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

Absent: ------------------ Councilwoman Hayden

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

Courtesy of the Floor: NONE

Approval of Minutes: ---------- August 23, 2004 - Special Council Meeting

Motion: ------- I move we waive the reading of the Minutes of the August 23, 2004, Special Council Meeting and accept same as presented.

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

General Business:

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

Chairman Paulus opened the Public Hearing relative to the proposed Five Year Capital Program. Council began its review with the program titled, “Canal Project”. The Township Manager noted that the funding set forth for the year 2005 is $250,000 and $150,000 is set forth for each following year of the five year period. Council found the appropriations acceptable. A discussion ensued initiated by Councilman Atkinson relative to the future anticipated work to be done with respect to the Canal Park area. Mr. Atkinson noted that contact has been made with the railroad and they are willing to help the Township with access. Mr. Atkinson also noted that the Township is working on establishing other contacts for the purpose of securing historical information. The Township Manager noted that a meeting has been scheduled with the Department of Environmental Protection to review issues with them and Councilman Atkinson indicated that he would like to go to that meeting if possible. The Township Manager advised that she would check on the date and advise him of same. Mr. Atkinson also indicated that he has talked to the superintendent of the Catasauqua Area School District as well as the principal at the high school as to whether or not they would be interested in getting involved with a project for the gathering of historical information as part of the Township’s background work relating to the Canal System.

With respect to the program titled, “Pump Station Upgrades and Sewer Line Upgrades”, the Township Manager advised the Board that an appropriation is set forth in this program of $150,000 each year for the five year period of the project. Council had no problem with that appropriation schedule. With respect to the Troxell Street Area Improvements Project, the Township Manager noted that the only reason this project appears is the fact that the balance of the funds in the account are shown reverting back to the General Fund Account and being reappropriated in the year 2005. With respect to the program for Water System Improvements-Allendale Area, the Township Manager advised that a $50,000 per year appropriation is showing for the five years of the Capital Program. Council had no problem with that appropriation. With respect to the program titled, “Fire Apparatus-Squad Truck”, the Township Manager advised that an appropriation of $25,000 is set forth each year in the program for the years 2005 through 2009. The Township Council found the appropriation acceptable.

At this point in the meeting, Chairman Paulus closed the Public Hearing relative to the proposed Five Year Capital Programs for the year 2005 through 2009 and it was noted that the adoption would take place at the Council Meeting held on Wednesday, September 15, 2004 at 7:30 P.M. It was noted that depending on revenues received during the balance of the year the Five Year Capital Program may again need to be amended prior to the adoption of the Budget in December of 2004.

Courtesy of the Floor:

Mr. Joseph Feskanin, 1680 Irving Street, Board at this time and questioned Council as to whether or not the Township stands alone with respect to the work anticipated for the Canal Project. Councilman Atkinson noted that the Borough of Catasauqua does not have funds for making renovations or construction projects. He also noted that the Township is looking at a 10 year build out period. He further noted that the Township will be looking to the National Heritage Corridor for possible financial assistance. Mr. Atkinson also noted that the Township is looking for other funding but he felt that type of funding may be the type where matching funds must exist. Councilman Atkinson also advised Mr. Feskanin that the Township will be talking to the Cities of Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton with respect to their handling of the Canal in their areas.

Mr. Feskanin also questioned Council as to the status of the shell building which would be located adjacent to the daycare center on Marcon Blvd. Mr. Feskanin inquired as to who reviews what type of uses would go in that building. He expressed his concern as to who looks at these situations. The Township Manager noted that the Township does have a five-year re-inspection policy where the Township reinspects facilities for safety issues on a five-year basis and attempts to keep abreast of changes made by various businesses without consultation with the Township. With respect to hazardous materials in facilities, there are federal laws requiring that those materials be registered with the county, the state and the municipality. The Township’s fire company and Township’s Building Inspector receive lists of all hazardous materials in the various facilities in the Township. With respect to reviews regarding the tenants in the proposed new building, Mr. Feskanin was advised that the Township’s Building Inspector reviews the plans and makes necessary inspections and that the Township Zoning Officer looks at the uses in terms of the allowable uses under the Township Zoning Ordinance.

Adjournment:

Motion: ---I move we adjourn this meeting of the Hanover Township Council at 7:30 P.M.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Sandra A. Pudliner
Township Manager