Present: --------------- Councilwoman Hayden; Councilmen Atkinson, Dreisbach, Kovacs, Paulus; J. Jackson Eaton, III,
------------------------------- Esquire; Sandra A. Pudliner; Vicky Roth,

Absent: ------------------ Frederick W. Hay, P.E.

Attendance: ---------- 4

Courtesy of the Floor:

Mr. Robin Yoder, Township Fire Chief and Code Enforcement Officer appeared before the Board. He initiated discussions with respect to the reservations at Canal Park; namely, the Pudliner Pavilion. Mr. Yoder also raised an issue with respect to the intersection of Catasauqua Rd. and Airport Rd. where you come out from Catasauqua Rd. onto Airport Rd. Mr. Yoder felt that the shoulder of that roadway should be hatched in an attempt to prevent people from utilizing same. Council indicated that they would research that matter through PennDOT to determine if same could be accomplished.

With respect to Canal Park, Mr. Yoder noted that he had with him and had provided the Board with copies of the various materials, which are handed out to individuals renting the park facilities. He prefaced the discussions by noting that he usually works on Friday and Saturday nights and is available at the times the pavilion is rented for various activities. With respect to the reservation letter provided to individuals reserving the park, Mr. Yoder questioned the language in same where it is indicated that the pavilion must be left in reasonably good condition. He felt that the word reasonably may not be appropriate. In addition, the language contained therein which states “our parks are open during daylight hours only” he felt should be underlined. Mr. Yoder also felt that the rules and regulations for the use of the Pudliner Pavilion and the Addendum, which is part of that should really be combined into one document. With respect to said Rules and Regulations as same relates to cleanup, Mr. Yoder felt that the language should be revised to indicate that all garbage be put in the proper receptacles that night or the date of the rental, not the following day. With respect to the Utility Room, Mr. Yoder felt that the language contained in the Rules and Regulations should be revised to indicate that the Utility Room is not for storage of renter’s property. With respect to park closing, Mr. Yoder noted that he felt language should be added to indicate that the park closes at sunset for that date and that sunset may be found on the Weather Channel or in the local newspaper. With respect to alcohol consumption, Mr. Yoder felt that the Rules and Regulation should indicate that permission is needed from the Township Manager for such activity. He also felt that the Township should require that the serving of alcoholic beverages end one hour prior to sunset for the date of the rental. Mr. Yoder also felt that the Addendum should be revised to include no parking on the grass and that no small games of chance or fundraising may be held at the pavilion area. Mr. Yoder also felt that the number of people attending the function should be stated.

Council acknowledged Mr. Yoder’s recommendations and indicated they would look into revising the paperwork accordingly. Councilman Kovacs commented that he was aware of the fact that the Code Enforcement Officers had purchased t-shirts and questioned whether or not they are wearing them during their rounds. Mr. Yoder noted that he always wears his t-shirt, which identifies him as a Township Code Enforcement Officer. Mr. Skip Keim, 1635 Halstead Street, present at the meeting, commented that he felt Mr. Yoder brought up some very good points. He felt that the limiting of alcoholic beverages to one hour prior to sunset was a great idea and it was further noted that you could pull up on the web the time for sunset and simply insert that time in the rental for a particular function.

There was considerable discussion with respect to the washout of the roadway after heavy rain going down Irving Street in the area of the lake. It was noted that this was airport property and that the Township Public Works Director should contact the maintenance supervisor at the airport and request that the airport grade back the area in question and seed it. The Township Attorney commented that it is the airport’s responsibility and that they have a stormwater plan on file with the Township to take care of those issues. It was noted that the Township Engineer would pursue this matter with the airport. Mr. Yoder commented that Mr. Keim could have called County 911 to have someone dispatched.

Kathryn Jeanette of Allendale Apartments appeared before the Board with respect to issues regarding the swale between Allendale and Route 22. A discussion ensued and it appeared that the swale in question was the PennDOT swale. Said swale needed to be cleaned. Ms. Jeanette noted that as a result of heavy rains Allendale was flooded out in the parking lot, underneath the buildings, garage, shops, etc. Council directed the Township Manager to advise the Township Engineer to look into these matters.

Approval of Minutes: ---------- March 16, 2005, Regular Council Meeting

Motion: --- I move we waive the reading of the Minutes of the March 16, 2005, Regular Council Meeting and accept same as presented.

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

Reports:

1. Sandra A. Pudliner
Township Manager

1. The Township Manager advised the Board that she has provided them with all necessary information regarding the upcoming PSATS Convention in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

2. The Township Manager advised Council that she has provided them with copies of correspondence sent to the City of Bethlehem and Red Roof Inn with respect to various concerns the Township has with them.

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

1. It was noted that the Township Engineer was not in attendance at this meeting and accordingly no report was offered at this time. .

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

The Township Attorney advised Council that he is still working on the amendments to the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance and the Zoning Ordinance to deal with the issues of condos that avoid the subdivision requirements. He noted that he has spoken to Olev Taramae of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission who is aware of the Law but not adjustments to other laws to deal with it. Attorney Eaton further noted that he has a meeting scheduled with the Township Engineer and the Township Manager tomorrow to review these matters.

Unfinished Business:

1. Chairman Paulus opened the Public Hearing. The Township Attorney reiterated to the Board the history of this matter. He noted that the ordinance before them is a result of the recently amending state law. The Township prior to the amendment by the state had controlled the sale, display, etc. of fireworks. Now Attorney Eaton noted that the state has taken over control of the sale. At the same time, however, Attorney Eaton indicated that the Township has the responsibility to control consumer fireworks and display fireworks. He noted to Council that there are very detailed provisions in the state law as to where the fireworks can be sold, specific facilities, the character of the facilities, etc. If the Township becomes aware of violations, the Township would report same to the State Police. In the course of discussions, it was also noted that there was language contained therein giving the Township’s Fire Chief the ability to make a determination as to whether or not something would be a hazard to property or endanger any person or persons. In that regard, it was noted the ordinance should be revised to indicate the Fire Chief or his designee. It was further noted that other minor changes to the ordinance would include Section 403.2, which should read “there shall be a fee charge for each permit granted by the Township under this part.” Additionally, the penalty section, Section 406 should be revised to state “any person, co-partnership, association, or corporation, using display fireworks in violation of the provisions of this part …”The Township Fire Chief expressed his concern over the liability placed on him or his designee under this proposed ordinance. Ultimately, it was determined that changes to the Zoning Ordinance may also be required. The ordinance as proposed would be revised by the Township Attorney and tabled until such time as the revisions can be accomplished. Additionally, the Township Manager would advise a recent applicant for a permit for fireworks that the Township could not issue said permit unless the individual could provide the Township with evidence of a state license for the particular site requested by the applicant (Public Hearing).

New Business: NONE.

Courtesy of the Floor: NONE.

Adjournment:

Motion: --- I move we adjourn this meeting of the Hanover Township Council at 8:55 P.M.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Sandra A. Pudliner
Township Manager