Present: --------------- Councilwoman Hayden; Councilmen Atkinson, Kovacs, Paulus, Williams;
------------------------------- Sandra A. Pudliner; Vicky Roth

Absent: ------------------ 0

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

Courtesy of the Floor: Mr. Joseph Feskanin, 1680 Irving Street, Allentown, PA.

Mr. Joseph Feskanin approached the Board and offered his compliments to the Public Works Department for the excellent job performed with respect to snow removal. He also noted that he enjoyed participation in the Budget review with Council. Mr. Feskanin indicated that he hoped that the Board did not find his constructive remarks negative in any fashion. He advised that he had tried to offer his perspective as a Township resident.

Approval of Minutes: ---------- Nov 24, 2003 Special Council Meeting

Motion: ------- I move we waive the reading of the Minutes of the Special Council Meeting of November 24, 2003 and accept same as presented.

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

New Business:

Prior to addressing the items listed under New Business, Councilwoman Hayden indicated to Council that she would like to resolve the issue of whether the Township will tow and ticket cars during snow emergencies. Councilwoman Hayden indicated that the Public Works Director had advised her that his department will not tow and ticket such vehicles parked in snow emergency routes. Chairman Paulus noted that his recollection of prior discussions was that the Code Enforcement Officers would write the tickets, but he did acknowledge that the Township Manager does have the right to assign someone else to do so. Mr. John Lemos, the Head of the Code Enforcement Department was present at the meeting. He indicated to the Board that with respect to the first snowfall there were no tickets written. He further indicated that Robin Yoder does live in the Chestnut Grove Towne Garden Development but was working at the time and that he was snowed in. He also advised that Ray Seiling lives in Fountain Hill and Mr. Rusyn, who is also a police officer, lives in the Catasauqua area. He reminded the Board that in prior discussions they advised the Code Enforcement Officers that they are not to take the Township car out in snow storms nor use their own vehicles in the snow. His issue was that if they could not come into work how could they tow and ticket.

There was a lengthy discussion involving this issue. It was noted that when the Township declares a snow emergency maybe the snow emergency should be left on for a period of time. In response to that, the Township Manager indicated that she felt the new policy should be that once a snow emergency is declared the snow emergency would not be removed for a 48-hour period. During the first 24 hours, the Code Enforcement Officers could ticket the vehicles and if they are not moved within 48 hours the vehicles could be towed. Councilwoman Hayden noted that in her opinion if the signs denoting the snow emergency are not enforced then the signs should be taken down and the ordinance repealed. Councilman Williams expressed his feeling that the signs should remain in place. It appeared that the general consensus of the Board was that during the 48 hour snow emergency period the ticketing and towing of the vehicles could be accomplished. Mr. Lemos indicated to Chairman Paulus that his department had no objection to ticketing the vehicles.

1. Resolution No. 2003-41, Budget Amendments (Adopt).

Motion: --- I move that Resolution No. 2003-41, Budget Amendments, be adopted as presented.

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

2. Resolution No. 2003-42, Amendment of Five-Year Capital Program (Adopt).

Motion: --- I move that Resolution No. 2003-42, Amendment of Five Year Capital Program be adopted as presented.

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

3. Ordinance No. 447, An Ordinance Adopting a Budget of Hanover Township for the Year 2004 (Adopt).

Motion: --- I move that Ordinance No. 447, An Ordinance Adopting a Budget of Hanover Township for the Year 2004 be adopted as presented.

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

At this point in the meeting, Chairman Paulus made a statement for the record advising all in attendance that he still feels strongly with respect to his stand on healthcare. He indicated to the Board that he felt that the employee contribution toward the healthcare plan was oppressive. Councilman Kovacs indicated that he concurs with the Chairman’s position and that he was of the opinion that some sort of help by the Township toward the employee’s healthcare payment should have been made. He further noted that his personal insurance premium has doubled but he felt that Hanover Township is a prosperous Township. He felt the Township should see clear to help the employees out.

Courtesy of the Floor:

Mr. Joseph Feskanin, 1680 N. Irving Street, indicated to the Board that by his calculations the Township’s Operating Budget represented a 44.7% increase. He further commented with respect to the discussions Council held in Executive Session relative to personnel. He felt that after the Executive Session a more comprehensive explanation of those discussions could have been offered. Mr. Feskanin also advised Council that he had some reservations over how the Township monies are spent, in particular, he had a reservation with respect to road construction proposed for Dauphin Drive up to Postal Rd. Chairman Paulus noted that in his opinion personnel matters are discussed in Executive Session because the Board is allowed to do so. However, he felt that when the Board makes the decisions at a public meeting that an overview is given of those discussions. Councilman Williams brought up the fact that the Township has a Personnel Board who does a fine job in researching and finding comparables. The research is done in advance and those results are presented to Council and then Council makes the final decision. Mr. Feskanin noted that scenario should have been set forth at a public meeting.

Mr. Lemos noted that there is graffiti on the fence at the Carmike Cinemas facility. He was advised that Carmike would need to be contacted regarding same. The Township Manager brought up the issue involving the tree which is down on the berm area. She advised Council that she had notified both Carmike Cinemas and Anthony Properties of the need for the property maintenance to be done with respect to removal of said tree. Mrs. Pudliner indicated that the manager of the Carmike facility has alluded to the fact that Anthony Properties is really the responsible party. The Township Manager has corresponded with Anthony Properties and questioned therein what type of lease arrangement exists with Carmike Cinemas. In order to rectify the problem, the Township Manager indicated she would call Anthony Properties to make a final determination as to who has the responsibility for property maintenance at the Carmike facility. There was also a discussion with respect to the Carmike Cinemas’ bankruptcy and how same affects tax collection from that facility. The Township Manager indicated she would check with the Township’s Tax Collector.

Adjournment:

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

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

Respectfully submitted,

Sandra A. Pudliner
Township Manager