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

Absent: ------------------ 0.

Attendance: ---------- 5

Courtesy of the Floor:

Mr. Robin Yoder, the Township Code Enforcement Officer and Fire Chief of Han-Le-Co Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, appeared before the Board. In his capacity as Fire Chief, Mr. Yoder felt that the Board should be advised of the necessity for major vehicle maintenance work to be accomplished on fire company equipment in the near future. Mr. Yoder outlined the various major problems, which he felt would result in a total cost of approximately $15,000. Council acknowledged their appreciation of the heads up given by the Fire Chief and noted that since the repairs were absolutely necessary he should proceed to have the work done.

Approval of Minutes: ---------- April 20, 2005, Regular Council Meeting

Motion: --- I move we waive the reading of the Minutes of the April 20, 2005, Regular Council Meeting and accept same as amended.

Paulus, Kovacs: Moved and Seconded

Prior to the vote, the Township Attorney brought to the Board’s attention language, which appeared on Page 2 of the Minutes. He requested that the following language be stricken: “Attorney Fries noted that he was of the opinion that the immunity test was more appropriate with respect to the airport.” Accordingly, the Minutes would be amended to this effect.

Atkinson, Dreisbach, Hayden, Kovacs, Paulus: ------- Aye ------- Unan

Reports:

1. Sandra A. Pudliner
Township Manager

1. The Township Manager advised the Board that at their request she had corresponded with the Catasauqua Area School District Transportation Division regarding the bus stop at Allendale Apartments. She advised the Board that the Township has received a response from the Transportation Director of the Catasauqua Area School District and a copy of same has been provided to the Board. Councilman Atkinson commented that in reading the correspondence it appears that the problem at Allendale, in particular, the bus pulling off into the indent at Allendale for at least two years or longer, is puzzling. Councilman Atkinson also noted that the school district has indicated that no person from Allendale or the area of Allendale ever called to discuss this concern until the Township wrote to them. Chairman Paulus questioned the Township Attorney as to whether or not the Township has any liability over writing to the school district and requesting that they return to the driving lane when dropping off students at Allendale. Attorney Eaton felt that the decision is solely the school districts’ and that all the Township did was bring it to the attention of the school district that Township residents had a concern. Mr. Skip Keim, 1635 N. Halstead Street, in attendance at the meeting acknowledged that he had requested School Bus Stop Ahead signs and was reminded that he also indicated that the bus was pulling over and not staying in the driving lane. Katharine Jeanette, the Manager of Allendale Apartments, also in attendance noted that she was not aware of this problem until recently when residents of Allendale complained to her and that since that time she has made a concerted effort to monitor the situation. Chairman Paulus merely noted that his only concern is that if a child would get hit if someone passes on the right he did not want the Township to have any liability for writing to the school district and ask that they stay in the driving lane. The Township Attorney felt that the decision and liability was the school districts.

Councilman Kovacs noted that in reading the PSATS Magazine he noticed that the lettering on street signs has a required height of four inches. The Township Engineer noted that the Township does conform to same. Councilman Kovacs also noted that in the year 2012, that will be raised to 6 inches. Councilman Kovacs again reiterated his feeling that the intersection of Airport and Catasauqua Road shoulder should be hatched out with the word “No” painted on same. The Township Engineer advised that when these issues were brought up to PennDOT, PennDOT refused to allow such a request. Everything at that intersection Mr. Hay noted is per PennDOT permit.

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

1. The Township Engineer advised that he had performed another sound study involving the U.S. Foodservice facility in the Township at 3:00 A.M. this morning. The readings at Carmike were at 58 decibels, the readings at Sherwood Street and Hoover were at 53 decibels and the readings at Tacoma and Hoover were at 52 decibels. Mr. Hay noted that if he put the sound-measuring device directly in front of his car, the reading was 70 decibels. He indicated to Council that these readings are in line with prior readings which are in accordance with the requirement placed on the property owner; namely, to meet the City of Allentown Noise Ordinance. Mr. Hay further indicated the only thing that has changed is that people are now opening their windows. Chairman Paulus questioned the Township Engineer as to where the trucks were parked and the Engineer noted that the trucks were parked where they are approved to be parked. It was noted that this is the third or fourth noise study that has been conducted. Mr. Hay recollected that at one of the prior studies there was an issue with respect to the air conditioning units at Hidden Village putting out some noise. Upon questioning, the Township Engineer indicated that the Carmike reading was taken closer to the fence than the building and that the Hoover Avenue readings were taken at the intersection of Sherwood Street and Tacoma Street.

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

1.) The Township Attorney advised the Board that in reading last month’s minutes he noted something in the report of the Code Enforcement Officer’s relative to gun shots being heard in Canal Park. He discussed the issue with the Township Manager since the language indicated that upon investigation it was determined the shots were not coming from the park area. Attorney Eaton noted that his concern was that the Code Enforcement Officer had not done the investigation. It appears, however, that the Code Enforcement Officer acted correctly in calling the state police and using the PA system to ask the public in the park to leave and remain on the scene until the state police arrived. The Code Enforcement Officers did not do the investigation.

Unfinished Business:

1. Parks and Recreation (Review and Discussion).

The Township Manager advised the Board that she has provided them with a listing of all Canal Park reservations for the year 2005 as well as the revised Rules and Regulations per Township meeting discussions and copies of the reservation letters which are utilized at all the parks. The Township Manager noted that all Council’s requested changes were accomplished in the literature provided to them. The Township Manager did note, however, that as a result of recent discussions relative to overflow parking being available, such language was not added to the information packet. Council indicated that upon reviewing the reservations it appears that the weddings being held there are not the majority of the reservations and it also indicates that there are only two catered weddings listed. Council reviewed the changes made as requested and acknowledged that all the requested changes were made. Accordingly, no further actions will be made at this time with respect to making any additional changes involving the parks and the resolution and proposed ordinance prepared by Attorney Eaton’s office would not be acted upon at this time.

Courtesy of the Floor:

Mr. Skip Keim, 1635 N. Halstead St., questioned whether or not in the changes to the park regulations there was a notation that alcoholic consumption be stopped one hour before the end of the function. The Township Manager advised that language does appear therein. Mr. Keim also questioned whether or not the Township is spraying the towpath for mosquitoes. The Township Manager advised that Public Works has certified an individual to do such spraying and that the Township performs that activity with the material approved by Lehigh County on a regular basis.

Adjournment:

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

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

Respectfully submitted,

Sandra A. Pudliner
Township Manager

Return to Top