Present: --------------- Councilwoman Hayden; Councilmen Kovacs, Williams, Atkinson;
------------------------------- J. Jackson Eaton, III, Esquire; Frederick W. Hay; Vicky Roth

Absent: ------------------ Councilman Paulus, Sandra A. Pudliner

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

Courtesy of the Floor:

Mr. Joseph Feskanin, 1680 North Irving Street, Allentown, PA, questioned Council as to the status of the timetable for the roadwork being done in LVIP III. Mr. Hay, in attendance at this meeting, noted that they are a little off schedule at this time due to weather conditions. However, we should be completing the roadwork shortly. Vice Chairman Atkinson questioned the Township Engineer as to possibly adding some temporary line striping through the park since this is a dangerous condition especially at night. Mr. Hay acknowledged same and would investigate this matter and report back to Council. At this point in the meeting, Skip Keim, 1635 N. Halstead Street, Allentown, PA questioned Council and Mr. Hay concerning the traffic control during the roadwork in LVIP III. He felt that the contractor has been negligent in safety factors in that they had just placed cones out at night, which were not reflective. He felt there was no traffic control, which created safety factors during this period of time. Mr. Keim felt a possible solution would be installing warning signs so the public would be advised of upcoming roadwork. Mr. Hay stated he would check on this matter.

Approval of Minutes: ---------- October 6, 2004 Regular Council Meeting

Motion: ------- I move we waive the reading of the Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of October 6, 2004 and accept same as presented.

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

Reports:

1. Vicky Roth
Township Clerk

Mrs. Roth advised Council she had no report at this time.

Councilman Kovacs questioned the status of the post office reinstalling a mailbox in the Troxell Street area. Mrs. Roth advised Council a copy of the letter has been given to Council the Township Manager had sent to the post office; however, we have not heard a response to same at this time.

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

1. The Township Engineer advised Council that the Road Program is continuing. He stated that the concerns that were previously brought to the Board would be investigated.

2. Along the Postal Rd. curb near the post office, they found piping in inlets that drains to a depression. We will install a 24-inch pipe to alleviate this problem. Councilwoman Hayden noticed a depression in the road in this area. She was assured, by Mr. Hay that this area will be paved as it was part of the Road Program.

3. The Township Engineer along with Bruce Pudliner and Chairman Atkinson met with the Army Corps of Engineers, a representative of Lehigh County, the City of Allentown, Conservation District representative, the Fish and Game Commission representative and the Lehigh County Historical Museum representative at Canal Park this week to discuss possible improvements along the Canal area. We have received positive feedback toward this upcoming project. Representatives did give us some direction to avoid any possible pitfalls such as separate permitting for the Allentown section, the Catasauqua section and our section. Councilwoman Hayden questioned the monetary cost for the Allentown section. Mr. Hay felt that there was a minimal amount of work needed in that section. He felt only grubbing would be necessary. Mrs. Hayden stated possibly the Township would be involved in this area as a cooperative effort if necessary in order to keep the cost down for the City of Allentown if the cost factor would be a reason to slow down this project. Mr. Hay stated that any permits that are generated are good for three years. At this point in the meeting, Chairman Atkinson added that the next step is for Hanover Township to review the archives and pull out the original plans that would be needed. He stated the representatives felt that we needed to shoot the grades on the Canal and that the removal and disposal of silt in the Canal is critical from the Catasauqua section. The next step is for us to review the archives and pull out the original plans showing items that can’t be restored to its original state, such as the bridge abutment over Route 22 since this can’t be restored to the original state. Mr. Hay stated we will send a USGS plan for historical archeological search. Vice Chairman Atkinson noted this would be easier since we are now members of the Canal Historical Association.

The Engineer stated that at the last meeting his representative, Ryan Christman, was questioned as to what the survey stakes along Irving Street were. Mr. Hay stated that he did not know what they were at this time. Mr. Feskanin stated felt possibly the survey stakes could be for the bridge widening along 22 or possibly the American Parkway project. Chairman Atkinson advised for the Board that there was a brief meeting here a few weeks ago concerning the 22 project and possibly this could have a tie in to this matter.

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

1. The Township Attorney noted he had a conversation with the Township Manager a few days ago concerning map indexing of the zoning records, the land development records, etc. He felt all records needed to be more concise by property address instead of developer. He felt he could send a paralegal into the Township Building for a couple of hours a day for a period of time to address this matter and straighten this out. Council agreed to same. Councilman Atkinson stated Attorney Eaton might be advised to contact Reynold Reinert in Weissenburg, Lowhill Township since Mr. Reinert has developed this type of system on his computer for indexing of these land matters. Mr. Eaton will check with him.

4. Maintenance Report

Councilwoman Hayden questioned the status of installing a junk mail container on Ronca Blvd. near the post office cluster boxes. Mrs. Roth advised Mrs. Hayden that the Public Works Director would check on this and would advise Council at the next meeting.

5. Fire Company’s Report

Council questioned Weaversville Road at the S curve flooding. It was stated at this time that this was due to the heavy rains along the S curve. There was discussion with respect to the need for traffic control along Dauphin Drive due to the mudslide from the heavy rains.

6. Code Enforcement Officer’s Report

7. Building Inspector’s Report

Councilwoman Hayden questioned the enforcement letter given to Brosius, L.P., 100A Cascade Drive, as to the Order to Vacate. The Township Clerk advised Council that the Free Spirit Cheerleading Academy has vacated the premises at this time. Upon being advised for the need of an Appeal to the Zoning Hearing Board as well as the need to install a two-hour firewall in order to comply with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code, the permittee has decided not to pursue this matter at the present time.

8. Treasurer’s Report

Motion: --- I move we accept the computer printouts dated October 20, 2004, for the General Fund Account, Capital Reserve Account, Escrow Account, Liquid Fuels Account, Sewer Account and Water Account subject to audit.

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

Unfinished Business:

1. Bill No. 2004-04, An Ordinance Amending the Statutory Code of Hanover Township, Chapter 27, Relating to Zoning, in Conformity with the Municipalities Planning Code (Public Hearing).

Mr. Eaton advised the Board that this change has to do with housekeeping matters for any changes to the Municipalities Planning Code. One of the changes would be appointing a hearing officer or any independent attorney appointed by the Council as a hearing officer. He stated we haven’t used this in the past and was questioning whether the Township felt it necessary to provide for this or to delete this. Council determined to leave this language in. Should the need arise for the use of a hearing officer at a later time, it would be a matter of record and the Township would not have to revise the Zoning Ordinance again.

Motion: --- I move we adopt Ordinance 451, An Ordinance Amending the Statutory Code of Hanover Township, Chapter 27, Relating to Zoning, in Conformity with the Municipalities Planning Code.

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

2. Bill No. 2004-05, An Ordinance Amending the Statutory Code of Hanover Township, Chapter 22, Relating to Subdivision and Land Development, in Conformity with the Municipalities Planning Code.(Public Hearing).

Attorney Eaton advised the Board that the reason for this change was the date of the delivery of an approved plan following the completion of conditions imposed for the approval.

Motion: --- I move we adopt Ordinance 452, An Ordinance Amending the Statutory Code of Hanover Township, Chapter 22, Relating to Subdivision and Land Development, in Conformity with the Municipalities Planning Code.

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

3. Bill No. 2004-06, An Ordinance Amending Chapter 18, Part 3 (Sewer Rates, Rents and Charges), Section 303 of the Statutory Code of Hanover Township. (Public Hearing).

The Engineer advised Council that since sewer usage has been trending downward, the need to increase rates was required in order for the Township to have an operating reserve. Mr. Hay stated we would again review this matter in a few months to see if the rates could be readjusted.

Motion: --- I move we adopt Ordinance 453, An Ordinance Amending Chapter 18, Part 3 (Sewer Rates, Rents and Charges), Section 303 of the Statutory Code of Hanover Township.

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

4. Resolution No. 2004-32, A Resolution Accepting the Dedication of Hayden Circle in Hanover Township, Lehigh County (Vote).

Vice Chairman Atkinson stated this Resolution was required in order to rectify complicated ownership history. Mr. Atkinson stated that this property had once been owned by Bethlehem Steel and sold to a developer, Earl Holtz. The Township called in the bond from Mr. Holtz and brought the road up to Township standards. The Township would be able to obtain liquid fuels funds for this road by accepting the dedication of Hayden Circle .

Motion: --- I move we accept Resolution No. 2004-32, A Resolution Accepting the Dedication of Hayden Circle in Hanover Township, Lehigh County.

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

Councilman Kovacs questioned the status of the sale of the dump truck. The Township Clerk advised Mr. Kovacs that 16 individuals have expressed interest in the truck at this time. The bid for this truck will be opened at the upcoming Council meeting on November 3rd.

At this point in the meeting, Chairman Atkinson stated for the public that we have received a letter of pending resignation from Councilman Williams effective the 29th of November. The Township is accepting any letters expressing interest in filling that upcoming vacancy. The Council questioned Mrs. Roth as to whether a special meeting would be held for the filling of this vacancy. Council was advised that there would indeed be a special meeting which would be duly advertised toward the end of November. Council as well as the public would be advised as to the date of this pending a conversation with the Township Manager.

New Business: None

Payment of Bills:

Motion: --- I move Council authorize payment of Voucher Nos. 10639-10643 (9/30/04 Prepaids), Voucher Nos. 10644-10646 (10/20/04 Prepaids); Voucher Nos. 10647-10701, BC/BS Wire Transfer (October); Payroll dated 9/10/04, Payroll dated 9/24/04; Payroll dated 10/06/04 from the General Fund Account in the amount of $136,233.79; Voucher Nos. 1503-1504 (9/30/04 Prepaids); Voucher Nos. 1505-1506 (10/20/04 Prepaids); Voucher Nos. 1507-1511, from the Capital Reserve Account in the amount of $22,041.24; Voucher Nos. 1219-1222, from the Escrow Account in the amount of $11,007.00; Voucher Nos. 1477-1485 from the Water Account in the amount of $44,086.82; Voucher Nos. 2380 (10/20/04 Prepaids); Voucher Nos. 2381-2400 from the Sewer Account in the amount of $83,747.73 for a Grand Total Expenditure of $297,116.58.

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

Courtesy of the Floor:

Mr. Keim inquired as to the status of obtaining an agreement with other municipalities concerning recycling of yard waste. He was advised the Township was looking into this issue, however, did not have anything reported to him at this time. Mr. Keim also questioned the status of the company doing a study for the Township’s streetlights. Attorney Eaton advised Mr. Keim that although the Township signed an agreement with this company to do the study, we have not heard from this company at this point. Upon receiving this savings study, the Council would review same and then would decide whether or not it was beneficial for the Township to proceed in this matter. Mr. Keim also questioned the sale of the 10 Ton Dump Truck. He was advised all monies would indeed not go into the maintenance account of the General Fund but however there was a separate account for sale of equipment. Mr. Keim also questioned the Township Engineer as to large boulders and rip rap near the swale area of Allendale Apartments. Mr. Hay, upon receiving Mr. Keim’s telephone number, advised him he would call him and set up an appointment to look over this matter.

Mr. Feskanin questioned the Township Engineer as to the extras that are involved in the Township Road Program. He questioned the cost of the extras versus the entire paving. Mr. Hay advised Mr. Feskanin he felt the extras would be between $10,000 and $15,000 overall. He stated it would certainly be well below 10% of the entire project.

Mr. Keim questioned the Township Engineer as to the widening of the curb along Postal Rd. near Airport Rd. Mr. Hay stated since PennDOT wouldn’t warrant any widening or changing of that roadway, the Township had only widened or fixed a portion of the shoulder.

Adjournment:

Motion: --- I move we adjourn this meeting of the Hanover Township Council at 8:19 P.M.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Vicky Roth
Township Clerk

Return to Top