WEST HANOVER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

7171 ALLENTOWN BOULEVARD, HARRISBURG, PA  17112

MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2003       

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION – 6:30 PM

 

CALL TO ORDER – 7:00 p.m.

 

Chairman Jones called the January 6, 2003, regular meeting of the West Hanover Township Board of Supervisors to order at 7:00 PM.   Mrs. Zimmerman delivered an invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

ROLL CALL

 

Robert Jones, Chairman                                          Gloria Zimmerman, Supervisor

Robert Ziltz, Vice Chairman                                    Earl Hoffman, Supervisor, absent

Stephen Millard, Secretary/Treasurer         

 

REORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

 

Election of Chairman of the Board of Supervisors; Election of Vice Chairman of the Board of Supervisors; Appointment of Secretary/Treasurer of the Board of Supervisors (Also See Resolution 2003-2 under “New Business”).  Mrs. Zimmerman moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, to keep the same officers for 2003: Chairman-Robert R. Jones, Vice-Chairman-Robert Ziltz, and Secretary-Stephen Millard.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

 

Sgt. Todd Harman, State Police.  Sgt. Harmon reported on police incidents for West Hanover Township in November and December:  26 traffic accidents, 20 criminal incidents, and 74 other police incidents (motorist assists, domestic disputes, neighbor disputes, etc).  Mrs. Zimmerman questioned the appropriate procedure in handling a neighborhood dispute.  Mr. Jones asked for enforcement of traffic laws at the entrances/exits to the Pilot truck stop area.

 

Beth Carricato, 699 Knight Rd.  Ms. Carricato questioned the status of the Comp Plan update.  There is a workshop scheduled for Wednesday, January 8.  She also asked for information on the status of the Swatara Sewer Capacity issue and was told that the Township is currently determining the present condition and flow of the lines.  She stated that she felt members of the several of the Boards and/or Commissions in the Township were unaware of the Township Ordinances and the specific purposes of the Board.  She would like to see a greater educational effort for Board members.

 

Linda Turns, 8000 Rabbit Lane.  Ms. Turns questioned the status of the hiring of a Zoning Officer.  In response to Ms. Carricato’s comments, she stated that the Zoning Hearing Board needs a Zoning Officer to provide answers to their questions and concerns.

 

PUBLIC HEARING/MEETINGS.  None

 

 

 

PRESENTATIONS/STAFF REPORTS

           

Harold Harman, Roadmaster.  Mr. Harmon reported that the road crew worked 36 hours over Christmas.  All the stockpile of salt has been used, as well as all the cinders.  Salt has been reordered and should be in any day.  Mr. Harmon clarified that during storms when the crew is out working, they are permitted to pull their personal vehicles into the garage so the number of vehicles in the parking lot does not necessarily relate to the number of people working during the storm.  Several mailboxes were also clipped off.  The Board was very pleased with the condition of the roads this year.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

Regular meeting – December 16, 2002.  Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, to approve the minutes as presented.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

TREASURER’S REPORT               (· Need Approval)

 

Mr. Millard read the Treasurer’s report:

General Fund Balance as of January 3, 2003                                         $796,883.22

Total Liquid Fuels Balance as of January 3, 2003                                  $404,564.55

 

Mr. Millard identified the following prepaid expenditures:

Payroll, December 27, 2002       Net:  $23,257.51          Gross payroll:  $33,314.89

Vouchers prepaid to meet due dates                                                       $25,378.03

                                                Total prepaid expenditures                 $58,692.92

 

Mr. Hoffman moved, seconded by Mrs. Zimmerman, to approve the prepaid expenditures.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

Vouchers to be approved                                                                       $18,224.43

 

Mr. Millard removed one voucher from the list leaving a balance of $18,173.27.  Mr. Hoffman moved, seconded by Mrs. Zimmerman, to approve payment of the vouchers.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

PLANNING COMMISSION REPORTS AND PLANS

 

#01.010, F/LD Vartan Bank, Clover Lane & Allentown Boulevard (Received Time Extension until February 1, 2002, Action by January 21, 2003)

#02.013, F/LD Municipal Training Facility – Nickson Oyer – Bretz Drive (Received Time Extension until January 21, 2003, Action by January 21, 2003).  Mr. Brulo, Township Engineer, presented his comments regarding the project.  His main concerns relate to the status of the road.  Typically a waiver is not granted when a new road is involved, however this project does need a waiver from the Preliminary Plan requirements.  This plan provides the upgrading of Bretz Dr. from Carlson up to the existing State Police facility and the construction of a cul-de-sac at that point.  The plan does not call for the road to be taken through to Rt. 39.  There is a second State Police project in the works for across the street that would take Bretz Dr. through to Rt. 39.  If this second project is brought to completion there will be no cul-de-sac, the road will continue through to Rt. 39.  If the second project is not completed Bretz Dr. will end with a cul-de-sac.  The second major concern is the issue of sidewalks along Bretz Dr.  No sidewalks are shown on the plans.  The final major consideration is the improvement of the intersections of Bretz Dr. and Rt. 22 and Bretz Dr. and Rt. 39.  The township in the past has asked developers to enter into an agreement to provide a cash contribution to improvements in the future.  In the case of intersections involving state roads the Township uses these contributions to help pay the Township portion of the improvements.  John Murphy, Alpha Consulting Engineer, represented Mr. Oyer, developer of the project.  He reiterated that this project must stand alone, therefore the plans call for a cul-de-sac and they wish to proceed on that premise.  He has no objections to the installation of sidewalks along Bretz Dr.  There was a great deal of discussion regarding the road and off-site improvements.  The general consensus of the Board was to request a $20,000 contribution, to be posted at the time of the plan approval, toward further off-site improvements to the intersection.

 

Mrs. Zimmerman moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, for the Municipal Police Training Facility final land development plan #02.013, that the Board of Supervisors waive the West Hanover Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance for preliminary plan requirements, dedication of recreation land, and providing a temporary turnaround and direct the Planning Commission memorandum be incorporated into and made part of this motion.  Motion passed with Mr. Ziltz voting against.

 

Mrs. Zimmerman moved, seconded by Mr. Millard, to approve the Municipal Police Training Facility final land development plan #02.013, tax parcel #68-035-021 contingent upon:

 

·        Execution/recognition of the agreement to construct or secure Bretz Drive

·        Payment of fee-in-lieu of land dedication prior to plan being recorded.

·        Approval of the sewage planning module by the DEP.

·        Approval of the erosion and sedimentation control plan by Dauphin County Conservation District.

·        Posting of the proper improvement guarantee and execution of a development agreement.

·        The plan for the installation of the sewer system approved by the West Hanover Township Water & Sewer Authority, when applicable.

·        Agreement of off-site improvements with a $20,000 contribution

·        Installation of sidewalks along Bretz Dr. to be included on the plans

·        Addressing outstanding staff review comments.

·        Other items as determined necessary by the Township

 

Motion passed with Mr. Ziltz voting against.

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

Project/Program Status Report.  There has been some update of the status of projects in addition to adding and deleting projects.

Township Building Reservation Fees- Tabled

Authorize Expenditure Sewer System/Flow Meter Monitoring Sewer- Tabled

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Resolution 2003-1, Appointment of Township Solicitor.  Mr. Hoffman moved, seconded by Mr. Millard, to appoint the firm Yost and Davidson as Township Solicitor for 2003.  Motion passed unanimously.

Resolution 2003-2, Appointment of Township Secretary/Treasurer and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer.  Mr. Hoffman moved, seconded by Mrs. Zimmerman, to appoint Stephen Millard as Secretary and Elizabeth England as Assistant Secretary/Treasurer.  Motion passed unanimously.

Resolution 2003-3, Appointment of Township Engineer.  Mr. Hoffman moved, seconded by Mr. Millard, to appoint the firm Herbert, Rowland and Grubic, Inc. as Township Engineers.  Motion passed unanimously.

Resolution 2003-4, Appointment of Township SEO.  Tabled.

Resolution 2003-5, Appointment of Township Accountant.  Mrs. Zimmerman moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, to appoint the firm Diana M. Reed and Associates as Township Accountant.  Motion passed unanimously.

Resolution 2003-6, Appointment of Township Auditor for 2002 Audit.  Mr. Millard moved, seconded by Mrs. Zimmerman to appoint the firm of Boles, Grove and Metzger as the Township Auditors.  Motion passed unanimously.

Resolution 2003-7, Authorization for Payment of Expenses.  Mrs. Zimmerman moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, to authorize the Secretary/Treasurer to pay expenditures in advance when needed to meet due dates.  Motion passed unanimously.

Resolution 2003-8, Authorization for Signatures.  Mrs. Zimmerman moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, to authorize two of the following signatures on checks for Township business: Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary/Treasurer, Assistant Secretary/Treasurer.  Motion passed with Mr. Millard voting against.

Resolution 2003-9, Appointment of Depository.  Mr. Millard moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, to designate Fulton Bank as the Township depository.  Motion passed unanimously.

Resolution 2003-10, Establish Township Holidays.  Mr. Millard moved, seconded by Mrs. Zimmerman, to set 2 Personal Floating Holidays and the 10 Township holidays.  Motion passed unanimously.

Resolution 2003-11, Establish Mileage Reimbursement.  Mrs. Zimmerman moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, to set the rate of $.36 as the mileage reimbursement rate for staff using personal vehicles while on Township business.  Motion passed unanimously.

Resolution 2003-12, Establish Township Meeting Times.  Mr. Millard moved, seconded by Mrs. Zimmerman to establish the meeting dates of all Township Boards and committees.  Motion passed unanimously.

Resolution 2003-13, Appointment of Vacancy Board.  Mr. Millard moved, seconded by Mr. Jones, to appoint Eric Bugaile to the Vacancy Board.  Motion passed with Mrs. Zimmerman and Mr. Ziltz voting against.

Resolution 2003-14, Compensation for Zoning Hearing Board Members.  Mrs. Zimmerman moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, to compensate Zoning Hearing Board Members $25 per hearing.  Motion passed unanimously.

Resolution 2003-15, Township Manager’s and Treasurer’s Bond Limit.  Mr. Hoffman moved, seconded by Mrs. Zimmerman, to set the bond limit for the Manager and the Secretary/Treasurer at $300,000 each.  Motion passed unanimously.

Resolution 2003-16, Delegates to PSATS Convention.  Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mrs. Zimmerman, to appoint the following individuals as delegates to the PSATS convention: Mr. Jones, Mr. Ziltz, Mr. Millard, Mrs. Zimmerman, Mr. Hoffman, and Mr. Rimer, WITH Mr. Millard as the voting delegate.  Motion passed unanimously.

Resolution 2003-17, Capital Tax Collection Bureau – 2003.  Mrs. Zimmerman moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, to appoint Mr. Ziltz as representative to the Capital Tax Collection Bureau.  Motion passed unanimously.

Resolution 2003-18, Compensation for Building Code Board of Appeals.  Mrs. Zimmerman moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, to compensate Building Code Board of Appeals Members $25 per hearing.  Motion passed unanimously.

Resolution 2003-19 - Zoning Hearing Board.  Mrs. Zimmerman moved, seconded by Mr. Ziltz, to nominate Beth Carricato to fulfill the remaining term for seat #5.  Motion passed unanimously.  Mr. Millard nominated Ruth Shields to seat #2.  Mr. Jones nominated George Kline to seat #2.  The nomination of Ruth Shields failed with Mrs. Zimmerman, Mr. Jones, and Mr. Ziltz voting against.  The nomination of George Kline passed with Mr. Ziltz voting against.  .

Resolution 2003-20 - Planning Commission - (2 vacancy - Seat #2-J. Zeiters, and Seat #3-R. Bolt).  Mrs. Zimmerman moved, seconded by Mr. Millard to reappoint Jim Zeiters and Richard Bolt to the Planning Commission.  Motion passed unanimously.

Resolution 2003-21 - Water and Sewer Authority - (2 vacancy – Seat#1-R. Ziltz, and Seat #2-D. Steinmeier).  Mr. Millard moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, to appoint Don Steinmeier to seat #2.  Motion passed with Mrs. Zimmerman abstaining.  There were no nominations for seat #1.

Resolution 2003-22 - Park and Recreation Board - (1vacancy – Seat#2-D. Snow).  Mr. Millard nominated Thomas Mellott for Seat #2.  Mr. Ziltz nominated Bob Rogers for Seat #2.  The nomination of Thomas Mellott failed.  The nomination of Bob Rogers passed with Mr. Millard against.

Resolution 2003-23 - Environmental Advisory Council - (2 vacancies – Seat #4-R. Feathers, and Seat #5-J. Miele.).  Mr. Millard nominated Bob Rogers for Seat # 4 and John Miele for seat #5.  The nomination of John Miele passed unanimously.  The nomination of Bob Rogers passed with Mr. Ziltz against.

Resolution 2003-24 – Ped Path Committee, 4 vacancies.  Mr. Ziltz nominated, seconded by Mrs. Zimmerman, Rick Mullen to serve.  The nomination passed unanimously.

 

Resolution 2003-25, Acceptance of roads in Sagewicke Phase I

Resolution 2003-26, Acceptance of roads in Sagewicke Phase II & XA

Resolution 2003-27, Acceptance of roads in Sagewicke Phase III & VA.  Mr. Yost suggested the Board deal with these three resolutions as one group, similar to the way the recent road dedication for the Brynfield subdivision was held.  Mr. Brulo, Township Engineer, inspected these roads twice today and stated the roads were structurally sound from curb to curb.  There are some curb issues that still need to be addressed in addition to some drainage inlets that could not be inspected due to snow cover.  He restated that this would not normally be brought before the Board at this time, however the developers are anxious to deed the roads to the Township for snowplowing purposes.  One of the provisions of taking the roads over at this time is they are not relieved of any responsibility to complete the improvements as required on the initial agreements.  They also bear the responsibility of any additional deterioration until such time as the Township Engineer determines the Township is ready to accept.  The improvement guarantee must remain in addition to posting a maintenance guarantee.  Mrs. Zimmerman moved, seconded by Mr. Millard, to accept the roads in the Sagewicke subdivision, Resolutions 2003-25, 2003-26, and 2003-27 pending the Township Engineers comments and the Township Solicitors comments and the posting of the security as called for in the amendment to the agreement to provide security.  Motion passed with Mr. Ziltz abstaining.

 

Resolution 2003-28, Acceptance of roads in Sagewicke Phase VI.  Tabled.

Release of Improvement Guarantees for Brynfield East Phase I.  Mrs. Zimmerman moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, to approve the release of $10,200 of the improvement guarantee for Brynfield East.  Motion passed with Mr. Ziltz abstaining.

Release of Improvement Guarantee for Brynfield Phases I, III, IX.  Mr. Millard moved, seconded by Mrs. Zimmerman, to approve the release of $4,100 of the improvement guarantee for Brynfield I III, & IX.  Motion passed with Mr. Ziltz abstaining

Release of Improvement Guarantee for Brynfield Phases V & X.  Mr. Hoffman moved, seconded by Mrs. Zimmerman, to approve the release of $32,485 of the improvement guarantee for Brynfield V & X.  Motion passed with Mr. Ziltz abstaining

Release of Improvement Guarantee for Manada Gap Full Gospel Mission Land Development Plan.  Mr. Millard moved, seconded by Mr. Ziltz, to deny the request for a reduction in the improvement guarantee.  Motion passed unanimously.

Release of Improvement Guarantee for Mt. Laurel Church of God.  Mrs. Zimmerman moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, to approve the release of $9,100 from the improvement guarantee for the Mt. Laurel Church of God.  Motion passed unanimously.

Mayberry – Fine Line Homes Inc. Approval of Phasing Schedule.  Mrs. Zimmerman moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, to approved the adjustment of the phasing schedule, delaying construction of the remaining phases for one year, for the Mayberry development.  Motion passed unanimously.

Authorize Execution of Insurance Policy Agreements for 2003.  The deductible on the insurance has been reduced from $75,000 to $25,000 with the premiums being well within the budgeted amount.  Mr. Millard moved, seconded by Mrs. Zimmerman, to authorize execution of the Workers Compensation Insurance policy, the Commercial Insurance package (includes Property, General Liability, Auto and Public Officials), and Employee Bond.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

CORRESPONDENCE

 

Mr. Millard moved, seconded by Mr. Ziltz, to accept Dale Zimmerman’s resignation as Assistant Township Roadmaster.

 

The Board requested more information regarding the petition to confirm minor changes to geographical boundaries of its regions for election of school directors.

 

 

 

OTHER BUSINESS THAT MAY COME BEFORE THE BOARD

 

Mrs. Zimmerman questioned remarks in the Park and Rec Board meeting minutes about the Community Center.  Mr. Leonard stated that the Park and Rec Board feels the Community Center is the major focus of Park and Rec board activities.  They would like input into the design of the facility, therefore it remains under discussion in the Board meetings.

 

Mr. Hoffman requested information on distributing potassium iodine pills to Township residents

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

Bob Leonard, 7675 Devonshire Heights Rd.  Mr. Leonard expressed his thanks to the Board for the Holiday Dinner and the Fire Company for their hospitality.  He also expressed thanks to the Road Crew for their hard work and efforts, especially over the holidays.

 

Jim Zeiters, 204 Glenview Ave.  Mr. Zeiters reported on the Route 39 study.  The first committee meeting will be on January 13 with the first public meeting on February 10, 2003.

 

Beth Carricato, 699 Knight Rd.  Ms. Carricato expressed her thanks for the appointment to the Zoning Hearing Board.

 

SUPERVISORS COMMENTS

Mr. Ziltz.  Mr. Ziltz quoted from the Municipal Planning Code regarding the composition of the Zoning Hearing Board.  There is a provision for alternates to be appointed to 3-year terms and to vote when a quorum of regular members is not present.  Mr. Millard moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, to nominate Ruth Shields to serve a 3-year term as an alternate on the Zoning Hearing Board.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

Mr. Millard.  Mr. Millard brought up a crisis regarding the Water and Sewer Authority.  Apparently a promise was made to Mr. Yingst regarding the type of fill used in the trenches dug for sewer lines on Sandy Hollow Rd.  Mr. Yingst was told he could use native soils, however the ordinance calls for clean aggregate.  After much discussion the consensus of the Board was that the ordinance should be followed.  Mrs. Zimmerman moved, seconded by Mr. Millard, that the cost of the stone to fill the trenches, in excess of the agreement, should be split three ways between the Water and Sewer Authority, the Developer and the Township, with the Township share not to exceed $15,000.  Motion passed with Mr. Ziltz abstaining.  Mr. Rimer questioned how to determine the costs.  Mr. Yingst will have to provide the actual costs of the stone.

 

Mr. Millard also questioned the Fire Company budget and their plans for the purchase of a new vehicle.  Mr. Ziltz recommended that a Supervisor sit in on Fire Company meetings.

 

Mr. Millard would like to attend the PSATS presentation “Journey of a Township Supervisor” on Feb. 1, 2003.  Mrs. Zimmerman would also like to attend.

 

Mrs. Zimmerman.  Mrs. Zimmerman reported that Tim Shatto had trouble with his cell phone and did not receive his messages in a timely manner.  He requests that someone in here, Mr. Hetrick, to be a back up.

 

Mr. Jones.  Mr. Jones announced that due to weather conditions, the road inspection would be held off until spring.  He also asked for a letter to the Fire Company to express the Board’s thanks for the Holiday party.

 

ADJOURNMENT.  10:10 PM