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

OTHERS PRESENT:

Tom Miller, Township Manager; Todd Shea, Zoning Officer; Lori Cahill, Township Secretary; C-Net; Barbara Fisher, Katie Ombalski, Clearwater Conservancy; Gary Macelroe, HTCSA; Van Winter, Randy Gibboney, BFC; Tom Songer, GTW Association; Glen Seylar, Jacki Rutter, Residents; Paul Weener, Rob Weaver

CALL TO ORDER:

Chairman Hameister called the December 10, 2001, meeting of the Harris Township Board of Supervisors to order at 7:34 p.m.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Chesworth, seconded by Supervisor Graham and carried unanimously, the Board moved to approve the minutes of November 12, 2001 Board meeting, November 7 & 20, 2001 Budget Worksessions. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

CITIZENS COMMENTS:

Paul Weener stated that there has been a special gift given to the Township and the Township would like to acknowledge that gift.

Chairman Hameister stated that to acknowledge the gift, there is a Resolution 01-21. Resolution of the Township of Harris Expressing Appreciation to John B. Tait.

PROPOSED RESOLUTION NO. 01-21 – RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF HARRIS EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO JOHN B. TAIT.

WHEREAS, Mr. John B. Tait has diligently served as Supervisor of the Township of Harris for two terms (January 1, 1990 – January 1, 2002), and

WHEREAS, Mr. Tait has served with honor and dedication in various offices to include Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Supervisors and has selflessly given of his time to represent Harris Township in various offices of the Centre Region Council of Governments, most recently as representative to the Transportation Committee and South Central Centre County Transportation Study, and

WHEREAS, Mr. Tait has courageously served during the most rapid period of growth Harris Township has experienced, deliberating over some of the most challenging events and issues ever brought before elected officials of this Municipality, and

WHEREAS, thanks in large part to Mr. Tait’s leadership, problem solving, decision making and tenacious dedication to higher ideals, during his tenure the Government of Harris Township has emerged as being a protector of the environments; has achieved a high level of dedication to preserving a high quality of life for its residents; has become a leader in inter-governmental cooperation, and become an innovative and respected problem solver, all the while respectful of the rights and privileges of our residents and visitors to our Community.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of the Township of Harris hereby acknowledges, with deepest appreciation, the contribution of Mr. John B. Tait to the Township of Harris.

DULY ADOPTED this 10^th day of September 2001.

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Graham, seconded by Supervisor Wilson the Board moved to adopt Resolution 01-21 – Resolution of the Township of Harris Expressing Appreciation to John B. Tait. Ayes – 4; Nays – 0. Vice-Chairman Tait Abstained.

CITIZEN COMMENTS

Chairman Hameister thanked PennDOT for the signboards to warn motorists about the Christmas Tree Farms.

TOWNSHIP BUSINESS

A. SPRING CREEK RIVERS CONSERVATION PLAN REPORT AND RESOLUTION.

Barbara Fisher stated that the Spring Creek Rivers Conservation Plan is being offered for endorsements to each of the fourteen municipalities in the watershed, as a conservation plan.

Ms. Fisher stated that it was initiated by Clearwater Conservancy with the help of many other partners and is being contracted and completed by the Pennsylvania State University Department of Landscape Architecture.

Ms. Fisher stated that the plan is comprised of an executive summary phase I, phase II, management Operations Matrix, maps, displays, references, a list of sources and an appendix.

Ms. Fisher stated the plan serves as a resource and reference aid.

Ms. Fisher stated the goal is to protect water resources and the environment and emphasize regional identity.

Ms. Fisher stated that the Township would be eligible for three types of grants through the Pennsylvania Rivers Registry.

Ms. Fisher stated that copies of the plan can be located at the Schlow Library, Penn State Library, Municipal Offices, Centre Region and Centre County Planning Commission, Clearwater Conservancy Office, and on CD in a digital form which is offered at the Clearwater Conservancy Office.

Katie Ombalski of Clearwater Conservancy stated the plan delineates sources of groundwater recharge.

Ms. Ombalski stated that it would be important to remember what resources Harris Township has in the area because it is situated at the beginning of Spring Creek.

Ms. Ombalski stated that there needs to be an established zoning overlay district to prevent inappropriate land use within the immediate stream corridor area of Spring Creek.

Ms. Ombalski said that within the zoning overlay district, there would need to be riparian buffers to protect water quality.

Ms. Ombalski stated that the plan proposes to expand the recreational opportunities.

Ms. Ombalski stated that the River Conservation Plan is a large component of the “Greenways Study.”

Ms. Ombalski stated there is need to preserve forest hillside areas and to encourage good land use management.

Ms. Fisher stated that Harris Township is rich in historic and cultural resources as well as agricultural traits.

Ms. Fisher stated that the plan is a design to connect Spring Creek as a valuable asset.

Ms. Fisher stated that for the well being of the watershed, action must be taken now.

Vice-Chairman Tait reviewed the Proposed Resolution No. 01-15 – Resolution Supporting the Spring Creek River Conservation Plan as follows:

WHEREAS, Harris Township Board of Supervisors recognize the importance of conserving the Spring Creek Watershed to foster the quality of life of Harris Township; and

WHEREAS, the Clearwater Conservancy of Central Pennsylvania incorporated has completed a Spring Creek River Conservation Plan for the Spring Creek Watershed which contains a number of conservation recommendations suitable for implementation, acquisitions or developments to the Spring Creek Watershed; and

WHEREAS, the Spring Creek River Conservation Plan has been reviewed and found acceptable by the Township of Harris Board of Supervisors; and

NOW THEREFORE, the Township of Harris Board of Supervisors endorse Spring Creek River Conservation Plan and will endorse to take appropriate action to carry out its recommendation.

Mr. Weener questioned if the Township could charge the Planning Commission to study this and make a recommendation for action.

Chairman Hameister replied by stating that it is on a later agenda item.

Supervisor Graham questioned if the Township is accepting the recommendations that was previously outlined.

Vice-Chairman Tait questioned what the municipality would be committed to.

Ms. Fisher stated that Resolution 01-15 is not an Ordinance and does not commit the Township to anything at this time.

Mr. Weener recommended that the Proposed Resolution be assigned to the Planning Commission to make recommendations back to the Board of Supervisors about what specific action should be taken to implement some conservation.

Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman Tait, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the Board moved to approve Proposed Resolution No. 01-15 – Resolution Supporting the Spring Creek River Conservation Plan. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

B. LOT ADDITIONS FOR PARCEL #25-12-137 & 25-12-138.

Mr. Miller stated that this issue was discussed at the November Board of Supervisors meeting and addressed access from Hazel Street to the rear of the Lions Club property on Academy Street.

Mr. Miller stated that staff was directed to contact the Harris Township Community Service Association as to their position on access across the land in question.

Mr. Miller stated that correspondence was received from Gary MacElwee, President of the Harris Township Community Service Association.

Mr. Miller stated that staff recommendation would be for the Board to consider abandoning what rights the Township may have to the right-of-way in return for a written agreement between property owners and the Lions Club stating there would be a five foot wide access way along that property line for unmotorized vehicles and pedestrians.

Gary MacElwee stated he would like to maintain the access to the rear of the community building for use of Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Lions and local user groups.

Supervisor Graham stated that five-(5) feet may not be enough for plowing or cutting trees in the future. A ten-(10) foot right-of-way would be more usable.

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Graham, seconded by Vice-Chairman Tait and carried unanimously, the Board moved to direct staff to prepare a letter to the Centre County Recorder of Deeds abandoning “Harris Township’s rights” to this right-of-way, upon receipt of a copy of a recordable agreement granting right of public pedestrian and unmotorized vehicular traffic access between the Lions Club property and Hazel Street along a 10 (ten) foot wide access way to be reserved along the centerline of the present right-of-way and to directed staff to work with Mr. Seyler to assure he can continue using his driveway. Ayes – 5; Nays –0.

C. GTW ASSOCIATES REQUEST.

Chairman Hameister thanked Mr. Songer for taking a pro-active approach in working with the Planning Commission.

Mr. Songer stated that a meeting was held on December 5^th to discuss a land development plan for a condominium type community.

Mr. Songer stated that GTW is considering single family detached homes and/or semi detached home commonly called duplexes.

Mr. Songer briefly outlined his letter to Mr. Miller.

Mr. Songer stated GTW would like to request that the Township, with input from the Planning Commission, consider moving the zoning delineation to the actual southern property line of the tract.

Vice-Chairman Tait stated that the Planning Commission should think about what the Township is allowing to be built in R-2.

Mr. Songer stated this development would include 75-100 units.

Supervisor Graham stated he was in favor of rezoning

Mr. Songer stated he would work with Township on Linear Greenway and access to Village costs to be $170,000.00 and up per unit.

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Graham, seconded by Supervisor Chesworth and carried unanimously, the Board moved to refer the request of GTW Associates to the Harris Township Planning Commission and staff for review and comment. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

D. PLANNING PRIORITIES.

Mr. Crum introduced the planning priorities included in his memo entitled “Harris Township Major Work Items.”

Supervisor Graham requested information on Act 153.

Chairman Hameister suggested shifting bike path responsibilities to Trish Meek.

Board members discussed priorities as determined by Todd Shea on his memo of December 6, 2001, entitled “CRPA Worklist Priority Order.”

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Graham, seconded by Vice-Chairman Tait and carried unanimously, the Board moved to proceed with first five priorities as identified in Mr. Shea’s memo of December 6, 2001, with expediency. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

E. PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO. 218.

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Graham, seconded by Vice-Chairman Tait and carried unanimously, the Board moved to adopt proposed Ordinance No. 218. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

F. PROPOSED RESOLUTION NO. 01-16 – RESOLUTION

APPROPRIATING SPECIFIC SUMS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2002 COG PROGRAMS.

Mr. Miller stated this resolution adopts Harris Township’s contribution to COG for 2002.

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Chesworth, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the Board moved to adopt the proposed resolution No. 01-16 – Resolution Appropriating Specific Sums for Fiscal Year 2002 COG Programs. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

Vice-Chairman Tait stated that he would like to recognize the work of the Finance Committee.

G. PROPOSED RESOLUTION NO. 01-17 – RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 2002 HARRIS TOWNSHIP BUDGET.

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Graham, seconded by Vice-Chairman Tait and carried unanimously, the Board moved to adopt the proposed resolution No. 01-17 – Resolution Adopting the 2002 Harris Township Budget. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

H. PROPOSED RESOLUTION NO. 01-18 – RESOLUTION ADOPTING PROPERTY TAX RATES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2002.

Chairman Hameister stated that the property tax rates for fiscal year 2002 would be as follows:

General Purpose – 3.3 Mills;

Fire Equipment Purposes – 1.3 of one mill;

Street Lighting Purposes - $0.50 on each front foot;

Fire Hydrant Purposes - .12 mills;

Special Purpose Library – 0 mills;

Public Recreation Facilities Maintenance – 0 mills.

Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman Tait, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the Board moved to adopt the proposed resolution No. 01-18 – Resolution Adopting Property Tax Rates for Fiscal Year 2002. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

I. PROPOSED RESOLUTION NO. 01-19 – RESOLUTION DESIGNATING DEPOSITORIES FOR HARRIS TOWNSHIP ACCOUNTS FOR 2002.

Vice-Chairman Tait stated the banking institutions and/or trust companies Harris Township has designated as depositories of funds are as follows:

Omega Bank;

Nittany Bank;

PNC Bank;

Pennsylvania Local Government Investment Trust;

Commonwealth Bank and Trust Company; and

Sovereign Bank.

Upon a motion Supervisor Graham, seconded by Vice-Chairman Tait and carried unanimously, the Board moved to approve Proposed Resolution No. 01-19 – Resolution Designating Depositories for Harris Township Accounts for 2002. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

J. ZONING ORDINANCE REVISION – “FAMILY CARE FACILITIES”.

Mr. Shea stated that family care facilities are proposed to officially be permitted as uses in areas where single-family residential is allowed.

Mr. Shea stated another issue is that some time, it was customary for municipalities to develop ordinances stating that the provider of the care had to be a resident in the dwelling.

Mr. Shea stated that the attorney for the Meadows has suggested that it would be in the Township’s best interest, to remove the section of the Township’s definition stating that the provider has to reside in the dwelling, and in turn, have it state that a “professional care giver be present in the dwelling where the care is being given.”

Vice-Chairman Tait questioned the statement of “Where a professional care giver is present within the unit 24 hours a day.”

Mr. Shea stated that it could read “where a professional care giver is present when a client occupies the unit.”

Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman Tait, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the Board moved to direct staff to make changes to the Ordinance and put into adoptable form and advertise for adoption at the February Board of Supervisors meeting. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

K. AT&T BROADBAND FRANCHISE FEE.

Mr. Miller stated that Adelphia is scheduled to take over in a few months, but in the meantime, the FCC has published an Opinion and Order clarifying that cable operators are allowed to pass fees paid on non-subscriber related revenues on to customers. AT&T has indicated they plan to pass these fees on to the customers.

Board members decided, by consensus, to not take action on this item.

L. SOUTH HILLS BUSINESS SCHOOL REQUEST.

Mr. Miller stated that South Hills Business School has requested to install a PennDOT Tourist Oriented Directional sign in the Township to be situated at the end of the bypass directing people to the business school.

Mr. Miller stated that the application to PennDOT from South Hills must be approved by a local representative of the municipality indicating that what is being proposed is not in violation of any Township Ordinance.

Supervisor Graham indicated that he objects to private advertising signs on public roads.

Vice-Chairman Tait stated that to advertise South Hills Business School at that location makes no sense.

Mr. Miller stated that the application asks specifically if it is a violation of Township Ordinance.

Mr. Miller stated that a solution would be to authorize Todd Shea to sign the application reflecting that it is not a violation of Township Ordinance but also, to attach a letter to the application indicating the Board’s displeasure with the placement of the sign.

Board directed staff, by consensus, to not sign the application for installation of the PennDOT Tourist Oriented Directional sign and to forward a letter to PenDOT and South Hills Business School stating the Board’s opposition.

M. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDING FOR 2002.

Mr. Miller stated that the Township is not generally eligible due to the income of Harris Township residents.

Mr. Miller stated possible eligibility for a project in the area of Huntingdon Park and Centre Estates.

Mr. Miller recommended pursing completion of the application knowing, the odds are not good, but are better than not knowing at all.

Chairman Hameister questioned whether this item should be presented to the Parks and Recreational Committee.

Mr. Miller stated that the application is not time consuming.

Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman Tait, seconded by Supervisor Chesworth and carried unanimously, the Board moved to authorize staff to notify Mr. Casher that Harris Township would like to be included in the 2002 CDBG funding for construction of a pedestrian bridge across Spring Creek between Fasic Park and the communities at Centre Estates. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

N. PORTERFIELD GROUP PROPOSAL.

Chairman Hameister stated that this item is related to a proposal for the Porterfield Group to do “pro bono” planning and design services for Stan Yoder Preserve and a subsequent letter withdrawing that offer.

Vice-Chairman Tait stated that the Parks and Recreation Committee should make pre-planning and consideration.

Mr. Miller stated that the Parks and Recreation Committee has been directed to derive a plan for that tract in the next year.

Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman Tait and seconded by Supervisor Graham, the Board moved to refer the proposal of the Porterfield Group for planning and design services for Yoder Preserve to the Harris Township Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee for consideration. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

O. HARRIS TOWNSHIP POSITION ON LAND TRANSPORTATION CORRIDORS.

Chairman Hameister stated that the position on Land Transportation Corridors will be two years old as of January, 2002, and closure is needed.

Supervisor Chesworth questioned the results of the survey and if the Board has seen them.

Chairman Hameister replied by stating that they have been made available through distribution boxes and in the Township Newsletter.

Vice-Chairman Tait stated the position reflects the results of the survey.

Mr. Miller stated that the comment that stood out was “quality of life” paragraph, which respondents overwhelmingly supported.

Chairman Hameister stated that comment about pursuing “quality of life” came from all the neighborhoods.

Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman Tait, seconded by Supervisor Graham and carried unanimously, the Board moved to proceed in the distribution of the Harris Township Position On Land Transportation Corridors as a statement reflective of Harris Township. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

5. MANAGER’S REPORT:

Mr. Miller stated that the roof demolition and construction for the blacksmith shop is underway.

Mr. Miller stated that Officer Zaffuto of the State College Police Department would like to make an appearance before the Board in January to present a new program with regard to “traffic calming.” Mr. Miller stated that Mr. Zaffuto has been studying a program, which has been monitored for a few years and has been successful.

Mr. Miller stated that the Boalsburg Village Merchants have asked for a contribution in the December, 2002, budget to help offset the cost of decorating the streetlights in the Village. Mr. Miller stated that the amount is minimal and should not be a problem. Supervisor Graham stated that he has no problem with the amount to the Boalsburg Village Merchants. He stated that with regard to Mr. Zaffuto and the new program he is going to present, if the program involves signage, the matter will need to be discussed. Mr. Miller stated that he would not comment because he was unsure of the details.

Mr. Miller stated that with regard to the PSU/Centre County/Centre Region “Fee-in-Lieu” Agreement, it would be included on the Agenda in January.

Supervisor Graham stated that the need to install radio equipment in trucks is no longer necessary. Mr. Miller stated that he is starting to explore this issue and has spoken with Nextell regarding their packages. Mr. Miller stated that he would explore other providers within the next few weeks. Mr. Miller stated that the goal is to have one unit with radio, cell phone and pager capabilities for the employee and not the vehicle.

6. APPROVAL OF VOUCHERS:

Minutes of December 10, 2001