WEST HANOVER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
7171 ALLENTOWN BOULEVARD, HARRISBURG, PA 17112
MARCH 18, 2002
REGULAR MEETING
Chairman Jones called the March 18, 2002 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.
Robert Jones, Chairman
Robert Ziltz, Vice Chairman
Steve Millard, Secretary/Treasurer
Earl Hoffman
Gloria J. Zimmerman
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 recently attended the West Hanover Township Fire Company’s banquet. She accepted a plaque from the West Hanover Township Volunteer Fire Company #1 on behalf of the township. The plaque is in appreciation on the township’s continued support of the fire company.
Mrs. Zimmerman said that she had a complaint from someone that the Zoning Officer, Frank Chlebnikow, is not returning his or her phone call. She asked Mr. Rimer to ask Mr. Chlebnikow to take time to return the person’s phone call. Mr. Rimer said he would talk to Mr. Chlebnikow and also call the person himself.
Bob Jones. Mr. Jones stated that since the reconfiguration of the intersection of Sarhelm Road and Jonestown Road, he feels that the intersection is dangerous. He said cars are traveling faster through there. Mr. Rimer said that they had shaved the bank back. A pole that was on the east corner of Sarhelm Road and Jonestown Road was removed. The Road Crew removed some of the bank that was blocking the east-bound view. Mr. Harman will install an “Intersection Ahead” warning sign near the Country Manor entrance at the bottom of the hill on Jonestown Road.
Mr. Jones asked Mr. Rimer if he looked into purchasing a township vehicle. Mr. Rimer said he received information from a dealer who is on the State Piggyback Program about the vehicles that they have to offer. He is not certain as to what vehicle would be appropriate for the township. He would like to purchase an SUV for the Building Inspector and the Park and Recreation Coordinator to use.
Mr. Jones asked Mr. Rimer if he looked into different health insurance plans. Mr. Rimer said that he had and he will be discussing with the staff the different options.
Mr. Jones asked about the $6,800 tap-in fee for the pavilion at Skyline Commons Park. Mr. Rimer said that the sewer authority is calling that a non-residential use, therefore needing two EDU’s. There would be two restrooms, a men’s restroom and a ladies restroom. Mr. Jones said he would bring the matter up at the next authority meeting.
PUBLIC HEARING - None
Lieutenant Barkdoll introduced himself to the audience. He said he is the Crime Section Commander of Troop H. He recently transferred from Chambersburg, PA where he was the Station Commander. He said that he dealt with fifteen townships and his goal was to work closely with the supervisors. If they had complaints or concerns, they could contact him directly and he would address those concerns. He is the Crime Section Commander at Troop H. He said he oversees the Crime Units in Dauphin, Adams, Franklin, Cumberland and Perry Counties. He said that he would go to the different townships and meet the supervisors. What he implemented in Chambersburg, and what he would like to do in this area, is to host a yearly continental breakfast or a luncheon. He would like to invite all the supervisors, police chiefs, the Game Commission, PENNDOT, the Dog Warden and others who could give presentations. This would enable the different groups of people to get to know each other and to feel comfortable working as a team.
Lieutenant Barkdoll said that the State Police are looking into consolidated dispatch. He said that there would be five dispatch centers throughout the state. This should free up an additional 173 troopers as well as 100 new troopers. The new system will have computer aided dispatch, and a geographic information system. He said all patrol cars have a mobile office system in them. Each car has its own computer, which has access to the Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network. The trooper can program a license number of a vehicle to obtain owner information. The trooper can check wanted persons without calling over the radio. The mobile office has a mapping system, which would enable the trooper to dispatch himself or herself to anywhere in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. They have a tactical message system, which is an encrypted e-mail system. The trooper can prepare their reports in the patrol car.
Mr. Millard asked how many troopers are assigned to the township. Lieutenant Barkdoll said he did not know but would check into it and get back to him with the answer.
Mr. Millard told Lieutenant Barkdoll that there would be a new high school constructed in the township in the near future.
Mr. Jones informed Lieutenant Barkdoll that there are a few problems in the truck stop area. Lieutenant Barkdoll said he is aware of the problems and they are addressing them.
Mr. Hoffman commented on the speeding on Route 22, from Route 39 to Lower Paxton Township. Mr. Millard asked if the troopers monitor township roads or do they have to be PENNDOT roads. Lieutenant Barkdoll said he would monitor the roads as long as another police department does not cover them. If another police department does not have their own speed enforcement, they would monitor those roads also if they were invited into that jurisdiction.
Mrs. Zimmerman extended an invitation to the Township Open House that is being held on April 13th from 9:00 a.m. to noon.
Mr. Jones told Lieutenant Barkdoll about the confusion at the new intersection traffic light. Motorists are making right turns onto Route 22 from southbound Jonestown Road. The traffic light is a five section right turn signal. He asked Lieutenant Barkdoll if a vehicle could turn right on red when there is a green right turn arrow, or would the vehicle need to wait until the light turns completely green to proceed. Lieutenant Barkdoll said that it was his understanding that a vehicle could turn right on red after first stopping as long as there is no sign restricting the turn. There is no “No Turn On Red” sign posted. Considerable discussion ensued from the audience. Lieutenant Barkdoll said he would check into it and get back to the supervisors.
Mr. Jones thanked Lieutenant Barkdoll for his informative presentation.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Millard moved, seconded by Mrs. Zimmerman to approve the Workshop
Meeting Minutes for February 11, 2002.
Motion passed unanimously.
Regular Meeting – February 19,
2002. – Mr. Hoffman moved, seconded by Mr. Jones, to approve the Regular
Meeting Minutes for February 19, 2002.
Motion passed unanimously.
Mrs. Zimmerman asked that the minutes be
caught up. She referred to a memo that
Mr. Millard wrote regarding the length of time it should take to do
minutes. Mr. Millard said in his memo
that it should take on average three days if that is all that person is
doing. Mr. Millard stated that Peggy
Marks, the receptionist, is doing the meeting minutes right now in the absence
of a Secretary/Treasurer. As the
receptionist, she has her duties as well as the Secretary/Treasurer’s duties
that prevent her from devoting her time to just doing the minutes. Until the township hires a
Secretary/Treasurer, he suggested that maybe the board should consider paying
someone to do the meeting minutes. Mr.
Jones stated that it was the Township Manager’s duty to see that the minutes
are done in a timely manner, and should consider Mr. Millard’s suggestion. Mr. Rimer stated that he has eight
candidates for the full time Secretary/Treasurer position and he would have a
recommendation at the next meeting.
Regular Meeting March 4, 2002 – Tabled
Workshop Meeting – March 11, 2002 – Tabled
General Fund Balance as of March 1, 2002 $773,943.29
Liquid Fuels Balance as of March 1, 2002 $373,523.02
Deposit on March 8, 2002 $23,931.89
Deposit on March 13, 2002 $33,376.40
Total Manual Deposits for the Month of March $57,308.29
General Fund Balance as of March 14, 2002 $781,296.33
Liquid Fuels Balance as of March 14, 2002 $373,523.02
Less Payroll 03/07/02 Net: $13,672.17 Gross: $17,991.06
Mr. Hoffman moved, seconded by
Mrs. Zimmerman, to approve the payroll.
Motion passed unanimously.
Less Vouchers to be approved 03/18/02 $83,029.57
Mr. Millard had a question regarding the voucher from PP&L for electricity for roads. Mr. Rimer said that the voucher is for traffic signals at Route 39 and Jonestown Road, and Route 22 and Jonestown Road and also the school flashing sign lights.
Mr. Millard asked if the voucher for Pa American Water Compnay for was for the fire hydrants in Skyline View. Mr. Rimer said yes.
Mr. McCahan stated that if the new signals would use LED lamps, the electricity bill would be lowered. Mr. Jones said Mr. Rimer should check with Pennsylvania Percs to find out what it would cost to convert the traffic signal lights to LED lamps.
Mr. Jones asked Dixie Fesig about the voucher for the Moonwalk. Mrs. Fesig said the Moonwalk was for the Festival that will be held in July.
Mr. Jones asked about the invoice for the Mette, Evans and Woodside, township Zoning Hearing Board Solicitor, in the amount of $806.35. Mr. Rimer said that there had been several meetings with multiple hearings. They prepare the finding reports for the hearings. Mr. Rimer said the township couldn’t recapture legal fees from the overall fee. Mr. Yost said that there is some concern about the expenses being passed on to the applicants. Mr. Rimer said he reviewed the other costs involved, such as certified mailings, posting of the signs, and stenographic records. The fee for the Zoning Hearing Board Application went from $300 to $525. This is the first time in ten years that it had bee raised.
Mrs. Zimmerman asked about the St. Paul invoice in the amount of $980.09. Mr. Rimer said it was a deductible. Mrs. Zimmerman asked about the Wootton, Reed and Associates invoice in the amount of $1,338.00. She said she was under the impression that Mrs. Reed was going to keep her fee at $900 per month. Mr. Rimer said that Wootton, Reed is charging for the extra work that they have to perform since the part time secretary was let go. She commented on the invoice for the Patriot News in the amount of $780.33, which was for the employment ad for full time Secretary/Treasurer. She said that the township is not saving money and that we could still have that part time secretary that could be doing the minutes. She would like to see the accounting fees come down.
Mr. Jones commented on the purchase of the digital camera for the Building Inspector, Mr. Arndt. Mr. Rimer said that it takes color and black and white pictures.
Mrs. Zimmerman moved, seconded by
Mr. Hoffman, to approve the vouchers. Motion passed unanimously.
Vartan Bank, Final Land Development Plan #01.010, Clover Lane and Allentown Boulevard - Tabled
Mr. Rimer said that they are still in the thirty-day extension period, which ends the first week of April. There was no additional information provided by Vartan. Vartan Bank still had outstanding sidewalk issues with the Zoning Hearing Board. Mr. Jones asked if there is a limit to the amount of extensions that could be granted. Mr. Yost said until such a time that the Board of Supervisors believe that it has gone too long, his recommendation is for them to give them a letter to indicate that the board would not give additional extensions. Vartan would either have to withdraw the plan or it would be acted on as submitted.
Sewer Connection Enforcement Activities (Actions). Mr. Yost said that in April he would give notices to three property owners to connect.
Township Public Property Committee Update. Mr. Jones had no new information to report. He was not successful in contacting a contractor to get an estimate for the additional office.
Mr. Jones said that he looked into the R.F. Beyers Property next door to the township building that is on the market. They are asking over one million dollars, which is more than the township could pay for it. Most of the area inside the building is refrigerated.
Ordinance 2002-___Acquiring The Project of the Sewer System of West Hanover Township; Assuming all Obligations – Mr. Yost said that the Board has sixty days from the day it was advertised to act on it. Tabled
Mr. Millard said
that he received the results for the well testing in the truckstops area. He said that there was one well that was
really bad. That well is on the
property of Mr. Bill Stahl who is next door to Texaco. He said the well water contains MTBE, which
is in gasoline. MTBE is a volatile,
organic compound. An ultraviolet light
will not treat MTBE as it does for bacteria in water. He said the limit for the MTBE is twenty parts per billion. He
said that MTBE is difficult to get rid of in the groundwater. Mr. Stahl’s well contained one thousand and
forty parts, which is five hundred times the limit. Mr. Millard said that DEP should be notified so that they could
do something about the situation. Mr.
Millard said Mr. Stahl should connect to public water.
Mr. Millard said
that there was no diesel fuel in any of the wells. The church, which is one side of Pilot and the Boltz property,
which is on the other side of Pilot, had trace amounts of MTBE. Mr. Yost advised Mr. Millard to inform the
property owners and DEP of the results of the testing.
Mr. Millard said
that the Getty gas station has a problem with MTBE also. There will be tests conducted on some of the
wells in the vicinity by Getty Oil.
Mr. Millard
contacted a person in Philadelphia regarding the ordinances but has not heard
back from them yet. Mr. Yost suggested
Mr. Millard be patient and wait for a response from the person in Philadelphia
because they are very cooperative. Mr.
Millard said he would make up some ordinances and agreements and pass them by
the board for approval.
Motion
– BOS Conference Authorization Township Code 607. (4) - None
Motion – Resolution 2002-29 – Adopting Hearing Officer Appeal Method and Appointing Hearing Officer. – The resolution was received from the Capital Tax Collection Bureau as part of their transition and merger with the Central Dauphin Income Tax Office. Capital Tax Collection would like the board to adopt the resolution. Mr. Ziltz is the representative for the township. Mr. Ziltz moved, seconded by Mrs. Zimmerman, for Resolution 2002-29. Motion passed unanimously.
Motion –
Resolution 2002-30 – Requiring Electronic or Magnetic Media Annual EIT W-2 –
Reporting from Employers Meeting Certain Tresholds. – Mr. Rimer stated
that this resolution is for employers in the township with 250 or more
employees. Mr. Yost questioned the
information on the resolution that was contained within brackets. He said that ordinarily, information within
brackets is deleted. He said that it
appears that the information is being added instead. He suggested that the board table Resolution 2002-30 until the
information is clarified. Mr.
Ziltz moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, to table Resolution 2002-30. Motion passed unanimously.
Motion to Authorize Execution of Fire Hydrant Application (Main Street/Elm Street) in the Mayberry Residential Subdivision. – Mr. Rimer said this is an application from Pennsylvania American Water Company for public hydrants. This will cause expenditures of township funds and reassessment of properties in that area. Mr. Rimer said that the fire hydrant tax couldn’t be collected from the assessed properties until January 1, 2003.
Mr. Jones
commented on the safety issue of Clover Lane where the fire hydrants are to be
installed. Mr. Rimer said that Harold
Harman is aware of the dangerous situation and is working on it. Mr. Hoffman moved, seconded by Mr. Ziltz, to
authorize execution of fire hydrant application in the Mayberry Residential
Subdivision. Motion passed unanimously.
Review Leasing
Options for Paver/Roller Equipment. – Mr. Rimer said that he is seeking approval
from the board to utilize CIT Financing to lease/purchase the paver and roller
equipment over the next four years at 5.68%.
Mr. Yost said the board should authorize the manager to execute the
documents for the loan. Mr.
Ziltz moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman to authorize Mr. Rimer to execute the
documents for the loan. Motion passed
unanimously.
Motion to Schedule
Meeting with Environmental Advisory Council. – The board received a letter from Ms. Patti
Estheimer, Chairman of the Environmental Advisory Committee, requesting a
meeting with the Board of Supervisors on April 9, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Jones said that the meeting has been set
up for April 8th during a Board of Supervisors Workshop Meeting at
6:00 p.m.
Motion to Award
Lawn Care Contracts. – Mr. Rimer said the bid was advertised and opened
on March 11, 2002. The bid was priced
out for all of the township parks. The
proposals included the cost to cut the grass, weed and feed, and aeration. The results were compiled and Mr. Rimer is
seeking recommendations. Mr. Rimer
asked the board to make two separate motions, one for grass cutting and the
other for weed and feed and aeration. Mrs.
Zimmerman moved, seconded by Mr. Ziltz, to award the bid to Fred Way to cut the
grass. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr.
Hoffman moved, seconded by Mr. Ziltz, to award Tru-Green to provide weed and
feed and aeration. Motion passed
unanimously.
Mr. Jones commented on the letter from American Red Cross requesting support for the 2002 fund drive. Mr. Rimer said that there is a donation amount budgeted for the American Red Cross. He will include it on the invoice list for the next meeting. Mr. Jones asked Mr. Rimer for the amount of the contribution before the check is sent.
Mr. Millard asked about the Comcast Contract. Mr. Rimer said he received a letter from Mr. Wolfe, Lower Paxton Township Manager, concerning a meeting with the supervisors and managers in the area to talk about the Comcast Contract.
Mr. Rimer informed the board that he traveled to Washington, D.C. with Delta Development to meet with representatives of Senators Spector and Santorum, and Congressman Gekas’ offices. He said the meetings went well. Mr. Rimer requested three million dollars in federal monies for Exit 77.
Mr. Jones asked about the progress of the proposal from HRG Engineering for the design of the Exit 77 project. Mr. Rimer said HRG is on schedule.
Mr. Rimer said he was invited to speak at the Lower Paxton Business and Professionals Association. He spoke about the developments and other projects in West Hanover Township. He provided the board with the material he presented to the audience. Mrs. Zimmerman stated it would be nice to see the information included in the newsletter.
Mr. Jones noted that a property owner on Aynlee Way was appealing their assessment. Mr. Rimer had no further information on the case.
Mr. Jones said a drought contingency plan was provided by from Pennsylvania American Water Company and provided in the packet. The plan outlines the rules and regulations regarding water conservation measures, whether voluntary or mandatory. Copies will be available to the public.
Mr. Rimer provided the board with a copy of the Planning Commission By-Laws. The Planning Commissions By-Laws were adopted on February 20, 1992. Mr. Millard questioned the number of members it takes to have a quorum. He said a quorum should be by the majority of present members. Mrs. Zimmerman understood it to mean that if there are four members present, that three could vote and it would be carried. Mr. Yost said that it was his interpretation also. Mr. Rimer said that if there were four members at a meeting, it would take three to do business. Mr. Millard said it would be more accurate to say the majority vote carries.
Mr. Millard asked if special meetings needed to be advertised. Mr. Rimer responded by saying yes. There was discussion from the audience concerning the need for advertising special meetings.
Mr. Millard also noticed that those present at the Planning Commission Meetings write down their name on a list. He did not see anything in the By-Laws that states that they must do that. Mrs. Zimmerman said Janet Hardman started that for her own records.
Solicitor. Mr. Yost said had no further report.
Engineer. A written report was provided in the packet.
Roadmaster. No report.
Codes and Zoning Administrator. Position vacant.
Park and Recreation Coordinator. Mr. Jones commented on the Card Club that is held on Friday evenings. Mr. Jones said he participates in the Card Club and went from first place to third place. He said the Card Club is growing and soon there will be a need for a larger facility to accommodate all the card players.
Mrs. Fesig reported on the First Spring Craft Show. She said it was well attended. She may have a Craft Show in the Fall. There will be an Easter Egg Hunt on March 30th for the residents of the township, ten years of age and under to be held a Skyline Commons Park. She is also conducting an Easter Coloring Contest.
Manager. Mr. Rimer reminded the board that the Open House would be held on April 13th from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the township building. There will also be a tour of the sewer treatment plant on that day.
Mr. Rimer said the air conditioner in the township building is now working correctly.
Mr. Rimer updated the board on the Clover Lane Project. He received the final drawings of Clover Lane. A mailing will be going out to the property owners along Clover Lane regarding the easements. Mr. Gabe Kelemen will offer free notary to the citizens who are providing the township with a temporary easement. He said that as soon as PENNDOT approves the Highway Occupancy Permits, the project would be ready to start.
A report from the West Hanover Fire Company was provided for the board.
Bill McCahan, Jonestown Road. – Mr. McCahan asked Mr. Rimer to provide the Fire Marshal and the Fire Chief with the information about the new fire hydrants in Mayberry. Mr. McCahan wants “No Turn on Red” signs installed at the new traffic light on Jonestown Road and Route 22. PENNDOT requires a letter from the township concerning any change requests.
George Kline, 7646 Jonestown Road. – Mr. Kline complimented the board on the level of professionalism he witnessed at tonight’s meeting. He has concerns about the traffic light at Route 22 and Jonestown Road. He also said that many of his customers at his winery on Jonestown Road have concerns about the traffic light at Jonestown Road and Route 39. He said that a sign is needed at the eastbound intersection restricting the tractor-trailers from entering Pilot Oil from Jonestown Road. Mrs. Zimmerman said that stop signs are needed at the exit of Pilot Oil onto Jonestown Road. Mr. Rimer said he is working on posting stop signs there.
Gloria Zimmerman. Mrs. Zimmerman said that the Central Dauphin School Board would be discussing law enforcement and traffic issues relative to the new high school that is being constructed in West Hanover Township at their next school board meeting.
Mrs. Zimmerman asked Mr. Rimer to send an invitation to the Township Open House to the State Police Troop H and to the School Board.
Mrs. Zimmerman asked Mr. Rimer to send letters to the businesses at the Route 81 Interchange about picking up the litter. Mrs. Zimmerman asked Mr. Rimer to relay to the businesses that this would be their last letter before they would start paying fines.
Mr. Millard. Mr. Millard said he would be obtaining new lapel microphones for the supervisors to wear at the meetings. The people in the audience were having difficulty hearing the supervisors and some of the supervisors’ voices were not being picked up on the tape.
Mr. Hoffman. Mr. Hoffman had no comments.
Mr. Ziltz. Mr. Ziltz had no comments.
Mr. Jones. Mr. Jones thanked the audience for coming to the meeting.
Mr. Hoffman moved, seconded by Mr. Jones, to adjourn the meeting at 9:22 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully Submitted,
Stephen Millard
Township Secretary
Transcribed by Peggy Marks