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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: ------------------ 0

Attendance: ----------1

Courtesy of the Floor:

Mr. Joseph Feskanin, 1680 N. Irving Street, approached the Board and indicated that at a previous meeting with another Board he felt that he was falsely accused of being a watchdog of the Township’s finances. Mr. Feskanin indicated that he considered himself a well-informed citizen of the Township who wants to know and understand the budgetary process and how the Township money is being spent.

New Business:

1.) Public Hearing – Five Year Capital Program 2006-2010 (Review and Discussion)

Chairman Paulus opened the Public Hearing relative to the Proposed Five Year Capital Program. The Township Manager advised that she had prepared this Capital Program, which is somewhat in line with last year’s program. The Board began an item-by-item review at this time. With respect to the program titled “Sinkhole/Miscellaneous Stormwater Projects”, the Township Manager noted that this program shows an appropriation of $100,000.00 each year for the years 2006-2010. Council felt the program as outlined was acceptable. With respect to the program titled “Traffic Congestion Improvements”, the Township Manager advised that this program currently retains monies in escrow in the approximate amount of $180,000.00 and that no further appropriations are showing within the Five Year Program since the balance appears to be adequate for present needs. There was some discussion relative to utilizing these funds for signalized intersections in the Township. It was noted, however, that PennDOT approval needs to be secured and that justification for a signal light must exist for that approval to take place. Council, however, felt the program as stated was acceptable.

With respect to the program titled “Future Road Construction Projects”, the Township Manager advised the Board that this is the most heavily funded program with an appropriation of $800,000.00 in the year 2006 and $500,000.00 in the years 2007-2010 for a total Five Year Appropriation of $2,800,000.00. Council determined to leave the program as set forth in the proposal. With respect to the program titled “Catastrophe Fund”, the Township Manager advised that the $25,000.00 per year appropriation is showing for the years 2006 through 2010 with monies in escrow of approximately $234,000.00. Council entered into a discussion with respect to considering stopping appropriations in this program after the five years set forth in the current Five Year Capital Program. Council felt that funds above and beyond the five-year span will not be necessary. With respect to the Canal Project, the Township Manager advised that this program sets forth a $150,000.00 appropriation over a five-year span for a total five year appropriation of $750,000.00. Monies in escrow are shown at approximately $474,000.00. The Township Manager did note that since this program was prepared additional expenditures may have reduced that escrow amount. Council determined that this program as outlined was acceptable to them. With respect to the program titled “Pump Station Upgrades and Sewer Line Upgrades”, the Township Manager advised that the program is showing a $150,000.00 appropriation across the board with monies in escrow of approximately $324,000.00. The Township Manager advised that there had been serious problems with Pump Station 6 and that the Township should consider utilizing the lines run by the Township under the new Airport Road prior to its construction so that the need for Pump Station 6 would disappear and the Township could utilize Allentown Sewer for the area. The Township Engineer should be consulted as to the best way to approach this matter. The Township Manager suggested if funds are not available for the project, the Township may, if it’s feasible, utilize an emergency ordinance appropriation to accomplish the work. With respect to the program titled “Water System Improvements-Allendale Area”, the Township Manager advised that a $50,000.00 across-the-board appropriation is showing with monies in escrow of approximately $233,000.00. The Board entered into a discussion with respect to the need for replacement of lines in that area and that the Township Engineer should be consulted as to a time table for doing work. With respect to the program titled “Fire Apparatus/Squad Truck”, the Township Manager advised that she is showing a $150,000.00 appropriation in the year 2006 which combined with the monies in escrow should be sufficient to purchase the squad truck in 2007.

There was some general discussion with respect to the proposed lighting at the Airport Road/Race Street intersection, which had been forwarded to the FAA for approval. Councilwoman Hayden indicated that she would check on the status of that matter with the airport.

At this point in the meeting, Chairman Paulus closed the Public Hearing relative to the Five Year Capital Program and it was noted that the adoption of the program would take place at Council’s next scheduled meeting, which is Monday, August 15, 2005 at 7:00 P.M.

Courtesy of the Floor: None

Adjournment:

Motion: --- I move we adjourn this meeting of the Hanover Township Council at 7:40 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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