WEST HANOVER TOWNSHIP

PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY BOARD

7171 ALLENTOWN BOULEVARD, HARRISBURG, PA  17112

THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 2005

 

1.       CALL TO ORDER – 6:41 by the Board

2.       ROLL CALL

 

Fire Marshal – Bruce Hetrick

X

WHT Fire Police Capt. – Mel Gochenaur

X

WHT Fire Company Pres. - John Wolfgang

X

WHT EMC – Bill McCahan

X

WHT Fire Company Chief – Brian Cassel

X

WHT Citizen Rep. – Bob Garland

 

WHT Business Assoc. Rep.

X

WHT Township Manager – Mike Rimer

X

SCEMS Rep.

 

 

 

3.       PUBLIC COMMENT

 

The Board took part in significant comment from a Mr. Long who attended the meeting to describe unsafe condition at and near the intersection of Maple Street and Douglas Road in the Township.  A variety of items were discussed as to the history of trip travel in the area and increases in speeding and traffic in the area from East Hanover Township.  Sight distance and over vertical problems appear to be prevalent on the road and with increased speed from vehicles on Douglas Road contribute to the unsafe conditions in the area.  Mr. Rimer suggested the Township begin looking at the Douglas Road area as part of the Route 39 Corridor Study recommendation and the entire corridor from Devonshire Heights Road to the Township line.  The Board agreed that work is needed in the area and that improvements to signage could improve safety along with more intense police coverage in the area.  PSP is not known for monitoring local streets, it was agreed by the PSAB to (1) attempt contacting the PSP to assist in speeding control and (2) initiate a project to appropriate funds for the preparation of a safety study that would cause the Township Engineer to closely examine Douglas Road from Devonshire Heights Road to the Township line and outline needed improvements and corrective measures that could be implemented to protect public safety.

 

4.   REORGANIZATION – REVIEW of BY-LAWS


      A.      Review of By-laws

               

With several new representatives present, Mr. Rimer directed the PSAB to the by-laws for a short discussion on their content and the purpose of the reorganization.

 

      B.      Election of Chair – Bill McCahan was unanimously voted by the PSAB as Chairman.

 

      C.      Election of Vice-Chair – Robert Garland was unanimously voted by the PSAB as Vice-Chairman

 

      D.      Election of Secretary – Mel Gochenaur was unanimously voted by the PSAB as Secretary

 

Mr. Rimer also mentioned to the Board that he would be approaching the staff to obtain more direct administrative support for the PSAB.  Mr. McCahan indicated that he thought having one of the administrative assistants available to assist Mel and the BOS would be very positive and he hoped Mr. Rimer would more forward.

 

5.  APPROVAL OF MEETING NOTES - MINUTES

A.    December 2, 2004 – Approved with no comments.

 

 

 

 

6.   PRESENTATIONS, STAFF/BOARD REPORTS

      A.      Township Engineer – Report on Traffic Signal Reconfiguration 22/39

Mr. Rimer indicated that the Township Engineer was still working on the Traffic Signal Study and reconfiguration plan for the Township at US 22 and Manor and Clover Lane.  At the appropriate time, Mr. Rimer will invite the Township Engineer to discuss the project and the intended improvements for PSAB comment and suggestion.

B.     Township Manager – Report Hydrant Mapping Project Schedule

Mr. Rimer presented to the PSAB a brief outline of the hydrant mapping program.  There was lengthy discussion regarding the recent correspondence between the EMC and PA American Water and a failure to communicate.  Mr. Rimer indicated that he would attempt to contact PA American to obtain the information needed for the WHTVFC and EMC purposes (flow data and hydrant information). 

7.   ACTIONS REQUESTED BY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

        None

8.   PLANS FOR REVIEW AN CONSIDERATION

        None submitted to Twp. for review and approval.
       
9.     OLD BUSINESS

A.      Lock Box – Public Implementation Program – BH and/or BC

Mr. Cassel provided a brief report on the Lock Box program and indicated that project was moving forward.  He would keep the PSAB and Township abreast of the project.

B.       Recommendation – Hydrant Height Standard – BH

Mr. McCahan spoke on behalf of Mr. Hetrick and indicated that Mr. Hetrick was working to complete a set of hydrant standards for PSAB review and recommendation.  This information would be presented at a future meeting once it was completed.

C.       EOP – Day Care Center Updates

Mr. McCahan provided the PSAB with a brief update of the EOP updates and indicated that they would all be in shortly.  On business was not responding and he would pursuing all reasonable means to acquire and stimulate the preparation of the EOP at the particular business location.


10.  NEW BUSINESS

        A.   None.

 

11.   OTHER BUSINESS/CORRESPONDANCE BEFOR THE PSAB

 

12.    PUBLIC COMMENT               

 

13.   ADJOURNMENT – 8:30PM