WEST HANOVER TOWNSHIP

PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY BOARD

7171 ALLENTOWN BOULEVARD, HARRISBURG, PA  17112

THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2007

 

1.     CALL TO ORDER – 6:33

2.     ROLL CALL

X

WHT EMC - Bill McCahan

E

WHT Fire Marshal – Bruce Hetrick

X

WHT Citizen Rep. - Bob Garland

X

WHT Fire Co. Pres. – Charles Mowry

X

WHT Fire Police Capt. - Mel Gochenaur

E

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. Gochenaur moved, seconded by Mr. Mowry to approve the minutes of February 1, 2007 as presented.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

4.   PUBLIC COMMENT

 

5.  PRESENTATIONS, STAFF/BOARD REPORTS – April Showers, JMT, Transportation Study

Ms. Showers reported that JMT has been tasked with aiding the Township with the update to the transportation element of the Comprehensive Plan.  Ms. Showers handed out roadway classification and concern maps with improvements and areas of concern noted.  Members discussed various problem areas, many of which were already identified on the map.

 

Mr. Rimer suggested that the Douglas Road over-vertical problem be added to the intersections of concern.  Ms. Showers stated that traffic counts and visual observations will begin as soon as the weather clears.  The Township will be notified before any counts begin.

 

Mr. Rimer also noted that Jonestown Road needs to be upgraded to a collector street along with Devonshire Heights from Oak Grove Road to the Lower Paxton Township line.  Consideration should be given to upgrading Sarhelm Road due to approved future development in that area.  Mr. Calhoun noted the poor sight distance at Devonshire Heights Road and Knight Road.

 

Mr. McCahan asked the plan acknowledge the problem with Hershey entertainment traffic dumping onto Rt. 39.  Mr. McCahan asked that data be gathered and provided to the Board of Supervisors to the enable them to approach Hershey for financial help with road improvements.  Mr. Rimer reported that the Board of Supervisors asked HRG to come up with traffic volumes from Hershey events and apply a dollar figure for potential improvements.

 

Mr. McCahan encouraged all members to take a map along to study and note any additional problem areas, to be discussed at the April meeting.  The information will be forwarded on to Ms. Showers.  Mr. McCahan will see that Mr. Hetrick and Mr. Cassel get a copy of the map.

 

Ms. Showers stated that after data is collected, they will prioritize problem areas and look to the various Boards and Commissions for direction.  JMT will also collect accident data from local agencies and PENNDOT.  Mr. Rimer suggested including the snow emergency routes which were outlined at a meeting some time last year.  Mr. McCahan will add that to the April agenda for additional discussion.

 

6.  OLD BUSINESS

 

      A.    EOP (Emergency Operations Plan)  Mr. McCahan reported he is working on an update to the Notification and Resource Manual.

 

      B.    No U-turns/No Trucks @ Manada View Drive – Mr. Rimer reported that the Board of Supervisors asked the Township Engineer, HRG, to look at this area.  The Engineer is going to recommend to the Board of Supervisors that all intersections in that area be posted.  Official action by the Board will make it enforceable. 

 

     C.     Rt. 39 & Rt. 22 Upgrade – Mr. Rimer reported this project is underway.

 

7.    NEW BUSINESS

A.     McCahan requested Township Manager to write memo to PA American Water Company to repair hydrant by Fire Station #2 – Mr. Rimer stated he will compose a letter to PA American Water Company to turn the hydrant connection around so it can be accessed from the Fire Company parking lot and not the street.

B.      Dry Hydrants – Mr. Rimer reminded members that dry hydrants have been funded in this years budget.  Owners will need to be notified and easements obtained.  It is hoped that the dry hydrants at the two top locations will be installed this year.  The Township Engineer is looking into whether the Township will need any type of State permits.

         Mr. Mowry noted that several fire hydrants were covered in snow and ice after the last storm and it did not appear they were cleared.  Mr. Rimer noted that an ordinance was adopted last year that places the burden for clearing on the property owner, although the public works department is usually pretty good about keeping them clear.  It may be that private snow removal agencies are to blame.  Mr. Rimer will follow up with the Roadmaster.  A suggestion was made that an article pertaining to keeping hydrants clear be included in an upcoming issue of the newsletter.

8.    ACTIONS REQUESTED BY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’

9.    OTHER BUSINESS/CORRESPONDANCE BEFORE THE PSAB

10.   PLANS FOR REVIEW AND CONSIDERATION

       A.   #07.004 F/SB Charles & Lorie Barnes, Berkstone Circle. - Two lot subdivision, no comments.

12.   ADJOURNMENT – 7:40 p.m.