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, Walbert, and Nagle, Engineer Birdsall, Solicitor Broughal, Manager Finnigan and Public Works Director Healy.
The Pledge of Allegiance was performed.
Upon motion of Mr. Walbert, seconded by Mr. Colon, the Board approved the Agenda, including the addition of Hanover Corporate Center 2 Indemnification Agreement under Developments.
Mr. Colon yes, Mr. Nagle yes, Mr. Walbert yes, Mr. Diacogiannis yes.
Upon motion of Mr. Colon, seconded by Mr. Nagle, the Board approved the minutes from the meeting of the Board of Supervisors dated February 28, 2006.
Mr. Colon yes, Mr. Nagle yes, Mr. Walbert yes, Mr. Diacogiannis yes.
Upon motion of Mr. Colon, seconded by Mr. Nagle, the Board approved the List of Bills and Transfers dated March 14, 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. Nagle yes, Mr. Walbert yes, Mr. Diacogiannis yes.
COURTESY OF THE FLOOR
It was noted that no one wished to offer any comment.
REPORT OF THE CHAIRMAN
Mr. Diacogiannis reported that the first Monday night meeting held at the Community Center was attended by one resident. Mr. Diacogiannis will continue to hold the monthly meeting and see what happens with attendance.
Mr. Diacogiannis reported that we are ready to start the bidding for some of our insurances.
REPORT OF THE VICE-CHAIRMAN
Mr. Walbert had nothing to report.
SUPERVISOR’S COMMENTS
It was noted that no one had any comments.
PLANNING & ZONING
Mr. Walbert moved that the Board approve the following Ordinance for the amendment to Ordinance 02-01 and that the Chairman and Secretary be authorized to sign the Ordinance:
ORDINANCE NO. 06-
04
AN ORDINANCE OF
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF HANOVER, COUNTY OF NORTHAMPTON,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA AMENDING ORDINANCE 02-01 WITH THE ADDITION OF
CHAPTER 88, PROVIDING FOR THE REGULATION OF GARAGE SALES WITHIN HANOVER
TOWNSHIP AND REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT
HEREWITH.
Mr. Colon seconded the motion.
Mr. Colon yes, Mr. Nagle yes, Mr. Walbert yes, Mr. Diacogiannis yes.
A discussion was held on the Zoning Hearing for 3864 Courtney Street – Bartolacci.
Mr. Finnigan stated that the Zoning Officer sent an enforcement notice based on the rulings of the court and the party’s last resort is to go back to the Zoning Hearing Board who told him he can’t do what he’s doing.
Mr. Diacogiannis directed the Township Solicitor and Township Engineer to attend the Zoning Hearing Board meeting of March 23, 2006 in regards to the Petition of Richard Bartolacci, Rhonda Bartolacci, R.B. Associates and Fairfield Management Corporation for 3864 Courtney Street.
Mr. Walbert moved that the Board approve to authorize the Township Engineer, Township Solicitor and Township Staff to proceed with the rezoning of properties along Airport Road currently designated R1-S to AFHBD.
Mr. Colon seconded the motion.
Mr. Colon yes, Mr. Nagle yes, Mr. Walbert yes, Mr. Diacogiannis yes.
ADMINISTRATION
Mr. Nagle moved that the Board appoint Vincent G. Milite and Michael A. Coogan as the Deputy Emergency Management Coordinators for Hanover Township and to authorize the Secretary to notify Mr. Milite, Mr. Coogan and Mr. Francis Almer, Emergency Management Director of these appointments.
Mr. Walbert seconded the motion.
Mr. Finnigan stated he met with Mr. Almer to discuss the Emergency Operations Plan and his goal is to have this finished by March 28, 2006 and to stay on as the Emergency Management Director for the Township through 2007 and to have a new coordinator appointed by the end of 2006 to work with that person. The Fire Company is meeting tonight where they might come up with an additional deputy as well.
Mr. Colon yes, Mr. Nagle yes, Mr. Walbert yes, Mr. Diacogiannis yes.
Mr. Nagle moved that the Board approve the following proclamation honoring Michael J. Thorley, Eagle Scout:
HANOVER TOWNSHIP, NORTHAMPTON
COUNTY
PROCLAMATION NO. 2006-01
A
PROCLAMATION HONORING MICHAEL JAMES THORLEY
ON THE ACHIEVEMENT OF HIS EAGLE AWARD
WHEREAS,
Michael James Thorley has achieved a significant accomplishment in life’s path
earning his Eagle Award as a member of the Boy Scouts of America; and
WHEREAS, Michael will officially receive his award
during an Eagle Presentation Ceremony on March 18, 2006 as a member of Boy
Scout Troop 352, Notre Dame of Bethlehem Roman Catholic Church; and
WHEREAS, Michael performed cosmetic
renovations to four rooms at Notre Dame of Bethlehem Elementary School – the
Faculty Room, the Resource Teachers’ Room and two Faculty Bathrooms. He and his volunteers stripped wallpaper,
moved furniture, replaced old electrical sockets, mirrors, paper towel holders
and cabinets, textured walls, painted, boxed exposed electrical wires,
shampooed rugs and rearranged furniture to make the rooms able to be used more
effectively by the faculty and staff; and
WHEREAS, Michael has exemplified the virtues of
scouting and has exhibited leadership skills as Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior
Patrol Leader and Senior Patrol Leader; and
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT AND IT IS HEREBY PROCLAIMED, by the Board of Supervisors of
Hanover Township, County of Northampton, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania:
That
Michael James Thorley is applauded and recognized on the occasion of his Eagle
Award and the Board of Supervisors congratulates him for his dedication and
devotion in preserving the finest virtues of American life as set forth by the
Scouting principals. The Board of
Supervisors also proclaims Monday, March 20, 2006 as Michael James Thorley Day
in Hanover Township.
Mr.
Colon seconded the motion.
Mr. Colon yes, Mr. Nagle yes, Mr. Walbert yes, Mr.
Diacogiannis yes.
DEVELOPMENTS
Mr. Colon moved, as recommended by the Township Engineer; take the following actions with respect to the Hanover Glen Land Development Plan:
Mr. Colon further moved to notify the Owner/Developer of the Board’s action relative to this matter.
Mr. Walbert seconded the motion.
Mr. Birdsall stated that the Developer is very eager to begin.
Mr. Colon yes, Mr. Nagle yes, Mr. Walbert yes, Mr. Diacogiannis yes.
Mr. Colon moved that the Board, as recommended by the Township Engineer, take the following actions with respect to the LVIP IV Lot 47 Land Development Plan:
Mr. Colon further moved to notify the Owner/Developer of the Board’s action relative to this matter.
Mr. Walbert seconded the motion.
Mr. Colon yes, Mr. Nagle yes, Mr. Walbert yes, Mr. Diacogiannis yes.
Mr. Colon moved that the Board approve to authorize the Chairman to sign the Indemnification Agreement for Hanover Corporate Center 2. It is noted for the record that the Township is in receipt of the $40,000.00 as required in said agreement.
Mr. Nagle seconded the motion.
Mr.
Finnigan stated this is to allow the Developer to proceed with the improvements
associated with Jaindl Blvd and there is a pre-construction meeting on Thursday
morning relative to this so that they, the Developer, can begin earth moving.
Mr. Birdsall stated Mr. Finnigan is
correct.
Mr. Birdsall has the plan if the Board would
like to see it and what they plan to do.
Mr.
Colon yes, Mr. Nagle yes, Mr. Walbert yes, Mr. Diacogiannis yes.
COURTESY OF THE FLOOR
Planning Commission member Paul Kuehne was present to
advise the Board that the Land Use Assumption Report that will be discussed at
the Impact Fee Advisory Board meeting this Friday.
Mr. Kuehne also discussed an item that came up at the
last Planning Commission meeting regarding Handicapped Parking Spaces. It is
not being included in our Ordinances and codes especially accessible parking
spaces. Mr. Kuehne referenced the specifications on the A.D.A. website, but our
Ordinances and codes do not list the specs. Mr. Kuehne asked that the Board
consider adding this in the Township Ordinance and Codes.
Mr. Diacogiannis asked Mr. Birdsall if this is typically
done by reference.
Mr. Birdsall stated that is the best way to do it. They
are supposed to go by ADA standards anyway and we shouldn’t have to direct
them, but there’s no harm in including it.
Mr. Broughal stated that every site plan improvements
agreement he has prepared for Hanover Township includes a provision that
references ADA requirements and the agreement mandates that.
Mr. Birdsall stated he will bring that to attention
during the planning stage and try to be more aware and include it on the
checklist in their letter to Developers.
TOWNSHIP MANAGER’S
REPORT
Mr. Finnigan brought to the Board’s attention on a Letter
to the Editor in today’s newspaper from a Township resident titled “Emergency
Help Superb” regarding his wife and an accident she was in and how the HTVFC
EMT’s and Regional Police responded and took care of her.
Mr. Finnigan gave the Board a draft of the Emergency
Operations Plan for 2006 for their review and asked that comments be given back
to him by March 24, 2006 so that it can be adopted at the March 28, 2006 Board
of Supervisor’s meeting.
Mr.
Finnigan brought the Board up to date on the negotiations to purchase the
former State Farm Building for use of a police station. Mr. Finnigan noted that
State Farm accepted the Township’s latest proposal and will need a motion
authorizing the Chairman to sign the agreement of sale.
Mr.
Walbert moved that the Board approve to authorize the Chairman to sign the
purchase of sale agreement with State Farm based on a letter dated March 10,
2006 specifying the terms of agreement subject to review by the Township
Solicitor.
Mr.
Nagle seconded the motion.
Mr. Colon yes, Mr. Nagle
yes, Mr. Walbert yes, Mr. Diacogiannis yes.
Mr.
Finnigan discussed the request made previously by the representatives of the
Swim Team regarding pool rates. Mr. Finnigan stated that during the budget
process, we adopted the resident and non-resident rates for the pool, also
dependent upon if the individual purchasing the membership to the pool; was a
member of the Hanover Township Community Center. The Swim Team; when they make
their presentation; their discount was deeper if they were a member of the
Community Center. In talking to Cathy and based on my recommendation; we
decided to make a season pass for a resident who is only using it for the swim
team will get a 10% discount off the rate whether they are a resident or a
non-resident off the resident or non-resident rate. Mr. Finnigan reviewed the
2006 summer pool fees schedule as presented to the Board.
Mr. Nagle moved that the Board approve to accept the amended 2006 pool fee schedule as presented by the Township Manager that include the swim team only rates.
Mr. Colon seconded the motion.
Mr. Colon yes, Mr. Nagle yes, Mr. Walbert yes, Mr. Diacogiannis yes.
Mr. Finnigan discussed obtaining a Fire Truck, the rates, financing and the specs.
Mr. Finnigan stated that the notice to proceed went out on the baby pool.
Mr.
Finnigan stated there is a mailer going out tomorrow to residents regarding the
intersection of Macada and Jacksonville Roads Improvements.
Mr.
Finnigan discussed a letter from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes regarding
a 15K race through Township roads on September 9, 2006.
Mr.
Finnigan asked if the Board had any questions regarding the February Financial
Statements he sent via email. The Board stated no.
Mr.
Finnigan stated he needs an executive session for personnel matters.
Mr.
Finnigan stated the girl’s soccer at Liberty is using Crawford Park for
practice and games. They lined it and they have there own benches and tables.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT
Mr. Healy
stated we have 2 quotes for fencing around the new slide at the pool. One is
for $4,450 and the other is $4,990.
SOLICITOR’S REPORT
Mr.
Broughal stated he needs a motion for the Chairman and Secretary to sign the
site plan improvements agreement for Lehigh Valley Association of realtors,
LVIP IV Lot 42.
Mr. Colon
moved that the Board approve to authorize the Chairman and Secretary to sign
the Site Plan Improvement Agreements for LVIP IV lot 42, Lehigh Valley
Association of Realtors.
Mr. Nagle
seconded the motion.
Mr. Colon yes, Mr. Nagle yes, Mr. Walbert yes, Mr.
Diacogiannis yes.
ENGINEER’S REPORT
Mr.
Birdsall showed the Board the plan for Jaindl’s earthmoving at Hanover
Corporate Center 2.
ROAD REPORTS
Mr.
Walbert – Road District #1, Mr. Diacogiannis – Road District #3, Mr. Colon –
Road District #4, Mr. Nagle – Road District #5 & 6 had nothing to report on
either district.
Mr.
Diacogiannis adjourned the regular meeting and opened the Executive Session for
personnel matters and potential litigation at 8:19 P.M.
The
Executive Session ended at 9:25 P.M.
Stacy
C. Milo
Secretary/Treasurer