WEST HANOVER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
7171 ALLENTOWN BOULEVARD, HARRISBURG, PA 17112
MONDAY, JULY 2, 2001, 7 P.M.
REGULAR MEETING
Chairman Zimmerman called the July 2, 2001 regular meeting to order at 7:01 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
Stephen L. Millard
No public comment was offered at this time.
Gloria Zimmerman. Mrs. Zimmerman said she spoke with Representative Ron Marsico’s office regarding the stop sign at McDonald’s and Wilco. She asked Mr. Rimer to write a letter to McDonald’s and Wilco about the stop sign, as well as the trash on the property. Mr. Rimer said he would write the letter.
Mrs. Zimmerman asked whether or not Mr. Rimer had made arrangements for Bill McCahan and Diane Christ to meet to discuss the 5K Run for Kidney Health. Mr. Rimer responded saying that he had not made those arrangements but that he would do so.
Mrs. Zimmerman also said that she received numerous complaints about Cassel Avenue and that apparently little or no grading was done when the road was repaired. She asked Mr. Rimer to make arrangements for someone to check on it. Mr. Rimer agreed to do so.
Mrs. Zimmerman also said she received numerous complaints about Clover Lane and some residents even mentioned that they planned to bill the Township for front-end alignments and other repairs to their vehicles. Mr. Rimer said that the Clover Lane project would be moving forward in the near future.
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 he did not notice any rent payments from the tax collector on the General Fund Receipts for June 2001. Mr. Rimer responded saying that Mrs. Kelemen had written a check for her rent through May 2001 and asked that it be held until she had the opportunity to meet with the supervisors. Mr. Rimer said he had forgotten to add her business item to the workshop agenda for June 11, but that she would come before the Board at the July 9 workshop.
Mr. Jones asked whether or not an Occupancy Permit had been issued to the Jack Brown Warehouse. Mr. Rimer said that an Occupancy Permit had been issued. Mr. Jones said that none of the trash around the building had been cleaned up and that he understood that the neighbors behind the warehouse were upset about the condition of the property. Mr. Rimer said there were still several issues to be taken care of relative to that property including final landscaping. Mr. Brulo added that the existing retention pond had to be converted to a permanent retention pond. Mr. Rimer also said that there were monies being held in escrow for the Jack Brown Warehouse project.
Mr. Jones said that the parking lot at the Township Building that had been resurfaced almost a year ago was cracking and suggested that perhaps a one-inch overlay could be put down. Mr. Rimer said he and Mr. Brulo would look into the matter and suggested that perhaps a new process called surrey seal might be an alternative for the parking lot. He said he would work with Mr. Brulo to determine the most cost-effective way to repair the parking lot.
Amendment to Article 11 – Repealing Village Zoning. This item is scheduled for a hearing on July 16, 2001.
There were no presentations scheduled.
Mr. Gross moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, to approve the Minutes of June 18, 2001. The motion was unanimously approved.
General Fund Balance as of June 28, 2001 $988,594.93
Liquid Fuel Balance as of June 28, 2001 $389,982.41
Deposit – June 8, 2001 $ 35,651.31
Deposit – June 14, 2001 $ 8,930.42
Deposit – June 19, 2001 $ 4,782.18
Deposit – June 26, 2001 $ 61,782.43
Deposit – June 26, 2001 $117,148.34
Automatic Deposit of Earned Income Tax for April 2001 $113,605.94
Less Payroll 06/29/01 $ 19,838.68
Less Vouchers to be approved 07/02/01 $ 56,163.04
Total Invoices that could be paid with Liquid Fuels funds $ 0.00
Mr. Gross moved, seconded by Mr.
Hoffman, 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.
Mr. Jones raised a question regarding the invoice from Mette, Evans, and Woodside. Mrs. Martin explained that the invoice represented legal services in connection with the Marlin matter that came before the Zoning Hearing Board.
#01.002 P/SB Eastern Communities Limited, Mayberry, Clover Lane and Sterling Road, Tax Parcel #68-030-019. John Kirshner from Eastern Communities Limited and Tom Skully from R.J. Fisher and Associates were present.
Mr. Brulo said that the cost to improve one-half mile of Sterling Road would be approximately $143,000 and would include relocation of utility poles. He said some were in the right-of-way and some were not. He estimated the cost for relocating the poles to be $27,000‑$28,000. He said the costs also included a $5,000 lump sum payment for maintenance protection for traffic as well as $3,000 towards mobilization of the project.
A brief discussion ensued relative to the final figure to be agreed upon for off-site improvements. It was suggested that the Board accept $120,000 for off-site improvements, which would be paid in three equal installments of $40,000 each. Mr. Kirshner also updated the Board members on his meetings with the EAC and the Park and Recreation Board. Mr. Rimer said that other than final approval of the total for off-site improvements, the plan was ready for action by the Board.
Mr. Millard raised a question about Waiver #3 relative to the Central Dauphin School District. Mr. Kirshner said that Eastern Communities sent a certified letter to Dr. Barbara Hasson, the Central Dauphin School District Superintendent, regarding the Mayberry development. He said no response was received from the school district. Mr. Rimer said he believed it was a courtesy to the school district to inform them of development in order to evaluate future growth in the district.
Mr. Gross moved, seconded by Mr.
Hoffman, for the Eastern Communities Limited preliminary subdivision plan
#01.002 for Mayberry and for the Board of Supervisors to waive the West Hanover
Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance for street and right‑of-way
widths, sidewalks along existing streets, a letter from the school district,
driveway profiles, and direct that 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 Eastern Communities Limited preliminary subdivision plan #01.002
for Mayberry, Tax Parcel #68-030-019, contingent upon approval of the Erosion
and Sedimentation Control Plan by the Dauphin County Conservation District,
obtaining the necessary permits to install the sewer line prior to final
approval, approval of the Planning Module Exemption by the Department of
Environmental Protection, formalizing an agreement for $120,000 in off-site
improvements with payment over a three-year period with the final agreement to
come back to the Board of Supervisors, and corrections recommended by the
Township Staff, Township Engineer, and Dauphin County Planning Commission are
incorporated into the plan and reviewed by Staff. The motion was unanimously approved.
Release of Security - #99.001 Brynfield East Phase I. Mr. Gross moved, seconded by Mr. Jones, to reduce the improvement guarantee by $119,741.37 from the current figure of $307,400, leaving a balance of $187,658.63. The motion was unanimously approved.
Release of Security - #00.012 Brynfield Phase VII. Mr. Gross moved, seconded by Mr. Millard, to reduce the improvement guarantee by $66,848.25 from the current figure of $128,000, leaving a balance of $61,151.75. The motion was unanimously approved.
Sewer Connection Enforcement Activities (Actions). Mr. Yost said there was nothing new to report.
Township Public Property Committee Update. Mrs. Zimmerman said this item would be discussed at the workshop on July 9.
Resolution 2001-35 – Adoption of the Revised Emergency Operations Plan. Mr. Rimer said there was a requirement to update the Emergency Operations Plan every two years. He said he and Bill McCahan had reviewed the plan and brought the procedures up to date. Mr. Gross suggested that Mr. Rimer update contact persons listed on page 1 of Appendix 3. Mr. Millard raised a question as to why Ritizie Village was singled out in the Township for a specific emergency plan. Mr. Rimer said he believed it had something to do with the requirement to have specific action plans for dealing with neighborhoods that could be at high risk for forest fires. It was suggested that perhaps the Piketown and Appalachian Trail areas should be included with the Ritzie Village plan as well. Mr. Rimer suggested that the Board table the operations plan until he had an opportunity to review it again and make any required changes. Mrs. Zimmerman suggested that page 12 be distributed to the Water and Sewer Authority so it may be updated. Mr. Rimer concurred.
Mr. Gross moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, to table adoption of the revised Emergency Operations Plan until corrected. The motion was unanimously approved.
Motion – Proceed with Althea Drive and Farmdale Avenue Extended in 2001 Construction Project. Mr. Rimer requested the Board to reaffirm approval to do Farmdale Avenue and Althea Drive as part of the 2001 construction project. Mr. Brulo said it was estimated that the cost to complete the section of Althea Drive where Mr. Roberts built homes would be $13,400.
A brief discussion ensued regarding Althea Drive and whether or not there was some type of agreement signed by Mr. Roberts binding him to complete Althea Drive. Mr. Rimer reported that there was an agreement on file signed by Mr. Roberts to overlay the road upon completion of the development. Mr. Rimer added that Township Staff had a difficult time contacting Mr. Roberts. Mr. Jones suggested, and the other Board members concurred, that no further building permits or Occupancy Permits should be issued to Mr. Roberts until such time as he contacted the Township and some agreement was reached regarding Althea Drive. Mr. Rimer agreed to continue to try to reach Mr. Roberts to resolve the matter.
Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Gross, to proceed with Farmdale Avenue Extended as part of the 2001 construction project. The motion was unanimously approved.
Motion – Authorize Staff to Award 2001 Road Construction Contract to Lowest Responsible Bidder. Mr. Rimer said that bid packages were provided to six companies and bids were received from two, Pennsy Supply and Handwerk. Mr. Rimer also reported that even though Handwerk’s bid was considerably less than Pennsy Supply’s, Handwerk did not comply with the bidding requirements. Mr. Yost agreed that Handwerk did not comply with the bidding requirements. Pennsy Supply’s bid was $408,585.16. Mr. Brulo added that it was anticipated that a Notice to Proceed would be issued by July 24, 2001.
Mr. Hoffman moved, seconded by Mr. Millard, to award the bid to Pennsy Supply in the amount of $408,585.16. The motion was unanimously approved.
Motion – Decision to Participate or “Opt Out” as part of the CDBG Urban County. Mr. Rimer called the Board’s attention to the materials he included with the packet. A brief discussion followed.
Mr. Gross moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, that West Hanover Township notify Dauphin County of its wish to participate in the CDBG Urban County. The motion was unanimously approved.
Motion – Re Tax Assessment Appeal for Jonestown Road Property. Mr. Rimer said he included copies of the new assessments for all property owned by the Township, all of which was tax exempt except for the property surrounding the treatment plant on Jonestown Road. A brief discussion followed as to whether or not the Township should appeal the assessment on the property which could result in having the assessment lowered and/or have the property become tax exempt.
Mr. Millard moved, seconded by Mr. Gross, to appeal the assessment on the Jonestown Road property. The motion was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Zimmerman called the members’ attention to Mrs. Buskirk’s update to the Board on the Growing Greener program. She also pointed out the letter from Senator Piccola which indicated that Exelon Nuclear would be contacting the Township to make arrangements to meet with officials regarding its proposed application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for a standardized emergency plan for Three Mile Island, Peach Bottom, and Limerick.
Mrs. Zimmerman said she was contacted by Mark Salisbury, wastewater superintendent at the Sewer Authority, requesting a right-of-way on the Township’s Jonestown Road property in order to install public water at the treatment plant. Mr. Jones said he thought the Authority should submit a request to the Township showing the location of the requested right-of-way. Mrs. Zimmerman said she would contact Mr. Salisbury and, by consensus, the Board agreed to discuss the matter further at the workshop on July 9.
Solicitor. Mr. Yost said he had no further report.
Engineer. Mr. Brulo said the Board had his written report.
Roadmaster. Mr. Harman was not present at the meeting.
Codes and Zoning Administrator. The position is vacant.
Park and Recreation Coordinator. Ms. Fesig announced that Festival 2001 would be held on July 7 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. She said volunteers were still needed.
Mrs. Zimmerman thanked Ms. Fesig and her husband for cleaning up around some of the signs in the parks. Mr. Rimer said that he also had contacted the EAC and that the members were willing to help clean up and planned to suggest some low maintenance plants that could be put in around the signs.
Mrs. Zimmerman congratulated Ms. Fesig on the excellent job she was doing on behalf of the Township.
Manager. Mr. Rimer said he had corresponded with Barry Hoffman at PennDOT about the initiation of the Exit 27 project. He said a copy of his letter to Mr. Hoffman was included with the Board packet.
Mr. Rimer asked the Board members for any suggestions they might have relative to PennDOT’s 12-year program. He said he and Becky Oller from East Hanover Township had been in contact regarding the bridge over Manada Creek. He said a list of suggestions was due to PennDOT by August 31, 2001.
Mr. Jones asked whether or not Route 22 was still on PennDOT’s 12-year plan. Mr. Rimer said that it was and that the SAMI project would be moving forward in the near future.
Mr. Rimer reported that he met with Jim Cieri of ACT One Consultants regarding Clover Lane and that the project would be moving forward in the near future. He said a meeting was scheduled for July 26 with the residents in the area to discuss the project and to obtain construction easements, if necessary.
Mrs. Carricato asked about the status of Green Hill Road. Mr. Rimer said it was his understanding that PennDOT was preparing to overlay Green Hill Road at some point during 2001.
Donald Steinmeier, 11 North Fairville Avenue. Mr. Stienmeier urged the Board members to continue to work with Representative Marsico to get projects on and completed through PennDOT’s 12-year plan. He said he had only seen one project completed in the past 20 years and that was the installation of the traffic signal at Route 22 and Route 39.
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 the official census count was now available for 2000 and that West Hanover Township had grown from 6,125 residents to 6,505 residents.
Mr. Jones reported that Dauphin County planned to build a Visitors Center on East Park Drive and that it was scheduled to open in 2002.
Mr. Jones said he had received many comments about the good job that Ms. Fesig was doing for the Township.
Gloria Zimmerman. Mrs. Zimmerman asked Mr. Rimer about the status of a letter the Board had received from Mrs. Deaven regarding shooting taking place near her property. Mr. Rimer said he had not contacted Mrs. Deaven but that he would get to her.
Mrs. Zimmerman asked about the lot next to Mr. Botteleiger. She said Mr. Botteliger had attended the last Board meeting and told the members that the lot next to him was wetlands. Mr. Rimer reported that apparently Mr. Snyder, the owner of the lot, had learned that Mr. Botteliger had come before the Board and that he was going to contact Dauphin County Conservation District regarding the matter.
Mr. Gross moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, to adjourn the meeting. The motion was unanimously approved. The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Gail A. Martin
Township Secretary