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

Absent: ------------------ Councilman Atkinson

Attendance: ----------2

Courtesy of the Floor: None

Approval of Minutes: ---------- None

1. Public Hearing – Five Year Capital Program 2005-2009 (Review and Discussion).

Chairman Paulus opened the Public Hearing relative to the Five Year Capital Program for the years 2005-2009. Council began its review with the program for Sinkholes/Miscellaneous Stormwater Projects. The Township Manager advised the Board that she has increased the appropriation for this program from the previous years’ appropriation of $35,000 each year to an appropriation of $100,000 each year for the years 2005-2009. After discussion, Council found that the appropriation schedule was acceptable to them.

With respect to the program for Traffic Congestion Improvements, the Township Manager advised the Board that this Five Year program does not show any additional appropriation since the fund balance appears adequate for present needs. The Township Manager noted that the money in escrow at the current time is $190,834. There was some discussion with respect to what items would be charged to this program. It was noted that the equipment that was installed at the signal lights at Airport Rd. and Race Street and Airport and Schoenersville Roads could be charged to this program. The Township Manager indicated that had not been done in this instance, but the Board felt the monies should be charged to this program. The Township Manager was directed to remedy that situation.

With respect to the program titled Future Road Construction Projects, the Township Manager advised that the appropriation showing for the year 2005 is $1,000,000 and also advised that that $1,000,000 takes into consideration a re-appropriation of approximately $400,000 which will revert back to the General.

Fund Account in 2004 from the project titled Troxell Street Area Improvements which project has been concluded. A discussion ensued initiated by Councilman Williams with respect to widening of Grove Road, putting curb in along the roadway and the issue of no parking being allowed in front of the residential area on Grove Road where parking is currently permitted. It was noted that the Township Engineer would have to be contacted to review this matter. There was some discussion initiated by Councilwoman Hayden regarding Willowbrook Road. She noted that there are no residents utilizing the road and that the Township might consider turning the roadway over to the Airport. She did not feel the Township should continue investing monies for the road repairs. A discussion ensued. It was noted that Willowbrook Road is a thru road lying in two municipalities (Hanover and Allen Townships) and further that the Township had determined some time ago that it would retain ownership of the road until such time as Airport expansion is imminent and then discussions with the Airport would ensue.

With respect to the program for the Catastrophe Fund, Council was advised that since no expenditure has been made for a period of three years, in accordance with the charter provisions, the monies in this program would revert back to the General Fund and then be re-appropriated in the year 2005. With respect to that scenario, the Township Manager noted that her appropriation showing on the schedule in the year 2005 of $15,000 would need to be revised to reflect $15,000 plus the monies in escrow which would be re-appropriated back into the program. There was discussion relative to the usage of funds for hazardous waste or contaminated waste spills or other similar spills occurring in the Township. The Township Clerk indicated that it is her understanding that the Fire Company bills insurance companies if possible for the materials used for cleanup. Councilman Williams questioned what happens to those funds. The Township Manager explained that if the materials being purchased by the fire company are from their own personal funds, then, of course, insurance monies would revert back to the fire company. The Township Manager further noted that she could not confirm at this time where the expenditure is occurring and that she would check with the Township’s Fire Chief to make that determination. A clarification will also be necessary as to what constitutes an unanticipated emergency or disaster such as a hazardous waste or contaminated waste spill.

With respect to the program for the Canal Project, the Township Manager noted that she is showing an appropriation in the year 2005 of $250,000 with a $150,000 appropriation for each year thereafter. Councilman Williams commented that he is of the opinion that the Township should pursue cleaning out the Canal bed, restoration of the Lock, etc. The Township Manager noted that the Public Works Director will be attending a meeting with the Catasauqua Historical Society in the near future. She also advised the Board that there is some possibility that water could be put back into the Canal system but that scenario has not been explored fully. Council determined that further discussion regarding the Canal Project would be at their next scheduled meeting and at this point in time Chairman Paulus closed the Public Hearing on the Five Year Capital Program.

Courtesy of the Floor:

Mr. Joseph Feskanin, 1680 N. Irving Street, Allentown, PA 18109, appeared before the Board. He thanked the Township for the information regarding the reservation of the Township parks which paperwork has indicated that the reservations are on a 50-50 basis as same relates to residents and nonresidents. Mr. Feskanin also inquired as to the impact on the Township’s finances due to the closing of the Sure Fit facility in the Township. The Township Manager noted that information has been provided to Council previously, but the effect on the tax base was very minimal. With respect to the Road Program, Mr. Feskanin inquired as to the extent of the work. He was advised that the Road Program included the entire repaving of Postal Road and portions of Irving Street. Mr. Feskanin commented that he has assumed that the Township Engineer put together the contract. He wondered what the criteria was for the letting of the contract besides the award of a contract to the lowest responsible bidder who has also provided the Township with the required bonding. Mr. Feskanin indicated a desire to secure a copy of the specifications for the Township’s 2004 Road Program. He noted that he hopes that the award of the contract is not simply a rubber stamping of the proposal. Mr. Feskanin also inquired as to whether or not local bidders had information regarding this project. The Township Manager noted that in her opinion the two bidders who bid the project are local to this area. Councilman Kovacs noted that when the contract is awarded there will be full-time inspection of the work being performed. Chairman Paulus commented that most likely the reason the Township only received two bids was the fact that the type of recycling equipment which is very, very expensive is only available from a few contractors in the area.

Adjournment:

Motion: ---I move we adjourn this meeting of the Hanover Township Council at 8:00 P.M.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Sandra A. Pudliner
Township Manager