Attendance: ---------- 2

Courtesy of the Floor: None

Approval of Minutes: ------ October 29, 2010, Special Council Meeting

Motion: --- I move we waive the reading of the Minutes of the December 29, 2010 Special 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

The Township Manager offered no oral report at this time. .

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

1. The Township Engineer advised that the Catasauqua Lake is filling up at this time.

2. The Township Engineer advised the Board that the Township had become aware of problems with grease in a sewer line which services Denny’s Restaurant, Bethlehem Diner, and the Scottish Inn. Mr. Hay indicated that his office had televised the line and the video camera became stuck with mud. The Township Engineer indicated that this is indicative of a collapsed sewer line. Since the line in question is private, in order to have same repaired it was determined that the Township should declare an emergency. In that instance, the Township would make the repair and back charge the property owners. The line in question is an old clay pipe that starts on the Denny’s Restaurant property then crosses along the Bethlehem Diner and ends up on the property of the Scottish Inn. It was the opinion of the Township Engineer that the repair would cost between $5,000 and $10,000. The Township Engineer noted that in discussing the matter with the Township Attorney he has prepared an emergency ordinance and in addition an ordinance which would take care of any future problems. The Township Engineer also indicated that all the property owners involved are now on board and have agreed to pay a proportionate share of the cost. The Township will utilize the same size pipe for their repair but the pipe will be PVC pipe.

3. The Township Engineer advised the Board that the Township has received the permit for the Irving Street culvert from DEP. The process took one and half years. In order for the work to proceed, the Township will need to relocate the water line in Irving Street. It was the Township Engineer’s recommendation that the Township does the relocation and that the cost would most likely run between $15,000 and $20,000. When the work is done, the Township Engineer recommended that the Township put casing in with a sleeve if we ever have to get it out. He further noted that the Township must coordinate the work with the developer who is responsible for the gas line replacement and the culvert work. Councilman Atkinson questioned how long the road would be closed and the Township Engineer indicated probably three to four weeks. It was noted that appropriate signage would be put in place with respect to the road closure and that with respect to rerouting of traffic, the Township can only tell the public about going through the industrial park area.

3. Kimberly Spotts-Kimmel, Esquire
For J. Jackson Eaton, III, Esquire
Township Attorney

It should be noted that the Township Attorney, J. Jackson Eaton, III, Esquire, was unavailable for the meeting, but Kimberly Spotts-Kimmel, Esquire of his office attended the meeting on his behalf.

1. Attorney Kimmel advised the Board that the Berkheimer Associates’ contracts for collection of Business Privilege Tax, Earned Income Tax, and Local Services Tax for the year 2011 have been returned to the Township fully executed.

2. With respect to the issue involving a refund request of Business Privilege Tax for the Manpower entity in Hanover Township, no response has been received from the parties involved.

3. With respect to the Berkheimer Associates’ bonds, Attorney Kimmel advised that Attorney Eaton had written to Berkheimer concerning language in the bonds. There was a discussion with Berkheimer and they indicated that they would take a look at the documents and get back to the Township regarding same.

Unfinished Business: NONE

New Business:

1.) Emergency Ordinance 25, An Emergency Ordinance to amend Chapter 18 of the Statutory Code of Hanover Township to Permit the Township to Repair Defective Building Sewers and Charge Costs to the Owners of the properties Served by the Sewer (Vote)

There was some discussion with respect to the term utilized in the ordinance, namely, building sewers. The Township Engineer noted that this is a private sewer. However, after discussion, it was determined that the language would remain as stated. In resolution of this matter, the Board made the following motion:

Motion: I move that Emergency Ordinance 25, An Emergency Ordinance to amend Chapter 18 of the Statutory Code of Hanover Township to Permit the Township to Repair Defective Building Sewers and Charge Costs to the Owners of the properties Served by the Sewer be adopted as presented.

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

2.) Bill No. 2011-02, An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 18 of the Statutory Code of Hanover Township to Permit the Township to Repair Defective Building Sewers and Charge Costs to the Owners of the Properties Served by the Sewer . (Introduce)

Bill No. 2011-02 was introduced at this time with the Public Hearing on same to be held on Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at 7:30 P.M..

At this point in the meeting, there was a discussion initiated by Councilman Dreisbach with respect to the Township Board meeting with the Township Solicitor and staff regarding adopting legislation relating to solar panels. It was noted by Attorney Kimmel that she would touch base with the Township Attorney to check on his availability and it was further noted that the Township could discuss this issue with the Township Attorney at their January 19, 2011 meeting. The Board felt that meetings on Monday at 4:00 P.M. would be preferable.

Courtesy of the Floor: None

Adjournment:

The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 P.M.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Sandra A. Pudliner
Township Manager