HARRIS TOWNSHIP

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

August 12, 2001

 

Public Hearing

 

 

 

Prior to the commencing the business of the public hearing, Chairman Chesworth led the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

 

1.          CALL TO ORDER.

 

Chairman Chesworth called the Public Hearing to order at 7:30PM.

 

Chairman Chesworth stated that the purpose of the Public Hearing is to receive comment relating to the adoption of proposed Ordinance No. 224 – An Ordinance of the Township of Harris, County of Centre, and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to revise the Joint Articles of Agreement for the Regional Emergency Management Program:

 

Ordinance No. 224 proposes to adopt a voluntary inter-municipal agreement binding the Township of Harris and the member municipalities of the Centre Region Council of Governments for the purposes of providing effective and efficient cooperative and coordinated regional response to natural and man made disasters or acts of terrorism.

 

 

 

2.          ADJOURNMENT.

 

There being no comments, Chairman Chesworth adjourned the Public Hearing at 7:32 P.M.

 

 

 

HARRIS TOWNSHIP

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Minutes of August 12, 2002

7:30PM

 

 

Regular Meeting
 
 
MEMBERS PRESENT:

 

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

 

 

 

OTHERS PRESENT:

 

Thomas Miller, Township Manager; Todd Shea, Zoning Officer; Lori Cahill, Township Secretary, John Dreschel, C-Net; Chief Tom King, State College Police Department; Tom Zilla, CRPA; Sharon Faulkner, Parks and Recreation; Van Winter, BFC; Frank Bailey, Ed Catherman; Marge Hymer, Marvin Goldberg, Bailey Subdivision; Patty Devecka, Bonnie Huchinson and Roy Love, Stan Yoder Preserve; Linn E. Auman, Penn Terra Engineering, Inc.; Dennis and Beth Ricker, Barbara Hubbard, Dan Monthley, Dianne Gregg, Linda Ackley, Dick Ackley, Jim Shortle, Linden Hall;  William and Ursula Allison, Kaywood; Paul and Jill Swanson, John Domico, Dan Ombalski, Harris Township Residents.

 

 

 

CALL TO ORDER:

 

 

Vice-Chairman Chesworth called the August 12, 2002, meeting of the Harris Township Board of Supervisors to order at 7:32 P.M.

 

 

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried unanimously, the Board moved to approve the minutes of the July 8, 2002, Board of Supervisors meeting.  Ayes – 4; Nays – 0

 

CITIZENS COMMENTS:

 

          None.

 

 

TOWNSHIP BUSINESS:

 

A.           STAN YODER MEMORIAL PRESERVE COMMITTEE QUILT RAFFLE.

 

Bonnie Hutchinson stated that for over a year money has been raised for the Stan Yoder Memorial Preserve and the committee is raffling a quilt.  She stated that tickets sold equaled $3,223.00 and that there are three prizes awarded: First prize being the quilt, second prize is $75.00 and third prize is a crock and candle.  

 

Ms. Hutchinson used the Board of Supervisors meeting as an opportunity to choose the winners as follows:

 

Supervisor Warner pulled the name of Judy Marston of Altoona, Pennsylvania, as the winner of the quilt.

 

Chairman Chesworth pulled the name of Mary Alice Snyder of Newark, Delaware, as the winner of the $75.00.

 

Supervisor Hameister pulled the name of Alice Fleischer of Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, as the winner of the crock/candle.

 

 

 

B.             POLICE CHIEF’S REPORT.

 

Chief Tom King presented a mid-year report on the state of law enforcement in Harris Township for the period January through July 2002.

 

Chief King stated that in the first seven months of 2002, Harris Township had a 2% increase in total calls for service.  He stated that the police department had responded to 834 calls for service compared to 821 in 2001.  He stated that of the 834 calls 51 were traffic accidents in the township.  He stated that accidents are down by 23%.  He stated that the number of people injured in the 51 accidents was 23 people.  He stated that injuries relating to accidents are down 45%.   

 

Chief King stated that the number one location for accidents in the year 2002 is Earlystown Road.  He stated that Boal Avenue had a reduction in accidents compared to 2001.

 

Supervisor Hameister questioned the amount of alcohol involvement.

 

Chief King replied by stating the involvement was very minimal fortunately.  He stated there was a reduction in both DUI incidents and DUI accidents in the Township.

 

Chief King stated there were 185 crimes reported in the Township, which shows an increase of 29% through the end of July 2002.  He stated that 37% of the 185 were Part 1 Crime and 32% were Part 2 Crime.  He stated that Part 1 crime is murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, theft, auto theft and arson. 

 

Chief King advised that the number of cases involving investigation increased by 11%.

 

Chief King stated that 240 traffic citations have been issued in the Township, which shows a decrease of 7%.

 

Chief King advised 50 individuals were arrested in the Township through the end of July 2002.

 

Chief King stated that 2400 hours have been provided to Harris Township and is about 12% over budget adding efforts were underway to reduce this average.

 

 

C.           BAILEY FINAL SUBDIVISION PLAN.

 

Todd Shea introduced the Bailey Final Subdivision Plan recently approved.  He stated that the property owners are creating a 25+-acre lot owned by Frank Bailey on Bailey Lane.  He stated staff reviewed the final plan with the only outstanding items being signatures on the design engineer/land surveyor, the owners, and the Sewage Enforcement Officer.  He stated that there would be some delay in installing a street name and stop sign.

 

Vice-Chairman Graham questioned the location of the stop sign.

 

Mr. Shea replied by stating that it would be placed at the end of Briar Road on Bailey Lane.

 

Mr. Shea stated that it is recommended that the Board approve the plan contingent upon the provisions of three signatures and installation of street name and stop sign.

 

Supervisor Graham questioned the need for a stop sign.

 

Mr. Shea replied by stating that a stop sign is required on a private road according to the ordinance definition.  He stated that a driveway serves one lot and a private road serves more than one lot.

 

Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman Graham, seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried unanimously, the Board moved to approve the Bailey Final Subdivision Plan contingent upon installation of street name and stop signs, and appropriate signatures being accepted.  Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.

 

 

D.            ANDREWS PRELIMINARY SUBDIVISION PLAN.

 

Mr. Shea introduced the Andrews Preliminary Subdivision Plan.  He stated that the plan is proposed to subdivide one lot to 3.488 acres and the other to 3.898 acres.  He stated that the subdivision would normally be considered as a minor plan.  He stated that staff has reviewed revisions of this plan submitted by Penn Terra Engineering and currently is in the preliminary plan stage.  He stated that staff’s recommendation is to approve the preliminary plan.

 

Supervisor Hameister questioned the slope and storm water detention basin. 

 

Mr. Shea stated there is no slope issue on the one lot and that an additional storm water basin will be required when developing the lot.

 

Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman Graham, seconded by Supervisor Hameister and carried unanimously, the Board moved to approve the Andrews Preliminary Subdivision.  Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.

 

 

E.             SOUTH CENTRAL CENTRE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY CONCERNS.

 

Chairman Chesworth stated that the Board has received several letters regarding I-99 and 322.

 

Supervisor Hameister thanked the residents for letters and stated that it is the first time a positive comment about the Supervisors position on the highway issue has been received.

 

Supervisor Hameister read the four position statement recommendations adopted by the Board of Supervisors:

 

     1.  Given the increasing need, a “no build” option is not acceptable;

 

     2.  There is a preference to improving existing roadways;

             

                3. Building new highway from Potters Mills to I-80 to directly connect US

                    322 to I-80 is preferred;

             

4.      Building a new highway into Harris-Potter Corridor is not acceptable.

 

Marge Hymer stated she is representing six neighborhoods adjacent to 322 and 45 who are concerned about the proposed highways that may go through Harris Township.  She stated that the major concern involves the upgrading of existing roadways to handle large volume of truck traffic.  She stated residents oppose construction of a high-speed limited access highway in Harris Township and any major expansion to 322, 45 or Brush Valley Road in Harris Township.  She stated that safety modifications are encouraged on 322, 45 an Brush Valley Road.  She forwarded petitions to the Board of Supervisors containing 196 signatures.

Dan Monthly stated he is representing the “Linden Hall Group” and expressed thoughts and concerns regarding the high-speed access highway.  He stated that maintenance upgrades, traffic lights, speed limit signs, stop signs and on or off ramps may help safety issues on 322, 45 and 144.  He requested on behalf of the “Linden Hall Group” that Harris Township residents prepare a firm letter stating that the citizens of Harris Township do not want any highway through Harris Township.  He requested upgrades for traffic control and urged staff to coordinate a forum for the purpose of asking questions to PennDot.

 

Frank Forni stated he is a resident of Harris Township and expressed that the “Linden Hall Group” has a petition with approximately 700 signatures that have indicated the same position that Mr. Monthly mentioned.  He stated that the signatures were gained during the Arts Festival at the Memorial Field.

 

John Domico stated some of the signatures obtained are not Harris Township residents and that it should be recognized that the highway will not serve Harris Township residents traffic needs, but will serve the needs of those traveling through the area.

 

Neil Porterfield stated he is representing the “Linen Hall Group” and requested the Board to take a pro-active role.

 

Vice-Chairman Graham questioned Mr. Zilla as to when public hearings are to occur.

 

Mr. Zilla replied by stating that the public hearing would be at the end of the process when the Environmental Impact Statement is issued.  He stated that a draft Environmental Impact Statement is approximately one year away.

 

Vice-Chairman Graham questioned the outcome at that point.

 

Chairman Chesworth advised Mr. Zilla to state his position.

 

Mr. Zilla stated that he is the Transportation Planner with the Centre Regional Planning Agency with the primary responsibility to provide staff support to the Centre Region. 

 

Diane Gregg stated that she is representing the “Linden Hall Group” and urged McCormick Taylor and PennDot to show more respect for historic district.

 

Mr. Zilla stated the public hearing process is for the community and other organizations to offer comments in person or writing.

 

Jane Zimmerman stated she is a Harris Township resident and stated the public hearing is too late for comment and requested the Board to be more pro-active.

 

Chairman Chesworth advised that there is a South Central Centre County meeting  scheduled.  She will be attending as the Harris Township representative Supervisor Cliff Warner will be the alternate.

 

Jim Shortle encouraged the Board to meet to decide what the issues, are before the CAC meeting.  He encouraged the Board to be pro-active and to seek the citizen’s input.

 

Mr. Forni stated McCormick Taylor and PennDot is willing to meet with groups of residents to answer any questions.

 

Chairman Chesworth recommended additional participation from Harris Township on CAC.  She stated that all letters should be sent to PennDot for comment.

 

Mr. Forni stated that politics will enter into the decision making process of where road will be located.

 

Mr. Porterfield stated that township residents do not accept a four lane limited access road as an acceptable alternative.  He stated that PennDot’s objective is to build a four lane limited access highway.  He expressed that he thinks Harris Township can stop the highway.

 

Supervisor Hameister read the Potter Township letter of position dated May 21, 2002 into record. 

 

Linda Ackley stated that citizens do not want a fast limited access highway only safety upgrades.

 

Mr. Zilla described CAC process to reduce number of alternatives.

 

The Potter Township Supervisors, would like to go on record with the  following position regarding the current SCCCTS study.

 

The overwhelming majority of Potter Township citizens, in past and current township surveys have expressed the desire to preserve the rural character of Potter Township.  Time and again, citizens have expressed a sincere and deeply held conviction that the beauty of the valley, and the character of the rural communities within the township, need to be maintained through the preservation of farm land, historical areas, natural resources, forest land, recreational facilities.

 

Potter Township is particularly concerned with minimizing the impact of transportation changes.  These impacts include increasing air, noise and light pollution, land use impacts, impacts to water resources, natural areas, structures and historic resources and quality of life.

 

When the results of these assessments, and the history of our region, we strongly support transportation solutions that minimize impact on these values of our citizens.  This position directly concurs with one of the SCCCTS study performance measures which has been repeatedly voiced by citizens throughout the study area from the beginning of this endeavor:  Maintain the rural beauty and character of the region.  Therefore, we are opposed to any solution in our region, any solution:

Should minimize impacts to Potter Township.

 

Must address the safety and traffic problems on US 322, PA 144, PA 45, PA 192 and Brush Valley Road.

 

Should be a minimal number of interchanges (perhaps allowing for emergency vehicle access at other points).

 

Must take into consideration the Casselberry & Associates water study, the township master plan and comprehensive plan.  Existing township ordinance protects the well field near Old Fort.

 

Minimize impacts on farmland, historical areas, natural resources, forestland, recreational facilities, etc.

 

Sincerely,

Paul Zerby

Chairman, Potter Township

 

Mr. Forni stated stated the people who make the decisions about the highway were not professionally qualified to do so.

 

Mr. Zilla stated that members are community members and not professional transportation planners. He stated that there are no citizen groups that are specifically in favor of the construction.

 

Wes Hymer questioned Harris Township’s past cooperation with Potter Township.

 

Mr. Domico questioned revising the East Centre Hall elimination of routes if residents favor revisiting those alternatives.

 

Supervisor Hameister stated that issue was discussed at a CAC meeting and was put on the floor to work on.

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Vice-Chairman Graham and carried unanimously, the Board moved to accept written materials, add cover letters and distribute to decision makers and for the Board to endorse additional membership to the CAC by Harris Township representatives.  Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.

 

 

 

F.             MPO EXPANSION – REVISED STAFFING AND BUDGET ESTIMATE DATED 7/5/02.

 

Mr. Zilla advised that the Centre County Commissioners have committed to pay on increased costs.  He stated that Harris Township’s contribution would decrease.  He stated that Bellefonte Borough and Spring Township would join in over a period of four years.  He asked the municipality to vote yes or no on the revised proposal.  He stated that MPO would expand to a 15 to 21 member planning region in Centre County and that outside the Centre Region would have a voting member.

 

Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman Graham, seconded by Supervisor Hameister and carried unanimously, the Board moved to endorse the Centre Region MPO to a countywide organization and forward on.  Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.

 

 

 

G.           VACANT LAND INVENTORY.

 

DJ Liggett introduced the Vacant Land Inventory.  She stated that the inventory analysis was developed by the CRPA staff and is designed to provide information to municipalities on where vacant land is located within the Township and what zoning designation the vacant land has.  She stated the report could be used to identify where housing developments may occur.  She stated that plan recommend monitoring of the availability of commercially zoned vacant land.  She stated that there are 39 different zoning designations in the region at this time. 

 

Supervisor Hameister questioned vacant land vs. vacant building.

Ms. Liggett replied by stating that 27% of land in the growth boundary in Harris Township is vacant.

 

Ms. Liggett stated that vacant land is land with no structure on it and is not being used for a productive purpose.

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Vice-Chairman Graham and carried unanimously, the Board moved to enter into discussion with College Township and State College Borough about mutually beneficial goals for land use that can be achieved under coordinated land use with specific objectives, and with a facilitator, to make discussion productive; and share the “Centre Region Vacant Land Inventory & Analysis” report with the Section 42 Housing Committee and local utility providers.  Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.

 

 

 

H.            PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO. 224 – An Ordinance of the Township of Harris County of Centre, and Commonwealth of PA to revise the Joint Articles of Agreement for the Regional Emergency Management Program.

 

Vice-Chairman Graham expressed his concern regarding taxpayers paying twice for services, because Centre County will not be participating.

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the Board moved to ordain Ordinance No. 224.  Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.

 

 

 

I.               COG/PSU EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT.

 

Supervisor Hameister stated he was pleased the advertisement for the position had been advertised for University and Non-University personnel concurrently.

 

Vice-Chairman Graham stated that he was agreeable to the five-year sunset in the agreement.

 

Board members expressed concern about item 12.a in the agreement that addressed how salary adjustments would be made.  Board members expressed concern about this process having checks and balances with the COG Finance Committee.  Board members expressed interest in the salary of this position being subject to the requirements of other staff level positions at PSU and further indicated they were not comfortable with salary adjustments based on CPI when this criteria is not used for other staff level employee salary adjustments.

 

Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman Graham, seconded by Supervisor Hameister and carried unanimously, the Board moved to direct staff to forward comments of the Board to the COG Executive Director as requested. Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.

 

 

 

J.             TRAFFIC REGULATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TRAC).

 

Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman Graham, seconded by Supervisor Hameister and carried unanimously, the Board moved to appoint Harris Township’s representative to the Transportation Committee Supervisor Warner to serve as representative to the Traffic Regulation Advisory Committee.  Ayes – 4; Nays – 0

 

 

K.            TRICK OR TREAT NIGHT.

 

Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman Graham, seconded by Supervisor Hameister and carried unanimously, the Board moved to designate Thursday, October 31, 2002 between the hours of 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM as “Trick or Treat Night.”  Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.

 

 

 

 

MANAGER’S REPORT:

 

Mr. Miller reminded the Board that there is a meeting on August 28th at 4:00 P.M. with the Planning Commission and Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee to discuss Springfield Commons with Tom Songer and friends.

 

Mr. Miller stated that refuse rates are increasing and a resolution will need to be adopted to reflect the rate change.

 

Mr. Miller stated that the Zoning Hearing Board agreement that was discussed at last month’s meeting has been signed.

 

Mr. Miller stated that the whitetail deer reported last week, was apparently hit by a car.  It had received a head injury but was not diseased.

 

 

 

APPROVAL OF VOUCHERS:

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Vice-Chairman Graham and carried unanimously, the Board moved to approve Voucher Transmittal Sheet No. 02-08.  Ayes 4; Nays – 0.

 

 

 

COG COMMITTEE REPORTS:

 

Executive Committee                                                        Vice-Chairman Graham will attend the next meeting on behalf of Chairman Chesworth.

                                                                                                                

Building Oversight Committee                                         Utilities are connected, steel is being assembled. A portion of the landscaping is to be completed this fall. Before the next General Forum meeting there will be an opportunity to see progress at the building.

                                                                                                                

Finance Committee                                                           No items on agenda for July 2002.  Library needs commitment from the community before COG commitment is approved.   

                                                                                                            

COG Program Committee                                                Slowly reaching consensus on process of adding a new COG Program.                     

                                                                                         

Personnel Committee                                                        No report. 

                                                                                          

Code Committee                                                               Still working on codification.

                                                                                                                         

Public Services Committee                                               No report.                       

 

Spring Creek Watershed Committee                             DEP presentation at meeting regarding impact of the Clean Water Act. Spring Creek is to be cleaned.

                                                                                         

Regional Parks Committee                                               Applying for grant funds to purchase lands.

                                                                                                                                              

Transportation Committee                                               Supervisor Warner stated Transportation issues had been reported earlier by Mr. Zilla.

                                                                                                                                               

SCCCTS Committee                                                        No report.

                                                                                                                  

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT:        

 

Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman Graham, seconded by Supervisor Hameister and carried unanimously, the August 12, 2002, meeting of the Harris Township Board of Supervisors adjourned at 10:17 p.m.  Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.

 

 

    ____________________________________

                                                                       Thomas C. Miller, Manager