WEST HANOVER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

7171 ALLENTOWN BOULEVARD, HARRISBURG, PA  17112

MONDAY, APRIL 7, 2003

 

 

PUBLIC WORKSHOP SESSION

 

Chairman Jones called the workshop meeting to order at 6 PM.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Nick Oyer, Questions.  Mr. Oyer came before the Board to address issues relating to the improvement guarantee for the Municipal State Police Training building.  These included the sidewalks and street trees on the cul-de-sac.  He presented a letter detailing his objections and revised amounts along with an estimate of the improvement guarantee provided by the Township Engineer and his revised estimate.  For the original Bretz subdivision, Mr. Oyer acted as both the builder, of Troop H, and the developer.  As such, notes were made on his plans for improvement of the road and a variance was granted upon an agreement for the waiver of sidewalks.  Mr. Oyer never executed the agreement on the sidewalks so that variance is considered null and void.  Mr. Oyer does not want to install or bond either the sidewalks or street trees beyond his property.  He feels these two items are more appropriate for the future property owners.  Mr. John Murphy from Alpha Consulting assisted Mr. Oyer.  Mr. Rimer reminded the Board that by ordinance the coordination, negotiation and certification of improvement guarantees is the responsibility of the Township Engineer.  Any conclusions the Board reaches would be used as advisement to Mr. Brulo.  The Board determined there was not enough information to make a decision on the issue.  They recommended Mr. Oyer work with the Township Manager, Engineer, and Solicitor to resolve the matter.  In the meantime they advised Mr. Oyer to prepare the letter of credit in the full amount stated by Mr. Brulo so work can begin on the site and resolve the disputes later.

 

Agenda Review.  Mr. Rimer reviewed the following agenda items:

 

CTSI Switching Station agreement.  Due to illness, Mr. Lasman is unable to attend the meeting.  There is a report from Al Brulo, Township Engineer, on a sight triangle violation with the proposed site at the front of the property.

 

WHTFC Fire Tax Annual Report.  Mr. Millard report on a program offered by Dean Fernsler that was very helpful and informative.  Both Mrs. Zimmerman and Mr. Millard would like to form a committee to work with the Fire Company on a variety of issues. 

 

Consent Items: Act 14 Notification.  There was some clarification on the joint permit with Central Dauphin School.  The Conservation District required 1 permit, for both the road and the site, instead of 2 separate permits. 

 

OTHER BUSINESS THAT MAY COME BEFORE THE BOARD

 

Solicitor Yost requested Board action on abandoning the appeal of the tax case of Northwestern Human Services, Inc.  The PA Supreme Court has recently ruled in an identical case that they do qualify for an exemption.  The County is recommending abandoning the appeal and would like the Township concurrence.

 

WEST HANOVER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

7171 ALLENTOWN BOULEVARD, HARRISBURG, PA  17112

MONDAY, APRIL 7, 2003

CALL TO ORDER – 7:00 p.m.

 

In honor of Local Government Week, Chairman Jones introduced Levi Williams who led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.  Mrs. Zimmerman gave the invocation.

 

ROLL CALL

 

Robert Jones, Chairman                              Gloria Zimmerman, Supervisor

Robert Ziltz, Vice Chairman                        Earl Hoffman, Supervisor

Stephen Millard, Secretary/Treasurer         

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

 

Beth Carricato, 699 Knight Rd.  Ms. Carricato came before the Board to address the rezoning requested by Fine Line Homes.  She reviewed the history of the rezoning request.  She stated there was a severability clause in the ordinance:  the provision of this ordinance shall be severable if any of its provisions shall be held to be unconstitutional, illegal, or invalid.  The MPC states clearly, section 603, J, if a municipality amends its zoning ordinance in a manner not generally consistent with its comprehensive plan; it shall concurrently amend its comprehensive plan in accordance with article 3.  Ms. Carricato feels that the Board violated its own ordinance by not updating the comprehensive plan at the time of the rezoning.  These should have been done concurrently.  She further asked the Board to sever the rezoning approval.  She was not stating that the rezoning was inappropriate, only that it was done in the wrong way.

 

Linda Turns, 8000 Rabbit Lane.  Ms. Turns advised the Board that the property next to Zink Pipe is for sale via auction on April 28.  She feels that is a viable piece of property and may want to bid on it.  There was some discussion of the liens the Township has against the property.

 

Bill McCahan, Emergency Management Coordinator.  Mr. McCahan wanted to bring the Board up to date on work on the new Emergency plan for the Township.  He asked for clarification of the continuity of government in the event of an emergency.  It was determined that the continuity should be listed by position, not individuals, with the following order:  Chairman, Board of Supervisors, Vice Chairman, Secretary/Treasurer, the remaining supervisors in order of tenure, and the Township Manager.

 

Carol Buskirk, 6908 Fox Hill Rd.  Ms. Buskirk urged the Board to reconsider the issue of rezoning for Fine Line Homes, especially if members feel a mistake was made.

 

Lt. Heath, Troop H State Police.  Lt. Heath checked in with the Township.  She was thanked for the recent patrols on Rte. 22.  Mrs. Zimmerman asked for increased patrols through the Township parks as the weather gets nicer.  Mr. Jones brought up the issue of skateboarding.  Lt. Heath stated they do not enforce local ordinances but can perform drive-throughs and comment on activities.

 

Marlin Moyer, 7214 Linglestown Rd.  Mr. Moyer reminded the Board of the advice from the Planning Commission against rezoning of the Watson property.  This issue will be coming before the Board in a few meetings.

Melvin Stewart, 7348 Trent St.  Mr. Stewart came before the Board to address the issue of mandated the pumping of septic tanks.  Mr. Stewart quoted experts in the field that a tank need not be pumped until the sludge reaches a point of 1/3 depth of the tank.  He has a 5-foot tank with only 3” of sludge.  His tank was last pumped in 1994 and received a statement at that time from the pumper that his tank would not need to be pumped for 15 years.  He was challenging the requirement and stated the Board has granted exemptions in the past.  Mr. Stewart has already received one extension, missed the deadline for the appeal process, and is now in the citation process because of the lack of any further extension.  The consensus of the Board was it was too late for the Board to take action at this time.

 

Don Steinmeier, 11 N. Fairville Rd.  Mr. Steinmeier stated the blame for the pumping requirement is with the DEP.  This requirement was imposed as part of the Act 537.

 

Steve Millard, 7400 Wells Dr.  Mr. Millard stated that there is a $12 million public sewer system to alleviate failing septic systems.

 

PRESENTATIONS/STAFF REPORTS

 

Parks and Recreation Report.  Ms. Fesig reviewed past activities of the Park and Recreation department.  She reported on price quotes for the Township marquee.  Mrs. Zimmerman moved, seconded by Mr. Millard, to authorize purchase of the marquee from Signs Plus and to authorize quotes for installation.  Motion passed unanimously.  Mrs. Zimmerman also recommended contacting Dauphin County Vo-Tech school to do the brick work for the sign base. 

The damage to the dugout will be repaired this week.  The drainage project has been started.  The Ped Path committee had its second meeting, with the Director of Parks and Recreation in both Derry Township and Lower Paxton as guests.  Ms. Fesig also led a discussion of the Funeral Director Association facility as a possible location for classrooms and other activities.  She is waiting for guidance/action/decision by the Supervisors on facilities

           

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

Regular meeting – March 17, 2003.  Mrs. Zimmerman moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, to approve the workshop minutes as presented.  Motion passed unanimously.  Mrs. Zimmerman moved, seconded b y Mr. Ziltz, to approve the meeting minutes as presented.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

TREASURER’S REPORT               (· Need Approval)

 

Mr. Millard read the Treasurer’s report:

General Fund Balance as of April 4, 2003                                             $917,408.29

Total Liquid Fuels Balance as of April 4, 2003                                      $584,139.88

 

Mr. Millard identified the following prepaid expenditures:

Payroll, March 21, 20023           Net:  $20,472.64          Gross payroll:  $28,307.77

Payroll, April 4, 20023                Net:  $18,119.21          Gross payroll:  $25,467.11

Vouchers prepaid to meet due dates                                                         $2,524.12

                                                Total prepaid expenditures                 $56,299.00

 

 

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

 

Vouchers to be approved                                                                     $66,313.64

 

There were three additional vouchers presented for payment.  Mr. Ziltz moved, seconded by Mrs. Zimmerman, to approve the payment of the vouchers in the amount of $66,605.48.  Motion passed unanimously. 

 

PLANNING COMMISSION REPORTS AND PLANS

 

#01.010, F/LD Vartan Bank, Clover Lane & Allentown Boulevard.  Received Time Extension from February 1, 2003, for 90 days to May 2, 2003.  Action by April 21, 2003.

 

#03.006 F/LD Pennsylvania State Bank, Allentown Boulevard & Jonestown Road.  Ms. Tanya Rideman, Ganflec Architects, and Mr. Herb Wideman, PA State Bank, presented the final land development plan.  They provided a rendering of the bank.  For the Pennsylvania State Bank waiver requests from Preliminary Plan procedure, from the sidewalk location along Allentown Blvd, and from Dedication of Park Land, Mrs. Zimmerman moved, seconded by Mr. Millard, that the Board of Supervisors waive the West Hanover Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance Sections 173-12, 173-13, 173-27.B.(1), and 173-37.B.(3).  Motion passed unanimously.

 

Mrs. Zimmerman moved, seconded by Mr. Ziltz, to approve the Pennsylvania State Bank Final Land Development Plan, lot # 03.006, tax parcel #68-048-001 contingent upon:

 

1.   173-15.C.(1) - Approval of the erosion and sedimentation control plan by Dauphin County.

2.   173-15.C.(2) - Approval of the sewage planning module by PADEP.

3.   173-37 - Paying the fee-in-lieu of parkland dedication.

4.   Article V - Posting of the proper improvement guarantee and execution of a development agreement.

5.   173-15.C.(19) - Approval of connection to the public sewer by West Hanover Water and Sewer Authority.

6.   173-15.C.(19) - Addressing all outstanding staff review comments.

7.   173-15.C.(19) - Other items as determined necessary by the Township including the NPDES permits.

 

Motion passed unanimously.

 

#03.001 F/SB David & Peggy Hinson, Umberger Street, Waiver request.  Charles Junkins, Surveyor, presented the request of exemption from FILO.  There are no new building lots, just realigning the lot lines.  For the David & Peggy Hinson waiver request from paying fee in-lieu-of dated March 20, 2003, Mrs. Zimmerman moved, seconded by Mr. Ziltz, that the Board of Supervisors waive the West Hanover Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance Section 173-37.B.(4) since no new building lots are being created.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

Project/Program Status Report.  The Board requested a copy of the Sexually Oriented Business ordinance provisions for the April 21st meeting.  The RFP for the Public Works building is on hold pending the completion of the site survey, which will be done in conjunction with the Exit 77 survey.

 

Motion – CTSI Switching Station Agreement.  Mr. Ziltz moved, seconded by Mrs. Zimmerman, to approve and authorize execution of the agreement to locate the CTSI switching station behind the caboose in exchange for consideration of $15,000.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

Request for Workshop.  Municipal Solid Waste Contract - April 16, 2003.  This workshop will be to review the 5-year contract for waste hauling with all 4 municipalities involved in the contract.

 

Ordinance 2003-03 Chapter 104, Lock Box System.  Section 104.6 is a new section resulting from the public comment.  There was discussion of the term “dial-up”.  It should also mean remote reporting.  Mr. Ziltz moved, seconded by Mr. Millard, to table enactment of the ordinance for further revisions until the regular meeting on April 21, 2003.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

Motion – Award 2003 Public Property Mowing Bid Contract.  The Parks and Recreation Board has reviewed the bids and made their recommendations to the Board.  Mr. Millard moved, seconded by Mr. Ziltz, to award the contracts for the weed killing and feeding and aeration of athletic fields to TruGreen Chemlawn and to award the contracts for the standard weekly cut and special cuts and services to Way’s Lawn Care.  Motion passed unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS

 

Consent Items.  Mrs. Zimmerman moved, seconded by Mr. Ziltz, to approve the following consent items:

1.  BOS Section 607 Authorization – Attendance at Conferences for:

Certification Exam-Commercial Building Inspector:  Harold Arndt

Organizing Municipal Public Works: An Overview, and Asphalt Roads: Common Maintenance Programs and Asphalt Surface Treatments:  Harold Harman

Basic Course for Zoning Officials:  Robert Leonard, Mary Ann Yahn, Linda Turns, Beth Carricato and any members of the Planning Commission and Zoning Hearing Board.

2.  Authorize Advertising of Township Uniforms RFP

3.  Act 14 Notification – Central Dauphin School District

4.  Set Public Hearing Date of May 5, 2003 for S & A Homes Rezoning Request

5.  Set public hearing date of May 19, 2003 for the SOB Ordinance and Street Names & Signs

 

Motion passed unanimously.

 

Pilot Travel Center Improvement Guarantee Reduction #3.  Mrs. Zimmerman moved, seconded by Mr. Ziltz, to deny the Pilot Travel Center Improvement Guarantee Reduction #3 based on the Township Engineer recommendations.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

Review and Authorize Execution of Public Disaster Assistance Application and Agreement

Resolution 2003-38 – Designation of Agent for Public Disaster Assistance Application.  The President’s Day storm was declared a Federal Disaster, which enables us to apply for reimbursement for expenses during a 48-hour storm period.  Mr. Ziltz moved, seconded by Mrs. Zimmerman, to authorized execution of the President’s Day Blizzard Agreement and application for Public Disaster Financial Assistance and Resolution 2003-38 designating the Township Manager as agent.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

WHTFC Fire Tax Annual Report Review and Authorization of Fire Tax Payment for 2003.  This item was discussed at the workshop resulting in a committee of Mrs. Zimmerman and Mr. Millard to meet with the Fire Company.  Mr. Ziltz moved, seconded by Mr. Hoffman, to table authorization of Fire Tax payment until representatives of the Board, Mrs. Zimmerman and Mr. Millard, can meet with the Fire Company.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

Wetland Presence/Absence Determination – Municipal Park.  The report shows some wetlands but only approximately .5 acres of the total site.  The consensus of the Board was to move forward with expansion of the Municipal building.

 

Architectural Services RFP.  This is a proposed RFP for services to expand the Municipal building if the Supervisors wish to move in this direction.  There was discussion on the length of time the project would take.  Typically the response time to this RFP is 30 days.

 

CORRESPONDENCE

 

There was a great deal of discussion on the traffic light at Clover Lane and Rte. 22.  The results of the study should show which intersections might warrant traffic lights.

 

OTHER BUSINESS THAT MAY COME BEFORE THE BOARD

 

In a review of the Township audit, the Board requested the list of property, plant & equipment in order to update it.

 

Mr. Millard reported on another spill at Pilot on March 25.  This spill was not reported to either the Township or DEP.  Mr. Millard also presented a sample Illicit Discharge Ordinance that he recommends the Township put into effect.  The consensus of the Board was to have Solicitor Yost review the sample ordinance and report back to the Board.

 

Mr. Millard also requested quick action of the Swatara Capacity.  He would like the Township to act before Lower Paxton completes their action.  He recommended Mr. Rimer send a letter and open a dialogue as soon as possible.

 

Mr. Yost requested consent of the Board to abandon the tax appeal case of Northwestern Human Services tax assessment appeal.  Mr. Ziltz moved, seconded by Mrs. Zimmerman, to authorize abandonment of the tax appeal.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Mrs. Zimmerman questioned the status of the computer for the tax collector.  We have been unable to purchase the computer until verification from Ms. Kelemen on her proprietary software.  She also questioned the current sign at the Dermody property.  Apparently that sign was a mistake and another one will be installed

 

 

 

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

 

Beth Carricato, 699 Knight Rd.  Ms. Carricato addressed the issue of trash at construction sites.  Mrs. Zimmerman commented on the mud and gravel drug out onto the road by the Central Dauphin school site.

 

Linda Turns, 8000 Rabbit Lane.  Ms. Turns stated the illicit discharge ordinance should be adopted now.  She also urged the Supervisors to build a facility to house the Park and Recreation programs.

 

SUPERVISORS COMMENTS

 

Mr. Hoffman.  Mr. Hoffman requested the disposition of the recreation building at the Catholic Church.  Mr. Jones committed to find out.

 

Mr. Millard.  He requested comments from the consultant on the Comp Plan regarding the S & A rezoning request.  It was clarified that until the new Comp Plan is in place the rezoning request must be evaluated based on the current Comp Plan.

 

Mrs. Zimmerman.  Mrs. Zimmerman reminded everyone of the Open House on Saturday, April 12, 2003.

 

Mr. Jones.  Mr. Jones requested a spring road inspection.  It will be held at 4 PM, Monday, April 14, 2003.  They will also try to tour the facilities at the Funeral Directors Association building.

 

ADJOURNMENT.  9:45 PM