The regular semi-monthly meeting of the Board of Supervisors, Hanover Township, Northampton County, Pennsylvania was called to order by Chairman John J. Finnigan, Jr., at the Hanover Township Municipal Building, 3630 Jacksonville Road, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, 18017 at 7:30 P.M.

 

            Present were Supervisors Colon, Walbert, Salvesen and Diacogiannis, Engineer Birdsall, Solicitor Broughal, Manager Sterner and Public Works Director Kevin Healy.

 

            The Pledge of Allegiance was performed.

 

            Upon motion of Mr. Walbert, seconded by Mr. Diacogiannis, the Board unanimously approved the Agenda.

Mr. Finnigan yes, Mr. Colon yes, Mr. Walbert yes, Mr. Salvesen yes, Mr. Diacogiannis yes.

 

            Upon motion of Mr. Walbert, seconded by Mr. Colon, the Board approved the minutes, as written, from the meeting of the Board of Supervisors dated April 26, 2005.

Mr. Finnigan yes, Mr. Colon yes, Mr. Walbert yes, Mr. Salvesen yes, Mr. Diacogiannis yes.

 

            Upon motion of Mr. Diacogiannis, seconded by Mr. Salvesen, the Board approved the List of Bills and Transfers dated May 10, 2005 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. Finnigan yes, Mr. Colon yes, Mr. Walbert yes, Mr. Salvesen yes, Mr. Diacogiannis yes.

 

COURTESY OF THE FLOOR

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

 

REPORT OF THE CHAIRMAN

            Mr. Finnigan discussed a letter received from Barbara Leake relative to the Earned Income Tax and the fact that we do not have a threshold on it.

            Mr. Finnigan directed the Solicitor to prepare an amendment to the Ordinance putting minimum threshold for the quarterly filing on an annual income of $10,000.

           

            Mr. Finnigan received a call from the Chief Seiple regarding the 911 Ordinance.

            Mr. Finnigan directed the Solicitor to advertise for the adoption of the 911 Ordinance.

 

            Mr. Finnigan acknowledged the efforts of Jim and Linda Sterner with getting the office staff into their “new home”; everyone seems to be pleased with the arrangements we now have

           

REPORT OF THE VICE-CHAIRMAN

            Mr. Diacogiannis had nothing to report.

 

 

 

 

SUPERVISOR’S COMMENTS

            It was noted that no one had any comments.

 

PLANNING AND ZONING

            A discussion was held concerning the Zoning Amendment for the Jaindl property regarding the rezoning of PIBD to C-2.

            Mr. Walbert moved that the Board approve the following Ordinance for the amendment to the Zoning Map concerning the Hanover Corporate Center II and that the Chairman and Secretary be authorized to sign the Ordinance.

ORDINANCE 05-03

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 OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH.

            Mr. Diacogiannis seconded the motion.

Mr. Finnigan yes, Mr. Colon yes, Mr. Walbert yes, Mr. Salvesen yes, Mr. Diacogiannis yes.

 

            Mr. Scoggin was present to advise the Board that he would like to wait on his discussion until May 24, 2005 meeting.

 

            A discussion was held on the proposed Policy regarding encroachments into easements.

            Mr. Sterner stated that he strongly suggests that when doing fences, there be a mandatory opening under the fence to allow the flow of water.

            The Board discussed amending the policy adding section “D” under number 2 of the draft policy to read: A fence should be 6” above ground level to allow the flow of water.

            A discussion was held concerning how these requests will be monitored and how the appeals will be handled.

            A discussion was also held on adding a $30.00 administrative fee.

            The policy will be on the May 24, 2005 Supervisors meeting for adoption.

 

            A discussion was held on the proposed Scheetz located within the City of Bethlehem on Schoenersville Road. They went to the City of Bethlehem Zoning Hearing Board and were granted a variance for the sign and we now have an opportunity to appeal that decision.

            Mr. Finnigan directed the Township Solicitor to start the appeal process for the decision.

 

            It was noted for the record that Shaker Hills has granted the Township an extension to June 30, 2005 for the pending conditional use application.

 

            Mr. Finnigan directed the Township Solicitor and Township Engineer to attend the Traditions Zoning Hearing for the sign appeal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PUBLIC WORKS

            Mr. Salvesen moved that the Board approved to award the bid for the 2005 Roadwork to Lehigh Valley Site Contractors, 5143 Lower Mud Run Road, Easton, PA. 18040 at the bid price of $166,240.00, and to return the bid bonds to the unsuccessful bidders except the next lowest bidder; and to notify Lehigh Valley Site Contractors of their successful bid.

            Mr. Colon seconded the motion.

Mr. Finnigan yes, Mr. Colon yes, Mr. Walbert yes, Mr. Salvesen yes, Mr. Diacogiannis yes.

 

DEVELOPMENTS

            A discussion was held regarding Hanover Ridge Development along with the reduction in security motions for Phase I, II and III; and items that were not completed.

            Mr. Birdsall recommended that the Board table the motions.

            Mr. Colon tabled the motions.

            Mr. Walbert seconded the table.

 

            Mr. Colon moved that the Board approve to grant the request for LVCC II Lot 3 to extend the Site Plan Improvements Agreement in a form acceptable to the Township Solicitor upon the following:

1.      That the Township grant the reduction in security in the amount of $49,460.00 upon the condition that the Developer verify that the security is in force for one (1) month past the extension request and is maintained at a minimum of $15,000.00.

2.      That the Developer adheres to Township Policy #25 (payment of Plans and Appeals Account charges).

            Also, to notify the Developer of the Board’s action.

Mr. Finnigan yes, Mr. Colon yes, Mr. Walbert yes, Mr. Salvesen yes, Mr. Diacogiannis yes.

 

            It was noted for the record that Hanover Corporate Center 2 has granted the Township an extension to July 29, 2005.

 

COURTESY OF THE FLOOR

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

 

TOWNSHIP MANAGER’S REPORT

            Mr. Sterner reported that we have started the interviewing process for the Secretary/Treasurer position and it will continue through next week and then there will be second interviews and will bring the top 3 or 4 to the Board.

 

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT

            Mr. Healy had nothing to report.

 

SOLICITOR’S REPORT

            Mr. Broughal had nothing to report.

 

 

 

 

 

 

ENGINEER’S REPORT

            Mr. Birdsall reported that Lehigh Valley International Airport is talking about selling land in Hanover Township. That land is not zoned for residential uses and if the Airport is considering using it for business uses, he recommended that the Board not re-zone until the infrastructure is in place. Storm drainage is a major problem and there should be a solution in sight for storm water run-off before this land is developed and also intersection and highway improvements to Orchard Lane and the highway north of Orchard Lane.

 

ROAD REPORTS

            Mr. Walbert – Road District #1 expressed concern on the traffic light at Jacksonville and Stoke Park Road. There are no left turn arrows and at rush hour it is very hard to make a left turn. It was stated that you have to have certain amount of traffic to warrant for left turn arrows.

            Mr. Salvesen – Road District #2 had nothing to report.

            Mr. Diacogiannis – Road District #3 questioned the report of leakage at the Hess Station.

            Mr. Colon – Road District #4 had nothing to report.

            Mr. Finnigan – Road District #5 & 6 had nothing to report.

 

            Mr. Finnigan stated that an executive session is needed for pending litigation.

            Mr. Finnigan reported that he attended court for the Nelson matter and advised the Board of the outcome.

 

            Mr. Finnigan closed the regular meeting and opened the Executive Session.

 

            Mr. Finnigan closed the Executive Session and re-opened the regular business meeting for adjournment.

 

            Upon motion of Mr. Walbert, seconded by Mr. Colon, the Board approved adjournment at 8:30 P.M.

Mr. Finnigan yes, Mr. Colon yes, Mr. Walbert yes, Mr. Salvesen yes, Mr. Diacogiannis yes.

 

 

 

                                                                                    Linda J. Sterner

                                                                                    Secretary/Treasurer