The regular semi-monthly meeting of the Board of Supervisors, Hanover Township, Northampton County, Pennsylvania was called to order by Chairman John N. Diacogiannis at the Hanover Township Municipal Building, 3630 Jacksonville Road, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, 18017 at 7:30 P.M.
Present were Supervisors Colon, Salvesen, Nagle and Walbert, Mr. Mike Schmalzer for Engineer Birdsall, Solicitor Broughal, Manager John J. Finnigan, Jr. and Public Works Director Kevin Healy.
The Pledge of Allegiance was performed.
Upon motion of Mr. Walbert, seconded by Mr. Colon, the Board unanimously approved the Agenda.
Mr. Diacogiannis yes, Mr. Colon yes, Mr. Salvesen yes, Mr. Nagle yes, Mr. Walbert yes.
Upon motion of Mr. Colon, seconded by Mr. Nagle, the Board approved the minutes, as written, from the meeting of the Board of Supervisors dated February 14, 2006.
Mr. Colon yes, Mr. Salvesen yes, Mr. Nagle yes, Mr. Walbert yes, Mr. Diacogiannis yes.
Upon motion of Mr. Salvesen, seconded by Mr. Nagle, the Board approved the List of Bills and Transfers dated February 28, 2006 as prepared by the Secretary/Treasurer, and to enter the signed List of Bills by the Secretary/Treasurer and the Board of Supervisors as an attachment to the minutes.
Mr. Colon yes, Mr. Salvesen yes, Mr. Nagle yes, Mr. Walbert yes, Mr. Diacogiannis yes.
COURTESY OF THE FLOOR
Robert Yurasitz, currently of Northampton, was present regarding the possible purchase of 5210 Hanoverville Road. It was brought to his attention that the property is zoned agriculture and wanted a residential property to put a two-car garage on because he has two classic cars.
A discussion was held concerning impervious cover and the possibility of that property being re-zoned to residential.
Mr. Walbert advised Mr. Yurasitz of the re-zoning process.
Mr. Ed
Albertson and Ms. Lori Muller, Co-Presidents of the Hanover Swim Team were
present to discuss their request, which they supplied the Board with tonight,
for additional Pool Membership rates, involving new tiers of swim passes for
Hanover Swim Team members.
Mr.
Diacogiannis stated that he will refer this to the Township Manager and
Recreation Director for review and to find out how this would impact the 2006
Budget.
Mr.
Finnigan stated that it is his understanding that in the past when new rates
were set for the pool, we wouldn’t make those new rates effective until the
next year budget because the budget was already set. This would have an effect
on this year’s budget. If anything it should be considered for the 2007 budget.
However, we will review it and try to have our comments to the Board for the 2nd
meeting in March.
REPORT OF THE CHAIRMAN
Mr.
Diacogiannis had nothing to report.
REPORT OF THE VICE-CHAIRMAN
Mr.
Walbert had nothing to report.
APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS – BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND
COMMITTEES
Mr. Nagle
moved that the Board approve to appoint Mr. Jacob A. Schray of Hanover
Engineering Associates, Inc., as an additional Sewage Enforcement Officer for
the Township and authorize the Secretary to inform PA Department of
Environmental Protection of this appointment.
Mr. Salvesen
seconded the motion.
Mr. Colon yes, Mr. Salvesen yes, Mr. Nagle yes, Mr. Walbert
yes, Mr. Diacogiannis yes.
SUPERVISOR’S COMMENTS
Mr. Colon
stated the Concerned Citizens of Westgate had their meeting at the Community
Center and Mr. Colon commented that it was an encouraging meeting. The PUC was
there along with the Attorney for the PUC as well as Utilities Inc, their
Engineer and Attorney.
PLANNING & ZONING
Mr.
Walbert closed the regular meeting and opened the continuation of the Public
Hearing from February 14, 2006. A court stenographer was present to record all
testimony.
Mr.
Walbert moved that the Board approve the Conditional Use Application
for 310 Stoke Park Road - Personal Service Hair Salon with the following
conditions:
A.)
Parking for employees is limited to the side or rear of the facility, leaving
the front available for customers.
B.)
Installation of adequate security lighting on the east, west and
north side of the building to ensure safety for individuals coming from
the rear parking lot to the front of the building.
Mr.
Walbert further moved that the Township Secretary notify the developer and
owner of the Board's action relative to this matter.
Mr. Colon
seconded the motion.
Mr. Colon yes, Mr. Salvesen yes, Mr. Nagle yes, Mr. Walbert
yes, Mr. Diacogiannis yes.
A
discussion was held concerning the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission Storm
Water Quality Act 167.
Mr.
Walbert moved that the Board approve to authorize the Township Solicitor to
advertise the proposed Garage Sale Ordinance.
Mr. Nagle
seconded the motion.
Mr. Colon yes. Mr. Salvesen yes, Mr. Nagle yes, Mr. Walbert
yes, Mr. Diacogiannis yes.
Mr.
Walbert moved that the Board approve to authorize the Township Solicitor to
advertise the proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance relative to Township
Responsibilities.
Mr.
Salvesen seconded the motion.
Mr. Colon yes, Mr. Salvesen yes, Mr. Nagle yes, Mr. Walbert
yes, Mr. Diacogiannis yes.
PUBLIC WORKS
It
is noted that the Bid Opening Meeting was held on
February 13, 2006 for the Jacksonville Road/Macada Road Intersection
Improvements. (Refer to minutes).
Mr.
Salvesen moved that the Board award the bid for the Jacksonville Road/Macada
Road Intersection Improvements to Grace Industries, Inc., P.O. Box 21777,
Lehigh Valley, PA 18002-1777 at a bid
price of $409,920.00. Mr. Salvesen also
moved that the Secretary notify Grace Industries, Inc. of their awarded bid, to
notify the next highest bidder that we will be holding their bid bond until the
awarded bidder confirms, and to return all other bid bonds.
Mr. Colon seconded the motion.
Mr.
Finnigan stated there will be a mailing to the Township residents because this
will be a major inconvenience at a major intersection in the Township.
It was
noted that it is in the bid documents that the contractor is responsible for
notifying the press and radio stations, along with posting signs before
actually starting.
Mr. Colon yes, Mr. Salvesen yes, Mr. Nagle yes, Mr. Walbert
yes, Mr. Diacogiannis yes.
It
is noted that the Bid Opening Meeting was held on
February 15, 2006 for the Wading Pool Renovations. (Refer to minutes).
Mr.
Salvesen moved that the Board award the bid for the Wading
Pool Renovations to AquaServe Corp., 4570 Falmer Drive, Bethlehem, PA 18020 at a bid price of $38,860.00. Mr. Salvesen also moved that the Secretary
notify AquaServe Corp. of their awarded bid, to notify the next highest bidder
that we will be holding their bid bond until the awarded bidder confirms, and
to return all other bid bonds.
Mr. Colon
seconded the motion.
Mr. Colon yes, Mr. Salvesen yes, Mr. Nagle yes, Mr. Walbert
yes, Mr. Diacogiannis yes.
ADMINISTRATION
A
discussion was held regarding the Updated Job Descriptions.
Mr.
Finnigan updated the Board on the changes according to PennDot and PSATS
standards.
Mr. Nagle moved that the Board approve the use of the two updated Job Descriptions for the Public Works Director and Road Superintendent and the use of two new job descriptions for Equipment Operator - Mechanic and Equipment Operator - Fire Fighter effective March 1, 2006.
Mr. Salvesen seconded the motion.
Mr. Colon yes, Mr. Salvesen yes, Mr. Nagle yes, Mr. Walbert
yes, Mr. Diacogiannis yes.
It is noted for the record that the Township will change the existing Township benefits for full-time employees (35.00 hours per week) to include the following:
1) Short-Term Disability Coverage, provided by Sun Life Financial at a monthly premium of $377.85 for our current number of full-time employees; and
2) Long-Term Disability Coverage, provided by Sun Life Financial at a monthly premium of $374.95 for our current number of full-time employees.
It is also noted that these rates are guaranteed for two years with our current employee census.
DEVELOPMENTS
Mr. Rick
Gitter from DeLuca Homes was present to discuss Hanover Crossing Lots 4-5.
Mr. Gitter stated they are down to completing 3 items on
the punch list which are basically weather related. Mr. Gitter stated weather
permitting; they should be done by end of March, middle of April at the latest.
Mr.
Schmalzer stated that in his opinion they are realistically looking at a May
completion, especially where the stabilization of the swale is concerned.
Mr.
Finnigan stated that in regards to the punch list letter, he asks that a letter
be given to the Township no later than March 10, 2006, noting what items were
completed, when they were completed and by whom and to note when the remaining
items are scheduled to be completed.
Mr. Rick
Gitter and Mr. George Gray from DeLuca Homes were present to discuss the status
of Monocacy Farms Subdivision.
Mr.
Schmalzer stated this project is still in the improvement phase at least until
November. Some of the outstanding items again, are weather related; but an
ongoing problem has been there are a lot of “things” in the street, i.e.
dumpsters, dirt, etc. This is a definite concern for the Township.
Mr. Gitter
stated it is another builder that we have little control over and have been on
them as much as we can.
Mr.
Schmalzer stated once again the Township is looking for a schedule as to when
these items will be taken care of.
This
letter is also due by March 10, 2006.
Mr. Colon moved that the Board approve to adopt the terms and conditions relative to the Preliminary/Record Site Plan for 3910 Adler Place, L.P., prepared and provided to the Developer/Owner for signature, and the Township Secretary notify the Developer/Owner of the Board’s action relative to this matter:
CONDITIONS
1. The Developer/Owner agrees that this
approval only permits a maximum occupancy of the building up to the maximum
amount of parking shown on the plan (200 spaces). (Zoning Section 185-17).
2. The Developer/Owner shall enter into an
Improvements Agreement with the Township and provide appropriate security. (S.A.L.D.O. Section 159-30D.(5)).
A.
The Improvements Agreement shall include a notarized
statement, satisfactory to the Township Solicitor, stating that the Township
shall be held harmless against any claim of damage from the downstream property
owners that may result from the proposed development. (Stormwater Section 152-10E.).
B.
The Improvements Agreement and a separate covenant
running with the land shall include provisions satisfactory to the Township
Solicitor, that the stormwater collection, conveyance and control facilities
located on private property shall be properly operated and maintained.
(Stormwater Section 152-10M.).
3. The Developer/Owner shall enter into a
Maintenance Agreement with the Township and provide appropriate security. (S.A.L.D.O. Section 159-30D.(6)).
4. The Developer/Owner shall provide a
storm sewer interceptor minimum improvements value of $2,901.00 for 1,611.67
square yards of additional impervious cover (1611.97 square yards x $1.80
square yard). (Stormwater Section
152-12B.(1).).
5. The Developer/Owner shall provide an
Impact Fee of $3,876.00 for 12 PM Peak Hour Trips (12 PM Peak Hour Trips x
$323.00/PM Peak Hour Trip). This fee is
payable at the time the Building Permit is applied for on the building lot. (Impact Fee Ordinance 91-12, Resolution
97-11).
6. The Developer/Owner shall pay all
current fees, including any outstanding plans and appeals account charges. (S.A.L.D.O. Section 159-36J.).
7. The Developer/Owner shall provide two
(2) Mylars for recording the plans and ten (10) sets of plans which are signed
and notarized by the Owner and sealed by the Engineer. (S.A.L.D.O. Section 159-34B.).
8. The Developer/Owner shall meet all
conditions of the Preliminary/Record Plan approval, and the Record Plan shall
be recorded within twelve (12) months of Conditional Plan approval, and agrees
that if such conditions are not met, the conditional Preliminary/Record Plan
approval shall be considered void, and the application for Preliminary/Record
Plan approval shall be considered void and withdrawn.
Mr. Colon further moved that the
granting of conditional approval of this plan recognizes that the Township is
agreeing to the following on the Site Development Plan:
A. That the Board of Supervisors waive the
requirement that four (4) off-street loading spaces be provided and to allow
the three (3) off-street loading spaces as shown on the plans. (Zoning Ordinance Section 185-18.).
B. That the Board of Supervisors waive the
requirement that the detention basin be provided with an emergency spillway
designed for the 100-year storm and to allow for the existing pond to remain
without a spillway as shown on the plan.
(Stormwater Management Section 152-10I.(2).).
C. That the Board of Supervisors waive the
requirement that the maximum 10-year storm depth is two feet (2’) and the
maximum 100-year storm depth is three feet (3’) in the existing pond and to
allow the maximum 10-year storm depth to be two point eighty-eight feet (2.88’)
deep and the maximum 100-year storm depth to be three point fifty-three (3.53’)
deep with a chain link fence and screening as shown on the plan. (Stormwater Management Section 152-10I.(6).).
D. That the Board of Supervisors waive the
requirement that an access ramp to the bottom of the pond be provided and to
allow the existing pond to remain without an access ramp as shown on the
plan. (Stormwater Management Section
152-10I.(8).).
Mr. Colon
further moved that the Township Secretary be authorized to notify the Developer
of the Board’s action.
Mr. Salvesen seconded the motion.
Mr. Colon yes, Mr. Salvesen yes, Mr. Nagle yes, Mr. Walbert yes, Mr. Diacogiannis yes
Mr. Colon moved that the Board, as
recommended by the Township Engineer, approve a release in the amount of
$65,537.60 for Escrow Release No. 13 to the Developer of Hanover Pointe
Subdivision 102-Lot upon the following conditions:
1) The
Developer provides the Township with a status of the security being provided by
First Star Savings Bank corrected to reflect the $250.00 difference noted in
the Township Engineer’s letter dated December 13, 2005;
2) The
Developer acknowledges that the security provided by First Star Savings Bank as
required by the Subdivision Improvements Agreement will remain at a minimum of
$1,887,508.95 for the work remaining plus contingencies;
3) The
Developer adheres to Township Policy No. 25.
Mr. Colon also moved to notify the Developer of the Board’s action relative to this matter.
Mr. Salvesen seconded the motion.
Mr. Colon yes, Mr. Salvesen yes, Mr. Nagle yes, Mr. Walbert
yes, Mr. Diacogiannis yes.
COURTESY OF THE FLOOR
Mr.
Yurasitz asked for clarification from the Board what Limited Business District
meant.
The Board
gave a brief description of what is allowed in a Limited Business District.
SOLICITOR’S REPORT
Mr.
Broughal had nothing to report.
ENGINEER’S REPORT
Mr.
Schmalzer stated the Land Use Assumption Report is prepared and will go back to
the Impact Fee Advisory Board for review and processing.
TOWNSHIP MANAGER’S REPORT
Mr.
Finnigan discussed a letter from Hanover Engineering Associates dated February
14, 2006 on comments on the Nazareth Area Multi Municipal Comprehensive Plan.
Hanover Engineering has recommended some responses to it and if no one has any
opposition, recommended we authorize the Township Engineer to respond to it.
Mr.
Diacogiannis directed the Township Engineer to respond to the Nazareth Area
Multi Municipal Comprehensive Plan.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT
Mr. Healy
had nothing to report.
ROAD REPORTS
Mr. Walbert
– Road District #1, Mr. Salvesen – Road District #2, Mr. Diacogiannis – Road
District #3, Mr. Colon – Road District #4 and Mr. Nagle – Road District #5
& #6 had nothing to report.
Mr.
Salvesen moved that the Board adjourn the regular meeting at 8:48 P.M. and open
the Executive Session for the purpose of contract negotiations and litigations
with respect to the City of Bethlehem.
Mr. Colon
seconded the motion.
Mr. Colon yes, Mr. Salvesen yes, Mr. Nagle yes, Mr. Walbert
yes, Mr. Diacogiannis yes.
Stacy
C. Milo
Secretary/Treasurer