Present: ---- Councilwoman Hayden, Councilmen Atkinson, Dreisbach, Kovacs, Paulus; J. Jackson Eaton, III, Esquire; ----------------------- Frederick W. Haye, P. E.; 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: ---- 0

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

Approval of Minutes: ------ April 16, 2008, Regular Meeting

Motion: --- I move we waive the reading of the Minutes of the April 16, 2008 Regular Council Meeting and accept same as presented.

Paulus, Hayden: 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 she has provided them with copies of the notice for an upcoming Zoning Hearing Board hearing on May 22, 2008. The appeal of Cameo Enterprises, Inc. is for a special exception use and also a variance from area requirements and parking requirements of the Statutory Code of Hanover Township. It is the intent of the applicant to operate a health spa at property located at 2490 Schoenersville Rd., Allentown, PA 18109. The Township Manager advised that since the use of the applicant would be by appointment she was of the opinion that this type of use would be acceptable for this location. Council determined that they would take no action regarding this Zoning Appeal.

Councilwoman Hayden questioned why the fence in place separating Chestnut Grove from the property of the Four Points Sheraton is being left open. Mrs. Hayden noted that in the past it had been policy to keep the gates locked at all times. The Township Manager advised that she would check on that matter.

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

The Township Engineer offered no oral report at this time.

Councilman Kovacs questioned the Township Engineer regarding his concern over the arrow placement on Catasauqua Road. Mr. Kovacs noted that he is especially concerned about the removal of the turning lane onto Troxell Street. The Township Engineer advised; that the markings on the road were approved by Penn DOT and that they meet Penn DOT requirements.

Councilman Atkinson questioned the Township Engineer with respect to the progress of the Airport Road Shopping Center project. The Township Engineer advised that the Developer would be addressing the Penn DOT contract in the near future. The Township Engineer also noted that the contractor is waiting for Buckeye Pipeline to get back to them. He indicated it would be necessary to change the drainage on Lloyd Street because the gas line is only one foot beyond the curb. Councilman Atkinson also questioned the fact that the earth moving is creating a cloud of dust on Airport Road. The Township Engineer noted that he did not feel it was safe for them to take the vehicle utilized for dust reduction onto Airport Rd.

Councilman Dreisbach questioned the status of the Race St./Willowbrook Rd. signal light. The Township Engineer noted that we are waiting for the right-of-way and then would be putting bid specs together for the project.

Mr. Joseph Feskanin, 1680 N. Irving Street, in attendance at the meeting commended the Township Engineer and his crew for the handling of the Airport Road Shopping Center project. Mr. Feskanin noted that the cooperation is exceptional between Keystone and the other contractors involved. The Township Engineer noted that the utilities are progressing and that the liner has been placed in the detention pond. Councilman Atkinson commented that the liner looks pretty set. The Township Engineer noted that the manufacturer must guarantee it.

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

1.) The Township Attorney advised the Board that the Township has signed off on the final version of agreements with the Developer of the Airport Road Shopping Center project. He noted that we still don’t have all the executed copies back. With respect to the first reduction of the letter of credit, the Township Attorney noted that he had met with the Township Engineer and Township Manager with respect to the procedure for processing reduction requests.

2.) The Township Attorney advised that with respect to the tax-exempt property Municipal Assistance Act, the bill has now been referred back to the appropriations committee.

3.) With respect to the issue raised regarding notice requirements of any kind concerning video cameras in parks, the Township Attorney noted that there is no statute requiring notice.

Unfinished Business:

Councilman Atkinson inquired of the Township Manager as to whether or not the Code Enforcement Officers will be available for patrol at the Troxell Street Garage Sale to be held on Saturday, May 10, 2008. The Township Manager advised that she would check the schedule of the Code Enforcement Officers and express the Township’s concern over patrol.

New Business:

1.) 1. Bill No. 2008-03, An Ordinance Amending the Statutory Code of Hanover Township Regarding Off Premises Signs in PIO and PC Zones and Electronic Message Signs (Introduce)

Attorney James Bartholomew appeared before the Board regarding Bill No. 2008-03. By way of history of other matters, Attorney Bartholomew advised Council that with respect to the Tri-Outdoor Appeal to the Hanover Township Zoning Hearing Board, Council should be advised that the decision of the Zoning Hearing Board has been sustained and the County Court has also ruled in the Township’s favor. With respect to the appeal of Lamar Advertising to the Hanover Township Zoning Hearing Board, Council should be advised that the Decision rendered March 31, 2008 has not been appealed and the Zoning Hearing Board’s position has been sustained.

At this point in the meeting, Attorney Bartholomew reviewed with the Board the new provisions contained in Bill No. 2008-03. Attorney Bartholomew noted that one of the issues relates to a current Adams billboard with two billboards on each side. He noted that he did not feel the current ordinance would permit the two digitals, but this proposed ordinance makes it clear. He noted for the Board the new language contained in Bill No. 2008-03 which states “Only one sign shall be permitted on each side or face of a billboard.” Additionally, Attorney Bartholomew noted that new language has been added to this proposed ordinance to indicate that “no side or face of an EMS which is a billboard shall contain double or multiple signs or split screen images.” Additionally, new language has been added which states “Only one sign on a side of face of an existing, nonconforming double or multiple sign billboard may be converted to an EMS.” Attorney Bartholomew advised Council that with respect to split screen images he did not feel that the current ordinance would permit same, but this ordinance provides for clarification of that issue. Attorney Bartholomew noted that the one billboard in the Township which is nonforming has two signs on each face of said billboard. The billboard is in the ownership of Adams Outdoor Advertising. Adams Outdoor did convert the upper part of one side of this billboard to a digital billboard with the bottom section remaining static.

Council reviewed the proposed ordinance and felt same was acceptable. Accordingly, Bill No. 2008-03 was introduced at this time with a public hearing on same to be held on Wednesday, July 2, 2008 at 7:30 P.M. Attorney Bartholomew noted that in accordance with the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance for Zoning Amendments the Township Manager will proceed with the special advertising requirements and that this ordinance amendment would be provided to the Morning Call, the County Law Library, and municipalitys bordering the location, the Township Planning Commission, and the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission. Public comments will be received.

At this point in the meeting, Mr. Dave Pappentick, of Adams Outdoor Advertising appeared before Council and advised that Adams Outdoor Advertising has no comment with respect to the proposed ordinance. Additionally, Mr. Pappentick noted that Adams has no issue with the contents of this ordinance. Chairman Paulus questioned Mr. Pappentick as to whether or not Adams has any intent at this time for split screen images. Mr. Pappentick indicated that at the present Adams has no interest in same. Chairman Paulus questioned whether or not they are considering any double images and Mr. Pappentick indicated that he did not think so.

Courtesy of the Floor: NONE

Adjournment:

The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Sandra A. Pudliner
Township Manager

 

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