WEST HANOVER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
7171 ALLENTOWN BOULEVARD, HARRISBURG, PA 17112
FEBRUARY 4, 2002, 7 P.M.
REGULAR MEETING
Chairman Jones called the February 4, 2002 regular meeting of the West Hanover Township Board of Supervisors to order at 7 p.m., followed by the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.
Mr. Jones announced that an executive session was held at 6 p.m. to discuss personnel issues.
Robert Jones, Chairman
Robert Ziltz, Vice Chairman
Steve Millard, Secretary/Treasurer
Earl Hoffman
Gloria J. Zimmerman
Jim Zeiters, 204 Glen View Avenue. Mr. Zeiters reported on the Route 39 Study Committee. Mr. Zeiters stated that he attended a HATS Coordinating Committee Meeting and was told that the Route 39 project is on the program now and will be starting in July.
Mr. Zeiters commented on the new traffic light at Jonestown Road and Route 22. He stated that there is confusion as to whether or not you can make a legal right turn when the light is red with a green arrow.
Beth Carricato, 699 Knight Road. Mrs. Carricato asked about the status of the Fox Mill Road project. Mr. Rimer stated that he received material from Mr. Young. Mrs. Carricato stated that she did not see any advertisement for bids for the project. Mr. Millard stated that they got only one bid last fall. Mrs. Carricato asked if the Township could be fined if the project is not done. She asked who pays for the legal fees and if the insurance does not cover all the legal fees, who would need to pay for it. Mr. Yost, Township Solicitor, stated that if the all of the legal fees are not paid by the insurance company then the fees must be paid out of the supervisors’ own pockets unless the Board approved paying the fees out of the General Fund.
Earl Hoffman. Mr. Hoffman had no comments.
Bob Ziltz Mr. Ziltz had no comments.
Stephen Millard. Mr. Millard had no comments.
Gloria Zimmerman. Mrs. Zimmerman stated that she would like to hold a Township Open House in April of this year during Local Government Week.
Mrs. Zimmerman said that she had a request from the Baseball Association to use the building on Saturday, March 16th. She said she would unlock the door for them.
Mrs. Zimmerman asked Mr. Millard if he had a report ready about the truckstops for Mr. McCahan. Mr. Millard stated that he would like to set up a workshop to discuss the report.
Bob Jones. Mr. Jones had no comments
PUBLIC HEARING
There were no Public Hearings scheduled.
PRESENTATION
Mr. John Johnson was in attendance to give a presentation on the Fire Company’s activities for 2001. Mr. Johnson stated that he was elected Fire Chief for the year 2002.
Mr. Jones asked about a program whereas each residence would have their address posted in front of their house on a sign. This would make it easier for Emergency vehicles to find the proper residence.
Mr. Jones thanked the members of the Fire Company for the excellent job they are doing.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Regular meeting – December 3,
2002. Mr. Rimer stated that the
December 3, 2001 meeting tapes were partially destroyed and Mrs. Martin was
having difficulty transcribing the minutes.
Mr. Ziltz moved, seconded by Mrs. Zimmerman, to approve the minutes as
submitted. Motion passed unanimously.
Regular Meeting – January 7,
2002. Tabled
Regular Meeting – January 22,
2002. Tabled
General Fund Balance as of January 18, 2002 $908,718.72
Liquid Fuels Balance as of January 18, 2002 $372,331.94
Deposit on January 3, 2002 $4,838.05
Deposit on January 10, 2002 $7,096.50
Deposit on January 11, 2002 $12,787.69
Deposit on January 16, 2002 $11,145.10
Deposit on January 24, 2002 $2,522.49
Deposit on January 25, 2002 $63,788.79
Deposit on January 31, 2002 $4,008.44
General Fund Balance as of January 31, 2002 $840,714.10
Liquid Fuels Balance as of January 31, 2002 $372,331.94
Less Payroll 01/25/02 Net: $19,193.24 Gross: $25,659.03
Less Vouchers to be approved 02/04/02 $79,413.87
Mr. Hoffman moved, seconded by
Mr. Ziltz, to approve the payroll.
Motion passed unanimously.
Mrs. Zimmerman had a question about the Commonwealth Telephone invoice for $485.54. She asked if there were other options available for telephone service. Mr. Rimer said he would check into other options.
Mr. Jones questioned the vouchers for the road crew safety shoes. Mr. Rimer responded that the township reimburses the Road Crew members for up to $100 of the cost of the shoes.
Mr. Hoffman moved, seconded by
Mr. Millard, to approve the vouchers.
Vartan Bank, Final Land Development Plan #01.010, Clover Lane and Allentown Boulevard - Tabled
Mr. Rimer stated the Board received a letter from Grove Associates granting the Township an extension of an additional 30 days to consider the Land Development Plan for Vartan National Bank.
Chris Navitsky – BL Companies – Presentation and Discussion of Reconfiguration of Pilot Oil, Inc. Sidewalk Construction.
Mr. Navitsky stated that he is requesting a modification to the approved land development plan to relocate the sidewalk that was proposed along Jonestown Road on the northern side to the southern side of Jonestown Road. He stated that Pilot Oil has requested this due to several conditions that exist at the site. A fire hydrant was installed where the proposed sidewalk was to be. He also stated that due to the road widening there is no right of way to install a sidewalk along the Methodist Church property and that there is a drop off in that area. There are also concerns about grading near the stormwater detention basin and a light pole. Mr. Navitsky stated that he would like to keep the sidewalk the same length so that the performance bond amount would remain the same.
Mr. Millard asked Mr. Navitsky when Pilot would be installing their truck entrance sign. Mr. Navitsky said that the three by five sign should be installed within the week.
Mrs. Zimmerman stated that she had concerns about the trucks coming out of the Pilot truck exit on Jonestown Road to the traffic light. She said that as the trucks are turning left at the traffic light, they take up the whole intersection making it necessary for cars stopped at the stop bar at the red light on Route 39 to back up to get out of the way. Mr. Jones stated that when Mr. Zeiters has the Route 39 Project finished there should be a medium installed there that would solve that problem.
Sewer Connection Enforcement Activities (Actions). Mr. Yost stated that he and Mr. Rimer had started preliminary discussions about approaching the property owners who haven’t connected yet. He is in the process of filing a lien on a property that was recently connected. He stated that there is money allocated in the budget to connect property owners who will not connect. Mr. Rimer stated that there are three or four properties on the list to be connected.
Township Public Property Committee Update. Mr. Jones informed the audience that the committee is recommending that another office be built within the township office. The committee would like to wait and see if the Supervisors had any recommendations.
Mr. Rimer stated that he is compiling a bid for construction of the new office. Mr. Millard asked if there would be a problem if three Supervisors attended the Public Property Committee Meeting. Mr. Yost stated that if they are going to be discussing expenditure of township funds with three Supervisors in attendance then they would be in violation of the Sunshine Act. Mr. Ziltz stated that he will send a representative of the Park and Recreation board in his place.
Motion – Chapter 78 – Building Constructon-Article I and Article II-Authorize Advertisement for Select Amendments to the Code for Adoption. – A workshop was scheduled for February 11, 2002 to discuss the amendments to the code.
Motion – Chapter 103 – International Fire Code. – Authorize Advertisement for Select Amendments to the Code for Adoption. This will be discussed at the February 11, 2002 workshop meeting.
Motion – Chapter 148 – International Property Maintenance Code. – Authorize Advertisement for Select Amendments to the Code for Adoption. This will be discussed at the February 11, 2002 workshop meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
Motion – Award Sealed Bids for 1992 Ford Escort. – Mr. Jones stated that two bids were received on the Ford Escort with the highest being $450 from Myrtle Morningwake. Mr. Rimer stated that the bid was advertised in the Patriot News.
Mrs.
Zimmerman moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, to award the bid for the Ford Escort
to Ms. Myrtle Morningwake. Motion
Passed unanimously.
Motion – Authorize Computer Purchases for Planning and Zoning Office and Administration. – Mr. Millard had concerns about the Office XP Professional program. Mr. Rimer stated that he talked to Chris Kayor from H.R.G. and was reassured that the Office XP professional is fully compatible with Office 2000.
Mrs. Zimmerman asked if the computer purchase was in the budget. Mr. Rimer responded by saying that the systems were approved in the 2002 budget.
Mr.
Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Ziltz, to authorize the purchase of the computers
not to exceed $6,500. Motion passed
unanimously.
Motion – Review Financing Plan and Authorize Delta Development, Inc. to Prepare Contract for Services to Assist in the Exit 77 Reconstruction Project. – Mr. Rimer stated that Delta Development will assist the township in promotion, funding assistance and other tasks related to the construction of the Exit 77 interchange. They agreed to reduce their monthly retainer to $4,000. This is a reduction of $500. Mr. Rimer stated that there is $45,000 allocated in the budget for the project.
Mrs. Zimmerman stated that she had concerns about the payment for Delta Development going from $1,700 to $4,000 a month.
A workshop meeting is scheduled for February 11th to discuss their proposal.
Mr.
Millard, moved, seconded by Mr. Ziltz, to table the Delta Development Proposal
until the February 11 Workshop Meeting.
Motion passed unanimously.
Motion – Adopt Chapter 79 – Building Code Board of Appeals – Mr. Rimer stated that the state is in the process of adopting a unified construction code. Mr. Rimer stated that he and Mr. Arndt, Township Building Inspector would like to create a Building Code Appeals Board to respond to the health, safety and fire safety issues to a building. Mr. Arndt will be present at the February 11th workshop to explain the necessity of a Board of Appeals.
Mr.
Ziltz moved, seconded by Mr. Millard, to table the adoption of Chapter 79
Building Code Board of Appeals. Motion
passed unanimously.
Motion – Authorization to schedule Natural Lands Trust presentation from report. - Mr. Rimer would like to schedule her presentation for February 28, 2002 at 7:00 p.m.
Mr.
Ziltz moved, seconded by Mr. Millard, to schedule a presentation by Ann
Hutchinson of Natural Lands Trust for February 28, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
Motion – Release of Security for Brynfield Day Care Center. – Mr. Jones stated that the Improvement Guarantee would be reduced from $36,350 to $825. A cash bond will be submitted in the amount of $825.
Mrs.
Zimmerman moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, to release all of the Letter of
Credit with the condition that a cash bond be submitted in the amount of
$825.00. Motion passed unanimously.
Motion – BOS Conference Attendance Authorization PA Second Class Township Code Section 607. (4). – Mr. Rimer said that Dixie Fesig is seeking authorization from the board to attend the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society 55th Annual Conference in Philadelphia. The conference is from March 24th to March 27, 2002. The cost to attend the conference is $427.94. Mrs. Fesig stated that she would be sharing accommodations with another Park & Recreation Coordinator to keep expenses to a minimum. Mrs. Fesig provided the board with a summary of the courses that she would like to attend at the conference.
Mrs.
Zimmerman moved, seconded by Mr. Ziltz, to authorize Mrs. Fesig to attend the
Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society Conference in Philadelphia. Motion passed unanimously.
Motion – Schedule Confirmation Ceremony for 2002 West Hanover Township Fire Police for February 19, 2002. – Mr. Rimer stated that he is seeking a motion to schedule a ceremony to re-confirm the current members of the Fire Police.
Mrs.
Zimmerman moved, seconded by Mr. Millard, to conduct a confirmation ceremony on
February 19, 2002 to reconfirm the Fire Police. Motion passed unanimously.
CORRESPONDENCE
Letter from Bill McCahan, EMA Coordinator to Board of Supervisors regarding the new traffic signal at Jonestown Road/Allentown Boulevard and the need for adjustments to resolve conflicts with simultaneous vehicle movements and U-Turns. – Mr. Rimer said that he and Mr. McCahan had talked about the situation and Mr. Rimer consulted the Township Engineer for some options.
Letter from Bill McCahan, EMA Coordinator to Michael Rimer, Manager, regarding the status of the Township pick-up #1 as an “Emergency Vehicle” – Mr. Rimer said that he received a call from the Pennsylvania State Police regarding the red emergency lighting system on the hood of the township maintenance truck. The State Police informed him that it was illegal for townships to have that type of lighting system without authorization from the State Police. Mr. Rimer stated that the roadmaster occasionally responds to emergencies using that vehicle. Mr. McCahan feels that it is a prudent use of our tax funds to continue using Township Truck #1 as an Emergency Response Vehicle as well.
Letter from Debbie Hisiro, Reading Specialist, to the Board of Supervisors regarding upcoming “Read Across America Celebration” – Mr. Jones asked the members of the board and the township manager if they were interested in participating in this program and to respond to West Hanover Township Elementary School by February 22nd if they were.
Letter from Bill McCahan, EMA Coordinator to Board of Supervisors regarding traffic standards needs, OPTICIM control feature, and the 2003 budget – According to the letter from Mr. McCahan, OPTICOM is a control feature that allows the fire company equipment to take control of the traffic lights and provide a clear path for emergency vehicles. Mr. Rimer stated that they would start planning for that in their Capital Improvement Program budget.
Mr. Ziltz asked if a member of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber could come and give a presentation. Mr. Rimer said he would contact them.
Mr. Millard asked that his Truck Stop Report be placed on the agenda for discussion for February 11th.
Mr. Millard stated that he would like to initiate a modification of the Act 537 Plan. Mr. Millard stated that where he lives there are sewers on both sides of him but not where he resides. He would like to have an evaluation of that area to see if it warrants being sewered. He would like to start in his neighborhood then go on to evaluate Houck Manor and Ritzie Village. A survey would be circulated to the residents to determine where the need for public sewer is. Mr. Millard said he would conduct an informal survey.
Mr. Jones feels that Mr. Millard should wait and see what S&A Homes and Yingst Homes are going to do about their sewer lines and pump stations before doing a study.
Mr. Millard said he would contact DEP for a sample survey.
Solicitor. Mr. Yost said he had no further report.
Engineer. Mr. Brulo said he provided a written report in the packet.
Roadmaster. Mr. Harman said that they were out cutting brush and trees. They cleaned out gutters at the Pilot Truckstop.
Mr. Jones said that the road crew did a good job with the culvert at the intersection of Althea Avenue and Fairville Avenue. He asked that he take a look at the corner of Manor Drive and Avondale Terrace where there is also a problem.
Mrs. Zimmerman said that she got a lot of compliments on the excellent job that the road crew did during the last snowstorm.
Codes and Zoning Administrator. No further report.
Park and Recreation Coordinator. No further report.
Manager. Mr. Rimer reminded the board that the next Board of Supervisors meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 19, 2002. Mr. Rimer said that he and Mr. Brulo met with Jim Cieri regarding South Clover Lane. He stated that Gary Houck and Richard Yingst will be reconstructing Clover Lane up to Route 22. They are in the process of sending out easement agreements to residents of South Clover Lane.
Mr. Jones would like Mr. Rimer to send a letter to Truckstops of America to reconsider their position on the contribution towards the Exit 77 Interchange project.
Bob Leonard, Devonshire Heights Road. – Mr. Leonard requested the board to grant a time extension to Vartan Bank to make sure that the deadline for the plan which is tabled does not expire and passively become approved by the board. Mr. Jones stated that Mr. Vartan granted the board a 30-day extension.
Bill McCahan. – Mr. McCahan recommends that Mr. Rimer purchase the CD burner for the new computers. Mr. McCahan had comments regarding Pennsylvania American Water Company and their slow response to turning off a hydrant that malfunctioned. He said that the hydrant was flowing for two hours before someone was able to shut it off.
Beth Carricato. – Mrs. Carricato asked if the Water and Sewer Authority meeting would be rescheduled due to it being on the same night as the scheduled Board of Supervisors meeting.
Mrs. Carricato thanked Mr. Millard for being concerned about the failing on-lot systems and their effect on the environment.
Don Steinmeier, 11 North Fairville Avenue. – Mr. Steinmeier stated that contamination and pollution of well water has always been a problem in the township. The township in the past was ordered by DEP to test a sample number of wells. He recommends that people have their water tested for fecal coliform. He said that people with shallow wells especially should have their water tested.
Gloria Zimmerman. – Mrs. Zimmerman commented on how much the Fire Company is appreciated for their time and effort.
Bob Jones. Mr. Jones complimented Chief Johnson on his excellent report. Mr. Jones asked Mr. Rimer to look into more cost effective health plans for the employees of the township.
Mr. Millard. Mr. Millard asked what the policy is for holding tanks in the township. Mr. Rimer stated that there is an ordinance that governs holding tanks and the Sewage Enforcement Officer authorizes their use. The ordinance permits holding tanks on a temporary basis.
Mr. Hoffman. Mr. Hoffman commented to Mr. Steinmeier that the speech he gave during Public Comment was the best he has heard since he has been at the township.
Mr. Ziltz. Mr. Ziltz had no comments.
Mr. Hoffman moved, seconded by Mr. Jones, to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 p.m. The motion was unanimously approved.
Respectfully submitted,
Stephen Millard
Township Secretary/Treasurer
Transcribed by,
P. Marks