WEST HANOVER TOWNSHIP

PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY BOARD

7171 ALLENTOWN BOULEVARD, HARRISBURG, PA  17112

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2007

 

1.     CALL TO ORDER – 6:30

2.     ROLL CALL

X

WHT EMC - Bill McCahan

E

WHT Fire Marshal – Bruce Hetrick

X

WHT Citizen Rep. - Bob Garland

E

WHT Fire Co. Pres. – Charles Mowry

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.  APPROVAL OF MEETING NOTES – MINUTES

 

Mr. Garland moved, seconded by Mr. Gochenaur to approve the minutes of January 4, 2007 as presented.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

4.   PUBLIC COMMENT

 

A.   Tom Wilson, K & W Engineering – Mr. Wilson presented a concept plan for 94 single family dwellings to be located at Sterling Road and Oak Grove Road, adjacent to Resurrection Cemetery.  Mr. Wilson asked the members how they felt about an emergency access road which would connect to the cemetery road.  This road would be paved with signage (i.e. emergency vehicles only, do not enter, or authorized vehicles only) to prevent usage by regular development or funeral traffic.

 

       Mr. McCahan asked that any proposed cul-de-sacs be designed with a 94’ diameter in order to accommodate emergency vehicles.  Mr. Cassel added that a hydrant would be needed at the entrance and then one every 650’ throughout the development.  Hydrant locations will be noted in greater detail by the fire marshall when the plan is officially submitted.

 

       By consensus the PSAB members agreed to the location and concept of the emergency access road. 

 

B.   Bud Grove, Grove Associates  - Mr. Grove stated he was before the Board representing Evergreen Ridge, a townhouse development to be located beside the Capital Baptist Church on Rt. 39.  Mr. Grove reminded the board that they reviewed this plan at their January meeting.  Mr. Grove explained that Mr. Brulo suggested a boulevard island in order to assist in a second access for the development due to there being more than 25 units on a cul-de-sac.  Mr. Grove reminded the board that there is a controlled emergency access road proposed out to Slepian Street.  Mr. Grove asked the board if they felt the boulevard island was necessary or desired for safety purposes.

 

       After considerable discussion members felt the boulevard island would actually be more of an obstruction to emergency operations.

 

       Motion:  Mr. Garland moved, seconded by Mr. Calhoun, stating the PSAB does not recommend the installation of a boulevard island in the Evergreen Ridge development as it would be an impediment to emergency vehicles.  The motion passed unanimously.

 

5.  PRESENTATIONS, STAFF/BOARD REPORTS

Mr. Rimer reported that the HRG speed limit study has been finalized and will go before the Board of Supervisors on February 5, 2007 for approval.  Once the study is adopted and the appropriate ordinances in place, the speed limits can be posted and will be enforceable. 

 

Motion:  Mr. Garland moved, seconded by Mr. Gochenaur, the PSAB supports the HRG speed limit study and encourages the Board of Supervisors to adopt the plan.  The motion passed unanimously.

Motion:  Mr. Garland moved, seconded by Mr. Ditzel, to have an additional 25 mph speed limit sign posted on Jonestown Road, at approximately the ½ way mark.  The motion passed unanimously.

 

6.  OLD BUSINESS

 

      A.    EOP (Emergency Operations Plan) Adopted by BOS  Mr. McCahan reported that the Board of Supervisors adopted the EOP.  He is working on the Notification and Resource Manual.

 

      B.    Rt. 39 & Rt. 22 Signal Upgrade – This item is on the BOS agenda for 2/5/07.  Mr. Rimer reported that a traffic study is being compiled for Rt. 39 & Rt. 22.  There is a concept plan for a RiteAid, Starbucks, restaurant and hotel to be located on that corner.  The study should show a rebuild of the north/south intersection.  More information will be forthcoming.  Mr. McCahan will be making a presentation at the February 5, 2007 Board of Supervisors meeting regarding contributions for a northbound traffic counter to recognize increased traffic from Hershey area functions. 

 

     C.     No U-turns/No Trucks @ Manada View Drive – Mr. McCahan reported he will be making a presentation to the Board of Supervisors on February 5, 2007.

 

              Mr. Cassel asked if the street signs have all been installed in Bradford Estates.  Mr. McCahan indicated he had been in contact with Janet from Yingst Homes and the signs should be up now.  Mr. McCahan will verify.

 

              Mr. Rimer reported that there were some problems with the traffic lights at Manor Drive and Clover Lane, but the problem has been corrected.  It appeared that due to the power outage last week, the computer re-booted the lights in Rt. 81 detour mode, which backed up the side streets.  There was some discussion on the OPTICOM units.  Mr. Cassel will itemize the locations where the OPTICOM units are not working properly. 

 

7.    NEW BUSINESS

8.    ACTIONS REQUESTED BY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’

9.    OTHER BUSINESS/CORRESPONDANCE BEFORE THE PSAB

10.   PLANS FOR REVIEW AND CONSIDERATION

12.   ADJOURNMENT – 7:50 p.m.