Courtesy of the Floor: NONE

General Business:

1.) Public Hearing – Five-Year Capital Program 2007-2011 (Review and Discussion).

Chairman Paulus opened the Public Hearing relative to the Proposed Five Year Capital Program. The Township Manager proceeded to provide the Board with an overview of the contents of the program beginning with the program for Miscellaneous Stormwater Projects. The Township Manager advised that the program sets forth a $100,000 a year appropriation for the five-year period. It was further noted that the monies in escrow would be sufficient should the Township determine to contribute monies toward the work proposed in the Allendale swale area as a result of the proposed shopping center project on Airport Road.

With respect to the program for Traffic Congestion Improvements, the Township Manager advised that it is anticipated to have the installation of a signal light at the Race Street/Willowbrook Road intersection hopefully before the end of 2006. Assuming the cost thereof in the area of $50,000 to $100,000, the Township Manager advised that in the year 2007 the program shows a $100,000 appropriation for that year to bring the monies in escrow balance in line with its current balance.

With respect to the program titled Future Road Construction Projects, the Township Manager advised that a $750,000 appropriation is shown for the year 2007 with a $500,000 appropriation each year thereafter for the five- year period. The Township Manager noted that the program titled Catastrophe Fund shows a $75,000 appropriation in the year 2007 with a $25,000 appropriation each year thereafter through 2011. The Township Manager noted that the $75,000 appropriation in the year 2007 is set forth to help recover monies which the Catastrophe Fund paid out in the year 2006 as a result of the fire at the Township garage.

The program titled Canal Project/DCED Grant shows a $160,000 appropriation in the year 2007 and a $150,000 appropriation each year for the years 2008 through 2011. The $10,000 additional shown in the year 2007 takes into account the possibility of a DCED Grant in the year 2007. The program titled Pump Station Upgrades and Sewer Line Upgrades shows a $150,000 appropriation each year for the years 2007 through 2011. The program titled Water System Improvements/Allendale Area shows a $50,000 appropriation across the board for the five- year period. The program titled Fire Apparatus/Squad Truck does not show an appropriation since it is anticipated that the monies held in escrow will be utilized in the year 2006 for full payment of the Squad Truck.

The Board entered into discussion at this point in the meeting. It was noted that some of the anticipated expenditures with respect to the Capital Program have not come to pass, i.e. the Canal System being revamped and the Lock being restored. However, Council did discuss the Hanover Township Home Rule Charter requirements for expenditure of funds and that a meeting with the Township Solicitor in the future may be necessary to review the situation. There was a discussion with respect to amendments to the Home Rule Charter. There was discussion with respect to the Township’s Business Privilege Tax rate. The Township Manager was directed to check with the Tax Collector to determine exactly how that works.

It was noted that the Township Engineer is looking into the possibility of a flat rate for all sewer customers. There was also discussion with respect to the fact that the Township Engineer is researching potential discrepancies between Bethlehem consumptions and Township sewer bills to determine if there could be a glitch in the Township’s computer system. The Township Manager was directed to determine the time frame for the signal light installation at Race Street and Willowbrook Road. Additionally, the Township Manager was asked to check with the Township Engineer regarding the status of the Canal Project work requiring approval from the Army Corps of Engineers.

In conclusion of the Public Hearing, it was noted that additional hearings were not necessary and accordingly all future hearings would be canceled. The adoption of the Five Year Capital Program would occur in an upcoming meeting by way of Resolution and amendments to the program would be made by the Township Manager to accurately reflect balances in the accounts and funding of the accounts.

Adjournment:

Motion: --- I move we adjourn this meeting of the Hanover Township Council at 7:50 P.M..

Hayden: Moved.

Respectfully submitted,

Sandra A. Pudliner
Township Manager