Chairman Josephine Chesworth, Vice-Chairman Charles (Bud) Graham, Supervisors Dennis Hameister, Nigel Wilson and Cliff Warner

OTHERS PRESENT:

Thomas Miller, Township Manager; C-Net; Ken and Shannon Hall; Jack and Anne Stevens; Van Winter, BFC; Paul Weener, Harris Township Planning Commission; Rob Weaver; Marv Goldberg; John Dutton; Randy Weaver; Larry Hilands.

CALL TO ORDER & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Chairman Chesworth called the April 8, 2002, meeting of the Harris Township Board of Supervisors to order at 7:30 p.m.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Vice-Chairman Graham and carried unanimously, the Board moved to approve the minutes of March 11, 2002, Board meeting. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

CITIZENS COMMENTS:

Mr. Dutton stated that the Bear Bureau Meadows and Laurel Hills Homeowners Association had a discussion with Paul Weener with regard to the implications of the various routes for the upgrade in travel. He stated that it was pointed out that the College Township Council has given its representatives specific instruction to favor Route 144. He stated that in light of the survey of Harris Township residents, which stated that the citizens are in favor of Route 144, has the Board been in contact or made a formal stand with the representatives of the SCCCTS regarding the citizens wishes.

Supervisor Hameister replied by stating that the Board had adopted a summary document of the four alternatives that is the Boards position.

Mr. Dutton questioned if that was the position of the Board of Supervisors.

Supervisor Hameister stated that Supervisor Warner was not with the Board at the time the document was adopted.

Mr. Dutton stated that the College Township Council was reviewing the issue so that the new members would be part of the continuing consent.

Mr. Goldberg stated that if the position has been communicated, this is good.

Mrs. Stevens stated that Harris Township needs a strong comment to state the Township does not want the highway to come through Harris Township.

Mr. Stevens stated that Harris Township should make the position against the highway more explicit and make a strong statement about a preference. He stated that the cost of having the highway come through the Township outweighs the benefits.

Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman Graham, seconded by Supervisor Hameister and carried unanimously, the Board moved to state that the Board does not support construction of a relocated SR 322/45/144 through Harris Township. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

Supervisor Hameister recognized the new Bargain Sheet business located in the old Distance Learning Network Office.

Mr. Hull of the Boalsburg Business and Professional Association stated that Shannon Hull would be representing the Association at Board of Supervisor meetings.

Chairman Chesworth saluted the Harris Township Lions Club for 50 years of service and noted that May 4, 2002, the Lions will offer barbecue chicken and smoked pork chop dinners for sale.

Chairman Chesworth recognized Dennis Hameister, Connie Eckley, Heather Burdenshef, and Charlene Freidman, Harris Township Volunteers cited in the Centre Daily Times. She stated that they would be honored at a recognition dinner on April 21, 2002, at the Days Inn.

TOWNSHIP BUSINESS

A. REPRESENTATIVE REPORT.

Ron Buckalew was not present to report.

B. AQUATICS FEASIBILITY STUDY.

Chairman Chesworth stated that at the March 25^th COG General Forum meeting, the forum passed the following motion:

“That the General Forum receive the Aquatics Feasibility Report and refer it to the participating municipalities for comment; and further that municipal responses be forwarded to the COG Executive Director by June 7, 2002, for distribution to the Centre Regional Recreation Authority.”

Chairman Chesworth suggested the report be referred to the Harris Township Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee for comment.

Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman Graham, seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried unanimously the Board moved to forward the “Aquatics Feasibility Study” to the Harris Township Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee and then be returned to the Harris Township Board of Supervisors. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

C. STREET CLOSING REQUEST

Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman Graham, seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried unanimously, the Board moved to approve the request of the Nittany Velo Club for closure of Brush Valley Road, Sunday, April 21, 2002, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for purposes of conducting a bicycle race. The approval is contingent upon the Nittany Velo Club providing public notice to each household along the proposed route (including Houser Road, Hylbert and Russell Road) at least a week in advance of the event; that the Nittany Velo Club provide traffic control; that the Nittany Velo Club provide notice to the State College Police Department ASAP; and that the Nittany Velo Club provide Harris Township with proof of insurance for the event. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

Mr. Miller stated that a club representative stated they would agree to all the conditions.

D. HUNTRIDGE MANOR COMMUNITY PICNIC ROAD CLOSING.

Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman Graham, seconded by Supervisor Hameister and carried unanimously, the Board moved to approve the request to close Ramsey Way from 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM, June 1, 2002, provided the Huntridge Manor Homeowners Association provide correspondence prior to the event stating that the Association will indemnify and hold harmless the Township of Harris in the event of any injury in the Township right-of-way resulting from activities during the street closure. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

E. TAX SYSTEM UPGRADE.

Mr. Miller stated that staff had anticipated that there would be some computer upgrades necessary for the aging tax computer software and these had been included in the 2002 Township budget, but that staff is requesting authorization to proceed with a system upgrade to assure continued compatibility with the tax collectors and vendors, and achieve compatibility with the mid-year tax changes of State College Area School District which had not been anticipated. He added that the request was also to authorize staff to initiate steps to recover expenditures for the operating system and software upgrades necessitated by the taxation changes implemented by the State College Area School District. He stated that the school district has indicated informally, that they would be willing to assist with some of the costs but have not identified how much that would be.

Vice-Chairman Graham questioned Township responsibility.

Mr. Miller replied by stating that part of the upgrades would have been needed and the Township is being forced to make some changes that would not have been necessary if the change from the OAT to the EIT would be made at years end apposed to mid-year. He stated that as for the appointed tax collector for the school district, it becomes the Township’s responsibility to make the system functional to collect the tax enacted by the school district.

Vice-Chairman Graham questioned the budget.

Chairman Chesworth quoted $1,500.00.

Vice-Chairman Graham stated that the cost is increasing from $1,500 to $13,000. He questioned if the Township has a choice in the matter.

Mr. Miller stated that the Township does need to move forward and does need to have the system functional by the new fiscal year.

Supervisor Hameister questioned the expected life of the software.

Mr. Hilands replied by stating that it would last 5-10 years.

Mr. Miller stated that there are funds that can be transferred to cover the expenditure.

Supervisor Wilson questioned alternatives since it is only going to be used for one tax year.

Vice-Chairman Graham questioned what the software would do.

Larry Hilands stated that the software would be an upgrade to the existing system and provide compatibility that is a limitation with our present equipment.

Mr. Miller stated that if Harris Township uses the same equipment as the other townships, transfers could occur electronically. He stated that Ferguson Township uses a different computer system then the rest of the Centre Region, which does not allow this convenience and that causes transfers to be completed manually which is inefficient.

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Vice-Chairman Graham and carried unanimously, the Board moved to authorize staff to proceed with operating system and software upgrades to assure continued compatibility with tax collectors and vendors, and achieve compatibility with the mid-year tax changes of State College Area School District. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Warner, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the Board moved to authorize staff to recover reimbursement for expenditure for the operating system and software upgrades necessitated by the taxation changes implemented by State College Area School District. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

Supervisor Hameister stated that since Harris, College and Patton Townships are affected, maybe consolidation tax collection should be revisited.

F. OVERHEAD STREET NAME SIGNS @ TRAFFIC SIGNALS.

Mr. Miller stated that this issue was brought before the Board previously and was decided that it was not something the Board wanted to pursue. He stated that the height of the lettering on the proposed signs is 8”. There are currently signs along the intersection with letters 6” in height. He stated that in addition to the street signs, there are three other signs pointing in the direction of Boalsburg. He stated that PennDot would not authorize replacement of the signs until the municipality has approved it.

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Vice-Chairman Graham and carried unanimously, the Board moved to continue with the previously stated position of the Board not to support installation of overhead street name signs at the traffic signal at Church Street and SR322. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

G. BASKETBALL COURT DESIGN/CONSTRUCTION.

Mr. Miller stated that the quotes from the engineer and the alternate engineer are very close and both have experience, are competent and would like to do the job. He stated that in his opinion, cost is reasonable.

Vice-Chairman Graham questioned if this is just the design and not the construction.

Mr. Miller replied by stating that it would be design; preparation of construction, bid documents; sight analysis relative to storm water; and construction inspection.

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Vice-Chairman Graham and carried unanimously, the Board moved to appoint ELA to provide basketball Court design/engineering/construction inspection at Blue Spring Park for a fee not to exceed $2,922.00. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

5. MANAGER’S REPORT:

Chairman Chesworth stated her displeasure with repair to Boalsburg Pike.

Mr. Miller stated that is the repair work of UAJA. He stated that as soon as the asphalt plant opens, the material will be brought in and repair completed.

Mr. Miller stated that PennDot has approved both requests for road closure on Memorial Day for the Boalsburg Fire Company Parade and for the ceremony on Memorial Day.

Mr. Miller stated that road inspection is to take place on April 10, 2002.

Vice-Chairman Graham stated he would not be present.

Mr. Miller directed the Board to read through the Cable Franchise update at their leisure.

Mr. Miller stated that Brian Dempsey would like the Board to consider a “Car Free” Day and “Bike to Work” Day which is being sponsored by the Bike Coalition and ask if Harris Township would act as a sponsor for both events. He stated that Mr. Dempsey had provided information today and a resolution had been faxed.

Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman Graham, seconded by Supervisor Hameister and carried unanimously, the Board moved to approve the following resolution as read into the record by Mr. Miller.

Whereas: Harris Township supports the efforts of the Centre Region Bicycle Coalition to promote bicycle commuting in the Centre Region, and

Whereas: Harris Township recognizes the benefits of bicycle and pedestrian commuting in providing exercise, decreasing air pollution, conserving fuel, decreasing traffic congestion, decreasing noise pollution, and improving the health of its citizens, and

Whereas, Harris Township maintains and continues to develop facilities to promote bicycling and walking as means of transportation,

Be it therefore resolved that: Harris Township hereby designates April 25, 2002, Car-free Day and May 17,2002, Bike-to-Work-Day.

Be it also resolved that: Harris Township is pleased to join Centre Region Bicycle Coalition in sponsoring Bike-to-Work-Day 2002 and Car-free Day 2002 activities.

Resolved this Day: ___________________________________.

Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

6. APPROVAL OF VOUCHERS:

Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman Graham, seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried unanimously, the Board moved to approve Voucher Transmittal Sheet No. 02-04 as amended. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

7. COG COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Executive Committee No meeting.

Building Oversight Committee Ground breaking is scheduled

for April 25, 2002, at 12:00

PM at Bristol Park.

Finance Committee Meeting scheduled for

Friday, April 12, 2002.

COG Program Committee Meeting scheduled for

Thursday, April 11, 2002 at

12:00 PM.

Personnel Committee Meeting was held on

March12, 2002. There was

discussion of minor changes

to tuition reimbursement

policy for COG employees.

Discussed pay rate change for

planners to a pay grade 5

with a starting salary of

$39,000.00. In the process of

interviewing for a new

planning director position.

Code Committee No meeting.

Public Services Committee Discussed fire equipment

bidding process which would

give firefighters more say.

Commented on Fire

Protection Committee

Report.

Spring Creek Watershed Committee Presentation by Cory Miller on beginning work for the beneficial reuse and initial geographic area to be included in the distribution of the new treated water.

Regional Parks Committee No meeting. Working on correspondence with the University on possible site alternatives.

Transportation Committee Heard from 11 municipalities in favor of expanded MPO.

SCCCTS Committee April 22 & 23, 2002, CAC

to meet, 27 routes will be

reduced into 9-10. There

will be a public hearing in

May in which the new

revised routes will be

presented to the public.

8. ADJOURNMENT

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the Board moved to adjourn the meeting of the Harris Township Supervisors at 9:04 p.m. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

_________________________

Thomas Miller, Secretary

Minutes of April 8, 2002