Present: ---- Councilwoman Hayden, Councilmen Atkinson, Dreisbach, Kovacs, Paulus: Kimberly Spotts-Kimmel,
-------------------- Esquire; Sandra A. Pudliner; Vicky Roth

It should be noted for the record that Councilwoman Hayden attended the meeting via telephone conference as a result of a disability, which does not permit her attendance in person.

Absent: ------------------ Councilman Atkinson; Frederick W. Hay, P.E.; J. Jackson Eaton, III, Esquire

Attendance: ---------- 6

Opening Bids: 1984 Gruman Step Van

Council proceeded to open the two bids received relative to the Township’s sale of the 1984 Gruman/GMC Step Van. The first bid received was from William Wagner of Silver Spring, Maryland, in the amount of $4,500. The second bid opened by the Board was from Heffner Construction of Allentown, Pennsylvania, in the amount of $4,000. The Township Clerk commented that the high bidder in this instance being William Wagner had spoken to her requesting that the emergency equipment currently located on the truck be donated to the fire company in Silver Spring, Maryland. Council informed all in attendance that the Board would give that request some consideration and make a final decision at a later time. However, since it appeared that Mr. William Wagner was the high bidder in this case, the Board made the following motion:

Motion: --- I move we accept the bid of William Wagner for the purchase of the 1984 Gruman/GMC Step Van for a purchase amount of $4,500.

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

Courtesy of the Floor: None

Approval of Minutes: ------ September 5, 2007, Regular Council Meeting

Motion: --- I move we waive the reading of the Minutes of the September 5, 2007 Regular Council Meeting and accept same as presented.

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

Reports:

1. Sandra A. Pudliner
Township Manager

The Township Manager advised Council that she has provided them with a Memorandum regarding the Township’s Minimum Municipal Obligation as same relates to the Pension Plan in force for all Township employees. Mrs. Pudliner explained that yearly the Township must provide this information to the State Pension Fund and that the figure represents the minimum obligation of the Township. Even if the actual figures are lower than the amount stated, in the MMO, the Township would be liable up to that amount. Paperwork will be forwarded to PMRS prior to the deadline in the beginning of October locking in the Township’s minimum municipal obligation.

The Township Manager advised that the Township has received inquiries regarding the scheduling of Trick or Treat in Hanover Township. She reminded the Board that in keeping with past practice the Township has scheduled Trick or Treat the same evening as the Borough of Catasauqua which in this case would be the last Friday in October; namely, October 26, 2007. Council felt that Trick or Treat should be scheduled for October 26, 2007 between the hours of 6:00 and 8:00 P.M.

The Township Manager advised the Board that the Township’s Code Enforcement Officers have brought to her attention a possible deficiency in the Township’s Ordinance regarding prohibited burning. The Township Manager noted that in reading that section of the codification, it appears that burning is only prohibited in the instance of open fires for the destruction of refuse or in the conduct of a salvage operation in any public or private place outside of any building. The Township Manager advised Council that there has been a recent occurrence involving burning more in line with a camp fire at one of the homes in the Township and Code Enforcement Officer John Lemos brought to her attention that the ordinance technically does not prohibit same. After discussion, Council was of the opinion that the ordinance should be revised to prohibit open fires for any purpose in the Township. There was also a discussion whether or not the Township should permit or prohibit the various units on the market for the purpose of outside burning. These types of units are used outside for heating purposes, etc. The Township’s Fire Chief indicated that he is aware of various areas in the Township where these type of units are utilized. In general, Mr. Yoder noted he does not have a tremendous problem with them if they are UL approved, have a spark arrester, etc. The Township Manager noted that she and the Township’s Fire Chief have discussed the matter and are of the opinion that this type of equipment is not necessarily objectionable in the single family residential developments in the Township, but could pose a problem in the closer neighborhoods such as a townhouse development or mobile home park. Mrs. Pudliner indicated that perhaps some guidelines could be set forth for this type of equipment being utilized in the Township based on property dimensions. In any event, Attorney Kimmel would take the information to the Township Attorney and the Township Manager would discuss the issue with him. Ultimately, a proposed ordinance revision will be prepared.

At this point in the meeting, Councilman Kovacs brought to the Board’s attention that it appears that individuals from the Chestnut Grove Towne Garden Development are reeking havoc on the parking lot of the church on Grove Road. Councilman Kovacs advised that the church has no objection to children playing in the parking lot, but any rubbish, which they create should be taken with them.

Councilman Dreisbach brought to the Boards attention that certain residents on Troxell Street have informed him that tractor trailers have been parking behind D & D Furniture and the Chinese Restaurant in Valley Plaza Shopping Center. The residents have also indicated that the tractor-trailers have had their reefers on. Code Enforcement Officer Raymond Seiling who was in attendance at the meeting advised the Board that there was a tractor trailer with a reefer in the Carmike Cinemas parking lot of which he was aware and that the individual was going to settle in there for the night. Mr. Seiling had requested the individual leave and he complied. Mr. Seiling also indicated he is aware of two pods behind the restaurant and a blue tractor-trailer. Mr. Yoder commented that the storage trailer is owned by the management company, that runs the shopping center, and is utilized as storage for the shopping center. With respect to the pods, Mr. Yoder noted that the Township’s Building Inspector had given the okay for them to be at that location. Chairman Paulus commented that if the trucks are not idling he did not think the Township could do anything. Mr. Yoder noted that in the past there had been one trailer that was illegally tying into PPL and that he had called PPL security and the State Police. The State Police indicated, the next time this occurred, they would arrest that individual.

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

The Township Engineer was not in attendance at the meeting and offered no oral report at this time. However, it was noted that he had provided the Board with a Memorandum under date of September 19, 2007 with respect to Catasauqua Rd. at Troxell Street as same relates to roadway markings placed on Catasauqua Rd. per PennDOT requirements.

3. Kimberly Spotts-Kimmel, Esquire
Township Attorney

In the absence of the Township Attorney, his associate, Kimberly Spotts-Kimmel, Esquire, appeared before the Board.

1.) Attorney Kimmel advised Council that with respect to Item No. 1 under Unfinished Business, namely, Bill No. 2007-11, that proposed ordinance should be tabled at this time since the Township has not as of yet received the Escrow payment as required from the Developer in order for the condemnation for proceed. In that regard, the matter should be tabled until Council’s next meeting scheduled for Wednesday, October 3, 2007 at 7:30 P.M.

At this point in the meeting, Councilwoman Hayden excused herself from the remainder of the meeting.

4. Maintenance Report (Written)

5. Fire Company Report (Written)

6. Code Enforcement Officers’ Reports (Written)

7. Building Inspector’s Report (Written)

Chairman Paulus acknowledged receipt of a written Maintenance Report, written Fire Company Report, written Code Enforcement Officers’ Reports and written Building Inspector’s Report and same were noted for the record.

8. Treasurer’s Report (Written)

Motion: --- I move we accept the computer printouts dated September 19, 2007, for the General Fund Account, Capital Reserve Account, Escrow Account, Liquid Fuels Account, Sewer Account and Water Account subject to audit.

Paulus, Kovacs: Moved and Seconded
Dreisbach, Kovacs, Paulus: ------- Aye ---------- Unan

Unfinished Business:

1.) Bill No. 2007-11, An Ordinance Authorizing the Condemnation of Certain Properties in the Area of Airport Road and Lloyd Street for Public Road Widening and Easements Within the Boundaries of the Township of Hanover, Lehigh County (Public Hearing).

Chairman Paulus noted as indicated by the Township Attorney this matter is being tabled until the Wednesday, October 3, 2007 Council meeting.

New Business:

Councilman Kovacs requested that he be enrolled to attend a seminar regarding fraud and embezzlement. He provided the information to the Township Manager for registration purposes.

Payment of Bills:

Motion: --- I move Council authorize payment of Payroll (9/7/07); Payroll (8/24/07); Voucher Nos. 12831-12837 (8/27/07 Prepaids), Voucher Nos. 12838 (8/29/07 Prepaids), Voucher Nos. 12839-12842 (9/19/07 Prepaids, Voucher Nos. 12843-12902, from the General Fund Account in the amount of $401,539.24; Voucher Nos. 1767 (8/29/07 Prepaids), Voucher Nos. 1768 (9/19/07 Prepaids), Voucher Nos. 1769-1776 from the Capital Reserve Account in the amount of $5,154.57; Voucher Nos. 1690-1706 (8/29/07 Prepaids), Voucher Nos. 1707-1723 (9/19/07 Prepaids), Voucher Nos. 1724-1728 from the Escrow Account in the amount of $17,905.00; Voucher Nos. 1779-1784 from the Water Account in the amount of $346.14; Voucher Nos. 2900 (8/29/07 Prepaids), Voucher Nos. 2901-2915 from the Sewer Account in the amount of $128,212.05 for a Grand Total Expenditure of $553,157.00.

Paulus, Dreisbach: Moved and Seconded
Dreisbach, Kovacs, Paulus: ------- Aye ---------- Unan

Courtesy of the Floor:

Mr. Robin Yoder, Township Fire Chief and Code Enforcement Officer approached Council inquiring that they look into a possible ordinance relating to roadside memorials and in that regard limiting such roadside memorials to perhaps a 30-day period. Mr. Yoder noted that the adoption of such an ordinance in his opinion would not be meant in any way to diminish the grief of the families who have experienced the loss. However, he was of the opinion that these memorials left in place forever in his opinion have a negative effect on the emergency personnel who were on the scene and have to drive by them day after day. He noted that there is one such memorial that has been up for three years on Catasauqua Road. He felt that the burial place of these individuals was the proper venue for such activities. After discussion, Council was in agreement with Mr. Yoder regarding this issue and Attorney Kimmel indicated that she would advise the Township Solicitor of this matter.

Mr. Joseph Feskanin a Township resident on Irving Street appeared before the Board inquiring regarding the project completion date for the work on Lloyd Street. Mr. Feskanin also inquired as to whether or not there would be a resurfacing of Lloyd Street after the work is completed. Mr. Feskanin acknowledged that he realized the Township Engineer was not in attendance at the meeting. The Township Manager noted that she would look at the contract for the work and advise Mr. Feskanin whether or not a resurfacing will occur.

Adjournment:

The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Sandra A. Pudliner
Township Manager

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