Present: --------------- Councilmen Atkinson, Kovacs, Paulus, Williams;
------------------------------- Frederick W. Hay, P.E.; Sandra A. Pudliner; Vicky Roth

Absent: ------------------ Councilwoman Hayden and J. Jackson Eaton, III, Esquire

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

Courtesy of the Floor: None

Approval of Minutes: ---------- November 19, 2003 Regular Council Meeting
-------------------------------- November 19, 2003 Special Council Meeting

Council determined to defer the approval of Minutes from the above-referenced meetings until a full Board was present. With respect to these meetings, both Chairman Paulus and Councilman Williams were absent and would have abstained from voting on the Minutes. Accordingly, the Township Manager was directed to place the Minutes on Council’s next meeting agenda for approval. There was a discussion at this time initiated by Councilman Kovacs with respect to references in the aforesaid Minutes to the Troxell Street Area Improvements Project. Councilman Kovacs questioned whether the sealing of the streets has been completed. He noted that the property owners were suppose to be notified before the work was accomplished. It was noted that certain areas had been signed by the contractor prior to the sealing work being done. The Township Engineer indicated to the Board that he would check on the situation. Councilman Williams noted that he was not sure if all the driveway work had been completed. The Township Engineer advised that he would view the area and report back to the Board.

Reports:

1. Sandra A. Pudliner
Township Manager

1. The Township Manager advised the Board that she has provided them with the proposed 2004 line item Budget along with a memorandum explaining the changes. It was noted that adoption was scheduled for Monday, December 15, 2003, at 7:00 P.M.

2. The Township Manager advised the Board that the Township Zoning Hearing Board will meet for a special meeting on Wednesday, December 10, 2003, at 7:00 P.M. to hear the appeal of Damon’s Restaurant. The appeal is for a variance relative to the free standing sign which is 50 square feet (the size allowable under the ordinance). The Township Manager advised that Damon’s is seeking to add a directional sign of approximately 16 square feet underneath the current free-standing sign for safety issues and directional purposes for patrons. After discussion and noting that if the purpose of the signage is for directional use, the Board had no problem with this appeal.

3. Council should be advised that the Lehigh County Association of Township Officials will hold their Mini Convention on Friday, January 9, 2004, at the Schnecksville Fire Company, Schnecksville, Pennsylvania. The Township Manager inquired as to which Board members wish to attend. Councilman Kovacs indicated he desired to attend the convention. The other Board members noted that they will get back to the Township Manager since replies are not required until December 23, 2003.

4. The Township Manager advised the Board that with respect to the issues outstanding with PPL, she has been advised that PPL will check Roble Road tomorrow. The three lights on Postal Road which are out and the nine on Marcon Blvd. will be repaired by the end of December. With respect to the pole down at Irving Street and Postal Rd., PPL has indicated that they are working on the light. They have also indicated that with respect to the pole leaning at Marcon and Postal Rd. they will be working on same. With respect to the Township’s request for lighting along Catasauqua Road in the vicinity of Denny’s Restaurant, the Township Manager advised Council that PPL has indicated that the Manager write to PPL making a formal request. With respect to that issue, the Township Manager notified the Board that she has already sent such correspondence to PPL.

As a result of a discussion initiated by Councilman Atkinson, the Township Manager was directed to send another letter to PPL if the work they indicated would be completed by the end of December is not accomplished.

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

1. There was a discussion with respect to the water valve caps at the end of Troxell Street and work which needed to be done on same. The Township Engineer indicated that he would handle that matter.

Councilman Atkinson questioned the Township Engineer as to whether or not he has looked at the sinkholes in the Industrial Park. The Township Engineer indicated that he had an opportunity to do so and letters indicating the need to repair same in accordance with Township Ordinance had been sent out.

Chairman Paulus commented that the work done on the Troxell Street project by Breneman rather than he subcontractor he felt had been handled in a much more professional manner.

3. J. Jackson Eaton, III, Esquire
Attorney's Report

The Township Attorney was not in attendance at the meeting and accordingly no report was offered at this time.

At this point in the meeting, Councilman Atkinson questioned the Township Manager as to whether or not Peskin Realty has taken care of the violations at the Valley Plaza Shopping Center. The Township Manager advised that all violations have been resolved. There was also a discussion with respect to the vandalism at Sherwood Park. The Township Manager advised the Board that she has discussed the matter at length with the Township’s Code Enforcement Officers. They are taking special care to survey the area. If they become aware of such vandalism, they will immediately notify the state police.

Unfinished Business:

1. Resolution No. 2003-40, A Resolution Authorizing a Holiday Dinner for Recognition and Appreciation for Service Rendered (Vote)

Motion: --- I move that Resolution No. 2003-40 be adopted as presented.

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

 

New Business:

Councilman Kovacs brought up the issue of the additional work being done at Pump Station No. 1. The Township Engineer indicated that the manhole has settled. He advised the Board that the contractor had the option of poring a concrete base when the work was done but since the Township didn’t require it they chose not to. Now, however, the manhole has settled 8 inches and surcharging has occurred. The contractor now has the obligation to repair same. They are pouring the concrete bed today and will be laying pipe tomorrow and the job should then be done.

Courtesy of the Floor:

Mr. Joseph Feskanin, 1680 N. Irving Street, Allentown, PA, approached the Board. He noted that he personally uses Marcon Blvd. and Postal Road. He advised that lighting in that area is an issue. He indicated that people use the bus route at that location. They are wearing dark clothes. Visibility is minimal.

Mr. Feskanin also noted that at last week’s meeting there had been a discussion about the Irving Street hill road construction. He indicated to Council that at previous meetings he had made them aware of a situation with respect to his neighbor who is being flooded out from bad storms. He indicated he also provided Council pictures of the situation. Mr. Feskanin felt that if the Township would consider macadam curbing at his neighbor’s location to direct the water away from the home that might help the situation. The Township Engineer commented that he was referring to a rolled curb and that he would discuss the matter with the Township’s Public Works Department.

Mr. Feskanin also raised the issue of the Canal Park project. He indicated that he notes that the Township is appropriating an additional $100,000 toward work at the Canal and wondered if that was wise in light of Federal deficiencies and everything that is happening in the country. Councilman Atkinson commented that it is the eventual goal of the Township to clean the Canal bed and rebuild the lock. It was noted that the National Heritage Corridor program which provides funding had been sitting stagnant for a couple of years but that monies may again become available. It was also noted that the grant monies showing in the 2004 Budget represents state DCED Grant monies wherein there is a 50% reimbursement for cost. It was further indicated that the Township’s installation of the restrooms at the pavilion area at Canal Park would hopefully be funded in part through those grant monies.

 

Adjournment:

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

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

Respectfully submitted,

Sandra A. Pudliner
Township Manager