Present: ---- Councilwoman Hayden; Councilmen Atkinson, Dreisbach, Kovacs, Paulus; J. Jackson Eaton, III, Esquire; Frederick W. Hay, 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: ---------- 4

 

Courtesy of the Floor: ------

Mr. Joseph Jurnock of 2069 Troxell Street approached the Board at this time and referenced an article he had read in the Whitehall-Coplay Newspaper dated December 21, 2006 suggesting that the Township has a surplus, which the Township will need to appropriate. Mr. Jurnock questioned the Board if the storm sewer project in the Troxell Street area could be readdressed with some of the surplus funds. He noted that at the time the project was commenced there was an issue with respect to taking the trees down and it was determined that the Township did not have sufficient funds for the entire project. Mr. Jurnock felt that the Township should consider addressing completion of the project at this time. Councilman Kovacs recollected that at the time of the project, the Township felt that there were insufficient monies allocated for the scope of the work. Chairman Paulus commented that the project as completed seems to address the drainage issue very well. Chairman Paulus indicated that in his opinion none of the residents are being hampered by water. He noted that drainage had been placed by the Sherwood Park area which seems to have addressed the problem. Mr. Jurnock indicated that his issue is with respect to taking down the old trees that have overgrown the area and putting in new trees as well as curbing in the project area. Chairman Paulus commented that the only reason for replacing the trees and the curbing would have been if the entire storm sewer project had been completed. The removal of the trees and the curbing would have resulted from the storm sewers being placed in the roadway damaging the roots of the current trees which would have died and necessitating new trees in their place. He further noted that the curbing would have been also a direct result of the storm sewers. Vice Chairman Atkinson echoed Chairman Paulus’ recollection of the project. Finalizing the discussions, Mr. Jurnock indicated he is now aware of the situation as explained by the Board and the Board noted that there is no intent at the present time to readdress that project.

Approval of Minutes: ------ December 20, 2006 Regular Council Meeting
-------------------------------------------- December 27, 2006 Special Council Meeting
-------------------------------------------- January 08, 2007 Reorganization Meeting

Motion: --- .I move we waive the reading of the Minutes of the December 20, 2006 Regular Council Meeting and accept same as presented

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

Motion: --- .I move we waive the reading of the Minutes of the December 27, 2006 Special Council Meeting and accept same as presented.

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

Motion: --- .I move we waive the reading of the Minutes of the January 8, 2007 Reorganization Meeting and accept same as presented.

Paulus, Atkinson: 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 Township has been approached at several meetings held at the Lehigh County Government Center with respect to joining and participating in the Lehigh County Congress of Governments. In that regard, I have provided the Board with copies of a resolution for adoption to join the group as well as the various paperwork to date received regarding this venture. The Township Manager noted that the Township as part of this organization would not be bound into any decision making processes and that there would be cost to the Township involved in joining the Congress of Governments. There was a discussion with respect to promotion of Intergovernmental Cooperation. Councilman Kovacs felt that he was not in favor of the Township’s participation if same involved usurping of powers of the various governments by other governments. The Township Manager advised the Board that under new business, Item No. 1 is a Resolution authorizing the Township to join and participate in the Lehigh County Congress of Governments and said Resolution is up for consideration at this meeting. The Township Manager further advised that the next meeting of the group would be held on January 18, 2007 at Noon at the Lehigh County Government Center.

2.) The Township Manager advised the Board that she has provided them with a copy of correspondence sent to the Scottish Inn referencing issues with the property concerning cleanup, as well as tractor-trailer parking occupying excessive parking spaces on the property. The Township Manager advised the Board that the Township has requested a revised site plan depicting all the current locations of recent improvements to the property in order to determine if the property is in conformance with applicable Township Ordinances. The Township Engineer noted that the Township Manager and he had met with the Manager of the Scottish Inn some time ago. There was a discussion with respect to utilizing an area of the property for concrete pavers to provide additional parking. The Township Engineer also indicated to the Manager of the Scottish Inn at that time that PennDOT needed to be contacted to make sure there is no encroachment on PennDOT’s right of way. Subsequent thereto the owner of the property has now apparently stoned a portion of the property. Since stone allows water to drain through it, there is a question as to whether or not there is any violation of the maximum lot coverage, but the Township will wait for a review of a site plan to make a final determination..

3.) The Township Manager advised the Board that the elected officials had been invited to a seminar on Thursday, February 8, 2007 relative to emergency management issues. Two classes will be held. One during the day from 1:00 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. and the second from 6:00 P.M. to 9:30 P.M., both of which classes being conducted at the Cedar Training Room.

4.) The Township Manager advised Council that upon her request the Township Attorney has provided information relative to the coin tosses as conducted by fire companies. That correspondence has been provided to the Board for their review.

5.) Council should be aware that as a result of the inability of the court stenographer who is present at all Township Zoning Hearings to meet the current meeting date of the fourth Wednesday of each month, the Board has agreed to change the meeting date to the fourth Thursday of each month. Accordingly, the Township has advertised the new meeting date.

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

1.) The Township Engineer advised the Board that he has contacted Signal Service to do the street lighting work at the intersection of Airport Rd. and Race St. That work should proceed and be completed in the near future.

2.) The Township Engineer advised the Board that his office has received the design plan for the Willowbrook Road/Race Street signal light. We will forward the plan to PPL for the removal of the poles that will be required for the road widening. Councilman Kovacs commented that he had attended the Middle School dedication in the Borough of Catasauqua and that issue was raised by several people. Mr. Kovacs advised those individuals that the Township Engineer is working on the matter at this time.

There was some discussion with respect to the lights which were to be installed on the curve area on Catasauqua Rd. It was recalled that as a result of the new plans for improvements at the intersection at Airport and Catasauqua Rds., the work had not been done and the Township had supplied PPL with the new plans so that the work could proceed. However, nothing has been accomplished as of this date.

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

The Township Attorney offered no oral report at this time. However, it was noted that an Executive Session would be held at the end of the meeting to discuss a real estate matter.

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 Code Enforcement Officers’ Reports and written Building Inspector’s Report and same were noted for the record.

Chairman Paulus noted that the Fire Company had not provided a report at this time. There was some discussion with respect to the Maintenance Report and leaves, which had been dumped at Canal Park. The Township Manager was questioned as to what the Township’s position is with respect to the disposal of leaves. The Township Manager advised she would contact the Public Works Department and determine where the leaf disposal is taking place.

8. Treasurer's Report (Written)

Motion: --- I move we accept the computer printouts dated January 16, 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
Atkinson, Dreisbach, Hayden, Kovacs, Paulus: ------- Aye ------- Unan.

Unfinished Business: NONE

New Business

Item No. 1 was moved to later on in the Agenda and at this point in time Council addressed issues raised by Councilman Kovacs.

1.) Councilman Kovacs advised the Board that he attended the Catasauqua Middle School dedication. At that time, he had a discussion with the Superintendent of Schools wherein they discussed the issue of the Township being the major financial contributor to the School District. With respect to a personal tour of the new high school, Councilman Kovacs noted that the Superintendent indicated to him that they would be more than willing to provide a personal tour for the Township Board at their convenience.

2.) Councilman Kovacs advised the Board that he had attended the Lehigh County Association of Township Officials Winter Convention. He had an opportunity to view the new Recreation Building at the convention site. Upon questioning, he was advised that the land, approximately 20 acres, was already owned and that the facility itself cost approximately $5,000,000 to include a gym, a basketball court, a library, storage area, etc. Councilman Kovacs also noted that PSATS put on a presentation at the convention with respect to various legislative issues currently before the legislature.

3.) Resolution No. 2007-26, a Resolution Authorizing Hanover Township, Lehigh County to Join and Participate in the Lehigh County Congress of Governments (Vote).

Motion: --- I move that Resolution No. 2007-26, Resolution No. 2007-26, a Resolution Authorizing Hanover Township, Lehigh County to Join and Participate in the Lehigh County Congress of Governments be adopted as presented.

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

Payment of the Bills:

Motion: ------- I move Council authorize payment of Payroll dated 12/28/2006, Payroll dated 1/12/07, Voucher Nos. 12317-12326 (Prepaids), Voucher Nos. 12327-12370, from the General Fund Account in the amount of $84,809.12; Voucher Nos. 1562-1567, from the Escrow Account in the amount of $6,467.75; Voucher Nos. 1707-1715, from the Water Account in the amount of $1,607.27; Voucher Nos. 2785-2786 (Prepaids); Voucher Nos. 2787-2799 from the Sewer Account in the amount of $15,618.59 for a Grand Total Expenditure of $108,502.73.

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

Courtesy of the Floor:

Mr. Joseph Jurnock approached the Board with respect to the traffic light at Catasauqua Rd. and Airport Rd. turning left off Catasauqua onto Airport Rd. Mr. Jurnock questioned whether or not the timing could be adjusted to allow more cars to flow through the intersection. He felt that there is currently a problem in that area and that additional timing should be added to the light. Mr. Jurnock was advised that PennDOT controls the timing of all signalized intersections but that the Township would contact PennDOT with respect to his request.

Adjournment:

Motion: --- It was noted that the Board would be going into Executive Session after the meeting and would not return with any decision regarding the real estate matter, which will be under discussion. The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Sandra A. Pudliner
Township Manager

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