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Township Meeting - Minutes

HANOVER TOWNSHIP, LEHIGH COUNTY
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING

Present: ---------------- Councilwoman Hayden; Councilmen Atkinson, Dreisbach; Kovacs, Paulus;
--------------------------------J. Jackson Eaton, III, Esquire; Sandra A. Pudliner and Vicky Roth

Absent: ------------------ Frederick P. Haye P.E.

Attendance: ----------21

New Business:

1.) The Role of the State Police and the responsibility of citizens concerning public safety in Hanover Township (Review and Discussion)

Chairman Paulus opened the discussions regarding this matter by advising all in attendance that the purpose of this meeting is in response to multiple concerns received from residents of the Chestnut Grove Towne Garden Development at one of the Township’s regular Council meetings. After that particular meeting, Chairman Paulus advised that Council had contacted the Captain of the State Police and set up a meeting with a Lieutenant to review the matter. Currently, an investigation is underway and more patrols of the area have been initiated. Additionally, as a result of the meeting with the State Police, this special meeting was scheduled to allow residents to air their concerns to a special unit of the State Police from which two troopers are in attendance this evening. In that regard, Trooper Marc Allen and Trooper Daniel Steele were introduced. Troopers Allen and Steele are community service officers of Troop M, Bethlehem, of the Pennsylvania State Police. Trooper Allen advised all in attendance that the State Police are committed to excellence and to protecting the residents of Hanover Township and their neighborhoods.

At this point in the meeting, one of the residents in attendance at the meeting, Mr. Clifford Muthard of 2798 Mary Anne Way took the podium and indicated to all in attendance that he has seen more patrol cars in the area. Mr. Muthard indicated that he is a block captain of the Crime Watch in the Chestnut Grove Towne Garden Development. He felt there are still existing problems, such as drug dealings, but, that public involvement such as walking the neighborhood from time to time and reporting incidents would be very helpful. Councilwoman Hayden questioned Mr. Muthard as to the condition with respect to garbage accumulation in his yard area. Mr. Muthard noted that situation is better and that there are no more beer bottles, condoms, etc. in his yard area. Councilwoman Hayden questioned Mr. Muthard as to whether or not individuals are still congregating at the mailboxes and the rock area. Mr. Muthard advised that is not continuing at the present time. Mr. Muthard also noted that he thinks it’s a good idea that the State Police are patrolling at different times. Mr. Muthard also felt that if the residents go about in groups that would be helpful. Councilman Atkinson commented that the residents have the eyes and the ears out there and those are the best tools you could have. Councilwoman Hayden questioned whether or not the residents are leaving their lights on at night. Mr. Muthard indicated that he is and he is trying to get his neighbors to do it. Some are doing it but not everyone, he noted. Councilman Kovacs noted that a 100watt light bulb left on is a very minimal cost item.

Chairman Paulus advised that in his discussions with the lieutenant at the State Police barracks it was brought up that some people are afraid. Chairman Paulus noted that if you call, the State Police will respond, and that you do not have to give your name. Trooper Allen confirmed that a person can remain anonymous. However, technically, in certain situations if you are the victim you obviously would have to produce yourself. Trooper Allen also shared for all in attendance a report which he referred to as prophecy which is a report noting the incidents of reported crimes of a given area. With respect to the Chestnut Grove area, Trooper Allen noted that there were 13 incidents on the report. The breakdown of the incidents were as follows; Two simple assaults, three harassments, five domestics, two thefts, and one burglary. Trooper Allen also noted that there were five incidents at the Sheraton Jetport parking lot area. Miss Kathryn Thompson of 2749 Donna Jo Way questioned Trooper Allen as to what number a resident would call to report an incident. Trooper Allen noted that their number is (610) 861- 2026. Trooper Allen further noted that by getting together and organizing the Crime Watch, the State Police can help. He noted that he feels that the Chestnut Grove Crime Watch is a good starting point in the community. He indicated that in your minds it might be a crime wave, but he felt that there are worse neighborhoods.

Mr. Muthard commented that people sometimes have the attitude that it is not their problem and why should they get involved. Even if there are areas worse than the Township’s towne house development in terms of crime, Mr. Muthard felt that he personally did not want their residential community to get that bad. Trooper Allen noted that what people should want is for the Township Council to be in a position to report crime and that you have to start taking care of each other. Chairman Paulus noted that one year or so ago after Carmike Cinemas was built there were a rash of car break-ins in the parking lot. The Township went to the State Police and made them aware of the problem and the situation has been resolved.

There was a discussion initiated by a Township resident as to the speeding, which occurs in the Chestnut Grove Towne Garden Development. The resident felt that the installation of speed bumps could be helpful. Chairman Paulus felt that speed bumps installation may not happen. Trooper Allen noted that in order for radar to work they need a certain amount of distance to operate and they don’t have that in place with respect to the towne house development. Councilman Atkinson commented that speed bumps present a big problem in the wintertime with the snow plows tearing them up and damaging equipment. Council noted that you do not see speed bumps installed on public streets. The resident who raised the issue stated that in her opinion life is more valuable than the need to repair equipment. Trooper Steele commented that there was an issue with speeding in Riegelsville Borough and that they did place speed bumps on the streets and resolved the matter. At this point in the meeting, there was considerable discussion regarding speed bump installation. One resident suggested that the residents provide the Board with a petition for the installation of speed bumps. Council discussed the installation of rubberized speed bumps, which they understand can be placed down and removed if necessary and that they would look into that scenario. Councilwoman Hayden commented that she felt that the speed bumps would be needed on all the streets in the towne house development coming in and going out. Councilwoman Hayden also advised the State Police that the stop sign, which is in place at Irma and Diane Blvd. is being abused and the people are not stopping at that location. Councilman Kovacs commented that in his residential area on Troxell Street he knows of an individual that has been speeding and intends to speak to her concerning same and hopes that it will help. .

There was a discussion with respect to unlicensed pocket rockets that race up and down the streets in the towne house development and are being operated by adults. Councilwoman Hayden commented that the resident should call the State Police. Trooper Allen commented that if they run the stop signs, the resident should report it but someone should testify against the individual. Councilman Kovacs noted that similar vehicles were racing around in Sherwood Park, but the Township’s Code Enforcement Officers talked to them and they walked the vehicles out of the park.

Trooper Allen advised all in attendance that he had two handouts to distribute, one on homeland security and one relative to the Pennsylvania State Police Community Services Division.

One of the residents in attendance at the meeting advised of their concern with respect to the formation of gangs in the towne house development. Trooper Allen commented that right now it is a little premature to make a determination regarding that issue. Mr. Muthard questioned whether or not a curfew could be instituted and Chairman Paulus advised that the Township had consulted the Township Attorney regarding same and it appears that the curfew issue is not a good idea. Councilwoman Hayden commented that all the Township parks close at dusk. The residents questioned the State Police as to what to look for with respect to gang activity. Trooper Allen commented that such activity cannot be stereotyped. With respect to gang activities, Trooper Allen commented that some times there are defining colors but those could change. He advised the residents to make sure that their children are safe. He advised them to get organized and plan events. He noted that they should not let them take over their neighborhood.

John Lemos, Township Code Enforcement Officer, was present at the meeting. He advised the State Police that recently there has been vandalism at the Township’s park known as Sherwood Park. The tabletops underneath the pavilion have been charred from fireworks. They set fire to a garbage container. Additionally, there is graffiti on the fence line separating the park property from an adjoining property.

At this point in the meeting, there was discussion with respect to establishing a substation in the Township by the State Police. Trooper Allen advised that the State Police operate under what is known as a zone concept and that their substation is their vehicle. He further noted that there are only 5,000 state troopers that cover the entire state. Trooper Steele commented that the Crime Watch that has been started is the best vehicle to thwart crime. Block watch walks are helpful and residents’ presence in the parks, checking things, out are helpful. One resident brought up the issue of the paint, which has been found throughout the park area, which may be indicative of gang activity. It was also noted that in the small park area in Chestnut Grove there is profanity on the equipment, which was put on utilizing permanent markers. The resident felt that the Township should repair the areas in question.

Trooper Allen commented that the residents should adopt an attitude of letting bygones be, bygones. They should look at now and starting over. Councilwoman Hayden noted that if you see something in the parks you should call it in and report it. Chairman Paulus indicated that over the past three years the Township had done a study of its own with respect to either establishing a police force or joining another community police force. The study revealed that the State Police was the best option for the Township. For example, when the residents requested more patrols in the towne house area we called them and reported that matter and that is being done. The State Police work on priorities. Councilman Kovacs confirmed that the Township did indeed conduct an extensive study for police protection. To establish its own force would have been an exorbitant millage increase for Township residents. The Township even was in contact with the Airport Police Department but a determination was made that the State Police was the best option.

One of the residents commented that she has also noted that the Code Enforcement Officers are patrolling more often. Chairman Paulus commented that after the last meeting he advised the Code Enforcement Officers to make more patrols and that they are doing so.

In summary of the discussions, Mr. Muthard thanked everyone who came out to the meeting this evening. He did note, however, that if you consider how many people live in the townhouse development the turnout was not good. He advised the people in attendance to talk to their neighbors and get them involved. Chairman Paulus commented that the Board wants to insure the safety of the entire Township. He noted that even though we live in different neighborhoods the Township Council will work to see that the whole Township is safe. Councilman Atkinson indicated that he felt that people needed to be involved and stay involved. He noted that the first Crime Watch in the entire Township was started up in the Chestnut Grove Towne Garden Development 20 years ago. For years, there were no issues in the area and when people became complaisant and did not get involved, problems arose as in the present case. Trooper Allen commented the Township might want to look into new Crime Watch signs for the Chestnut Grove Towne Garden Development.

2.) Bill No. 2005-05, An Ordinance Amending Chapter 18, Part 3, (Sewer Rates, Rents and Charges), Section 303 of the Statutory Code of Hanover Township (Introduce)

Chairman Paulus introduced Bill No. 2005-05 at this time with a Public Hearing on same to be held on Wednesday, July 6, 2005 at 7:30 P.M.

Courtesy of the Floor: None

Adjournment:

Motion: --- I move we adjourn this meeting of the Hanover Township Council at 8:10 P.M.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Sandra A. Pudliner
Township Manager

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