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

Courtesy of the Floor: NONE

Approval of Minutes: November 26, 2007 - Budget Meeting

Motion: I move we waive the reading of the minutes of the November 26, 2007 Special Council meeting and accept same as presented.

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

Unfinished Business: NONE

New Business:

1.) Resolution No. 2007-43, Budget Amendments (Vote).

The Township Manager advised the Board that Resolution No. 2007-43 represents all revisions to the proposed 2008 Budgets, which Council received on October 1, 2007 and which has been revised over the course of Budget hearings. In resolution of this matter, the Board made the following motion:

Motion: I move that Resolution No. 2007-43, Budget Amendments, be adopted as presented.

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

2.) Resolution No. 2007-44, Amendment of the Five-Year Capital Program (Vote).

The Township Manager advised the Board that as a result of revisions made to the 2008 Sewer Budget, it was necessary to amend the Five Year Capital Program to show that the appropriation to the Sewer System Improvements Capital Project was reduced to zero for the year 2008. In resolution of this matter, the Board made the following motion:

Motion: I move that Resolution No. 2007-44, Amendment of the Five Year Capital Program be adopted as presented.

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

3.) Ordinance No. 483, An Ordinance Adopting the Budget of Hanover Township for the Year 2008 (Adopt).

Motion: I move that Ordinance No. 483, An Ordinance Adopting the Budget of Hanover Township for the Year 2008 be adopted as presented.

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

Courtesy of the Floor:

Mr. Kirk Beldon Jackson of The Morning Call in attendance at the meeting questioned the Board regarding various issues. Mr. Jackson noted that his research shows that for approximately 13 years the Township’s real estate millage was ½ mill and that before that it was 3 mills. He indicated that he believes that this is the third year in a row that the Township’s millage has been reduced to ¼ mill. Chairman Paulus indicated that Hanover Township runs the Township like a business. For example, we buy something when we need it and when we can afford it. Councilman Kovacs commented that the Township has very good fiscal management and commended the Township Manager, the Township Clerk and Council for doing a good job in that regard. Councilwoman Hayden noted that the Township doesn’t spend money until they are assured they have it to spend. Chairman Paulus commented that the Township has no debt. Councilman Atkinson noted that the Township has no police department, which he understands can eat up 30% to 40% of a budget.

Continuing the discussions, Chairman Paulus noted that even with a 1/4 mill real estate tax base, the Township provides fire protection, free ambulance service, and free garbage collection for its residents. Councilman Kovacs noted that the State Police do a very good job in taking care of the Township and the Township does not need a municipal police force as a result thereof. Councilman Atkinson indicated that the Township keeps its infrastructure in good shape and also appropriates money for major projects as part of their five year Capital Program.

There was a discussion initiated by Mr. Jackson with respect to the Township’s intent to construct a new municipal building. Councilman Atkinson commented that the Township is looking at the year 2008 as a research and development year and the Township is looking to making the new Municipal Building as green as possible or eco friendly. The Township Manager noted that the Township currently has appropriated $2.5 million for the Municipal Building project. When questioned by the reporter as to whether or not those funds were sufficient, Councilman Atkinson and Chairman Paulus indicated that most likely those monies are not sufficient. The Township Manager advised the Board that she is currently looking into what grants are available and should be meeting in the future with a firm located in the Township which has on staff a grant writer. Mr. Jackson questioned why the Township needs a new Municipal Building. It was noted that the older portion of the building has issues with respect to electrical, plumbing, heating, etc. It was noted that the current electrical system in the old portion of the building probably would not meet the current codes. Councilman Atkinson advised that the Township also has a need for record storage. He indicated that the Township had looked at trying to retrofit the building but that would be as costly as building a new building. Chairman Paulus commented that his vision is that some day the Township will be selling electricity back to PPL. Councilman Atkinson noted that if you generate more power than you need, by law PPL would have to buy it from you. Councilman Atkinson also noted that he didn’t know if the new building would be a two story or a single story building and that has yet to be determined. Mr. Jackson questioned how much larger the new facility would be, but Councilman Atkinson indicated that the Township doesn’t know how large it would be at this time.

Adjournment:

Motion: I move we adjourn this meeting of the Hanover Township Council at 4:15 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Sandra A. Pudliner
Township Manager