Attendance: ---------- 3

Courtesy of the Floor: NONE

Approval of Minutes: Febrary 6, 2008 - Regular Council Meeting

Motion: I move we waive the reading of the Minutes of the February 6, 2008 Regular 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 advised the Board that they have received a copy of correspondence sent to the owner of Valley Plaza Shopping Center relative to the issues with the detention pond in the rear of their facility and have also contacted the tenant in the shopping center and notified that individual of the issues the Township had with respect to their dumping oil products in the storm drains. The resident who brought these matters to the Township’s attention has been forwarded a copy of the correspondence sent to Valley Plaza.

The Township Manager was advised that there is a cap sticking up on the road at the CVS located on Catasauqua Road. Council requested that the Township Manager have Public Works look into that matter. Councilman Kovacs brought to the Board’s attention a situation, which had occurred in Sherwood Park on Monday relative to two flares being set off in the park. Mr. Kovacs indicated that he called the Code Enforcement Officers twice but received no response. He further noted that the State Police had been there. It was noted by Mr. Kovacs that he had placed calls to Code Enforcement at approximately 4:15 P.M. and again at 4:45 P.M. and received no response. Councilman Atkinson advised that he had noticed in reviewing the Code Enforcement reports that the State Police had been called by Code Enforcement to Sherwood Park with respect to a small amount of marijuana found there and that the response of the officer was somewhat negative in that he felt the amount was too small. The officer did indicate that he would advise his superiors but felt that the drugs found were not substantial enough. Councilman Atkinson also noted in reviewing the reports that the symbols that denote a particular gang had been found etched into the snow on the picnic tables in Sherwood Park and that Code Enforcement noticed same and also were aware of the individuals whom they chased from the park area most likely had been responsible for the symbols. Councilman Atkinson felt that the Township Manager should talk to our contact at the State Police regarding this matter as well as the response of the State Police Officer regarding the marijuana report filed by the Township.

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

The Township Engineer noted that the Township’s Public Works Department had put the tenant on notice at Valley Plaza with respect to the dumping of oil products into the system.

Councilman Kovacs advised the Township Engineer that he has noticed the hills and valleys at the proposed shopping center site. He questioned whether or not there would be enough fill. The Township Engineer noted that the developer most likely has too much fill. Councilman Atkinson questioned what was going to happen with all the rock that the developer has encountered and the Township Engineer noted that they most likely will grind it up for fill or aggregate.

3. J. Jackson Eaton, III, Esquire
Township Attorney

The Township Attorney advised that his items of concern are listed on the agenda. However, he did note that in reviewing the Minutes he questioned the language on Page 4, which needed to be changed to read, “until work equal to the value of the swale and culvert work is completed”. In resolution of this matter, the Board made the following motion:

Motion: I move we accept the amendment to the Minutes of the February 6, 2008 Regular Council Meeting.

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

It should be noted for the record that Councilwoman Hayden had left the meeting due to the fact that there was a problem with respect to the telephone communication and did not return as a result thereof.

4. Maintenance Report (Written)

5. Fire Company’s Report (Written)

6. Code Enforcement Officer’s Report (Written)

7. Building Inspector’s Report

Chairman Paulus acknowledged receipt of a written Maintenance Report, written Fire Company Report, written Code Enforcement Officers’ Reports and written Building Inspector’s Report and same were noted for the record.

There was discussion with respect to the Building Inspector’s Report, in particular, the business known as Fastenal, which had been put on notice regarding bollards that needed to be installed. The Township Manager advised that the Building Inspector has provided written notice regarding this violation, but that the time frame to complete the work has not expired. There was some discussion with respect to the Fastenal operation in terms of what portion represented a retail operation and the Township Manager advised she would look into that matter. There was also discussion with respect to a notation in the Code Enforcement Officer’s report regarding a business in Airport Centre, in particular, Chaar utilizing numerous parking spaces for storage. The Township Manager advised that the Township Building Inspector has been notified of same and is in the process of having that matter resolved.

8. Treasurer’s Report

Motion: --- I move we accept the computer printouts dated February 18, 2008, for the General Fund Account, Capital Reserve Account, Escrow Account, Liquid Fuels Account, Sewer Account and Water Account subject to audit.

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

At this point in the meeting, Chairman Paulus brought to the Board’s attention a document, which had been provided to each member of the Board with respect to Catasauqua Lake proposed improvements. Mr. Paulus noted that the Township’s Public Works Director had prepared this for their review. The packet included a picture of the current ramp area. There was discussion with respect to possibly putting a roof over the new proposed structure as shown on the diagrams provided. However, Council felt that a roof should not be placed over the new structure. Chairman Paulus noted that all the current steps would be replaced and a handicap ramp entrance would be installed. Councilman Atkinson questioned whether
or not there would be elevation issues with such an installation and the Township Engineer commented that they can make it work. It was also noted that it is anticipated that they will replace the outlet structure and that a dry hydrant would be installed so that the fire company could just hook up to same. Council felt that the proposal provided to them by the Public Works Director was acceptable with the exception of the roof being placed over the structure. There was further discussion initiated by Councilman Atkinson with respect to the fact that he has noted that Public Works is constantly replacing sections of fencing at Canal Park. He suggested that possibly telephone pole pieces could be installed in the ground. The Township Engineer suggested a wood guide rail. No determination was made regarding that matter.

Unfinished Business:

1. 1. Bill No. 2008-01, An Ordinance Amending the Statutory Code of Hanover Township by Deleting Part 1 “Open Fires” of Chapter 7 and Amending Chapter 4, Part 2, Section 4-205 to Provide Changes to the International Fire Code to Permit Open Fires for Fire Company Training Purposes (Public Hearing).

Chairman Paulus opened the Public Hearing relative to Bill No. 2008-01. The Township Attorney commented that the purpose of this proposed ordinance is a result of the Township requesting that a revision be made to the Open Fires provisions to regulate the use of small fires on residential lots. In reviewing the matter with the Township’s Building Inspector, he advised that the Building Code by adoption also adopted the International Fire Code and that the International Fire Code includes provisions regarding this matter. Accordingly, in addition to deleting our existing provisions, we have amended the ordinance to permit open fires without permit by or at the direction of an officer of the fire company for the purposes of firefighting training for fire companies. In resolution of this matter, the Board made the following motion:

Motion: --- I move that Bill No. 2008-01, An Ordinance Amending the Statutory Code of Hanover Township by Deleting Part 1 “Open Fires” of Chapter 7 and Amending Chapter 4, Part 2, Section 4-205 to Provide Changes to the International Fire Code to Permit Open Fires for Fire Company Training Purposes be adopted as Ordinance No. 484.

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

2. Bill No. 2008-02, An Ordinance Amending Chapter 15, Section 404 of the Statutory Code of Hanover Township to Prohibit Parking of Tractor Trailers on Certain Private Parking Lots (Public Hearing).

Chairman Paulus opened the Public Hearing relative to Bill No. 2008-02. The Township Attorney advised that the Board could consider adoption this evening or send copies of this proposed ordinance to affected property owners. The Township Manager indicated that should the Board adopt this ordinance it was her intent to notify affected property owners of this new legislation. Councilman Kovacs raised an issue with respect to motor homes. Chairman Paulus noted that motor homes have a motor home tag. There was also a discussion with respect to moving vans that are occasionally parked on Township streets. In light of the history of the Township with respect to minimal issues arising from such activities, the Board determined to leave the ordinance as is. In resolution of this matter, the Board made the following motion:

Motion: --- I move that Bill No. 2008-02, An Ordinance Amending Chapter 15, Section 404 of the Statutory Code of Hanover Township to Prohibit Parking of Tractor Trailers on Certain Private Parking Lots be adopted as Ordinance No. 485.

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

New Business:

1.) 1. Resolution No. 2008-27, A Resolution Designating an Area of Compliance in Accordance with Chapter 4, Part 4 of the Statutory Code of Hanover Township (Vote).

It was noted that Resolution No. 2008-27 provides for the five-year re-inspection process and in this instance would involve Lehigh Valley Industrial Park III. In resolution of this matter, the Board made the following motion.

Motion: --- I move that Resolution No. 2008-27, A Resolution Designating an Area of Compliance in Accordance with Chapter 4, Part 4 of the Statutory Code of Hanover Township, be adopted as presented.

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

Payment of Bills:

Motion: --- I move Council authorize payment of Payroll (01/25/2008); Payroll (2/8/2008); Voucher Nos. 13179-13182 (Prepaids), Voucher Nos. 13183-13241, from the General Fund Account in the amount of $106,253.83; Voucher Nos. 37-39 from the Liquid Fuels Account in the amount of $6,066.16; Voucher Nos. 1802-1805 from Capital Reserve in the amount of $34,657.64; Voucher Nos. 1766-1770 from Escrow Account in the amount of $39,647.13; Voucher Nos. 1821 (1/31/08 Prepaids), Voucher Nos. 1822-1830 from the Water Account in the amount of $45,946.44; Voucher Nos. 2971 (1/31/08 Prepaids), Voucher Nos. 2972 (Prepaids), Voucher Nos. 2973-2986 from the Sewer Account in the amount of $113,803.17 for a Grand Total Expenditure of $346,375.17.

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

Courtesy of the Floor:

Councilman Dreisbach noted that this week is National Engineers Week and commended the Township Engineer and his firm for doing a fine job for the Township.

Adjournment:

The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 P.M.