Garland to suspend the rules, due to lack of a quorum, in order to conduct business. Mr. Garland moved, seconded by Mr. Rimer to postpone the election of officers until a quorum is reached. Both motions passed unanimously.

2. ROLL CALL

X	WHT EMC - Bill McCahan		WHT Fire Marshal – Bruce Hetrick (excused)
X	WHT Citizen Rep. - Bob Garland		WHT Fire Co. VP. – Bill Gross (excused)
X	WHT Fire Police Capt. - Mel Gochenaur	X	WHT Fire Co. Chief – Brian Cassel (arrived 6:45)
	WHT Business Assoc. Rep.	X	WHT Township Manager - Mike Rimer
	SCEMS Rep. - Barry Calhoun

3. PUBLIC COMMENT – NONE.

4. APPROVAL OF MEETING NOTES - MINUTES

A. Mr. Gochenaur moved, seconded by Mr. Garland to approve the minutes of December 8, 2005 as presented. Motion passed unanimously.

5. PRESENTATIONS, STAFF/BOARD REPORTS

6. ACTIONS REQUESTED BY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS – NONE

7. OLD BUSINESS

A. Douglas Road and Devonshire Heights Road Intersection – Mr. Rimer reported that the Board has approved the budget which includes the redesign of this intersection. The Township Engineer is working on the design. It was agreed this item could be removed from the agenda.

B. Super 8 Motel Driveway – Mr. McCahan reported that the site engineer agreed to try to relax the curb along Allentown Boulevard, however phone calls have not been returned. This issue was addressed with PENNDOT and they are not really concerned. This item will stay on the agenda one more month in case a reply from the developer is received.

C. Winslett Playground – Mr. McCahan reported a letter was sent to the developer and the homeowners association inviting them to this meeting so safety concerns could be addressed. Since no one has attended the meeting it appears they may not be interested. It was agreed the safety issue could not be forced and the matter was tabled.

Brian Cassel arrived at 6:45, therefore a quorum has been attained.

D. Zero Setback for Commercial Properties – Tabled.

E. Status of Updates to Building Ordinances – Mr. Rimer reported that updates to the Subdivision/Land Development Ordinance will take place in 2006, if authorized by the Board of Supervisors. Mr. Garland was asked to keep track of the status of these updates.

F. Dauphin County Request for WHT Municipal Frequency Mr. McCahan presented a letter from Bruce Hetrick , Fire Marshal regarding his concerns with giving up the Township’s radio frequency. A copy of the letter is attached to these minutes. There was considerable discussion on this issue with some of the concerns being that access will not be as convenient or productive as it is now. Mr. McCahan added that this is a valuable asset to the Township and it does not appear to be to the Township’s advantage to give it up. It will take $90,000+ to replace the equipment the Township has today.

Mr. Rimer stated there was no deadline given in the letter from the County so there appears to be plenty of time to decide on this issue. Mr. Rimer suggested a joint workshop with the PSAB and the BOS so they can ask questions and understand what this request will mean to the Township.

Mr. McCahan will also obtain letters from Brian Cassel expressing the Fire Company’s opposition to giving up the frequency and from Harold Harman indicating what this will mean to public works.

Motion Mr. Cassel moved, seconded by Mr. Garland that the Township not release the radio frequency to the County as requested. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. McCahan will write a letter to the BOS.

G. Speed Limit Jonestown Road – Mr. Rimer reported that the Board has authorized a speed study of Jonestown Road from Township line to Township line. HRG will be contacted to begin the study. Mr. Garland recommended signage be included.

H. Inaccessible Properties/Buildings Waiver for Emergency Services – Mr. Rimer reported that the Board agreed to have the Solicitor and Building Code Administrator come up with appropriate language to deal with this issue.

I. Heliport Rabbit Lane – Mr. McCahan reported that permits were in fact issued for the landing pad. Mr. Rimer added that the Board has authorized the Solicitor to investigate that the appropriate State and Federal permits are in order. Mr. Cassel stated Mr. Hetrick visited the site and there were no safety issues noted as far as the Fire Marshal is concerned. Mr. Garland was very concerned with this issue and felt it should have gone to the Board or the Zoning Hearing Board. Mr. Rimer indicated there is no provision in the ordinance requiring this issue to go to either of those Boards and Mr. Leonard has been asked to look into developing applicable ordinances to addresses this type of use in the future. Mr. Garland also asked how many of the Township’s Fire Trucks can run over a grassy area. Mr. Cassel stated at least four, including the brush truck. Mr. McCahan acknowledged that this is not an issue for the PSAB.

8. NEW BUSINESS

9. OTHER BUSINESS/CORRESPONDANCE BEFORE THE PSAB

10. PUBLIC COMMENT – NONE

11. REORGANIZATION

Motion: Mr. Garland moved, seconded by Mr. Rimer to keep the current slate of officers as 2005. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. McCahan will remain as Chairman, Mr. Garland as Vice-Chairman and Mr. Gochenaur as Secretary.

12. PLANS FOR REVIEW AND CONSIDERATION

NONE

13. ADJOURNMENT – 7:50 p.m.