Present: ---- Councilwoman Hayden; Councilmen Atkinson, Dreisbach, Kovacs, Paulus; J. Jackson Eaton, III, Esquire;
--------------------- Frederick W. Haye, P. E.; Sandra A Pudliner; Vicky Roth

It should be noted for the record that Councilwoman Hayden attended the meeting via telephone conference as a result of a disability, which does not permit her attendance in person.

Absent: ---- 0

Attendance: ---- 3

Courtesy of the Floor: NONE

Approval of Minutes: ------ January 11, 2010 Reorganization Meeting
-------------------------------------------- January 11, 2010 Special Council Meeting

Motion: --- I move we waive the reading of the Minutes of the January 11, 2010 Reorganizational Meeting and accept same as presented.

Paulus, Kovacs: Moved and Seconded
Atkinson, Dreisbach, Hayden, Kovacs, Paulus: ------- Aye ---------- Unan

Motion: --- I move we waive the reading of the Minutes of the January 11, 2010 Special Council Meeting and accept same as presented.

Paulus, Kovacs: Moved and Seconded
Atkinson, Dreisbach, Hayden, Kovacs, Paulus: ------- Aye ---------- Unan

It should be noted that Councilman Atkinson brought to the attention of the Township Manager the incorrect time stated for the Reorganization Meeting which reads 7:00 P.M. rather than 7:30 P.M. That correction will be made.

Reports:

1. Sandra A. Pudliner
Township Manager

1.) The Township Manager advised the Board that she would not offer an oral report at this time. Councilwoman Hayden questioned the Township Manager with respect to the status of the new Municipal Building construction. The Township Manager deferred to the Chairman of the Board to report on the current status. Chairman Paulus indicated that he had a meeting with Public Works regarding the garage portion of the project. Chairman Paulus advised that the Township’s Crew Chief had noticed in reviewing the plans that they were showing two foot columns between garage doors. Public Works had indicated upfront to the architect that they requested 6 to 8 feet between garage doors. With respect to the plans showing 2 feet on the side of the garage on each side, Public Works advised that they would like 6 feet on each side. It appears that it was agreed that there should be 6 foot columns between the doors and 28 feet should be added onto the garage. At the time of the meeting with Public Works, the architect was contacted by phone and was advised of the Township’s position regarding this matter. Today Chairman Paulus advised that the architect sent him an aerial of the old proposal versus making the adjustments for the Public Works Department. The adjustment pushes the building a little more to the south. There will be an increased cost, but the Township wants to do it right. Originally, Chairman Paulus advised that there had been the possibility of the Township not needing the NPDES Permit, but now the Township will have to have that permit. The Township will have to have drawings in place before application for the NPDES Permit. Councilman Kovacs questioned what the spacing is in the current garage between the garage doors and Chairman Paulus advised that there is now 4 feet but that the new garage installation on Postal Rd. has 7-1/2 feet between the garage doors.

2.) There was discussion regarding plans for the building going through the Township’s Land Development process. There was also a discussion regarding the construction as same relates to the Township’s Zoning Ordinance and the Township Manager/Zoning Officer noted that the building is located in the Planned Commercial Zoning District and the use is allowed by way of a Special Exception. The new construction would be subject to the Special Exception review by the Planning Commission and the Zoning Hearing Board. The Township Manager/Zoning Officer also noted that it appears that setback variances may be required.

2. Frederick W. Hay, P.E
Township Engineer

1.) The Township Engineer advised the Board that a preconstruction meeting was held with respect to the Allendale Watermain Project and that it looks like construction will begin in February.

2.) With respect to the Catasauqua Lake Restoration Project, the Township Engineer noted that the contractor is getting his bonding together. A preconstruction meeting will be scheduled and the work should commence in February.

3. J. Jackson Eaton, III, Esquire
Township Attorney

1.) The Township Attorney advised the Board that to the extent that the Township requires a loan for part of the new Municipal Building construction, the Township will need to go through the Local Government Unit Debt Act. A borrowing base certificate will need to be prepared by the Township’s accountants based upon a review of the last few years. After that has been accomplished, the Township will need an ordinance. Attorney Eaton noted that he would recommend that the Township determine a specific amount that they want to borrow. After all has been completed, the paperwork will go to the Department for Community Affairs for approval. The process is approximately a 20 day process. The Township Attorney recommended that the Township Manager proceed with getting the accounting information together as soon as possible. Councilman Atkinson questioned whether or not the Township can reduce the amount requested to borrow. Attorney Eaton noted that you have to have a specific amount but he is looking into whether or not you can indicate “up to” a certain amount. Attorney Eaton noted that as long as you have an architect’s estimate, you can determine what you want to borrow. Attorney Eaton further advised the Board that construction contracts must be approved by ordinance. He noted that the Board had approved the proposal of the architect subject to his review. However, the Township Attorney did not feel that the contract itself was appropriate. He contacted the architectural firm and that firm has provided him with an AIA contract. There are some issues. Attorney Eaton advised that he would like to go over those issues with the Township Manager and would also like an opportunity to sit down with the Board and run through the contract with them. Attorney Eaton noted that professional services contracts are different than construction contracts. It was determined that the Board would hold a workshop at 7:00 P.M. before the Township’s Regular Council Meeting on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at 7:30 P.M.

4. Maintenance Report (Written)

5. Fire Company (Written)

6. Code Enforcement Officers’ Report (Written)

7. Building Inspector’s Report (Written)

Chairman Paulus acknowledged receipt of a written Maintenance Report, written Fire Company’s Report, written Code Enforcement Officers’ Reports and written Building Inspector’s Report and same were noted for the record.

Councilman Atkinson questioned whether or not the Township has gone after the individual responsible for the traffic control box damage at Irving and Dauphin and the Township Clerk provided for November and December, 2009. It was noted that there were 28 calls in November and 29 calls in December. The Township’s Fire Chief, who was in attendance at the meeting, advised that there were 305 total calls last year which total is up from the prior year. Mr. Yoder noted that the big part of that were the accidents on Weaversville Rd., which has improved to the point that there have been no accidents since Penn DOT grooved the roadway.

With respect to the Building Inspector’s Report, Council acknowledged that there are several new businesses in the Airport Shopping Center.

8. Treasurer’s Report (Written)

Motion: --- I move we accept the computer printouts dated January 20, 2010, for the General Fund Account, Capital Reserve Account, Escrow Account, Liquid Fuels Account, Sewer Account and Water Account subject to audit.

Paulus, Kovacs: Moved and Seconded
Atkinson, Dreisbach, Hayden, Kovacs, Paulus: ------- Aye ---------- Unan

Unfinished Business:

1. Bill No. 2010-01, An Ordinance to Regulate Use of Temporary Utility Trailers Storage Containers, Job Site Construction Office Trailers and Job Site Sales Office Trailers in the Township (Public Hearing)

Chairman Paulus opened the Public Hearing relative to Bill No. 2010-01. The Township Attorney advised the Board that as a result of the prior meeting discussions he has amended the ordinance per those discussions. Council should note that temporary utility trailer has been amended to provide for exclusions for trailers used for the transportation of a boat, all terrain vehicles, snow mobile, water ski, single motor vehicle, or similar use. Attorney Eaton noted that minor typographical and other minor changes have been made to the body of the ordinance. The Township Attorney advised the Board that Whitehall Township’s Ordinance indicates that everyone has to have a permit. The Township’s proposed ordinance is different. It permits the trailer for a period of five days without a permit. The Township will still have to determine what kind of fees are to be charged. It was noted that job site construction trailers still need a permit. After discussions, Council determined that the changes to the proposed ordinance were acceptable and in that regard made the following motion:

Motion: --- I move that Council agree to the amendments to Bill No. 2010-1, An Ordinance to regulate use of temporary utility trailer, storage containers, job site construction office trailers, and job site sales office trailers in the Township as proposed.

Dreisbach, Atkinson: Moved and Seconded
Atkinson, Dreisbach, Hayden, Kovacs, Paulus: ------- Aye ---------- Unan

Councilman Kovacs commented that he felt it would be a good idea to notify parties in advance that there will be a fine if there is noncompliance. The Township Attorney commented that was a good idea and that he would look at how to determine the means to notify them.

In resolution of this matter, the Board made the following motion:

Motion: --- I move that Bill No. 2010-1, An Ordinance to Regulate Use of Temporary Utility Trailers, Storage Containers, Job Site Construction Office Trailers, and Job Site Sales Office Trailers in the Township be adopted as Ordinance No. 498.

Atkinson, Dreisbach: Moved and Seconded
Atkinson, Dreisbach, Hayden, Kovacs, Paulus: ------- Aye ---------- Unan

2. Bill No. 2010-02, An Ordinance Authorizing the Transfer of Approximately 625 Square Feet of Property (Public Hearing)

Chairman Paulus opened the Public Hearing relative to Bill No. 2010-02. The Township Attorney advised the Board that as part of the Witko Condemnation settlement, the Township has agreed to transfer property no longer being used by the Township, i.e. the former Lloyd Street Pump Station. In resolution of this matter, the Board made the following motion:

Motion: --- I move that Bill No. 2010-02, An Ordinance authorizing the Transfer of Approximately 625 Square Feet of Property be adopted as Ordinance 499.

Kovacs, Dreisbach: Moved and Seconded
Dreisbach, Hayden, Kovacs, Paulus: ------- Aye

Atkinson, ---------- Nay

New Business:

1. Bill No. 2010-03, An Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance of Hanover Township, Chapter 27 of the Statutory Code of Hanover Township, to Add the Definition for “Pole Building” and to Restrict its Use in Residential Zones (Introduce)

The Township Attorney advised that he has provided the Board with a proposed ordinance per discussions held at prior Council meeting. As part of the discussions, the Township Manager/Zoning Officer advised the Township Attorney that there could be a possible issue regarding Section 409 of the Zoning Ordinance which provides that accessory buildings or structures shall not exceed 20 feet in height. The Township Manager felt that section may impact this proposed ordinance. The Township Attorney indicated he would review that matter. There was discussion regarding possibly moving this on to the Planning Commission for review. Councilman Atkinson felt that possibly the Township Engineer should look at this. There was further discussion regarding the fact that number 4 of the ordinance could be eliminated with the exception of restricting the height of a garage door as provided therein. In any event, Bill No. 2010-03 was introduced at this time.

2. Bill No. 2010-04, An Ordinance Amending Chapter 4, Part 2 of the Statutory Code of Hanover Township to Conform with Modifications to the Uniform Construction Code Including the International Building Code and International Fire Code to New Additions of the Codes (Introduce)

The Township Attorney advised that the newest addition of the Uniform Construction Code which includes the International Building Code and International Fire Code will be adopted by the Township and includes therein certain amendments the Township had made. Basically, there is a change in section numbers as a result of the new addition of the code. Bill No. 2010-4 was introduced at this time with a public hearing on same to be held on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at 7:30 P.M.

Payment of the Bills

Motion: --- I move Council authorize payment of Payroll (01/08/2010); Voucher Nos. 16983-16993 (Prepaids), Voucher Nos. 16994-17031 from the General Fund Account in the amount of $77,715.89; Voucher Nos. 62 from the Liquid Fuels Account in the amount of $6,023.18; Voucher Nos. 3552 from Capital Reserve in the amount of $49,186.44; Voucher Nos. 3553-3555 from Escrow Account in the amount of $25,193.35; Voucher Nos. 3577-3584 from the Water Account in the amount of $5,764.72; Voucher Nos. 4539-4548 from the Sewer Account in the amount of $28,376.27 for a Grand Total Expenditure of $192,259.85.

Paulus, Kovacs: Moved and Seconded
Atkinson, Dreisbach, Hayden, Kovacs, Paulus: ------- Aye ---------- Unan

Courtesy of the Floor:

Councilwoman Hayden questioned whether anyone from the Board was attending the Catasauqua School Board meetings. Councilwoman Hayden advised that it appears that there will be increased taxes levied. It was noted that the Township has two representatives from the Township on that Board. In any event, no decision was made regarding this issue.

Adjournment:

The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Sandra A. Pudliner
Township Manager

 

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