Present: ---- Councilwoman Hayden, Councilmen Atkinson, Dreisbach, Kovacs, Paulus; J. Jackson Eaton, III, Esquire; ----------------------- Ryan Christman; 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: ---- Frederick W. Hay, P.E.

Attendance: ---------- 10

Courtesy of the Floor: Lt. William Teper, PSP, Crime Section Commander

Lt. William Teper of the Pennsylvania State Police appeared before the Board at this time and thanked them for giving him an opportunity to address them this evening. He advised that he is one of three lieutenants at the Bethlehem State Police barracks and that his office addresses crime issues in Northampton County, Lehigh County, and Bucks County. He advised the Board that he has brought with him the statistics relative to Hanover Township for the period 1/1/07 through 11/30/07, which shows a total number of incidents within the Township of 1,826. Additionally, he advised the Board that the statistics from 1/1/07 through 12/4/07 indicate total arrests of 1,618. He indicated that figure includes traffic citations, nontraffic citations and criminal complaints brought before the Township’s District Magistrate Carl Balliet. Lt. Teper outlined for the Board the statistics as shown on his report, a copy of which is attached hereto, as same relates to various activities such as burglary, theft, rape, robberies, etc. Lt. Teper commented that a number of the thefts involved motor vehicle break-ins, where GPS’ have been left on the dashboard, computers on the passenger seat, etc. He noted that if people would simply lock their vehicles, some of these issues would be resolved. With respect to rape, Lt. Teper commented that one individual has been arrested, one incident never really happened, and one is under investigation. With respect to robberies, Lt. Teper noted that three had occurred at hotels within Hanover Township and one at a restaurant in the Township known as the Waffle House. He indicated that three of the incidents are currently under investigation.

Lt. Teper advised the Board that he contacted the Township’s District Magistrate and asked him to pull up PSP’s enforcement efforts from January 1, 2007 through December 4, 2007; and, as previously noted, the traffic and nontraffic criminal complaints total 1,618. Chairman Atkinson raised the issue regarding drug activities. Lt. Teper advised that he feels the PSP are succeeding with good enforcement efforts in that regard. He noted that he is responsible for their vice unit. He further noted that within the last month there had been two incidents. Councilman Kovacs commented that he felt the State Police response time has been very good. Chairman Paulus noted that he has always been of the opinion that the Township does not need its own police force since we have the best police force in the state. Councilman Kovacs brought up issues with people running stop signs in the Troxell Street area. Councilman Atkinson brought up issues with groups of kids hanging around the Carmike Cinema facility and the Valley Plaza Shopping Center.

Lt. Teper concluded his discussions at this time and again thanked the Board for their time this evening and advised them that if they have any issues, they are more than welcome to contact him and noted that he has left his contact information for each of them.

Approval of Minutes: ------ November 21, 2007, Regular Council Meeting

Motion: --- I move we waive the reading of the Minutes of the November 21, 2007 Regular Council Meeting and accept same as presented.

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

Reports:

1. Sandra A. Pudliner
Township Manager

1.) The Township Manager advised the Board that the Lehigh County Association of Township Officials will hold their Winter Convention on Friday, January 11, 2008 at the Fogelsville Volunteer Fire Company. She noted that when she receives additional information she will pass that on and the Board can determine who will attend.

2.) The Township Manager advised that the Budget Hearing for adoption of the Budget originally scheduled for Monday, December 10, 2007, at 4:00 P.M. will be held on Wednesday, December 12, 2007, at 4:00 P.M.

2. Ryan Christman

It should be noted for the record that the Township Engineer, Frederick W. Hay, was unavailable for this meeting. Mr. Christman attended the meeting in his place.

1.) Mr. Christman advised the Board that we have received a letter from the City of Bethlehem requesting the Township put off paving Pennsylvania Avenue until 2009 or 2010. They had inquired in their correspondence whether or not we could hold off. It was noted that there is a huge pothole currently on Pennsylvania Avenue right at Catasauqua Rd. Councilman Atkinson commented that in his opinion he didn’t feel it could be put off longer than 2009.

2.) Mr. Christman advised Council that final plans for the Race Street/Willowbrook Rd. signal light have been signed and submitted to PennDOT.

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

1.) The Township Attorney advised the Board that both Agere and the Sheraton have taken tax assessment appeals to the Court of Common Pleas. He indicated that he would keep the Township advised of those proceedings.

2.) Attorney Eaton advised that his office is still working on the Airport Hazard Ordinance. He noted that he thought he would have the Open Fire Ordinance for the Board this evening but he has not had an opportunity to review same in its final form.

Unfinished Business:

1.) Councilman Atkinson advised all in attendance that he had an opportunity to see former Councilman William Williams and that Mr. Williams asked him to pass his greetings onto the Board and staff. Additionally Councilman Atkinson commented that he has seen that the Airport is finally demolishing the houses they condemned on Willowbrook Rd.

New Business:

1.) Resolution No. 2007-42, A Resolution Granting Preliminary/Final Land Development Approval, B. Braun Medical, EXCEED, 939 Marcon Blvd., Allentown, PA 18109 (Vote).

Mr. Rocco Caracciolo of Pennoni Associates, the Developer’s Engineers, appeared before the Board. He advised Council that his client had appeared before the Planning Commission at their meeting on November 20, 2007, and had received an approval recommendation with certain conditions. Mr. Caracciolo advised Council that this is the existing Sure Fit facility, which will be demolished and become a manufacturing facility for B. Braun.

Councilman Atkinson questioned whether or not they had made a final determination on the height of the building and Mr. Caracciolo advised that they are still not quite sure but it would not exceed the 110 feet as requested in the Zoning Variance granted to B. Braun. Councilman Atkinson questioned whether or not they have the schedule for construction. In that regard, Mr. Joseph Ketterbaugh, Project Engineer for B. Braun, indicated that the matter is under review and that he is unsure when construction would commence pending approval of funding in Germany. He also noted that they are looking at whether they are building the entire facility or partial build out. Mr. Ketterbaugh noted that B. Braun is a family-owned business. He indicated they are very conservative and have a banking background. Mr. Christman noted that the only real issue is the need to get together with the Township’s Fire Chief regarding the paving of the fire lane. Councilman Atkinson commented that he thought the latticework would be better than paving. The Township Manager noted that the Fire Chief had issues with that type of installation at the Agere property and is hesitant over further issues of that kind with Braun. In resolution of the matter, the Board made the following motion:

Motion: --- I move that Resolution No. 2007-42, Preliminary/Final Land Development Approval, B. Braun Medical, EXCEED, 939 Marcon Blvd., Allentown, PA be adopted as presented.

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

2.) Bill No. 2007-12, An Ordinance Amending Chapter 18, Part 3 (Sewer Rates, Rents and Charges), Section 303 of the Statutory Code of Hanover Township (Public Hearing).

Chairman Paulus opened the Public Hearing relative to Bill No. 2007-12. The Township Manager noted that this change had been discussed and is part of the proposed 2008 Sewer Budget. Councilman Atkinson noted that this proposed ordinance provides for a reduction in the minimum usage charge. He noted that the Township has an older population and they are using less. This proposed ordinance reduces the minimum usage from 11,000 gallons per quarter to 7,000 gallons per quarter. Councilman Atkinson also noted that the Township has determined to create one sewer system and the sewer rates have been raised to take into account capital costs for all systems. In resolution of this matter, the Board made the following motion:

Motion: --- I move that Bill No. 2007-12, An Ordinance Amending Chapter 18, Part 3 (Sewer Rates, Rents and Charges), Section 303 of the Statutory Code of Hanover Township be adopted as Township Ordinance No. 480.

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

3.) Bill No. 2007-13, An Ordinance Amending Chapter 26, Part 1B (Water Rates, Rents and Charges), Section 124 (Meter Rates) of the Statutory Code of Hanover Township (Public Hearing).

Chairman Paulus opened the Public Hearing relative to Bill No. 2007-13. The Township Manager advised that this proposed Ordinance takes into account the proposed Water Budget for the year 2008. Councilman Atkinson commented that this proposed Ordinance provides for a reduction in water rates, basically one-half, and that the minimum charge has also been reduced. In resolution of this matter, the Board made the following motion:

Motion: --- I move that Bill No. 2007-13, An Ordinance Amending Chapter 26, Part 1B (Water Rates, Rents and Charges), Section 124 (Meter Rates) of the Statutory Code of Hanover Township be adopted as Township Ordinance No. 481.

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

4.) Bill No. 2007-15, An Ordinance Amending Chapter 21, Part 1, of the Statutory Code of Hanover Township to Allow for Temporary Memorials Displays Within the Public Right of Way (Public Hearing).

The Township Attorney advised that the Board had requested that he prepare this proposed Ordinance, which deals with memorials which are put in place as a result of vehicular fatalities. He noted that this proposed Ordinance offers the Township some control. He indicated it limits the area and the height of such memorials and gives the Township Manager authority to remove them if they are a problem. The time limit set for all memorials to be in place is two weeks. The Township Manager commented that thisordinance would allow her to remove the one memorial currently located in the Township. There was some discussion as to whether or not the memorial was in the Township’s right of way or on private property and that issue would need to be reviewed. In resolution of this matter, the Board made the following motion:

Motion: --- I move that Bill No. 2007-15, An Ordinance Amending Chapter 21, Part 1 of the Statutory Code of Hanover Township to Allow for Temporary Memorials Displays Within the Public Right of Way be adopted as Township Ordinance No. 482

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

Courtesy of the Floor: NONE

Adjournment:

The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Sandra A. Pudliner
Township Manager

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