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, Engineer Birdsall, Solicitor Broughal and Public Works Director Healy. Manager Finnigan was on vacation.

 

            The Pledge of Allegiance was performed.

 

            Upon motion of Mr. Salvesen, seconded by Mr. Colon, the Board approved the Agenda.

Mr. Colon aye, Mr. Salvesen aye, Mr. Nagle aye, Mr. Walbert aye, Mr. Diacogiannis aye.

 

            Upon motion of Mr. Salvesen, seconded by Mr. Colon, the Board approved the minutes, as written, from the meeting of the Board of Supervisors dated February 27, 2007.

Mr. Colon aye, Mr. Salvesen aye, Mr. Nagle aye, Mr. Walbert aye, Mr. Diacogiannis aye.

 

            Upon motion of Mr. Salvesen, seconded by Mr. Colon, the Board approved the List of Bills and Transfers dated March 13, 2007 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 aye, Mr. Salvesen aye, Mr. Nagle aye, Mr. Walbert aye, Mr. Diacogiannis aye.

 

COURTESY OF THE FLOOR

            It was noted that no one wished to offer any comment.

 

REPORT OF THE CHAIRMAN

            Mr. Diacogiannis had nothing to report.

 

REPORT OF THE VICE-CHAIRMAN

            Mr. Walbert had nothing to report.

 

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

            Mr. Nagle moved to accept, with regret, the resignation of George C. Scoggin from the Planning Commission effective immediately.   Mr. Nagle further moved to send Mr. Scoggin a letter thanking him for his service to the Commission and the Township.

            Mr. Colon seconded the motion.

Mr. Colon aye, Mr. Salvesen aye, Mr. Nagle aye, Mr. Walbert aye, Mr. Diacogiannis aye.

 

 

            Mr. Nagle moved that the Board approve to appoint Hon. James J. Narlesky, Esq., 880 Wedgewood Road, Bethlehem, PA, to the Planning Commission for the Township with the term to expire on January 1, 2008.  Mr. Nagle further moved that the Secretary inform the Planning Commission and Judge Narlesky of this appointment.

            Mr. Colon seconded the motion.

Mr. Colon aye, Mr. Salvesen aye, Mr. Nagle aye, Mr. Walbert aye, Mr. Diacogiannis aye.

 

            Mr. Nagle moved that the Board approve to appoint Ms. Cathy Miller, of Traditions of Hanover, to the Special Events Committee with the term expiring January 1, 2010. Mr. Nagle further moved to authorize the Secretary to notify Ms. Miller and the Special Events Committee of the appointment.

            Mr. Colon seconded the motion.

Mr. Colon aye, Mr. Salvesen aye, Mr. Nagle aye, Mr. Walbert aye, Mr. Diacogiannis aye.

 

SUPERVISOR’S COMMENTS

            Mr. Colon mentioned that tomorrow night is the Crime Watch meeting at the Community Center and there will be 6 Judges there to answer questions from citizens. Everyone is welcome to come and meet them.

 

PLANNING & ZONING

            Mr. Walbert stated that at the Board’s previous meeting a Conditional Use hearing was held for 3864 Courtney Street and it is on tonight’s agenda for the Board’s vote.

            Mr. Walbert moved that the Board approve the Conditional Use Application for 3864 Courtney Street (Exercise Facility) with the following conditions:

A.     That the rear egress be clearly marked, meet all applicable building codes, and be satisfactory to the Township Fire Marshall; and

B.     That the 1998 Plan is recorded.

 

            Mr. Walbert further moved that the Township Secretary notify the Developer of the Board’s action relative to this matter.

            Mr. Nagle seconded the motion.

Mr. Colon aye, Mr. Salvesen aye, Mr. Nagle aye, Mr. Walbert aye, Mr. Diacogiannis aye.

 

            Mr. Walbert moved that the Board approve the following Ordinance for amendments to the Zoning Ordinance regarding AFHBD and that the Chairman and Secretary be authorized to sign the Ordinance:

ORDINANCE NO. 2007-04

 

AN ORDINANCE ENACTED BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF HANOVER TOWNSHIP, NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, ENACTING CERTAIN AMENDMENTS TO THE “HANOVER TOWNSHIP ZONING ORDINANCE” AND REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH.

            Mr. Nagle seconded the motion.

Mr. Colon aye, Mr. Salvesen aye, Mr. Nagle aye, Mr. Walbert aye, Mr. Diacogiannis aye.

 

 

 

            Mr. Walbert moved that the Board approve to authorize the Township Solicitor to advertise the proposed ordinance, which adds private school as a conditional use in the PORR (Planned Office, Research and Residential) district.

            Mr. Colon seconded the motion.

            Mr. Birdsall stated that the ordinance is not finalized and drafts of the ordinance will be going out for input shortly.

Mr. Colon aye, Mr. Salvesen aye, Mr. Nagle aye, Mr. Walbert aye, Mr. Diacogiannis aye.

 

            Mr. Walbert moved that the Board approve to authorize the Chairman and Secretary to sign the Hold Harmless Indemnification Agreement between Hanover Township and the property owners of 5795 Monocacy Drive, Richard and Christine Ballerini, in regards to their driveway conditioned upon the Township Solicitor’s approval.

            Mr. Nagle seconded the motion.

Mr. Colon aye, Mr. Salvesen aye, Mr. Nagle aye, Mr. Walbert aye, Mr. Diacogiannis aye.

 

PUBLIC WORKS

            Mr. Salvesen stated that the Board received the Roadway Sufficiency Analysis with an attached resolution and it’s on the agenda tonight for discussion prior to adoption.

            Mr. Birdsall stated there is a representative from his office present and also a representative from the Impact Fee Advisory Committee.

Mr. Paul Kuehne from the Impact Fee Advisory Committee was present to explain the process and the details of the roadway sufficiency analysis.

Mr. Diacogiannis stated that they did a great job on the process.

Mr. Salvesen moved that the Board approve to adopt the following Resolution regarding the Roadway Sufficiency Analysis:

 

 RESOLUTION 2007-07

                                                         

WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors of Hanover Township, Northampton County, Pennsylvania (the “Township”) enacted a certain IMPACT FEE ORDINANCE on December 10, 1991 (the “Ordinance”); and

 

WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors of the Township, by Resolution dated March 26, 1991, did create the Hanover Township Impact Fee Advisory Committee (the “Committee”), to develop land use assumptions, conduct roadway sufficiency analysis studies and recommend the delineation of transportation service areas, as well as identify capital projects for transportation capital improvement plans; and

 

WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors of the Township is in the process of reviewing and evaluating the sufficiency of the current impact fee as defined in the Ordinance; and

 

WHEREAS, in October 2006, the Committee did develop a Revised Land Use Assumption Report, pursuant to Pennsylvania Act 209 (the “Act”); and

 

WHEREAS, on June 28 , 2006, the Committee did hold a public hearing to solicit public comment concerning the Revised Land Use Assumption Report, and a transcript of the public hearing, including the recommendation of the Committee to adopt the Revised Land Use Assumption Report, was presented to the Board of Supervisors of the Township; and

 

WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors did adopt the Revised Land Use Assumption Report as recommended by the Committee; and

 

WHEREAS, under the direction of the Board of Supervisors of the Township, roadway sufficiency studies were performed, and a Roadway Sufficiency Analysis, dated January 2007, was prepared by Hanover Engineering Associates, Inc., which analyzed operational conditions presently existing upon Township roadways, as well as projected operational conditions upon Township roadways based upon future projected development within the Township; and

 

WHEREAS, the Committee has reviewed the Roadway Sufficiency Analysis, per the provisions of the Act, and has issued a report outlining its findings to the Board of Supervisors of the Township and also recommending Board of Supervisor approval of the Roadway Sufficiency Analysis as presented; and

 

WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors of the Township has received and reviewed the Roadway Sufficiency Analysis and the report and recommendation of the Committee, and pursuant to Section 504A (d) of the Act, the Board of Supervisors of the Township must, by Resolution, approve, disapprove, or modify the Roadway Sufficiency Analysis as presented.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, be it RESOLVED, and it is RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors of Hanover Township, Northampton County, Pennsylvania, hereby approves and adopts the Roadway Sufficiency Analysis dated January 2007, as prepared by Hanover Engineering Associates, Inc., as well as the findings of the Hanover Township Impact Fee Advisory Committee relative to the Roadway Sufficiency Analysis.

            Mr. Colon seconded the motion.

Mr. Colon aye, Mr. Salvesen aye, Mr. Nagle aye, Mr. Walbert aye, Mr. Diacogiannis aye.

 

ADMINISTRATION

            Mr. Nagle moved that the Board approve to authorize the Secretary to advertise that the Board will attend a meeting in Northampton County Council District 1, consisting of the City of Bethlehem, the Borough of Freemansburg, and Hanover Township, of the Northampton County Intergovernmental Affairs Committee on Thursday, March 29, 2007 at 7:00 PM at 10 East Church Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018.

            Mr. Walbert seconded the motion.

            Mr. Colon asked if the whole Board is going.

            Mr. Diacogiannis encouraged all Board Supervisors to attend.

Mr. Colon aye, Mr. Salvesen aye, Mr. Nagle aye, Mr. Walbert aye, Mr. Diacogiannis aye.

 

            A discussion was held regarding the proposed Capital Purchases Policy.

Mr. Diacogiannis stated he spoke with Stacy and Jay and stated that it doesn’t read too well and needs to be clarified more. The content and context is fine but the wording in the first sentence needs to be worked on.

 

            A discussion was held on the proposed Employee Travel Expenses Policy.

 

Mr. Diacogiannis stated the Capital Purchases Policy and the Employee Travel Expenses Policy are to be placed on the March 27, 2007 Board meeting for adoption.

 

 

Mr. Nagle moved to authorize the Secretary, the Chairman, the Vice Chairman, and one other Supervisor to sign the PennDOT Bureau of Municipal Services Name and Address Change Form.

Mr. Walbert seconded the motion.

Mr. Colon aye, Mr. Salvesen aye, Mr. Nagle aye, Mr. Walbert aye, Mr. Diacogiannis aye.

 

            Mr. Nagle moved that the Board approve the following Ordinance exempting any resident qualified by the State Veterans Commission from municipal real estate taxes and that the Chairman and Secretary be authorized to sign the Ordinance

ORDINANCE NO. 2007-05

 

AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF HANOVER, COUNTY OF NORTHAMPTON, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA AMENDING ORDINANCE 02-01, CHAPTER 163, BY EXEMPTING FROM THE PAYMENT OF REAL ESTATE TAX ANY RESIDENT OF THE COMMONWEALTH THAT IS QUALIFIED FOR SAID EXEMPTION BY THE STATE VETERANS’ COMMISSION AND REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH.

 

Mr. Colon seconded the motion.

            Mr. Diacogiannis stated that we need to make sure our Tax Collector understands what needs to be done. The veterans need to get certification from the State Veterans Association. He would hope that those who qualify understand what they need to do.

Mr. Colon aye, Mr. Salvesen aye, Mr. Nagle aye, Mr. Walbert aye, Mr. Diacogiannis aye.

 

            Mr. Nagle moved that the Board approve the following Ordinance to amend the schedule of fees imposed by the Township tax collector and that the Chairman and Secretary be authorized to sign the Ordinance.

ORDINANCE NO. 2007-06

 

AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF HANOVER, COUNTY OF NORTHAMPTON, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA AMENDING ORDINANCE 02-01, CHAPTER 163, BY ESTABLISHING A SCHEDULE OF FEES TO BE IMPOSED BY THE TOWNSHIP TAX COLLECTOR AND REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH.

 

            Mr. Walbert seconded the motion.

Mr. Colon aye, Mr. Salvesen aye, Mr. Nagle aye, Mr. Walbert aye, Mr. Diacogiannis aye.

 

DEVELOPMENTS

Mr. Colon moved to authorize the Chairman and Secretary to sign the Improvements Agreement, Maintenance Agreement, and Declaration of Covenant and Agreement for Maintenance of Stormwater Management Facilities for Traditions of America Preliminary/Record Land Development Plan (Hanover Corporate Center 2, Lot 5).

Mr. Nagle seconded the motion.

Mr. Colon aye, Mr. Salvesen aye, Mr. Nagle aye, Mr. Walbert aye, Mr. Diacogiannis aye.

             

Mr. Colon noted for the record that the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority has granted the Board an extension of over 60 days to April 30, 2007.

 

Mr. Colon noted for the record that the Developer of Monocacy Farms Lot 61 has granted the Board an extension of over 60 days to May 16, 2007.

 

Mr. Colon moved that the Board approve, as recommended by the Township Engineer, to grant the Developer of Hanover Pointe Subdivision the requested release for Escrow Release No.  20 in the amount of $142,766.29 upon the following conditions:

 

1.      That 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 $898,875.20, for the work remaining plus contingencies; and

2.      That the Developer adheres to Township Policy No. 25 (payment of Plans and Appeals Accounts).

Mr. Colon further moved to notify the Owner/Developer of the Board’s action relative to this matter.

            Mr. Nagle seconded the motion.

Mr. Colon aye, Mr. Salvesen aye, Mr. Nagle aye, Mr. Walbert aye, Mr. Diacogiannis aye.

 

COURTESY OF THE FLOOR

            Mr. Diacogiannis stated he’s glad to see the Boy Scouts were in attendance tonight.

 

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.

 

ENGINEER’S REPORT

            Mr. Birdsall noted that there is a pre-construction meeting tomorrow for Traditions of America and on Thursday a pre-construction meeting with PennDot regarding Route 512 north of Hanoverville Road. Mr. Birdsall gave an update for the upgrades to Route 512 over the next few years because of the Jaindl Development.

 

SOLICITOR’S REPORT

            Solicitor Broughal had nothing to report.

 

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

            Mr. Healy had nothing to report.

 

TOWNSHIP MANAGER’S REPORT

            Manager Finnigan was not in attendance.

 

            Upon motion of Mr. Colon, seconded by Mr. Nagle, the Board approved adjournment of the regular meeting at 8:07 P.M. and went into an Executive Session for possible litigation and contract issues.

Mr. Colon aye, Mr. Salvesen aye, Mr. Nagle aye, Mr. Walbert aye, Mr. Diacogiannis aye.

 

 

 

                                                                                    Stacy C. Milo

                                                                                    Secretary/Treasurer