HARRIS TOWNSHIP
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
December 9, 2002
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 was to receive comment from members of the
public regarding the Master Plan for Springfield Commons and if the public
would like to address the Board regarding the Master Plan, they would need to
wait to be recognized by the Chair and when recognized, come to the front of
the room, state their name and street address for the record and sign their
name and address on the form provided.
She stated that comments should be limited to no longer than five
minutes. She stated that if a written
statement is entered into the record, follow the same procedure and give
statements to the Township Manager upon completion of presentation. She stated that the Public Hearing would be
further continued to the January Board of Supervisors Meeting because the
Harris Township Planning Commission would be conducting further review of the
plan. She stated that the session would
have a time limit of one hour.
Paul Painter, spokesperson for
the Boalsburg Alliance, provided a powerpoint presentation to include
slides. He stated that he represents
individuals who are concerned about the development. He stated that there is not a lot of traffic through the village
and that is what makes it a historic district and a livable place. He expressed concerns with regard to the
Traffic Impact Study and its conclusion with regard to traffic on Loop Road
going through the village. He compared
Lemont traffic to Boalsburg Village. He expressed his concern with regard to
stormwater. He stated that the
development should conform to Act 167 for stormwater.
Chairman Chesworth advised that
the purpose of the hearing is to receive comment relating to the application
for approval of a Planned Residential Development, “Master Plan.”
Tom Songer stated that traffic
consultant, Chuck Wooster of Wooster Associates was present along with his
associate Doug Hill to answer any questions that the Board or citizens may have
with regard to what has been done and what their recommendations are.
Lysa Holland questioned the
sampling for traffic counts.
Chuck Wooster stated that there
are industry standards for the study.
He stated that school year was considered. He stated that Tom Zilla of CRPA has accumulated data over 8 or 9
years and found that there is very little fluctuation caused by school
traffic. He stated that he believes the
various intersections contained in the study area have sufficiently additions
capacity and would not be affected by traffic from Springfield Commons because,
most people will find it easier to enter Boal Avenue east of the village. He stated that traffic levels at East Main
Street and Boal Avenue are high enough to warrant installation of traffic
signal, but added this does not mean traffic signal must or should be
installed. He recommended no
installation of signal as it would change traffic patterns and would increase
traffic within the village.
Vice-Chairman Graham questioned
the accident criteria. He stated that the accident criteria in the report
represented the highest year that being 1999.
He expressed concern why accident criteria from 1999 was used, when that
was the highest number of accidents at the intersection of SR0322 with East
Main Street, and why that was a one year set of statistics instead of a
multi-year average. He expressed
concern that if multi-year statistics were averaged, the intersection would not
meet the warrants for installation of a traffic signal.
Chuck Wooster responded by stating
that this was the method typically used to calculate the warrant for a traffic
signal. He stated that “meeting the
warrant” for a traffic signal means that the municipality could install a
signal, but that they are not mandated to do so. He stated that sometimes a municipality will work with PennDOT to
address the problems associated with a given intersection in other ways such as
adding turning lanes or restricting certain traffic movements.
Drew Garban expressed concern
about how students affect traffic levels and his concern about the intersection
at Main Street and Boal Avenue.
Chuck Wooster stated that the
roadways have additional capacity and there would not be a change of service
level.
Tom Zilla stated that there is
no measurable level of traffic at most places measured over the past 3-4
years. He stated that there are
probably differences, but that they may affect the quality of life, which is
“not measurable” and not affect the service level, which is “measurable.”
Paul Painter stated that his
desire is to maintain quality of life in the village.
Lysa Holland questioned whether
the traffic study measured volumes or quality of life.
Todd Shea stated that the Board
would look at traffic study and the recommendations of CRPA and the Township
Engineer.
Tom Zilla stated that the
regional planning staff would be provided to the Board to consider making a
decision on those types of issues.
Tom Songer described concept
drawings of the intersection of Torrey Lane with Boal Avenue. He stated that his belief would be that
Torrey Lane should be reclassified from local to a collector. He stated that there is concern regarding
traffic traveling from Loop Road to the village. He stated that one solution is to build a 12’ wide paved bikeway
and access for emergency vehicles and require all traffic to Torrey Lane.
Kelliann Foster stated that
another alternative could be a “one way” entrance off of Loop Road into the
development.
Supervisor Hameister stated he
is uncomfortable with taking away the access to Loop Road.
Tom Songer stated that those are
the type of options to be considered.
Diane Farr expressed concern
that development of the Weaver tract at the top of Academy Street would funnel
traffic through development and there would be a need for more entrances and
exits.
Supervisor Wilson stated that
the earlier plans showed no access to Loop Road. He expressed his desire for 2
accesses to Torrey Lane and questioned the change.
Kelliann Foster stated that
entry from Loop Road is important. She
stated that if there is a concern about traffic, make it one way to allow
traffic to enter the development.
Tom Songer stated that the plans
have been updated to identify the open space areas. He stated that there are none that would be called “traditional
perimeter setback.” He stated that he
spoke with the State College Water Authority relative to water service and
there are fire flows at Loop and Torrey Lane in excess of 1600 gallon a minute. He stated that there is also a fire flow at
West Drive and Torrey Lane in excess of 1345 gallons per minute.
Vice-Chairman Graham commented
that there are two main themes in letters from residents, which are stormwater
and traffic.
Tom Songer
stated that his goal is to comply with Act 167 for stormwater control.
Chairman
Chesworth recessed the Board of Supervisors meeting at 8:36 p.m.
2.
ADJOURNMENT.
No adjournment was made. Public Hearing was continued until the January 6, 2003, Harris Township Board of Supervisors meeting.
REGULAR
MEETING
Chairman Josephine Chesworth, Vice-Chairman
Charles (Bud) Graham, Supervisors Dennis Hameister, Cliff Warner and Nigel
Wilson
OTHERS PRESENT:
Thomas Miller, Township Manager; Todd Shea, Zoning Officer; Lori Cahill, Township Secretary, Amy and Dave Gerber, Diane M. Farr, Elaine and Don Kunze, Drew Garban, Amanda Baker, Marilyn Goldfarb, Paul Painter, and Lysa Holland, Harris Township residents; Glenn Dry, Colonial Press; Cathy Flood, Boalsburg Alliance; Kelleann Foster, Greg Snipes, Springfield Commons/GTW; Mark Torretti, Penn Terra Engineering; Van Winter, Boalsburg Fire Company; Bob Potter, Harris Township Planning Commission
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Chesworth called the December 9, 2002, meeting of the Harris Township Board of Supervisors to order at 8:40 P.M.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:
Amendment to page 5 of the
minutes to change “year yard setbacks” to “rear yard setbacks.”
Upon a motion made by Supervisor
Warner, seconded by Supervisor Hameister and carried unanimously, the Board
moved to approve the minutes as amended of the November 11, 2002, Board of
Supervisors meeting. Ayes – 5; Nays –
0
CITIZENS COMMENTS:
None.
TOWNSHIP BUSINESS:
A.
SPRING
CREEK WATERSHED STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN.
Supervisor Hameister commented on
adoption of the Spring Creek Management Plan.
He stated that the period for adoption expires in 2003 and the final
copy is to be filed with DEP by March 2003.
Upon a motion made by Supervisor
Warner, seconded by Supervisor Hameister and carried unanimously, the Board
moved to authorize staff to prepare and advertise for adoption, an ordinance
adopting the Spring Creek Watershed Stormwater Management Plan. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.
B.
PROPOSED RESOLUTION NO. 02-11 –
RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF HARRIS, CENTRE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, ADOPTING A
POLICY PROVIDING ACCESS TO PUBLIC RECORDS.
Supervisor Hameister expressed the
need to have the access to public records documented for the public adding that
Resolution 02-11 is local response to a recently adopted state mandate.
Upon a motion made by
Vice-Chairman Graham, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously,
the Board moved to approve proposed Resolution No. 02-11. Ayes 5; Nays – 0.
C.
ASHWORTH WOODS PARK LAND AGREEMENT.
Mr. Miller briefly introduced the
events leading up to the Agreement, stating there is a sense of urgency to get
the Agreement approved so equipment can be installed.
Vice-Chairman Graham stated that
the Agreement needs to be reviewed by the Harris Township Parks and Recreation
and that the Agreement should include construction of a pavilion.
Supervisor Hameister expressed
concern with regard to item #6 of the Agreement and who would maintain the
parkland. He also expressed concern
regarding the phrase “good repair and working order” also contained in the
Agreement.
Upon a motion made by Supervisor
Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the Board
moved to agree to the terms of the Agreement conceptually; direct staff to work
with the owners of Ashworth Woods to develop a final agreement that will
include a clause stating that the Board of Supervisors will agree to waive the
parkland or fee-in-lieu requirement upon installation and inspection of the
amenities listed in Section 4.a of the agreement; include additional language
in item 6 to further specify the level of maintenance that is to be provided,
allow for periodic inspection of the facilities by personnel designated by the Township
to assure maintenance is meeting the levels agreed to; to include construction
of a pavilion on the parkland; and to refer the Agreement to the Harris
Township Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee for comment. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.
D.
TAX COLLECTION AGREEMENT.
Upon a motion made by
Vice-Chairman Graham, seconded by Supervisor Hameister and carried unanimously,
the Board moved to approve and accept the agreement between the State College
Area School District and Harris Township providing for the collection of taxes
by Harris Township on behalf of State College Area School District, and
authorize the Chairman and Secretary to sign the agreement on behalf of Harris
Township. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.
E.
EARNED INCOME TAX RULES AND REGULATIONS.
1. AMENDMENT
TO THE 2002 EIT RULES AND REGULATIONS ALLOWING A BLENDED RATE.
Upon a motion made by Supervisor
Warner, seconded by Supervisor Hameister and carried unanimously, the Board
moved to approve the special amendment to the 2002 EIT Rules and Regulations
allowing a blended rate as recommended by SCASD and authorize implementation of
same by the Harris Township Tax Administration Office for calendar year 2002
taxes only. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.
2. 2003
EARNED INCOME TAX RULES AND REGULATIONS.
Upon a motion made by Supervisor
Hameister, seconded by Vice-Chairman Graham and carried unanimously, the Board
moved to adopt the “2003 Rules and Regulations for Tax on Earned Income and Net
Profits” as proposed and recommended by State College Area School District and
further direct that the “2003 Rules and Regulations for Tax on Earned Income
and Net Profits” be implemented for collections by the Harris Township Tax
Administration Office. Ayes – 5; Nays –
0.
F.
PROPOSED RESOLUTION NO. 02-12 –
RESOLUTION APPROPRIATING SPECIFIC SUMS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2003 COG PROGRAMS.
Upon a motion made by Supervisor
Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried unanimously, the Board
moved to approve proposed Resolution No. 02-12 adopting the Centre Region COG
Budget including Harris Township contribution of $206,950.00. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.
G.
PROPOSED RESOLUTION NO. 02-13 –
RESOLUTION ADOPTING PROPERTY TAX RATES FOR FISCAL 2003.
Upon a motion made by Supervisor
Wilson, seconded by Supervisor Hameister and carried unanimously, the Board
moved to approve proposed Resolution No. 02-13 adopting property tax rates for
fiscal 2003. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.
H.
PROPOSED RESOLUTION NO. 02-14 –
RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 2003 HARRIS TOWNSHIP BUDGET.
Upon a motion made by
Vice-Chairman Graham, seconded by Supervisor Hameister and carried unanimously,
the Board moved to approve Proposed Resolution No. 02-14 adopting the Harris
Township Budget for 2003. Ayes – 5;
Nays – 0.
Vice-Chairman Graham expressed his
regret that the $2,500 addition to the Boalsburg Heritage Museum had been
removed from the budget.
I.
PROPOSED RESOLUTION NO. 02-15 –
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING DEPOSITORIES FOR HARRIS TOWNSHIP ACCOUNTS FOR 2003.
Upon a motion made by Supervisor
Wilson, seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried unanimously, the Board moved
to approve proposed Resolution No. 02-15.
Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.
MANAGER’S REPORT:
Mr. Miller stated that he was
pleased to report that all capital construction projects for the year 2002 are
complete, inspected and accepted. He
stated that it was the largest construction year ever by a considerable margin.
Mr. Miller stated that the plan to
redesign the Pine Street entrance to Uni-Mart to prevent truck traffic from
damaging Pine Street has not gone according to plan. He stated that to proceed with the plan, Uni-Mart would be
required to voluntarily reduce the size of the access to Pine Street. He stated
that Uni-Mart officials did not give approval to proceed with the work. He stated that after approaching Uni-Mart
officials, PennDOT approached them with regard to eliminating access to Boal
Avenue, leading them to believe that Harris Township and PennDot were working
together. He stated that as a result of
PennDOT getting involved, Uni-Mart is now concerned that they may lose one of
their access points to Boal Avenue, so they are not willing to grant permission
to do anything with the Pine Street access until they are finished negotiating
with PennDOT.
Mr. Miller stated that there has
been no communication between Harris Township and PennDOT regarding this
situation.
The
Board discussed the hiring of an Emergency Management Coordinator.
Vice-Chairman Graham made a motion
to recommend that Mr. Steven Abrams be hired to the position of Emergency
Management Coordinator.
Supervisor Hameister stated that
he was not in favor of hiring Mr. Steven Abrams and did not support
Vice-Chairman Graham’s motion.
Motion was denied for lack of second.
APPROVAL OF VOUCHERS:
Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman Graham, seconded by Supervisor Hameister and carried unanimously, the Board moved to approve Voucher Transmittal Sheet No. 02-12. Ayes 5; Nays – 0.
COG COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Executive Committee No
meeting. General Forum meeting
cancelled for December.
Building Oversight Committee Meeting held December 10, 2003, to
discuss architects, as firm is dividing.
Building is on schedule.
Finance Committee Meeting held and all recommendations were included in the COG
budget.
COG Program Committee Meeting Wednesday to discuss policy for
introducing any new program to COG.
Attempting to form a consensus.
Personnel Committee Meeting held November 12, 2002, discussed
and made minor changes regarding computer internet policy. Referred decision of Christmas party
scheduling to Jim Steff.
Code Committee No
report.
Public Services Committee Discussed new trash removal
contract. The current contract would be
in effect until the end of 2003.
Discussed recycling program in the Borough and the need to acquire more
grass clippings to keep the system operating.
Spring Creek Watershed Committee Discussion
and powerpoint presentation with Paul Knight on the seven different measures of
moisture.
Regional Parks Committee No
report.
Transportation Committee No
report.
SCCCTS
Recent meetings
have not been
well organized
and need to be
chaired more
formally.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
The Harris
Township Board of Supervisors Meeting was recessed to Executive Session at 9:56
p.m. while the Board discussed a matter related to personnel. There was no action taken during the recess
and the meeting reconvened at 10:23 p.m.
Upon a motion made
by Supervisor Warner, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the
Board moved to adopt Resolution No. 02-16 – Resolution adopting the Township
Manager’s Salary for fiscal year 2003.
Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.
ADJOURNMENT:
Upon a motion made by Supervisor
Hameister, seconded by Vice-Chairman Graham and carried unanimously, the
December 9, 2002, meeting of the Harris Township Board of Supervisors adjourned
at 10:27 p.m. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.
____________________________________
Thomas C. Miller, Manager