WEST HANOVER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
7171 ALLENTOWN BOULEVARD, HARRISBURG, PA 17112
MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2001, 7 P.M.
Chairman Zimmerman called the June 18, 2001 regular meeting to order at 7:02 p.m., followed by the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Gloria J. Zimmerman, Chairman
Kenneth W. Gross, Vice Chairman
Earl B. Hoffman, Sr., Assistant Secretary/Treasurer
Robert R. Jones, Supervisor
Stephen L. Millard, Supervisor
Jim Zeiters, 204 Glenview Avenue. Mr. Zeiters updated the Board members on the Route 39 Corridor Committee. He said there would not be a meeting in July but that preparation of the RFP was underway and that the Committee would most likely choose a consultant in September or October 2001.
In response to a question from Mr. Jones about Derry Township’s participation, Mr. Zeiters said that Derry Township would decide whether or not they would become involved after the RFP was completed.
Mr. Zeiters said that he had done some research into the sale of the Swatara capacity and was told that West Hanover Township did indeed own a portion of the Swatara plant and therefore the steps set forth in Section 303 of the Municipal Planning Code should have been followed before selling the capacity. He said he did not agree with the Solicitor’s opinion. He asked the Board to reconsider the sale of the capacity until the process set forth under Section 303 could be followed.
Carol Buskirk, 6908 Fox Hill Road. Mrs. Buskirk said she was glad that the Board had agreed to proceed with the Growing Greener evaluation of the Township’s ordinances. She also said she was present to answer any questions on the EAC’s proposal for the Scenic West Hanover Project.
Jim Botteglier, 120 North Clover Lane. Mr. Botteglier told the Board that the owner of the vacant lot next to his property was proposing to fill it in and sell it as a building lot. He said the property formerly was the site of a lake and that the property was wetlands. He suggested that the Township should buy the lot and establish a park on the site.
Mr. Botteglier expressed concern about the sale of the capacity saying that, in his opinion, it was a mistake to sell it. He said that the capacity should have been used to sewer the lower portion of the Township.
Donald Steinmeier, 11 North Fairville Avenue. Mr. Steinmeier said the Township Newsletter should be utilized to tell the residents what was going on relative to Board and that the last three issues of the newsletter did not include any information relative to Board actions. Mrs. Zimmerman said she agreed with Mr. Steinmeier’s opinion but pointed out that the Board members were not given an opportunity to review the newsletter prior to publication.
Mr. Steinmeier said he was also a proponent for public hearings and thought that hearings should be held to obtain public input prior to important actions taken by the Board.
Donald Niland, 6916 Devonshire Heights Road. Mr. Niland asked whether or not a replacement agreement with Lower Paxton had been executed relative to the sale of the Swatara capacity. Mrs. Zimmerman said the Board was instructed not to comment on the sale of the capacity due to the litigation. Mr. Yost said he had advised the Board not to discuss the litigation or the sewer capacity in a public forum.
Mr. Niland asked whether or not the missing document had been found. Mr. Yost said that to the best of his knowledge the document had not been found. He clarified the fact that he agreed to answer that question because it was not relevant to the litigation.
Beth Carricato, 699 Knight Road. Mrs. Carricato said it might be a good idea for the three Board members to rescind their motion and obtain more information before proceeding with the sale of the capacity.
Mrs. Carricato asked Mr. Yost about the two recent meetings wherein the Board took recesses in the middle of the meetings. She said both times it was evident that there was dissent among the Board members and that something happened at those recesses to reach an agreement and the issues in question were acted upon and passed. Mr. Yost said that the Board recessed for less than a minute and he also said that he had questioned the process.
The supervisors offered no comments.
Amendment to Article 11 – Repealing Village Zoning. This item is scheduled for a hearing on July 16, 2001.
Local 520 – 5K Run for Kidney Health. Diane Christ was present to make a presentation. She said that the run was proposed for October 6, 2001 and would be held from the Local 520 building on Jonestown Road to Fairville Avenue. She said the 5K run would benefit the National Kidney Foundation.
Mr. Jones he assumed that the road would have to be closed to facilitate the run. In response to a question from Mr. Jones as to the length of time the road would be closed, Ms. Christ responded that it would be no longer than three hours. All the Board members agreed the project was worthwhile and a good idea. Mrs. Zimmerman suggested that Mr. Rimer make arrangements for Ms. Christ to work with Bill McCahan and the fire police to coordinate the road closing. Mr. Rimer said he would do that.
Mr. Millard moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, to approve the road closure for the Local 520 – 5K Run for Kidney Health. The motion was unanimously approved.
Regular Meeting, May 21, 2001. Mr. Hoffman moved, seconded by Mr. Gross, to approve the Minutes of May 21, 2001. The motion was unanimously approved.
Regular Meeting, June 4, 2001. Mr. Hoffman moved, seconded by Mr. Gross, to approve the Minutes of June 4, 2001. The motion was unanimously approved.
General Fund Balance as of June 14, 2001 $906,691.25
Liquid Fuels Balance as of June 14, 2001 $389,982.41
Deposit on June 8, 2001 $ 35,651.31
Deposit on June 14, 2001 $ 8,930.42
Less Payroll of June 15, 2001 Net: $13,689.70 Gross: $ 18,226.60
Less Vouchers to be approved June 25, 2001 $ 83,973.65
Total Invoices that could be paid with Liquid Fuels funds $ 0.00
Mr. Hoffman moved, seconded by Mr. Gross,
to approve the payroll. The motion was
unanimously approved.
Mr. Gross moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman,
to approve the vouchers. The motion was
unanimously approved.
Prior to approval of the motion to pay the bills, Mr. Jones raised a question about the budget for Festival 2001. Mr. Rimer responded saying the budget had been set at $5,000 and that the current projection would be that the event would cost $146.94 more than was budgeted. Mr. Rimer also pointed out that some income would be realized on the day of the festival from the sale of tickets, etc.
Mr. Jones pointed out that the Voucher List also showed reimbursement to Township employees for use of their own vehicles. He asked whether or not the Township car was operational and why the reimbursement was requested. Mr. Rimer said that the Township car had some problems and that he did not know what the problems were. He went on to say that he would not jeopardize the safety of the Township staff to drive an unsafe and unreliable vehicle on Township business. Mr. Jones suggested that perhaps the car should be taken to a garage to determine what was wrong. Mr. Rimer said he was planning to ask the Board to consider purchasing another vehicle in 2002. Mr. Jones asked whether or not Mr. Rimer had checked into the Piggyback Program, to which Mr. Rimer responded that he had but that the cost of a new vehicle was not in the 2001 budget. Mr. Jones said that if the Township was going to have to reimburse more than $100 per month for employees to use their own vehicles then maybe the Board should consider purchasing another vehicle in 2001.
There were no plans presented for approval.
OLD BUSINESS
Sewer Connection Enforcement Activities (Actions). Mr. Yost said there was nothing new to report.
Township Public Property Committee Update. Mr. Hoffman said he would like to make a presentation at a workshop regarding his ideas for the Township property. Mr. Jones said he had
nothing new to report.
Authorize Filing Civil Complaint against PA Timberworks. Mr. Rimer called the Board’s attention to the information that was in the packet relative to the PA Timberworks. He said there was a current violation of the Township Zoning Ordinance and property maintenance code. He added that corrective measures had not been met within the required time limitations.
Mr. Rimer said that in the past it had been the policy to bring all violations that reached the civil enforcement level to the Board of Supervisors prior to taking any formal civil action.
Mr. Jones asked whether or not the owner of the business was a Township resident. Mr. Rimer said he did not know.
Mr. Millard moved, seconded by Mr. Jones, to proceed with civil action against PA Timberworks. The motion was unanimously approved.
Consent to Hire Full-Time Secretary/Treasurer. Mr. Jones asked Mr. Rimer if he was recommending that the Township hire Deborah Miscevich as full-time Secretary/Treasurer and what the proposed salary would be. Mr. Rimer said that he was recommending Deborah Miscevich for the position and that, in accordance with the Compensation Schedule for 2001, the salary would be $32,300.
Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Millard, to approve the hiring of Deborah Miscevich as the full-time Secretary/Treasurer. The motion failed 2-2, with Mr. Gross and Mrs. Zimmerman voting nay and Mr. Hoffman abstaining.
Approval of Application for Permit to Install and Operate Traffic Signals at Allentown Boulevard (SR 022), Jonestown Road (T-601), and Blue Ridge Avenue (SR 2030). Mr. Millard raised a question as to who maintained the traffic signals, to which Mr. Rimer responded that the Township was responsible for the maintenance of the signals.
Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, to approve the application. The motion was unanimously approved.
Consent to Hire Part-Time Summer Playground Program Staff. Mr. Rimer said he was requesting the Board’s consent to hire five individuals on a part-time basis to serve as summer counselors for the five-week playground program.
Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, to hire Kim Keefer, Jamie Keefer, Carly Matichak, Sharon Cassel, and Sherry Roush as part-time employees for the Summer Playground Program. The motion was approved 4-0, with Mr. Gross abstaining.
Waste Management Proposal for Spring Clean-Up/Bulk Pick-Up Options. Mr. Rimer said he had notified the Board several months ago that Lower Paxton Township was interested in changing the Bulk Pick-Up program for trash collection. Mr. Rimer said that Dave Simko from Waste Management was scheduled to attend a meeting in Lower Paxton on July 17, 2001 and suggested that the West Hanover Board invite Mr. Simko to make a presentation at one of its meetings in July or August.
Mr. Jones said that he thought the proposal might cost the Township additional money because of the fact that when the Spring Clean-Up was set for a specific week, scavengers often took a lot of the items that had been placed out for pick-up. Mr. Jones pointed out that the Township was required to pay $6,400 for Spring Clean-Up in 2001.
Mr. Millard asked whether or not rates would be raised to change the process. Mr. Rimer said they would not.
It was agreed to ask Dave Simko to make a presentation at the July 9 workshop. Mr. Rimer said he would make the arrangements.
BOS Conference Attendance Authorization – Township Code Section 607(4). Mr. Rimer said he was requesting authorization for Harold Arndt, Building Codes Administrator, to attend a workshop, National Certification Program for Construction Code Inspectors, at a cost of $96.
Mr. Gross moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, to authorize Mr. Arndt’s attendance at the workshop. The motion was unanimously approved.
Authorize H.B. McClure to complete duct and heating coil cleaning of Township Building’s main level. Mr. Rimer said that, following installation of the new air compressor, it was determined that the air flowing through the system was inadequate to properly serve the compressor, which could cause damage to the compressor and excessive wear on the system. He also added that H.B. McClure had advised him that they would not honor the full warranty on the new compressor if, at the very least, the minimum cleaning were not done. Mr. Rimer said the estimates to clean the system ranged from $477 to $2,363. A brief discussion followed relative to the impact that the additional costs would have on the 2001 budget.
Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, to proceed with Option 4 at a cost of $2,363. The motion was unanimously approved.
The Scenic West Hanover Project. Mrs. Buskirk gave a brief overview of the EAC’s proposal for the Scenic West Hanover Project, which had been included with the Board packet. She said the project goal was to identify, update, and further document specific natural and cultural features in West Hanover Township, such as woods, wildlife habitats, ground water recharge areas, etc., and to educate people about the value of the natural environment, encourage appreciation, and recognize, support, and promote voluntary preservation by private landowners and their neighbors. Mrs. Buskirk said that the EAC had provided for a $500 budget for the project.
Mr. Gross moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, to approve the Scenic West Hanover Project. The motion was unanimously approved.
Authorize Execution of “Aircraft” Agreement with CD School District. Mr. Rimer said that the Festival 2001 Committee wanted permission to land a helicopter during the festivities on July 7 and that the Central Dauphin School District was requesting that the Township indemnify
it for any damages and liability. Mr. Rimer added that Mr. Yost did have the opportunity to review it and that he did not have a problem with the agreement.
Mr. Gross moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, to approve the agreement with the Central Dauphin School District. The motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Jones asked about the letter from Mrs. Deaven regarding shooting in the Township. A brief discussion ensued regarding the location to which she was referring to—it was suggested that perhaps she was hearing the shooting from the Hunters and Anglers Club in Lower Paxton Township. All of the Board members agreed that her letter was unclear, and Mrs. Zimmerman asked Mr. Rimer to contact Mrs. Deaven for clarification. Mr. Rimer agreed to contact Mrs. Deaven and report back to the Board members.
No other business came before the Board.
Solicitor. Mr. Yost said he had no further report.
Engineer. Mrs. Zimmerman said that Mr. Brulo’s written report was included with the Board packet.
Roadmaster. Mr. Harman reported that the road crew was continuing its paving projects and that Holiday Park and Ritchie Village were completed ahead of schedule. He said the crew would move into its drainage projects shortly.
Mrs. Zimmerman asked if Mr. Harman was aware of the fact that someone had hit the guardrail on North Fairville Avenue at the S-curve. Mr. Harman said he would take a look at the damage.
Codes and Zoning Administrator. The position is vacant.
Park and Recreation Coordinator. Mrs. Fesig reported that the next bus trip would be to Inner Harbor.
She said that the Summer Playground Program would begin on Monday, June 25, to for five weeks, and that 40 children were signed up. She said the program would be held at the West Hanover Township Elementary School in 2001 on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday and that the Tuesday program would be held in Lenker Park. She added that she hoped to also operate the Playground Program at Fishing Creek Elementary School in 2002.
Mrs. Fesig said the next adult craft class was scheduled for Monday, June 25, from 6-8 p.m. at the Township Building.
In response to a question about the location of the movie program for Summer 2001 because of the Fire Company installing a new septic system, she said that at least the first three movies would be held at Houck Memorial Park and that the Park and Recreation Committee was discussing contingency plans for the remaining movie nights.
Manager. Mr. Rimer reported that he and Mr. McCahan met to review the Emergency Operations Manual. He said the manual had to be reviewed and revised, if necessary, every two years. He said he would provide a copy to the Board for review as soon as it was completed.
Mr. Rimer said he and Mr. McCahan were invited to and attended a Beltway Detour seminar regarding emergency response relative to construction on the area roads. He said they both found it very interesting.
Mr. Rimer said he was beginning the budget process for 2002.
Mr. Rimer reminded the Board and the audience that Festival 2001 would be held on Saturday, July 7. He encouraged everyone to attend and said that it was being promoted on the Township’s website.
Mr. Rimer reported that five companies picked up the bid specs for road construction. He said the deadline for submittal was June 28 and that he would prepare a report for the July 2 meeting to award the bids.
Mr. Rimer said he received a request from Richard Yingst to use the Township Building on the evening of Monday, June 25, for a meeting with the Terrann Drive and Sandy Hollow Road residents.
Mary Ann Yohn, 325 Piketown Road. Mrs. Yohn said that Mr. Yingst planned to have the meeting at 6:30 p.m. to update the residents and to promote good will among the neighbors.
Axel Walsen, Farmdale Avenue. Mr. Walsen said he had visited Tuscon, Arizona in early May. He explained that the people in that part of Arizona did not have curb side refuse pick-up but rather took their refuse to a drop-off location where bins were provided for garbage, for recyclables, newspapers, etc., and that the municipality then took care of getting rid of the trash. He suggested that perhaps West Hanover should investigate that approach.
Raymond McClain, 7939 Rider Lane. Mr. McClain said that he had witnessed a near accident at the Route 22 and Route 39 intersection earlier in the day. He said he believed that a left-turn arrow should be added to that traffic light to make it safer. He said he thought that if it could be done at the new light at Jonestown Road and Route 22, he didn’t see why it could not be done at the 22 and 39 intersection. Mr. Gross said the traffic light at Jonestown Road and Route 22 was being installed by a developer at no cost to the Township.
Mrs. Zimmerman asked Mr. Rimer to write a letter to Senator Jeffrey Piccola outlining the Township’s concerns for that intersection. In response to a comment that the intersection would be studied as part of the Route 39 Corridor Study, Mrs. Zimmerman reiterated her wishes to have the letter sent to Senator Piccola. Mr. Rimer said he would do so.
Donald Niland, 6916 Devonshire Heights Road. Mr. Niland asked about the status of the Truckstops of America contamination cleanup. He said he understood the truckstop had been given two weeks to mitigate the problems. Mrs. Zimmerman responded saying that Mr. McCahan was doing an excellent job handling the situation on the Township’s behalf and was spending a lot of time on the matter. Mr. Niland said it was his understanding that the problem on that property was one of the top incidents in the South Central Region. It was pointed out that the former owners were negligent and that in all fairness to the new owners of the Truckstops of America, they had inherited the problems at that location.
SUPERVISORS’ COMMENTS
Earl Hoffman. Mr. Hoffman had no comments.
Ken Gross. Mr. Gross had no comments.
Steve Millard. Mr. Millard had no comments.
Bob Jones. Mr. Jones said that when Mr. Geppert completed construction on his building he left a large hole on Manor Drive. Mr. Harman said he would look into the problem.
Mr. Jones asked again about the Agility Program and said that since it appeared that West Hanover did not plan to participate in the program, then PennDOT should be notified that West Hanover would no longer plow Piketown Road for free or that, if the road crew did plow Piketown Road, a bill would be submitted to PennDOT.
Mr. Jones said he had observed additional truck traffic on Route 22 since the construction on Route 81 began.
Mr. Jones asked whether or not the Water and Sewer Authority had paid the 2000 pension that was still outstanding. Mr. Rimer said it had not been paid. Mr. Jones said that it was his opinion that the Water and Sewer Authority should be advised that they could no longer participate in the plan. Mr. Jones asked for the other Board members’ opinions and, in response to his question, Mrs. Zimmerman said she believed that there was more to the matter than the fact that the Water and Sewer Authority simply did not pay its bills.
Gloria Zimmerman. Mrs. Zimmerman said that the stop sign at McDonald’s and Perkins was upside down. She said she received a message from Mrs. Marks saying that Representative Marsico’s office had advised the matter would be taken care of. She said it obviously had not been done.
She also asked about the situation relative to the grass and septic system on Fishing Creek Valley Road. Mr. Rimer said he had advised the SEO to proceed with preparing a civil action against the owner of the property. Mrs. Zimmerman said she believed that relative to the high grass problem, the Township had mowed the property in 2000. Mr. Rimer said he had mentioned the ongoing problem to Harold Arndt.
Mrs. Zimmerman also said that the grass around the park sign at the Log Cabin was pretty unsightly. Mr. Rimer said there was not enough manpower or time to manicure the signs at the parks. Mr. Harman said that two days a week, he has to send two members of the road crew to the parks to pick up trash which took away from their ability help with road projects. Mrs. Zimmerman suggested that perhaps a dumpster should be obtained for the parks to alleviate the trash problem. Mr. Rimer asked the Board members if they would be receptive to hiring a part-time groundskeeper. The consensus of the Board was that he could look into that possibility and report back.
Mr. Gross moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, to adjourn the meeting. The motion was unanimously approved. The meeting was adjourned at 8:42 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Gail A. Martin
Township Secretary