THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2004

Meeting Notes

CALL TO ORDER: 6:35PM

MEMBERS “X” and OTHERS PRESENT

X – Matt Senft - WHT Fire Company, President (Absent)

X – Bob Garland – Citizen Rep

X - Michael D. Rimer, Township Manager

X - William McCahan, EMC

WHT Business Association (Absent)

X - Barry Calhoun, SCEMS

WHT Fire Chief (Absent)

X - Mel Gochenaur, WHT Fire Police Captain

X - Bruce Hetrick, Fire Marshal

General Public - NONE

1. PUBLIC COMMENT

None

2. PRESENTATIONS, STAFF/BOARD REPORTS

None

3. APPROVAL OF MEETING NOTES - MINUTES

A motion was made by Mr. McCahan and Second by Mr. Hetrick to approve the minutes. During discussion Mr. Calhoun offered several corrections. Discussion also focused on the meeting topic from the last time with the WHTVFC and the mass resignation of officers. Is the VFC making rules to address this type of group departure from office? Mr. McCahan and Mr. Gochenaur felt the Company could do so if it wanted to. Mr. Senft described some of the membership dynamics of the Company and how voting would be taking place in the coming weeks. Mr. Hetrick indicated that some changes, if not done carefully, could be more disruptive then beneficial. Mr. Gochenaur indicated that things are moving forward. The motion to pass the meeting notes with corrections was passed unanimously.

4. OLD BUSINESS

By-Laws Review

Mr. Rimer provided the PSAB with a brief overview of the status of the by-laws and that the draft was forwarded to the BOS for comment. No comments were made. Following a short discussion, a motion to accept the by-laws was passed unanimously.

Election of Officers

With the by-laws adopted, the PSAB discussed moving forward to elect its own officers. By virtue of the resolution forming and establishing the PSAB, the elections must be completed at a re-organization meeting in January. A motion was made and seconded to hold the election of Officers in January. The motion passed unanimously.

There was also significant discussion regarding the appropriateness of having members send “a designee” to the PSAB, if they are unable to make the meeting. Mr. Rimer reviewed the code, which in most cases the BOS did not provide flexibility to have designated officials send other individuals to participate and vote at PSAB meetings. A motion was made by Mr. Hetrick seconded by Mr. Garland to send a memo to the BOS requesting clarification on the status of “Designees” and improved language to the resolution and/or code language. The motion was passed unanimously.

EOP – Update

Mr. McCahan indicated that the CD HS plan was completed. HAZMAT was on the way and will be added as necessary. Mr. McCahan also indicated that two day-care centers have not completed their plans. Mr. Hetrick indicated his interest in talking to one of these establishments. Mr. McCahan also indicated that he will be following through as well.

Lock Box – Public Implementation Program

Mr. Rimer indicated that he was not sure what the status of this project was. The Township would be looking into the account and the status of the account with Knox. Mr. Hetrick also indicated he would find out what was happening at the WHTVFC and report back to the PSAB.

Dauphin County EOP Update – Recommendation?

No Discussion

NEW BUSINESS

Recommendation – Hydrant Height Standard?

The PSAB discussed the Township’s current lack of a specific standard for hydrant height (public or private hydrants). The height of a hydrant is important to ensure proper hook-up by fire apparatus. Mr. Hetrick has been looking into acceptable standards for the height. Mr. Rimer wasn’t sure if it was as important to have a standard in the S&LD Ordinance, especially if the Township didn’t own the hydrants as public improvements. Instead, Mr. Rimer explained that we lease hydrants from PA American and once the Township specifies a height standard, the Township and Fire Marshal should be directly working with PA American to ensure the hydrants are constructed properly. The PSAB agreed that a hydrant specification in the S&LD Ordinance for private hydrants would be useful. Mr. Hetrick indicated he would be developing a standard to discuss with the PSAB.

Discussion – Consideration of Sidewalk Access and Safety in Development

Mr. McCahan brought up a basic discussion item on the scope of the PSAB. In particular, he felt that the Township PSAB should make a comment on the safety of pedestrian circulation on all land development plans. Looking at hydrant locations and road configurations is important, but other aspects of public safety, such as sidewalk safety, ADA compliance, and similar safety issues should be discussed and commented upon during the review. The majority of the PSAB members agreed with this notion and would try to include this in the future.

Recommendation – Review Hydrant Marker Types for Township

The EMC presented the PSAB several sample hydrant marker designs for consideration on Township hydrants. There are approximately 120 hydrants in the Township. The majority of these hydrants are not marked in any way. Mr. McCahan outlined the various styles of markers in metal and fiberglass. Mr. Hetrick suggested that the Township “keep it simple” to minimize notice and potential for vandalism. Mr. Garland questioned how they would help, which was explained that they are reflective and visible. Mr. Senft suggested a choice that was more light-weight than metal brands due to the potential for “snap back” and injury to fire fighters. Mr. Hetrick questioned whether the units would be provided by PA American. Mr. McCahan stressed the point that reflectivity is very important for night time or foul weather response. Mr. Hetrick suggested that the WHT VFC be requested to install the reflective units as a training exercise or “team building” program to build involvement in the VFC. Mr. Rimer suggested that the PSAB set a budget of $3000 for 2005 and with the upcoming BOS budget workshop, that this item be appropriately added to the budget for 2005. A motion was made by Mr. McCahan, seconded by Mr. Hetrick to move forward with budgeting for this project in 2005. The motion passed unanimously.

Recommendation – IFC 2003 – Street and Cul-de-sac Standards – Access Standards for Parking Lots (Commercial)

The PSAB continues to advocate utilizing NFPA standards for road and cul-de-sac design in West Hanover Township. Mr. McCahan indicated that the IFC standards for parking lot access and mobility should be considered too, especially from a public street to the structure. A properly configured lane in a parking area will improve access of fire apparatus and time of response. A motion was made by Mr. Garland and seconded by Mr. Hetrick to request that Planning Commission to assess these standards and incorporate any appropriate provisions in the upcoming amendments. The motion passed unanimously.

PLAN REVIEWS

§ Provided on separate letterhead.

CORRESPONDANCE

None.

OTHER BUSINESS BEFOR THE PSAB

• Mr. Garland questioned the signalization of US 22 and the proposed closing of crossing points on the median strip stretching along US 22 and how these closures will influence emergency access in the Township. Mr. Hetrick felt that the closer of crossing would not deter from safety or slow response.

• Mr. Calhoun addressed several road maintenance issues and asked that the Roadmaster be notified.

• Mr. Calhoun discussed police services and indicated that the Townships (South, East and West) may wish to consider exploring a certain level of police service in the Township to be provided by the County Sheriff’s office.

• Mr. Calhoun brought to the attention of the Township and the representatives of the WHT VFC the implications of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the Implications for Non-Profits. His remarks were more specifically addressed to the WHT VFC as it handles its audit requirements and similar financial reporting.

• Mr. Calhoun, in response to reviewing comments from the last PSAB meeting, stressed the important of working together. With so many demands at work and other areas of our lives, it is critical for the fire company volunteers to work together as best as we can.

• Mr. McCahan questioned Mr. Rimer as to whether the Township had ever considered purchasing an AED unit for the municipal building. Mr. Rimer explained that he was unaware of any, but that if it could be entered into the budget, he would promote such a safety item.

10. ADJOURNMENT – at approximately 9:45PM

Respectfully Submitted - MDR