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: ---------- 1

Courtesy of the Floor: NONE

Approval of Minutes: ------ September 21, 2005 Regular Council Meeting

Motion: --- I move we waive the reading of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of September 21, 2005 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 Council that they have received copies of the correspondence sent to the Catasauqua Area School District relative to a tour of the new high school facilities prior to the public opening, as well as the School District’s response which indicates that they had directed the Business Manager to arrange dates and times that worked for all parties for a private tour of the new facilities by the Township Governing Body. The tour, however, never took place. The Township Manager noted that her recollection of what transpired in this regard does not entirely agree with the School District’s interpretation. However, the Township Manager did advise the Board that the Township has been contacted by the Catasauqua High School Hall of Fame with respect to a request for soliciting Township businesses for funds which are utilized toward scholarships for children in the School District. Mrs. Pudliner inquired as to whether or not the Board had any issue with turning over the Township’s business list to the School District. Council determined that they would provide the School District with a list of Township businesses to be utilized for soliciting funds for scholarships.

2. The Township Manager advised the Board that she has provided them with correspondence relative to concerns over the intersection of Race Street and Willowbrook Road. It appears that residents in the general area have extreme concerns over the lack of a signalized intersection at that location and correspondence had been sent to PennDOT regarding same. PennDOT’s response is that the Township would need to make such request and do the necessary engineering and traffic study to determine whether the minimum criteria to allow a traffic signal for the intersection is satisfied. The Board discussed this matter at length. There was discussion that the School District had previously indicated that they would not be utilizing Willowbrook Road for school bus traffic but it appears that same is being done at the present time. The Township Engineer noted that in his opinion this intersection may likely qualify for the signalization and that it would cost the Township a couple thousand dollars to do traffic counts to make a final determination. Councilman Atkinson questioned what liability the Township would have if the traffic counts indicate that signalization should occur, but the Township does not follow through with the signalization. The Township Attorney indicated that he did not feel that the Board would be required to signalize the intersection. He noted that he did not feel that every time something is permitted the Township is required to do it, but that he would look at the law regarding this issue. In conclusion of the discussions it was the final determination of the Board that the Township Engineer proceed with a traffic study of the area involving the intersection of Race Street and Willowbrook Road.

3. The Township Manager advised the Board that they are in receipt of their Proposed 2006 Budget and should schedule the Budget hearings for same. The Board determined that all budget hearings will be held on Monday evenings at 7:00 P.M. and would be held on the following dates: October 10, 17, 24, and 31 and on November 7, 14, 21 and 28 and on December 5, 2005 to finalize the Budget. As a result of discussions regarding the status of the Sewer Budget, it was determined that the Township Engineer would most likely appear for discussion of the Sewer Budget at the November 28 meeting unless the information is available prior to that date.

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

The Township Engineer advised that he has provided Council with a copy of the brochure given out at the meeting held regarding the American Parkway, N.E. and New England Avenue Construction Project. The drawing shows the new alignment of the American Parkway. What they are doing is starting back up in the general area where the Lucent/Agere gate is currently located. The Township Engineer noted that with respect to the elevations involved, they are actually going over Dauphin Street. What you have is Dauphin underneath. You still have the existing Dauphin Street or you stay on Dauphin coming underneath and come up. Councilman Atkinson questioned whether the Township Engineer understood his concern. Mr. Atkinson’s concern was having the interchange at Dauphin. He noted that they are putting a dog leg road in. He felt that people would come flying down Irving Street and jump on the American Parkway to the traffic light. Councilman Kovacs commented that he attended the hearing on this matter and it was his opinion that there would be almost no traffic on Irving Street. The Township Engineer questioned where the traffic would be coming from and Councilman Atkinson felt the traffic would be coming from Lehigh Valley Industrial Park, Catasauqua, etc. The Township Engineer, however, felt that they would not be putting more traffic on Irving Street. The Township Engineer also noted that he would be more concerned about the 4 Way stop at Irving and Lloyd Street.

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

The Township Attorney advised the Board that at their request he has written a letter to the City of Allentown regarding the American Parkway, N.E./New England Avenue Construction Project. The Township Engineer noted that letter may have been part of the reason that the Engineer’s Office of the City called him. The Township Engineer indicated to the City why he was unable to attend the meeting and that he would talk to the Governing Body at this meeting. The Township Engineer also noted that he advised the City that if they do not hear from him further there is no problem on the Township’s part regarding this project. Councilman Kovacs commented that he asked at the meeting that the City send a letter to the Township Manager outlining the intent of this project, but the Township as yet has not received it.

A discussion ensued at this time relative to a meeting being scheduled by the City of Allentown relative to a briefing regarding the American Parkway N.E./New England Avenue projects. Councilman Atkinson noted that the Dauphin Street interchange has been eliminated and in its place a collector road constructed on the east side of the American Parkway down to Dauphin Street. His concern is that this may push more traffic up onto Irving Street. In that regard, Councilman Atkinson felt the Township should voice their concerns and if they are ignored look into other legal ramifications we have. Councilman Atkinson felt that more traffic on Irving Street could be a major problem.

Chairman Paulus suggested that correspondence be sent to the City of Allentown addressing the Township’s concerns. The Township Attorney felt there were some alternatives. Councilman Atkinson indicated that just a ramp going from Dauphin Drive South into the American Parkway would help. Traffic then would go down the Irving Street Hill and turn south on Dauphin Drive. It was noted that the letter to the City should probably go out before the meeting. The Township Attorney noted that the letter could indicate that if no accommodations can be made the Township would consider changing traffic patterns on Township roads. Chairman Paulus noted that after all this accomplished, then maybe the Township could sit down with the City and discuss these issues. It was further determined that a representative from the Township Engineer’s office should attend this meeting on behalf of the Township and the Township Manager was instructed to advise the Township Engineer that attendance at the meeting from someone from his firm is requested.

Courtesy of the Floor: NONE

Adjournment:

Motion: --- I move we adjourn this meeting of the Hanover Township Council at 8:15 P.M.

Kovacs: Moved

Respectfully submitted,

Sandra A. Pudliner
Township Manager

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