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MINUTES ARCHIVE
Township
Meeting - Minutes
HANOVER
TOWNSHIP, LEHIGH COUNTY
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
May
19, 2010
7:30 P.M.
Present: ----
Councilwoman Hayden, Councilmen Atkinson, Dreisbach, Kovacs, Paulus;
J Jackson Eaton III, Esquire;
-------------------- Frederick P. Hay, 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: ----
4
Courtesy
of the Floor:
In attendance
at the meeting was Mr. Timothy Sessions of Felton, Pennsylvania,
who advised the Board that he represented Monroe Muffler, which
is currently conducting an operation at the BJ’s Wholesale
Club located within the Township. He indicated that the facility
at BJs is an auto repair facility to include a five bay garage
area and that they have been replacing tires at that facility
for the past six years. He noted that they have had a trailer
parked on the BJ’s lot for used tires. Once the trailer
is full, a company from West Virginia comes in to pick up the
tires, which are then used for recycling purposes. Councilman
Kovacs questioned the length of time on average it takes to
fill the trailer and Mr. Sessions indicated that it most probably
is somewhere around 30 days. Mr. Sessions further indicated
to Council that BJ’s has informed his office of a new
ordinance adopted by Hanover Township. Mr. Sessions noted that
in discussions with the Township’s Manager/Zoning Officer,
he has become aware that a permit for the trailer currently
on the BJ’s site cannot be issued since the new ordinance
is restricted in that it would only permit the storage trailer
on the property for a maximum of 60 days during any calendar
year.
Mr. Sessions
further advised that his company could be forced to keep the
tires inside where welding and other activities are conducted.
Such conduct would most probably be in violation of OSHA regulations.
Another alternative would be for his company to store the tires
outside in the parking lot, which could become unsightly and
also allows for water to accumulate inside the used tires.
Mr. Sessions further noted that if they are required to store
the trailers inside, that would reduce their ability to do
business by one bay.
The Township
Attorney indicated that if Council desires he can look at the
adopted ordinance and determine if there are some alternatives.
He noted that the Township Manager and he can get together
and then present alternatives to the Board. Attorney Eaton
noted that the Township must look at not setting a precedent
in this matter. Chairman Paulus commented that he felt Mr.
Sessions company has been caught up in something the Township
was seeking to prevent but not necessarily applicable in his
case. Mr. Sessions noted that he questioned the US Food Service
operation and who would be going in there to verify if they
move those trailers every five days. He also advised the Board
that there are not a lot of companies that recycle tires such
as the company they utilize and further that the company would
not be willing to come up every five days for the tires. Mr.
Sessions concluded that his company has 84 locations in BJs
across the country and has never had an issue with respect
to the storage trailers at their facilities. The Township Attorney
concluded discussions by indicating that the Township will
attempt to seek a favorable resolution to this problem. When
a determination can be made, Mr. Sessions will be notified
of the Township’s actions.
Approval
of Minutes: ------ May
5, 2010, Regular Council Meeting
Motion: ---
I move we waive the reading of the Minutes of the May 5, 2010
Regular Council Meeting and accept same as presented.
Paulus, Kovacs:
Moved and Seconded
Atkinson, Dreisbach, Hayden, Kovacs, Paulus: ------- Aye ---------- Unan
Reports:
1. Sandra
A. Pudliner
Township Manager
1.) The
Township Manager advised the Board that she has provided them
with a copy of an email from the Township’s architect regarding
the proposed new Municipal Building construction. The architect
has requested a meeting on June 1 at 10:30 A.M. to present to
the Board current documents for the construction of the building
and finish recommendations for both interior and exterior finishes.
The Township Manager noted that she will be on vacation on June
1 and would be unavailable for the meeting. Council discussed
same and determined that they would still hold the meeting on
June 1, 2010 at 10:30 A.M. Since the majority of the Board would
be in attendance, the meeting would be advertised. The Township
Attorney and the Township Engineer would not be required to attend
such meeting.
2. Frederick
W. Hay, P.E
Township Engineer
1.) With
respect to the Allendale Water Main Replacement Project, the
Township Engineer advised that the water main is in and that
they are now doing hookups. Work to be accomplished yet includes
valve vaults and replacement of meters. The Township Engineer
noted there would be two master meters.
2.) With
respect to the Race St./Willowbrook Rd. Signal Light Project,
the Township Engineer commented that if everything proceeds as
planned, that project should be completed within three weeks.
The Township Manager questioned why there is a restriction on
Willowbrook Rd. for all traffic to funnel into one lane at the
intersection. The Township Engineer indicated that Penn DOT made
that requirement.
3.) With
respect to the Catasauqua Lake Project, the Township Engineer
noted that excavation has revealed a lot of boulders. In one
area bedrock exists at a depth of 18 feet to 30 feet. He noted
that it had been the intent to use clay in the pond area but
since it has revealed the problem the Township has three options.
The Township could do nothing. The Township could put in a bentonite
liner, which would be so costly that it would most likely equal
the cost of the total project. The third option would be to put
down a half foot of fill mixed with bentonite. Mr. Hay advised
that the airport has indicated willingness to give the Township
the fill. This solution would probably cost around $20,000 and
the geologist the Township has been dealing with thinks this
would be a good idea. A discussion ensued. Council as a whole
felt the alternative discussed by the Township Engineer for an
approximate cost of $20,000 would be the way to go.
There was discussion
with respect to work at the Irving Street culvert area. The Township
Engineer noted that he has to sign an affidavit saying that DEP’s
rules have been followed. Also, the Township Engineer indicated
that easements have been required from Allendale Apartments,
Agere and Balliet. With respect to the former Keim property,
the Township Engineer noted that he met with them with respect
to moving their trees. The Township Engineer also noted that
Irving Street will need to be closed for probably one month.
The Township Engineer also indicated that a water main and gas
main will need to be lowered.
3. J.
Jackson Eaton, III, Esquire
Township Attorney
1.) The
Township Attorney advised that because of a drawing mentioned
in a chain of title for the Township’s property to include
the municipal building, garage area, etc. he had initiated
a quiet title action. Search of records could not produce the
drawing mentioned in the deed documents, but Attorney Eaton
indicated that the Township Manager through contact with a
property owner in the area has secured a copy of the drawing
in question. Attorney Eaton noted that he just received the
drawing this evening, but after he has an opportunity to review
same; he noted that it may preclude the necessity of a quiet
title action.
2.) The
Township Attorney advised that the Hanover Township Planning
Commission reviewed the Township’s proposed Zoning Map
change and has made a recommendation in favor of said Zoning
Map change and additionally has made a recommendation to the
Zoning Hearing Board that the Special Exception Use Request
of the Township be granted as same applies to the new municipal
building.
4. Maintenance
Report (Written)
5. Fire
Company Report (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 Reports, written Code Enforcement Officers’ Reports
and written Building Inspector’s Report and same were
noted for the record.
There was
a discussion with respect to a leak at the waterfall at Canal
Park. The Township Manager advised that she would look into
that matter. It was noted that a sinkhole on the basketball
court at Sherwood Park has been repaired. It was further noted
that two Fire Company Reports have been submitted for March
and April, 2010. Councilman Dreisbach questioned that with
respect to false alarms when did the Fire Company charge for
responding. The Township Manager noted that they charge after
the third alarm and that those monies go directly to the Fire
Company.
8. Treasurer’s
Report (Written)
Motion: ---
I move we accept the computer printouts dated May 19, 2010, for
the General Fund Account, Capital Reserve Account, Escrow Account,
Liquid Fuels Account, Sewer Account and Water Account subject to
audit.
Paulus,
Atkinson: Moved and Seconded
Atkinson, Dreisbach, Hayden, Kovacs, Paulus: ------- Aye ---------- Unan
Unfinished
Business: NONE
Councilman
Dreisbach brought to the Board’s attention a scholarship
fund which has been set up in memory of Daniel D’Ambrosio.
He noted that he thought the Board should consider placing
something in the budget for 2011 in terms of a contribution
to same. He further noted that both Mr. and Mrs. D’Ambrosio
have served the Township on boards for numerous years and
felt that the Township should make a contribution to this
fund. Councilman Dreisbach further indicated that he had
noticed when he came to vote that the new constable was at
the Township Building the entire day. Chairman Paulus commented
that he felt that the latest Township Newsletter was very
informative and well done.
1.) Resolution
No. 2010-27, A Resolution Designating an Area of Compliance
in Accordance with Section 109.9 of the Building Code of
Hanover Township (VOTE).
The Township
Attorney commented that this resolution relates to the
Township’s reinspection process, which is on a rotating
cycle for five specific areas of the Township. In resolution
of this matter, the Board made the following motion:
Motion: ---
I move that Resolution No. 2010-27, A Resolution Designating
an Area of Compliance in Accordance with Section 109.9
of the Building Code of Hanover Township, be adopted
as presented:
Kovacs,
Dreisbach: Moved and Seconded
Atkinson, Dreisbach, Hayden, Kovacs, Paulus: ------- Aye ---------- Unan.
2.) Resolution
No. 2010-28, A Resolution Providing for the Appointment
of J. Thomas Lerch to the Hanover Township Zoning
Hearing Board (VOTE).
Chairman
Paulus noted that this item would be tabled until
the next Council meeting.
Motion: ---
I move Council authorize payment of Payroll (04/30/2010),
Payroll (05/14/2010), Voucher Nos. 17100-17111
(Prepaids), Voucher Nos. 17220-17261, from the
General Fund Account in the amount of $94,716.01;
Voucher Nos. 66 from the Liquid Fuels Account in
the amount of $5,512.77; Voucher Nos. 3568 (Prepaids);
Voucher Nos. 3569-3573 from Capital Reserve in
the amount of $125,710.39; Voucher No. 622 from
Distribution Account in the amount of $4,049.71;
Voucher Nos. 3590-3602 (Prepaids); Voucher Nos.
3603 from Escrow Account in the amount of $11,752.00;
Voucher Nos. 3605-3610 from the Water Account in
the amount of $36,605.34; Voucher Nos. 4580 (Prepaids),
Voucher Nos. 4581-4589 from the Sewer Account in
the amount of $14,038.32 for a Grand Total Expenditure
of $292,384.54.
Paulus,
Atkinson: Moved and Seconded
Atkinson, Dreisbach, Hayden, Kovacs, Paulus: ------- Aye ---------- Unan.
Courtesy
of the Floor:
The Township
Attorney advised that due to his son’s marriage on June
5, 2010 he would not be available for the public hearing on the
Zoning Map change scheduled for June 2, 2010. However, Attorney
Eaton advised that a representative from his office will be in
attendance.
At this point
in the meeting, Chairman Paulus indicated that the Board would
be entering into an Executive Session to discuss personnel issues
and would not be returning to the meeting with any decisions.
The
meeting was adjourned at 8:30 P.M.
Respectfully
submitted,
Sandra A. Pudliner
Township Manager
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