WEST HANOVER TOWNSHIP

PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY BOARD

7171 ALLENTOWN BOULEVARD, HARRISBURG, PA 17112

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2006

1. CALL TO ORDER – 6:33

2. ROLL CALL

X	WHT EMC - Bill McCahan	X	WHT Fire Marshal – Bruce Hetrick
X	WHT Citizen Rep. - Bob Garland	X	WHT Fire Co. VP. – Bill Gross
X	WHT Fire Police Capt. - Mel Gochenaur	X	WHT Fire Co. Chief – Brian Cassel
X	WHT Business Assoc. Rep. – George Ditzel	X	WHT Township Manager - Mike Rimer
X	SCEMS Rep. - Barry Calhoun

3. PUBLIC COMMENT – NONE.

4. APPROVAL OF MEETING NOTES - MINUTES

A. Mr. Hetrick moved, seconded by Mr. Gochenaur to approve the minutes of March 2, 2006 as presented. Motion passed unanimously.

5. PRESENTATIONS, STAFF/BOARD REPORTS

6. ACTIONS REQUESTED BY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS – NONE

A. Fire Company Hose/Pump/Ladder Testing – Mr. Garland presented a report and proposed Chapter 19 revisions to the members. Mr. Garland added there is not much latitude to the annual testing requirements. The goal of the proposed revision to Chapter 19 is to relieve some of the administrative burden of the Fire Chief regarding testing of equipment. After considerable discussion it was agreed to change and simplify the proposed language as follows:

Motion

Mr. Rimer moved, seconded by Mr. Garland,

To add: At a minimum all testing of equipment shall be conducted within a 24 month period.

To delete: “The testing schedule shall be based on the mean average usage of the equipment” and the words “or exceeds”. Proposed revision shall read: The fire pump testing schedule shall be established by the Fire Chief to insure the equipment meets the intent of the requirements of NFPA. At a minimum all testing of equipment shall be conducted within a 24 month period. The motion passed unanimously.

B. Dry Hydrant Project – Mr. Cassel reported that he has some dry hydrant areas in mind. One being on Mill Race Road, which has already been agreed to by the owner. Others are located at Sarhlem Road and Devonshire Heights Road and Fernando Drive. Mr. Hetrick stated he never received the maps he was to get, but has several locations in mind. It was agreed that Bruce and Brian would meet with Mr. Rimer to prioritize the dry hydrant locations and mark them on the map for next months meeting.

7. OLD BUSINESS

A. Super 8 Motel Driveway – To be removed from the agenda.

B. Winslett Playground – Mr. McCahan reported there has been no reply from the developer or homeowner’s association. Mr. Rimer will send one more letter.

C. NIMS Compliance by Township – Mr. Rimer stated his goal it to get something to the Board of Supervisors for the April 16, 2006 meeting. Mr. Cassel will submit copies of all fire company training certificates to Mike for the file.

D. Traffic Light Timing, Allentown Blvd & Jonestown Road – Mr. Rimer stated he was told by the traffic engineer that the traffic light is in compliance and is no different than any other light. Mr. Rimer reminded the Board that he does not permit the lights – it is PENNDOT’s jurisdiction. Mr. McCahan expressed his concern that the new lights may have a similar problem and would like to prevent that same conflict from happening. Mr. Rimer indicated he would check the specifications for the new lights and send a letter to Barry Hoffman at District 8. Mr. McCahan suggested a representative from PENNDOT be invited to attend a meeting. Mr. Rimer asked how many accidents have occurred due to the timing problem. Mr. Cassel didn’t know.

E. Jonestown Road Speed limit Study Update – Mr. Rimer reported that the study is underway and a report will be forthcoming.

F. Piketown Road Permit Disclaimer – Mr. Rimer stated the information went to the Board of Supervisors, however he will have to check on status and report at the next meeting. Mr. Cassel and Mr. Hetrick reiterated that the private roads in that area are in terrible shape and some appear to be impassable. Being able to access these properties with emergency vehicles is a big concern. Members agreed that a presentation should be made to the Board of Supervisors.

G. Status of Snow Emergency Routes – Mr. Rimer reported that the ordinance will be incorporated under traffic and streets in the Township Code. The Roadmaster has assisted in outlining the routes. Ordinance language will be given to the PSAB for review once it is prepared.

8. NEW BUSINESS

A. Blocked Hydrant in front of McDonalds – Mr. Hetrick reported that on many occasions the fire hydrant in front of the McDonalds at the interchange has been parked in by tractor trailers. Sometimes four or five at a time, making the hydrant inaccessible. It was agreed that Mr. Rimer would contact PENNDOT to see if they would be willing to install signage.

9. OTHER BUSINESS/CORRESPONDANCE BEFORE THE PSAB

A. Chickens on Route 39 – Mr. Calhoun reported that there is a coop and a number of chickens right along the road on Rt 39 in the Hanoverdale area. It appears one of the chickens may have been the cause of a recent accident. Mr. Rimer indicated he did not believe zoning allows chickens in that area and would ask the Zoning Officer to investigate.

B. Mr. Gross informed the PSAB members that Mr. Collins has no authority from the Fire Department and Mr. Gochenaur added that he is on probation.

C. AED – Mr. Calhoun reported that AED’s are becoming popular in businesses and even in many homes. The problem is they are not universal and some do not provide readouts. Mr. Calhoun suggested some guidelines to help business purchase quality devices. It was suggested that a newsletter article may be a good place to start. This item will be a topic for further discussion at the next meeting. Mr. Calhoun will try to find some sample guidelines or ordinances.

10. PUBLIC COMMENT – NONE

11. PLANS FOR REVIEW AND CONSIDERATION

A. Village Glen F/SB - No comments

12. ADJOURNMENT – 9:00 p.m.