WEST HANOVER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
7171 ALLENTOWN
BOULEVARD, HARRISBURG, PA 17112
MONDAY, NOVEMBER
19, 2001, 7 P.M.
REGULAR MEETING
Chairman Zimmerman called the regular meeting to order at 7 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
Jim Zeiters, 218 Glenview Avenue. Mr. Zeiters reported that the Route 39 Corridor Study Committee approved an RFP, which would go out during the week of November 19, 2001 and would be due back in January 2002. He said that there was some mix-up with PennDOT funding, but that it was being resolved. Mr. Zeiters said that it was his understanding that Dr. Green’s health was failing and asked the Board to consider recognition of his service to the Township as a member of the Planning Commission. By consensus, the Board members agreed that Dr. Green’s service should be recognized with a plaque and a letter of thanks.
Donald Steinmeier, 11 North Fairville Avenue. Mr. Steinmeier said that he had been attending the Water and Sewer Authority meetings and was concerned by the amount of past due sewer charges. He added that the N&G Motel on Jonestown Road owed in excess of $22,000 in past due sewer charges. Mr. Steinmeier asked if the Board of Supervisors could take some action to recover the sewer arrears. Mrs. Zimmerman said it was her understanding that in the past the Authority had taken some customers to the District Justice and that liens were filed where appropriate. It was pointed out to Mr. Steinmeier that the Board of Supervisors had no authority to collect funds due to the Water and Sewer Authority. It was up to the Authority to pursue those past due amounts.
Mr. Steinmeier asked Mrs. Zimmerman if she were still employed by the Central Dauphin School District in light of the fact that the zoning issue was scheduled to be voted upon later in the agenda. He raised a question that Mrs. Zimmerman might be precluded from voting due to a conflict of interest. Mr. Yost responded saying that the Ethics Commission had been consulted in the matter and it was the opinion of the Ethics Commission that there was no conflict of interest due to the fact that the school district was a public entity rather than a private entity and that Mrs. Zimmerman held no official position with the school district.
Linda Turns, 8000 Rabbit Lane. Mrs. Turns raised a concern about not having a road marked on Rabbit Lane warning of an “S” curve ahead. She said that a resident who owned property in West Hanover Township that extended into East Hanover Township recently put a fence in front of his property and placed large boulders in front of the fence. She said she was concerned that someone would be seriously injured or killed if the road was not marked appropriately.
Mrs. Turns raised a question about the public hearing that was held as part of the November 5 meeting relative to allowing a house to be built in the Conservation District. She said that no public comment was called for during the hearing. Mrs. Zimmerman said that it was her recollection that she had called for public comment.
Bob Jones. Mr. Jones had no comments at this time.
Steve Millard. Mr. Millard had no comments at this time.
Earl Hoffman. Mr. Hoffman had no comments at this time.
Ken Gross. Mr. Gross had no comments at this time.
Gloria Zimmerman. Mrs. Zimmerman asked if Mr. Rimer sent the letters to the businesses on Route 39 regarding the ongoing trash problems. Mr. Rimer said he had not yet sent those letters but that he would do so.
There were no public hearings or meetings scheduled.
West Hanover Township Volunteer Fire Company – 2002 Budget Presentation – Jim Johnson. Mr. Johnson distributed copies of the Fire Company’s 2002 budget for review by the supervisors. Mr. Johnson reported that the Fire Company had a balanced budget for 2002. He said that the major project scheduled for 2002 was to pave a portion of the Walnut Avenue parking lot and also the parking lot at Station #2. Mr. Johnson said that the condition of Walnut Avenue was deteriorating and asked whether or not the Township planned to do any repair work on Walnut Avenue. Mrs. Zimmerman said that the Board would view Walnut Avenue while on road inspection on November 24.
Mr. Jones asked what portions of the parking lot were scheduled for paving. Mr. Johnson responded saying that the top and bottom lots were scheduled for paving.
Mr. Johnson said that also in 2002, the Fire Company would prepare a five-year plan for capital purchases such as vehicles, equipment, and building maintenance.
Mr. Johnson reported that the new septic system at the Walnut Avenue fire station cost $20,956.68. Mrs. Zimmerman said the Board of Supervisors had agreed at a meeting several months ago to contribute toward the cost of the new septic system. Mr. Millard asked Mr. Rimer how he would handle such a contribution in the budget. Mr. Rimer said that there was no allowance in the budget for the expenditure. Mrs. Zimmerman said that the Township currently had in excess of $700,000 in the General Fund, to which Mr. Rimer responded that the expenditure would be charged to the appropriate line item in the budget, which in turn would show that it was overspent.
Mr. Jones asked Mr. Yost whether or not it was legal for the Township to contribute to such an expenditure in light of the fact that the Fire Company benefited from fire tax funds. Mr. Yost said the Second Class Township Code did not prohibit the contribution.
Mr. Gross moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, to reimburse the Fire Company $20,956.68 for installation of a new septic system. The motion was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Martin reported that the Minutes would be ready for approval at the December 3, 2001 meeting.
General Fund Balance as of November 2, 2001 $968,708.61
Liquid Fuels Balance as of November 2, 2001 $395,247.34
Deposit on November 5, 2001 $ 11,692.79
Deposit on November 15, 2001 $ 17,806.84
Deposit on November 16, 2001 $ 4,833.94
Total manual deposits for the month of November $ 34,333.57
Total automatic deposit of C.D. Income Tax (11/15/01) $ 8,276.28
General Fund Balance as of November 16, 2001 $909,433.89
Liquid Fuels Balance as of November 16, 2001 $395,247.34
Less Payroll 11/16/01 Net: $12,157.51 Gross: $ 16,325.48
Less Vouchers to be approved 11/19/01 $104,473.25
Mr. Gross moved, seconded by Mr.
Hoffman, to approve the payroll of November 16, 2001. The motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Gross,
to approve the vouchers in the amount of $104,473.25. The motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Millard raised a question about the amount paid to Lowee’s for bus trips. Mr. Rimer said that the payment shown on the voucher list was offset by the fees paid by participants in the trips.
Motion – Sewage Module Approval, Brock Ehler, Piketown Road (#01.005). Mr. Millard said that it was unclear to him by the plans if both lots would be serviced by one septic system. Mr. Rimer said it was his understanding that each lot would be serviced by its own septic system but added that he did not have the information to verify that fact. A brief discussion followed.
Mr. Gross moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, to approve the Brock R. Ehler sewage facilities planning module for 898 Piketown Road, Tax Parcel #68-016-021, and contingent upon approval of the Planning Module Exemption by the Department of Environmental Protection. The motion was approved 4-1, with Mr. Millard voting nay.
Sewer Connection Enforcement Activities (Actions). Mr. Yost said there was a possibility that one property could be connected in 2001. He said he would have a price and the name of a plumber at the December 3, 2001 meeting.
Township Public Property Committee Update. Mr. Jones said the committee would meet on November 29 and would be finalizing recommendations for the Board to consider. Mr. Jones said that an RFP would be sent out soliciting proposals for engineering services to obtain professional input for the best way to develop the property. He said some consideration was being given to moving the summer movie program over to the area behind the Township building and using the caboose as a concession stand.
Mr. Hoffman said he spoke with County Commissioner John Payne relative to the community building and was informed that there could be money available to assist with the project. Mr. Rimer said he had also spoken with Mr. Robinson at the County Block Grant Program and was informed that if a portion of the facility was earmarked for senior citizen activities, there might be financial assistance available.
Motion – Application for Zoning Text Amendment – Central Dauphin Area School District. Mrs. Zimmerman summarized the following: (1) Central Dauphin School District was seeking permitted use versus conditional use for the property; (2) The School District was seeking a waiver of the 35‑foot maximum height to allow the gymnasium and the auditorium to have a 50-foot height; (3) The School District agreed to realign the intersection of Route 39 and Piketown Road; and (4) The School District agreed to research the possibility of what could be done with the creek along the south side of Piketown Road near the Kelemen property. A brief discussion ensued. Mr. Jones said that he did not believe that the Board should waive the maximum height requirements, as it could lead to possible litigation from other developers who asked for the same consideration. Mr. Yost responded saying that he did not believe that was a problem as different zoning districts were involved in each particular case.
Mr. Gross moved, seconded by Mr. Jones,
to grant conditional use to the Central Dauphin School District for the
construction of a high school in West Hanover Township. The motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Gross moved, seconded by Mr.
Hoffman, to waive the 35-foot height requirement to allow a 50-foot height for
the gymnasium and auditorium only. The
motion was approved 4-1, with Mr. Jones voting nay.
Mrs. Zimmerman asked Mr. Rimer to send a letter to Dr. Hasson at the Central Dauphin School District relative to contacting the Army Corps of Engineers in order to coordinate efforts to explore the possibilities of what could be done with the creek on the south side of Piketown Road near the Kelemen property. Mr. Rimer said he would write the letter.
Motion – Release of Security – Bradford Estates, Phase I (#00.019). Mr. Gross moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, to reduce the security from $352,162.25 to $182,218.85, leaving a balance of $169,943.40. The motion was unanimously approved.
Resolution 2001-47 – Temporary Road Closing of Piketown Road (T-560). Mr. Rimer said that Helen Weaver was requesting permission to close Piketown Road in order to move a house from the Mount Laurel Church property near Mount Laurel Park to Piketown Road. He said the road would be closed approximately four hours. Mr. Wolfe, the contractor who would be moving the house, was also present to answer questions. Discussion followed wherein it was suggested that South Central EMS should be contacted and that perhaps an ambulance should be available on the other side of the mountain while the road was closed in the event of an emergency. Mr. Rimer said he agreed to contact the County Emergency Management office as well as South Central EMS. Further discussion ensued. It was agreed that Mr. Wolfe would assume responsibility for traffic controls.
Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Gross, to adopt Resolution 2001-47. The motion was unanimously approved.
Motion – Consent to Permit West Hanover Township Volunteer Fire Company to Sell the 1962 Ford Brush Truck. Mr. Gross moved, seconded by Mr. Jones, to permit the Fire Company to sell the 1962 Ford Brush Truck. The motion was unanimously approved.
Motion – Authorize Advertising for Intent to Appoint CPA in 2002 to Replace Elected Auditors. Mr. Rimer said that the Board’s approval was necessary to appoint a CPA firm to conduct the 2001 audit.
Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Millard, to authorize advertising for the appointment of a CPA firm to conduct the 2001 audit. The motion was unanimously approved.
Resolution 2001-48 – Acceptance of Clover Lane Right-of-Way Offered for Dedication by Triple Crown Corporation. Mr. Rimer said that Mr. Yost had suggested rewording the third paragraph of the resolution to read: “WHEREAS, the aforesaid right-of-way has been opened upon the ground and is necessary for improvement of the adjacent street, Clover Lane (T-520) and said street is being used by the general public.’ Mr. Yost said the resolution accepted the 8‑1/2 foot right-of-way, as the street had been accepted earlier.
Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Millard, to adopt Resolution 2001-48 as amended. The motion was unanimously approved.
Motion – Authorization to Upgrade Sale Spreader for Truck #4. Mr. Yost said that two additional quotes should be obtained before purchasing the spreader. Mr. Rimer said he would obtain the quotes.
Mr. Gross moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, to authorize upgrading the salt spreader for Truck #4.
Mrs. Zimmerman called the Board’s attention to Bob Burk’s resignation letter from the Zoning Hearing Board.
Mr. Rimer called the Board’s attention to the letter from Al Brulo regarding the “punch list” issues on Jonestown Road related to Pilot Oil.
Mr. Rimer also called the Board’s attention to a petition from residents at Clover Lee relative to the removal of a tree and a mound of dirt from the parking lot on Plainview Drive. Following a brief discussion, Mr. Rimer was asked to notify the residents that their issues would have to be taken up with the Triple Crown Corporation.
Township 2002 Budget Review – Schedule Workshops. Mr. Rimer suggested that the Board schedule a workshop to begin work on the 2002 Budget. By consensus, the Board agreed to hold a workshop on November 26, 2001 at 6 p.m. Mr. Rimer said he would advertise the workshop as required by the Second Class Township Code.
Mr. Rimer reported that the plan for Mr. Vartan’s bank would be on the December 3, 2001 agenda, as the plan had to be acted upon no later than December 14, 2001. He said that neither Mr. Vartan nor his representatives had not been very cooperative in trying to get the plan approved. He added that no discussions had been held relative to off-site improvements. He said that no representatives had attended the Planning Commission meeting on November 15, 2001. Mr. Rimer said the Township received a letter on November 19, 2001 stating that the Erosion and Sedimentation plan had been denied. Mrs. Zimmerman asked that Mr. Rimer have the necessary information in front of the supervisors on December 3, 2001 in the event the plan had to be denied. Mr. Rimer said he would do so.
Solicitor. Mr. Yost had nothing further to report.
Engineer. The Board had the engineer’s written report.
Roadmaster. Mr. Harman said he was still hoping to hire a full-time employee for the road crew before the end of the year. Mrs. Zimmerman asked whether the position had been advertised. Mr. Rimer said that an advertisement had not yet been placed in the newspaper.
Codes and Zoning Administrator. The position is vacant.
Park and Recreation Coordinator. Ms. Fesig had no report.
Manager. Mr. Rimer had no report.
Bob Jones. Mr. Jones had no comments.
Steve Millard. Mr. Millard had no comments.
Earl Hoffman. Mr. Hoffman had no comments.
Ken Gross. Mr. gross had no comments.
Gloria Zimmerman. Mrs. Zimmerman had no comments.
Linda Turns, 8000 Rabbit Lane. Mrs. Turns suggested that a sign notifying of the Piketown Road closure be placed far enough down the mountain to warn motorists who might be traveling in that direction in the hopes of avoiding a lot of irate residents.
Neil Shatto, 1452 Mumma Road. Mr. Shatto said he believed a letter should be sent to every resident who would be affected by the Piketown Road closure on November 24, 2001.
Bill McCahan, Jonestown Road. Mr. McCahan said there would probably be a lot of irate people relative to the Piketown Road closure.
Beth Carricato, 699 Knight Road. Mrs. Carricato said she attended the Planning Commission on November 15, 2001 and was concerned that a board of seven members did not have a quorum in order to conduct business. She suggested that the Board consider appointing people to the various boards who would take their obligation seriously. She also suggested that attendance records be checked for members of the various boards.
Mrs. Carricato urged the Board members not to be intimidated by Mr. Vartan or his representatives and do what was best for the residents.
John Johnson, Cassel Avenue. Mr. Johnson thanked the Board on behalf of the Fire Company for the financial contribution towards the septic system.
Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Gross, to adjourn the meeting. The motion was unanimously approved. The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m. Mrs. Zimmerman wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Respectfully submitted,
Gail A. Martin
Township Secretary