New Business:

1.) Hanover Township Municipal Building Review (Review & Discussion).

Chairman Paulus opened the discussions by advising that at a prior meeting the Board instructed the architect to see if it was feasible to move the new Municipal Building back at least three feet; and, in that regard, Kimmel Bogrette has provided us with three options. Option 1 as noted on the drawing requires the removal of the existing garage. With this option, the building falls within required setbacks and no variance is required. This option also increases the distance to Grove Road. Chairman Paulus noted that as Council will note Option 1 shows the building being rotated. Option 2 as noted on the drawing indicates that the garage building would remain but there would be no truck access during construction. A 7 foot to 8 foot variance would be required to the side yard setback. Option 3 depicts that the garage building would remain but there would be no truck access during construction. As opposed to Option 1 and 2 which shows the building rotation, Option 3 depicts that the orientation remains as originally presented. A 6 foot to 7 foot variance would be required with respect to the side yard setback. It was further noted that the new construction with respect to these three options would be approximately 3 feet 10 inches closer to the old Municipal Building.

Councilman Atkinson opened a discussion indicating that he has been wrestling with concerns regarding the project all weekend. He indicated that he feels like the Township is going down a very winding path. He indicated he feels lost as to what the Board as a whole knows or doesn’t know. He indicated he doesn’t feel very comfortable with the current status of the project. He further indicated that he is not happy with what the new construction would look like. He expressed his feelings that he thought the Township should stop and take a breath before spending any more money.

At this point in the meeting, a discussion ensued with respect to drawings supplied by the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority as to the availability of Airport land for construction of a new Municipal Building. It was noted that in response to a request from Councilman Dreisbach the Airport had provided the drawing indicating availability of Airport land for the new proposed Municipal Building. Councilwoman Hayden expressed her feelings that the Township should probably look into the matter and see if the Township can deal with the Airport. Councilman Kovacs expressed concern regarding converting the existing Municipal Building property to a park which in his opinion could cost the Township an additional $200,000 to $300,000. Councilman Atkinson indicated that he called Mr. Krauter at the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority this afternoon. Obviously, Councilman Atkinson noted that nothing has been determined as of this time. He did note, however, that the bottom line with the Airport and the FAA is that although this property; namely, the current Municipal Building, does not fall into their prohibited zone, it appears the Airport doesn’t like the idea of the Township building a two-story building on our property. It was discussed that possibly the Airport should be invited to an upcoming meeting to review the matter. Councilman Kovacs commented that since the new construction proposed on the Township’s current site does not impact their prohibited zone, the Airport cannot prohibit the construction of a new two-story municipal building on our property.

Councilman Dreisbach expressed his concern over having to cross Grove Road during construction to access the Municipal Building. He further noted that at the last meeting with the architect, the Township had before them correspondence from the Airport Authority indicating the possibility of land being available. However, Councilman Dreisbach advised that no one brought it up at that time. Councilman Dreisbach advised the Board that after that meeting he called Mr. Krauter at the Airport. The result of that conversation was that he provided us with the drawing which is before the Board at this time. Councilman Dreisbach further indicated that he asked staff to provide him with figures as to how much the Township has already spent with respect to the new Municipal Building construction and that he is aware now that the Township has already expended approximately $68,000. Additionally, before the Board for approval is a proposal to expend an additional $8,000 for a geothermal test well. Councilman Dreisbach noted that he always felt that there should have been a building committee established to look at all the possible options the Township would have before any undertaking occurred. In that regard, Councilman Dreisbach indicated that he raised that issue with the Township Attorney to see if there is any possibility that the Board could meet as a group without violating the Sunshine Law. The Township Attorney indicated that he thought there might be a possibility and that he would check into the matter, but he never got back to him.

Councilwoman Hayden commented that she feels she is not part of this plan. She indicated she would have no problem meeting with the Airport. Councilman Dreisbach again reiterated his concern with establishing parking across Grove Road. Councilwoman Hayden commented that she felt that might be a safety issue. Councilman Dreisbach noted that he didn’t think it was a good idea for staff to be in the old building while the new construction occurs as same relates to dirt issues. Additionally, Councilman Dreisbach questioned whether or not the Township has the right building for this property. He indicated he would like to see a sketch with the current building torn down and the new building situated on the Township’s property. Councilman Dreisbach also indicated his concern that the new construction has a major impact on Chestnut Grove Park. Councilwoman Hayden commented that the Township could possibly consider putting the new building in Sherwood Park. The Township Manager commented that with respect to the impact on Chestnut Grove Park, she was of the opinion that with or without the new construction, the basic facilities in Chestnut Grove Park would be left intact.

Councilwoman Hayden advised that she felt that the Township should consider the option of putting the new building somewhere else. At this point in the meeting, Council proceeded to review in depth the schematic provided by the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority with respect to the availability of land for a new Municipal Building. Councilman Atkinson noted that the area shaded in yellow would be the area the Airport would suggest being the new building. A review indicated that it would appear that the area proposed would be off of Dauphin Street across from the Township’s Canal Park. It was further noted that the area shaded in blue is land which Mr. Krauter noted the Airport has future plans to utilize for an expansion of cargo area to a point where it almost impacts Irving Street. There was a discussion that should the Airport expand the cargo area as Krauter indicated that entire area would be excessively noisy including the area for a proposed Municipal Building. Mr. Krauter had indicated that the Township might want to look at the area they are proposing and also noted that area is quite flat. Councilman Dreisbach commented that should the Township decide to utilize the Airport property the current building could be kept in place, the employees could work safely and the public would have access. The building could be constructed on the new property and when completed the Township could move to that property. Councilman Dreisbach commented that he is not aware how many acres would be involved in the property the Airport proposes and if there would be any cost associated with conveying the property to the Township. Councilman Atkinson indicated that he felt the Airport/FAA should provide the land to the Township at no cost. Councilman Kovacs commented that building a new Municipal Building in the proposed area would have the Township getting further and further away from the residents. Councilman Atkinson commented that he was of the opinion that the land proposed by the Airport is a little over four acres. Councilman Atkinson indicated to the Board that there is a new regime coming into the Airport Authority. It appears that they cannot afford all the property they have acquired. He noted that he is thinking that if the Township would take three or four acres off their hands they might be receptive. If the Township takes away the current Municipal Building, that is less they have to do. Councilman Atkinson also indicated that he was under the impression that once the Airport owns land for 20 to 25 years, they are pretty much free to do what they want with it. Councilwoman Hayden commented that is not the case and that the FAA still has control.

At this point in the meeting, Councilman Kovacs made the following motion:

Motion: --- I move we continue with the necessary geothermal test well proposal in the amount of $8,050.

No second was received and the Motion died.

It was the consensus of the Board that the Township would not approve the additional $8,050 expenditure until the issue involving potential other land from the Airport Authority for the new building is resolved. Upon questioning, Mr. Thomas Lerch of 2320 Grove Road, Allentown, PA 18109, a Township resident, indicated to the Board that he did not think the construction of a new Municipal Building on Dauphin Drive was something that he would favor and that the current location is more centrally located in the Township

Adjournment:

The meeting was adjourned at 5:10 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Sandra A. Pudliner
Township Manager