WEST HANOVER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
7171 ALLENTOWN BOULEVARD, HARRISBURG, PA 17112
JANUARY 15, 2001, 7 P.M.
REGULAR MEETING
Chairman Zimmerman called the January 15, 2001 regular meeting of the West Hanover Township Board of Supervisors to order at 7 p.m., followed by the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mrs. Zimmerman announced that an executive session was held at 6 p.m. to discuss personnel and legal matters.
Gloria J. Zimmerman, Chairman
Kenneth W. Gross, Vice Chairman
Earl B. Hoffman, Sr., Assistant Secretary/Treasurer
Robert R. Jones
Stephen L. Millard
Donald Steinmeier, 11 North Fairville Avenue. Mr. Steinmeier inquired as to the status of the proposed Intermunicipal Agreement between Lower Paxton and West Hanover Townships, which was discussed at a Board meeting in mid-December. Mrs. Zimmerman responded saying there was nothing additional to report.
Mr. Steinmeier said he believed that, if and when an agreement were reached between the two townships, the residents affected in Lower Paxton Township should not pay a lower sewer rate than the residents in West Hanover Township. Mrs. Zimmerman said that she agreed with Mr. Steinmeier.
John Johnson, Fire Chief. Mr. Johnson introduced himself as the Fire Chief for 2001. He proceeded to review the handout included with the Board packets. Mrs. Zimmerman thanked Mr. Johnson for his report.
Earl Hoffman. Mr. Hoffman asked the Board members for permission to look at the property adjoining the Township building, which is owned by the Township, to determine whether or not it would be feasible to build a public facility that could be used for parties, basketball, etc. Mr. Hoffman said that that type of facility was needed in the Township and that the need would continue as the Township continued to grow.
Mr. Jones responded saying that he thought a long-range planning committee should be formed to evaluate the Township facilities. Mr. Jones said that the Township currently owned almost 60 acres adjacent to the sewer facility and that it might be feasible to consolidate all of the Township facilities on to that property, i.e., the maintenance garage, the administration building, and the fire company. Mr. Jones pointed out that the maintenance building was in need of many repairs and that the administration offices were filled to capacity. He added that if the fire company were moved to that location, the current firehouse could serve as a facility for parties, sports, etc.
Mr. Hoffman reiterated that he would like to explore the possibility of developing the property adjacent to the administration building. Further, he said that he had people willing to help develop and support such a facility.
Mrs. Zimmerman suggested that this item should be added to a future agenda for discussion. By consensus, it was agreed to place this item on the February 5, 2001 agenda.
Kenneth Gross. No comment.
Stephen Millard. Mr. Millard said he would like to attend the supervisors’ workshop at Millersville. Mrs. Zimmerman also expressed interest in attending. Mr. Rimer said that in the future requests to attend seminars and/or workshops from staff or Board members would be placed on the agenda in order to obtain Board permission prior to attendance at the seminar or workshop.
Robert Jones. Mr. Jones said that in traveling around the Township recently, he noticed that traffic counts were being conducted on Linglestown Road, Sandy Hollow Road, and Manor Drive. He asked if anyone had requested permission to perform the traffic studies. Mr. Brulo indicated that the traffic impact studies were probably being done in preparation of submission of a development plan to the Township.
Mr. Jones said that the counter on Linglestown Road was actually in Lower Paxton Township and thought it might be related to the Central Dauphin school district. He asked whether or not anything further had been heard from the Central Dauphin School District. Mr. Rimer responded in the negative. Further, Mr. Rimer said no one had asked permission to conduct any traffic studies.
Mr. Jones said he believed that the Township should be made aware of any traffic studies being conducted and the purpose for those studies. Mr. Rimer said he would attempt to find out about the studies but that he was not aware of any law that would require notification to the Township when studies were being conducted.
Mr. Jones said he thought the process at the last meeting for making appointments to Township boards and committees was confusing. Mr. Rimer said that a memo had been furnished to the Board in November 2000 giving them a listing of those persons whose terms would be expiring and whether or not they were interested in being reappointed. Mr. Jones said that in the future he would like to have that information in the packet just prior to the appointments being made and that he also would like to see any letters of interest and/or resumes placed in the packets so that the Board members could review them prior to the meeting. He pointed out that several resumes had been placed on the Board table the night the appointments were to be made. Mr. Jones said he thought a deadline should be established. Mr. Rimer suggested that the Board might want to put into place a policy whereby there would be deadlines established for submission of letters of interest and/or resumes to give the Board ample time for review of same.
Mr. Jones also called attention to the fact that Township staff requested the Board to revisit the holiday schedule, which was altered at the last meeting to take away a floating holiday and instead give office staff Election Day as a holiday and give the road crew the first day of buck season as a holiday. Mrs. Zimmerman said that item was on the agenda and would be addressed later in the meeting.
Gloria Zimmerman. Mrs. Zimmerman reminded Mr. Rimer that if the PSATS dues were paid prior to January 31, 20001, there would be no penalty.
Mrs. Zimmerman also asked Mr. Rimer if he had researched the purchase of a digital camera for the Codes and Zoning office. Mr. Rimer said he had not had time to do that research. Mr. Jones said that Sam’s Club had some good prices on digital cameras.
Mrs. Zimmerman also said she had discussed an open house with Mr. Rimer and asked that it be placed on the agenda for the February 5, 2001 meeting. Mr. Rimer concurred.
Special
Meeting, December 27, 2000. Mr.
Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Millard, to approve the Minutes of the special
meeting of December 27, 2000. The
motion was unanimously approved.
Reorganizational Meeting, January 2, 2001. Mr. Gross moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, to approve the Minutes of the reorganizational meeting of January 2, 2001.
Mrs. Zimmerman said she had one correction on page 8 under the Parks and Recreation appointments. She said that she abstained on the vote for the appointment of Melanie Zimmerman to the Parks and Recreation Board. Mrs. Martin said she would make the correction.
The
Minutes were unanimously approved as amended.
General Fund Balance as of January 11, 2001 $720,762.58
Liquid Fuels Balance as of January 11, 2001 $273,122.57
Deposit – January 11, 2001 $ 17,515.50
Less Payroll of January 12, 2001 Net: $10,669.96 Gross: $ 14,379.57
Less Vouchers to be approved January 15, 2001 $ 17,226.97
Total invoices that could be paid with Liquid Fuels funds $ 4,638.00
Mr. Gross moved, seconded by Mr.
Hoffman, to approve the payroll. The
motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr.
Hoffman, to pay the vouchers.
Mr. Jones inquired as to the status of the Delta Development contract. Mr. Rimer said that he had finally been able to connect with someone at Delta and that they would be willing to open and revise the contract. In addition, he said the Township could stop making payments until such time as Delta would be needed for additional work. Mr. Rimer said that he believed the services of Delta Development might be needed in the future.
Mr. Jones asked for an update on the Exit 27 project. Mr. Rimer said that he left a meeting with the project manager from PennDOT with several questions yet to be answered, one of which was the total financial obligation from the Township towards the project. Mr. Rimer reminded the Board that it had previously approved a letter relative to financial contributions, which was to be sent out to the businesses in the Exit 27 corridor. He said that letter had not been sent yet as he did not have all of the information from PennDOT.
Mr. Jones voiced concern with the fact that Dermody already had one building up and operating and were working on the second building. He said there would soon be hundreds of trucks in the area and that the talking would still be going on.
Mr. Brulo said that it was his understanding that PennDOT overextended themselves with their dollars versus projects that they have. Mr. Brulo said he would like to see the Township start the project as soon as possible before the dollars already committed run out.
Mr. Jones inquired as to the status of the $1 million grant that was to be received for the Exit 27 project. Mr. Rimer said the plan was to have the Township put its financing up front during the design phase and that the Township would be taken out of the construction phase from any contribution or match. Mr. Jones asked whether that was good or bad for the Township. Mr. Rimer responded saying that it was good in that the Township would be guaranteed there was going to be a design and the project would move forward. On the other hand, he said it would be bad if the Township did not know what its contribution would be and/or if the Township could not get the necessary contributions from the businesses.
Mr. Jones suggested that a letter be written to Senator Piccola and Representative Marsico to bring the urgency of the matter to their attention.
Mr. Jones thanked Mrs. Martin for her comprehensive breakdown on the Cash Management account. He added that the Township received $32,000 in interest earnings through the Cash Management account.
Mr. Millard asked about the $4,600 plus for street sign poles. Mr. Rimer said that the purchase of the street sign poles represented the first part of the 2001 expenditures from Liquid Fuels. He said quotes were obtained for the purchase of the street sign poles and that the price was a good one.
The motion was unanimously approved
to pay the vouchers.
Release of Financial Security for
Michael and Joanne Geppert Final Land Development Plan #00.008F/LD, Allentown
Boulevard and Glenview Avenue, Tax Parcel #68-033-007. Mr. Gross moved, seconded by Mr.
Hoffman, to approve a reduction in the financial security from $89,600 to
$21,538. The motion was unanimously
approved.
Karl A. Windish Final Land Development Plan #98.010 F/LD, 7560 Allentown Boulevard, Tax Parcel #68-030-048. Ms. Hardman advised the Board that this plan had been around since 1998. Ms. Hardman said that Mr. Windish’s plan was a land development plan to construct a 116 x 79, one-story addition attached to the left side of an existing building, to construct a 70 x 35 detached accessory storage building, convert existing motel rooms into storage for the automotive business, and to convert one of the motel rooms into an office for retail sales. In addition, she said impervious coverage would have to be added for the display area from the retail office to the existing apartment. Further, she advised the rear of the property would be fenced and screened for storage.
Ms. Hardman said there were three waivers requested to the preliminary plan requirements, subdivision plan scale, and original property description map. She said the contingencies included verification of survey markers, submission of a financial security for site improvements, and discussion of off-site improvements with the Board. Ms. Hardman said that off-site improvement discussions were not held to date because at the time the plan was originally submitted in 1998, the Board thought that off-site improvements should not be required for small business owners. Ms. Hardman pointed out that during that time frame Tyndale and several other small businesses were in the process of expanding. Ms. Hardman advised the Board that Mr. Windish had encountered some difficulties with PennDOT, which also held up approval of the plan.
Mr. Millard asked about sidewalks. Ms. Hardman responded saying that Mr. Windish had an agreement to do sidewalks when requested. She said that Mr. Windish’s plan was submitted prior to the ordinance being amended to require sidewalks so the Planning Commission entered an agreement with him to install the sidewalks when requested.
Mr. Millard asked whether or not sidewalks, if they were to be installed, were going to be outside the right-of-way. Mr. Brulo said they would be within the right-of-way and that the sidewalks would only be installed on the Clover Lane side and not on Route 22. Mr. Millard asked why that would be the case. Mr. Brulo said that the Planning Commission felt that the sidewalk would be best along Clover Lane and to avoid pedestrian traffic on Route 22. Ms. Hardman said sidewalks were now required for Route 22, but reminded the Board that Mr. Windish’s plan had been submitted in 1998. Mr. Millard asked if sidewalks were placed on Route 22 whether they would be through the detention pond or on the outside of it. Mr. Brulo said a sidewalk would be within the right-of-way and not within the detention pond.
Mr. Jones asked if there were wetlands on the property. Ms. Hardman responded in the negative. Mr. Jones said he would be happy to see something done with that corner.
Mrs. Zimmerman asked whether the sidewalk agreement should be added as another contingency prior to approval of the plan. Ms. Hardman said the Board could do that.
Mrs. Zimmerman asked if anyone had further questions. Mr. Millard said there would need to be a discussion relative to off-site improvements. Mrs. Zimmerman asked Ms. Hardman to outline again why off-site improvements were not considered.
Ms. Hardman said that when Mr. Windish originally submitted the plan, some other small developers (i.e., Tyndale and Top Line Brokerage) had submitted plans as well. She said, at the time, the Board said it would not require off-site improvements from small business owners.
Mr. Jones said the main entrance for the Tyndale property was on Clover Lane. Mrs. Zimmerman asked whether or not Mr. Tyndale had contributed to a traffic signal. Ms. Hardman said he had not.
Mr. Millard asked if Mr. Windish was going to speak on behalf of his plan. Mr. Windish came forward. Mr. Millard asked whether or not Mr. Windish would be willing to contribute to the traffic signal at Clover Lane. Mr. Windish said he did not believe that he should have to contribute. He said he believed that what he was proposing would reduce traffic requirements from what they would be if the property were operated as a motel and restaurant.
Mr. Windish went on to say that he planned to put in a used car lot and do automotive service. Mr. Gross asked if Mr. Windish was saying there would be less traffic. Mr. Windish responded by saying that currently the motel was closed but that he could reopen it as an 18-unit motel and restaurant and not be responsible for any contribution toward a traffic signal but that because he wanted to build a building and change the property to an automotive use, the Board was telling him he had to contribute something toward the traffic signal. He said he believed that the proposed use of the property would have a lesser traffic demand on the intersection than the current building configuration as a motel and restaurant.
Mr. Millard asked if there was access to Clover Lane with the current arrangement. Mr. Windish said there was.
Mrs. Zimmerman asked if she understood correctly that no other businesses at the time Mr. Windish’s plan was submitted gave contributions toward off-site improvements. Ms. Hardman said that was correct. Mrs. Zimmerman said that since Mr. Windish’s plan was three years old, she did not think that the Board could force Mr. Windish to make a contribution to off-site improvements when no one else who submitted plans during that time frame were required to do so.
Mr. Jones asked about curbing. Mr. Brulo said there was no curbing required on Clover Lane.
Mr. Millard said he was having some problems with the period and pointed out that the plan was submitted to the Planning Commission three years earlier. He said now the plan is before the Board and the Township has had a lot of changes to its ordinances. Mr. Millard asked whether or not hypothetically, if at the time the plan was done three years ago, Allentown Boulevard was only 50 feet wide and then PennDOT pushed the right-of-way to 120 feet, would the plan be able to proceed as originally submitted. Mr. Jones said that he thought if there was a valid Highway Occupancy Permit, PennDOT could not stop it.
Mr. Yost said that if something like that arose, PennDOT would have to pay the property owner for the additional property. Mr. Yost said PennDOT had the power to control it but that PennDOT would also have to pay a price for it. He said that the Township was not paying the developer anything and that it’s imposing restrictions that were changed since the plan was initially submitted. Mr. Yost went on to say that typically the developer would not be required to comply with any amendments to the subdivision or land development ordinances once the preliminary plan was submitted. He said the Board could have rejected it, but pointed out that since it was not rejected, Mr. Windish would be protected from any amendments to the ordinances. He said that was not to say that Mr. Windish could not make a contribution to the project.
Mr. Yost said that in a letter from Al Brulo to Ken Gross dated February 28, 2000, 2.b. states: “The Township should consider requesting an agreement for contribution to a future traffic signal and intersection improvements at Clover Lane/Allentown Boulevard. The applicant previously provided written confirmation of this contribution.”
Mr. Brulo said that Mr. Windish’s engineer said that his client was willing to provide some contribution towards a light. Mr. Yost said that a contribution was not new or different.
Mr. Windish said that he was approached about the traffic signal and that he told the engineer that he would scrape the project before he would contribute to a traffic light. He said he would be surprised to learn of a letter written after that point. Mr. Windish went on to say that his engineer had advised that the Township had agreed to waive that idea. Mr. Windish said that originally he had not planned on building such a large building but that when he went to the Township Office to see Janet Hardman, she advised him that he should put anything on the plan that he might ever want to build. He reiterated that at the time the subject of the traffic signal was brought up, his position was that he would not contribute.
Mr. Jones asked Ms. Hardman whether or not there was ever written confirmation. Ms. Hardman said that in the traffic volume and signaling study the last paragraph read: “With regard to signalization at the intersection of Clover Lane and 22, we feel this project operation is likely to remain the same for the next ten years. In reviewing the traffic studies submitted for Sagewicke, Green Hills, and Hanover Crossing, it is evident that these projects shall impact various intersections including Clover Lane and 22 locations. Our project is unlikely in itself to affect present or future traffic volume. However, since the possible future signalization increase for said development will affect the Clover Lane intersection, some type of contribution is in order agreed upon by our client. The amount of the contribution shall be discussed prior to final plan approval.”
Mr. Jones asked who wrote that report. Ms. Hardman responded that the report was written by Reed Engineering. Mrs. Zimmerman asked about the time frame for approving the plan. Ms. Hardman said an extension had been obtained until March 20, 2001. Mrs. Zimmerman suggested that the plan be tabled and placed on the agenda for the February 5, 2001 meeting.
Mrs. Zimmerman moved, seconded by Mr. Jones, to table the plan. The motion was unanimously approved.
Richard Yingst, Brynfield Phases V and X Final Subdivision Plan #00.022, Green Hill Road, Tax Parcel #68-030-024. Ms. Hardman said that Phases V and X consisted of 32 lots.
Mr. Gross moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, for the Brynfield Phase V and X subdivision plan #00.022 of Richard Yingst, I hereby move that the Board of Supervisors waive the West Hanover Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance for providing letters from public utilities, showing adjacent buildings, street pavement, wetland study and traffic impact study, and direct the Planning Commission memorandum be incorporated into and made part of this motion. The motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Gross moved, seconded by Mr.
Hoffman, to approve the Brynfield Phase V and X Subdivision Plan #00.022 F/SB
of Richard Yingst, Tax Parcel #68-030-024 contingent upon verification of
survey monuments and markers by the Township Engineer, approval of the erosion
and sedimentation control plan by Dauphin County Conservation District,
submission of financial security for on-site improvements, and submission of a
security agreement. The motion was
unanimously approved.
Mr. Jones asked about the time frame for rebuilding Clover Lane, from Green Hill Road to Route 22. Mr. Rimer said that he had written a letter but that he did not receive a specific answer as to the timetable. Mr. Rimer said that Mr. Cieri, Mr. Yingst’s engineer, had indicated that it would probably be done in Spring 2001.
Vote to Hold Public Hearing on
March 5, 2001 for Amendments to Article 1-Title, Article 2-Definitions,
and Article 5-FRA (Flexible Rural Agriculture). Mr. Gross moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, to hold a public hearing on
March 5, 2001. The motion was
unanimously approved.
Vote to Hold Public Hearing on March 5, 2001 for Amendments to Article 17-Open Space Residential and Nonresidential. Mr. Millard moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, to hold a public hearing on March 5, 2001. The motion was unanimously approved.
Schedule Meeting with Harrisburg Soccer Association and Act One Consultants to Discuss Off-site Improvements for the Proposed Land Development Plan. By consensus, it was agreed to discuss this item at a workshop to be held on February 12, 2001.
Schedule Meeting with Pilot Oil to Discuss Off-site Improvements for the Proposed Land Development Plan. By consensus, it was agreed to discuss this item at a workshop to be held on February 12, 2001.
Resolution 2001-3, Appointment of Township Engineer. Mr. Rimer said he contacted six firms, as well as the current Township Engineer, Al Brulo of HRG for proposals. Mr. Rimer recommended to the Board that Al Brulo of Herbert, Rowland, and Grubic be reappointed as the Township Engineer.
Mr. Millard asked about the proposed fees. He said the proposal showed a retainer of $1,800 annually or a flat fee of $98 per meeting. Mr. Brulo said he believed it would be more cost effective to go with the flat fee per meeting. Mr. Millard asked about charges for telephone calls; Mr. Brulo said there was no charge for telephone calls.
Mr. Gross moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, to appoint Herbert, Rowland, and Grubic as the Township Engineer using the flat fee per meeting. The motion was unanimously approved.
Resolution 2001-6, Appointment of Township Auditor for 2000 Audit. Mr. Rimer said the advertisement was made and that the appointment would be made in February.
Resolution 2001-19, Township Officials/Staff Wage and Salaries. By consensus, it was agreed to meet in executive session following the meeting to finalize the 2001 salaries.
Sewer Connection Enforcement Activities (Actions). Mr. Yost said two hearings were scheduled before the District Justice at the end of January. He said there was some money in the budget to proceed with some connections but did not foresee much happening relative to connection prior to Spring 2001.
Authorize Renewal of Office Lease with Mary Ann Keleman for 2001. Mr. Rimer said that Mrs. Kelemen’s rent was paid through the end of December 2000. He said that he and Mrs. Kelemen had discussed some of her issues with regard to the office space in the lower level and that he had asked her to write those concerns down for consideration. He said that as of January 10, he had not heard anything further on the subject.
Mr. Rimer said he received a memo from Mrs. Kelemen requesting the Board to rescind the $100 per month lease due to changes in the revenues for tax collectors. Mr. Millard said that he thought if the township was not going to charge rent to the tax collector, there should be a policy established to that effect.
Mrs. Zimmerman referred to the memo from Mrs. Kelemen wherein she asked that the Board consider rescinding the $100 per month rent due to a loss of income. Mrs. Zimmerman read the following excerpt from Mrs. Kelemen’s memo: “…I am asking you to consider rescinding my $100 a month because of loss of revenue….My income for 2000 was reduced by $2,500 and will be reduced by $5,000 in 2001. These reductions are in addition to a $10,000 reduction in commissions that was enacted by the County Commissioners….Most tax collectors prefer to have their offices in their homes….However, the tax collectors who do have offices in municipal buildings are given space rent free. West Hanover is the only municipality that charges rent to the tax collector.”
Mr. Millard said he did not agree with the statement that tax collectors who choose to have their offices in the municipal buildings do not pay rent. He said that Lower Paxton charged its tax collector rent before the office was relocated.
Mr. Jones suggested that a survey of neighboring municipalties be conducted to determine their policy on the matter of charging rent to tax collectors.
Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Millard, to table this item. The motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Yost pointed out that some municipalites take the fact that they offer free space to tax collectors when determing what the tax collector’s compensation would be. He recommended that in order to get a complete picture, the survey should include the compensation amount in addition to whether or not the tax collector paid rent for office space.
Mr. Millard said the amount collected on the Township’s behalf was small and that he thought that perhaps the school district should subsidize the rent rather than the Township.
Reaffirm Resolution 2001-10 – Establishment of Township Holidays. Mr. Rimer said that the Township staff asked him to have the Board reaffirm the holiday schedule as originally presented on January 2, with one floating holiday rather than Election Day for the office staff and the first day of buck season for the road crew.
Mr. Jones asked if the earlier resolution had to be rescinded. Mr. Yost said that the Board was reconsidering the prior motion and that someone who voted for the prior motion should vote to reconsider it. Mrs. Zimmerman asked Mr. Gross if he would make a vote to rescind his prior motion. Mr. Gross declined to do so. Mrs. Zimmerman asked if Martin Luther King, Jr. Day could be added to the holiday list. Mr. Gross also declined that suggestion. Mrs. Zimmerman said that West Hanover Township was the only township in the area that did not recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Mr. Jones asked what the procedure should be since Mr. Gross chose not to make a motion to rescind his earlier motion. Mr. Yost said that someone that was in the majority, either Mr. Hoffman or Mrs. Zimmerman, could make a motion to reconsider.
Mrs. Zimmerman moved, seconded by Mr. Millard, to reconsider the prior motion for Resolution 2001-10. The motion was approved 4-1, with Mr. Gross voting nay.
Mr. Jones moved to approve Resolution 2001-10 with a Floating Holiday. Mrs. Zimmerman asked if Mr. Jones would like to add anything else to the motion. Mrs. Zimmerman suggested that Martin Luther King Jr. Day be added. Mr. Jones said his motion for 11 holidays would stand.
The motion failed for lack of a second.
Mr. Millard moved, seconded by Mrs. Zimmerman, to approve Resolution 2001-10 with a Floating Holiday and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The motion was approved 3-2, with Mr. Gross and Mr. Jones voting nay.
Proposed Amendments to Chapter 85 Burning, Open. Mr. Millard said that he would like to see the proposed ordinance in a better layout. Mr. Rimer suggested that one or all of the Board members should feel free to mark up the draft copy and bring it back and package it better. Mr. Millard said he would be willing to review it. Mrs. Zimmerman suggested including Tim Shatto in the discussion since he was the fire marshal.
Mr. Millard moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, to table this item. The motion was unanimously approved.
Resolution 2001-22 – Revisions to the Building Permit Fees and Related Fees. Mr. Rimer said that the proposed resolution was discussed at a budget meeting in November 2000. The resolution specifically addresses the building fees and it also incorporates the recreation fee. Mr. Rimer said the other fees were not revised.
He said the primary purpose discussed in revising the building fees was to hire a full-time commercial and residential inspector so that a third party service would not have to be engaged. He went on to say that the part-time or full-time inspector hired by the Township would be certified in commercial and residential inspection and that the employee was to be funded from the building fees alone. Mr. Rimer said the building fees had not been updated since 1992.
Mr. Rimer also pointed out that this move would be setting the Township up for the new Pennsylvania State Building Code whereby the State was asking townships to select an option on how they would enforce the new code. He said this would represent a progressive step on the part of the Township to manage the inspection activities out of the Township Office rather than through a third party service.
Mr. Rimer said the recreation fee was a fee suggested in the Park and Recreation Plan, which was approved by the Board of Supervisors. The recreation fee would be paid on a per unit basis. The money collected would be used to supplement the Park Development Fund to improve the facilities in the parks and other recreation programs and would be earmarked for that purpose only.
Mr. Millard asked Mr. Rimer to clarify where the definition of what the recreation fee applied to. Mr. Millard voiced concern that if someone was simply building a storage shed that he/she would have to pay a recreation fee. Mr. Rimer clarified that the fee only applied to new construction.
Mr. Millard asked about commercial properties. Mr. Rimer said that there would be a provision for collecting park fees from commercial builders based on a demand calculation that was listed in the Park and Rec Plan. He went on to say that the first version of that ordinance went to the Planning Commission, had been revised, would be going through the Park and Recreation, and then return to the Planning Commission for a second discussion. Mr. Rimer said that the Park and Recreation Plan approved by the supervisors spelled out certain types of fees that should be incorporated into the ordinances.
Mr. Rimer said that in the case of commercial properties, the fees would be calculated dependent upon the aspects of the building and that building capacity would be used to determine a unit number that could be attached to it for fee purposes.
Mrs. Zimmerman asked how much the increase would be. Ms. Hardman said it would go from $35 per suqare foot to $65 per square foot. A brief discussion was held as to the costs of some building permits. Ms. Hardman clarified for the Board that the $65 per square foot would be used to determine the market value of the property and would then be multiplied by $5 per $1,000 of the cost to build the property.
Mr. Millard moved, seconded by Mr. Gross, to approve Resolution 2001-22.
Mr. Jones voiced concern that every time the Township added fees to the cost of building, those costs would be passed on to the buyer. A discussion was then held regarding fees in lieu of at $1,500 versus the recreational fee of $300 per unit. Mr. Jones said he believed that the Township should acquire the land rather than accept a fee in lieu of. He pointed out that the Township had acquired the land on Lawrence Drive, held the property for approximately ten years, and sold it for approximately $90,000 wherein fees in lieu of would have only amounted to $3,000.
The motion was approved 4-1, with Mr. Jones voting nay.
Discuss OLDS Ordinance Revision Related to Pumping Precincts and Timing of the Pumping Notices. Mr. Rimer said that Mr. Millard had requested this item be added to the agenda.
Mr. Rimer explained that all notices advising residents that their septic systems must be pumped were sent from the Township Office and were based on the computer program and the deadlines everyone had in each precinct. Mr. Rimer said that Mr. Millard designed a program that was not based on precinct but rather on the last date a septic system was pumped.
Mr. Millard said that when the OLDS Ordinance was first implemented, everyone was assigned a precinct number (#1, #2, #3, or #4) and that number indicated which year of a four-year cycle the septic system was to be pumped. Mr. Millard said he believed it was set up that way so that everyone was not pumping their septic system at the same time. Mr. Millard pointed out residents are able to pump their systems whenever they wished or needed to, but that they were required to pump it at least once every four years unless they had obtained an extension. He went on to say that the system created a problem because pumping notices were automatically generated every four years whether or not a system had been pumped in the intervening years. Mr. Millard said it was a real nightmare to track the information so he designed a program which removed the precinct part of the ordinance.
Mr. Yost asked if the precinct designations were currently part of the Act 537 Plan. Mr. Rimer said that he did not know but would research it. Mr. Yost said that the result of Mr. Rimer’s research would determine whether or not the 537 Plan would have to be amended. Mr. Rimer said he would report back to the Board.
Mr. Millard moved, seconded by Mr. Jones, to table this item until the ordinance was crafted. The motion was unanimously approved.
Authorize AT&T’s Request to Build Phone Utility Pad on Township Property. Mr. Rimer said he received a call and a visit from Mike Hoff of Verizon. Mr. Rimer said Mr. Hoff was present to answer any questions the Board might have. Mr. Rimer said all of the information he received was furnished to the supervisors in their packets.
Mr. Hoff came forward to address the supervisors. He told them that Verizon was looking to put an interface cabinet to increase the phone lines without physically running cable. He said that would require a 7x7 area to place the equipment cabinet and concrete pad. He went on to say that Verizon would pay the Township $700 for the right to do that.
Mr. Millard voiced concern with problems that might occur were the Township to sell the property or develop the adjacent tract as Mr. Hoffman had proposed earlier in the meeting.
Discussion ensued as to where the utility pad and box could be located on the property and Mr. Jones suggested placing the equipment right at the property line. The Board members did not think that the proposed location would be appropriate and could cause some problems in the event of sale of the property.
Mr. Yost said that he did not see a benefit to the Township.
Mr. Hoff suggested that the equipment box could be hung on the pole in front of the building. Mr. Hoff went on to explain that it was a box similar to what one would see in a new development which housed the phone lines, etc. Mr. Hoff said he would be willing to work with the supervisors to relocate the box to a location on the property other than the one proposed but that he had some questions regarding exactly where the property lines were. Mr. Hoff also said that the area originally proposed was staked off on Township property with orange-tipped stakes and suggested that perhaps the supervisors might want to look at the area.
Mrs. Zimmerman asked Mr. Hoff for Verizon’s timeline. Mr. Hoff responded that it should be done as soon as possible. Mr. Hoff said that as close as he could tell, the property line ran down between Pole 141 and straight back.
Mr. Jones asked if there would be underground conduit run as well. Mr. Hoff responded affirmatively. Mr. Millard said he did not believe it was worth $700.
Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Millard, to table this item until the first meeting in February. The motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Jones suggested that the supervisors take a look at where the proposed location was on the property.
Authorize Purchase of EMGLO Air Compressor. Mr. Rimer said that at the end of 2000, Mr. Harman had reported that the air compressor at the garage went down with a serious mechanical failure. Mr. Rimer said the compressor was a 1968 model and replacement parts would cost approximately $1,000 and that he thought due to the age of the unit and the cost to repair it, staff felt it was time to replace the compressor. Mr. Rimer said three quotes were obtained for replacement equipment: (1) Grainger, Inc. for $2,478; (2) Hornung’s Home Center, $2,700; and (3) DriveKore, Inc., $3,455. Mr. Rimer said he was asking for the Board to authorize the purchase of a new compressor from the General Fund.
Mr. Gross moved, seconded by Mr. Millard, to purchase a new compressor from Grainger, Inc. in the amount of $2,478. The motion was unanimously approved.
Resolution 2001-23 – Participation in Dauphin County Purchasing Cooperative. Mr. Rimer said the Township received a letter from the county about their joint purchasing program. Mr. Rimer said it offered the Township another avenue for purchasing at the rates paid by the county.
Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, to adopt Resolution 2001-23. The motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Millard asked about #1 on the Correspondence List. Mr. Rimer said he had received a letter from Greg Spear of Lower Paxton requesting confirmation from West Hanover Township that it was not interested in participating in joint planning. Mr. Rimer reminded the Board that it had discussed this matter at an earlier meeting and had agreed that the proposal would not benefit West Hanover as it already had a Comprehensive Plan in place.
Mr. Millard moved, seconded by Mr. Gross, to send a letter to Lower Paxton Township advising them that West Hanover does not wish to participate in this venture with them. The motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Millard asked if there was anything that had to be done with the adopting employer agreement. Mr. Rimer said the Board approved its resolution to include the Authority, and the Authority responded as requested and it is an adopting employer under the West Hanover Township Pension Plan. Mr. Rimer said he did ask the Authority to provide him with their salary information based on our pension contract for 2000.
Mrs. Zimmerman asked if it would be possible for a representative from The Principal Group to come and meet with the Township and Authority employees. Mr. Rimer agreed to set something up.
No other business was brought before the Board.
Solicitor. Mr. Yost said he had no further report.
Engineer. Mr. Brulo said the Board had his written report.
Roadmaster. Mr. Harman was not at present.
Codes and Zoning Administrator. Ms. Hardman said she had no further report.
Park and Recreation Coordinator. Mrs. Zimmerman said the Board met with the new coordinator and that her official start date was January 25.
Manager. Mr. Rimer said the Board did give him a few tasks at the last meeting, one of which was the service contract for the copier. He said he did meet with someone that could offer some solutions to the copier problem and the network computer printing problems. Mr. Rimer said the representative agreed to do a free survey and that he was proceeding with that survey.
Mr. Rimer said he was working with questions relative to Oak Grove Road. He said he was in the process of writing a letter to PennDOT.
Mr. Rimer said he was going to try and do a better job of keeping track of the tasks that he needed to research.
Donald Steinmeier, 11 North Fairville Avenue. Mr. Steinmeier suggested that the Board install a bulletin board inside the Township building to post information, such as notices of public hearings and a brief description as to what the hearings would be about, for public review.
Mr. Millard asked about the bulletin board that was located in the lobby. Ms. Hardman said that items were placed on that bulletin board that were not township related and that was why it was taken down.
Mr. Rimer said he would check into it.
Linda Turns, 8000 Rabbit Lane. Mrs. Turns referred to the conversation that had taken place earlier in the meeting relative to the rebuilding of the south portion of Clover Lane. She said it was her recollection that when that plan came before the Planning Commission, it was suggested that a final timeframe should be established in which to have the work completed. She said she thought it was three years.
Mr. Jones said that he recalled discussion that the Township would pay for its engineer to review the plans once they were completed and that Mr. Yingst and Mr. Houck were to pay for the improvements.
Mrs. Zimmerman said she thought that the off-site improvement plan that had been established would alleviate some of these types of problems in the future.
Mrs. Turns encouraged the Board to place some sort of time limit on all developers regarding off-site improvements to ensure that the work would be completed in a timely manner.
There were no comments by the supervisors.
Mr. Millard moved, seconded by Mr. Gross, to adjourn the meeting. The motion was unanimously approved. The meeting was adjourned at 9:11 p.m.
Gail A. Martin
Township Secretary