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

OTHERS PRESENT:

Tom Miller, Township Manager; Todd Shea, Zoning Officer; Lori Cahill, Township Secretary; C-Net; Dennis and Beth Ricker; Thomas Songer, II, Greg Snipes, GTW/Torron Group; John Walls, Boalsburg Village Conservancy; Randy Weaver, BFC; Dan Duffy, Paul Weener, Harris Township Planning Commission

CALL TO ORDER:

Chairman Chesworth called the February 11, 2002, 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 Hameister, seconded by Vice-Chairman Graham and carried unanimously, the Board moved to approve the minutes of January 7, 2002, Board meeting. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

CITIZENS COMMENTS:

Mr. Ricker read the following letter with regard to the request of the Linden Hall Village Association.

Dear Supervisors,

The Linden Hall Village Association (LHVA) represents 51 families living or with an interest in the well being of the eastern Harris Twp. and Linden Hall area. We oppose any “upgrade” to the Brush Valley road that will detract from this scenic and picturesque byway in an effort to facilitate more high speed through traffic. The proposed removal of the trees shading the road and its subsequent widening will exacerbate the speeding problem and destroy the ambiance of one of the last sections of undisturbed rural roadway that is used by bicyclists, joggers, and people out for a pleasant walk in the country. While we recognize the need to remove hazardous trees that are in danger of falling or dropping limbs, the wholesale removal of dozens of shade trees and the widening and “improvement” of this lane is unwarranted. Linden Hall is on the national Register of Historic places and the Brush Valley Road is the northwestern entrance into the village. We are already facing the threat of a major intrusion by the planned 322 “upgrade” and do not want additional road “improvements” that will further urbanize the area. Problems associated with water runoff can be resolved by less intrusive measures that would preserve this remaining small (1 mile) section of rural byway.

Sincerely,

LHVA Board of Directors

Mr. Ricker stated that the Board of Directors is prepared to generate a petition or take legal action with this request.

Mr. Yahner stated that the value of the road can be argued as being a historical resource and that the road is valued by residents of Linden Hall and those not of the area.

Mr. Miller stated that there are no plans of removing trees at this time and that the trees are marked only for engineer evaluation.

Mr. Miller reminded that the Board had previously approved an upgrade of the road and if the Board would like to change that motion it should be done at this time.

Vice-Chairman Graham stated that Harris Township is responsible for maintaining the roads and there is a liability factor involved if adequate levels of safety are not provided.

Staff reminded those present that the recently drafted Fire Protection Committee Report recommended a minimum cartway width of 18’. This width is necessary to assure room for fire trucks to pass.

Mr. Miller commented that it would be necessary to remove some trees to provide sufficient room for the cart way and storm water facilities, but that the engineer had further evaluations to complete.

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister and seconded by Supervisor Warner, the Board moved to invite LHVA and neighbors to an “open house” with respect to tree removal and approved construction of an 18’ cart way with 1’ shoulder on each side of 18’ right-of-way. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

Mr. Miller advised that as an interested party and landscape architect, Mr. Yahner could consult with the Township engineer if he is interested.

Supervisor Hameister recognized Ray Hendrick, a former supervisor during 1972 – 1984 who recently passed away.

TOWNSHIP BUSINESS

A. REPRESENTATIVE REPORT.

Mr. Kipp was not present.

B. GTW ASSOCIATES REQUEST.

Tom Songer, III, requested the Board to schedule a Public Hearing with regard to four items pertaining to what is currently zoned.

Mr. Songer advised that GTW’s desire is to develop the former Springfield Mobile Home Park into a condominium development.

Mr. Songer advised that a Homeowner’s Association would be established for purposes of maintaining the condominiums.

Mr. Songer requested movement of the current R-2/R-3 zoning line to coincide with the southern property line.

Mr. Songer requested a new primary use be allowed which would enable a single family detached home be built at a density of one unit per 6500sf in the R-3 zone.

Mr. Songer requested a new primary use be added as an allowable use in the R-3 zone, which would be single family semi-detached units at the same density as is allowable in the R-2 zone, or one building per 8500sf.

Vice-Chairman Graham questioned whether this would be a Section 42 housing. Mr. Songer stated it would not.

Mr. Shea stated that staff and Planning Commission recommended against allowing a single family detached in R-3 as a primary use for many reasons.

Mr. Shea stated that R-3 has a great deal of variety and that there are eight different housing types under R-3.

Mr. Shea advised that if single family residences were added to R-3 there would be a risk of developers wanting to develop as R-1, which would further delete the separation of the residential zoning district.

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried unanimously, the Board moved to direct all four issues to Public Hearing. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

Vice-Chairman Graham added that he would like the public hearing to include discussion of traffic issues related to the proposed development.

C. PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO. 219.

Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman Graham, seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried unanimously, the Board moved to ordain proposed Ordinance No. 219. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

D. CORRIDOR OVERLAY DISTRICT ORDINANCE.

Mr. Shea discussed the reasons why it was necessary to redraft the Corridor Overlay District Ordinance.

Mr. Shea stated that he had spoken with Bob Crum regarding tree preservation and that the Planning Commission had discussed a requirement to inventory existing trees larger than six-inch caliper to assure they are preserved and that if they need to be removed they are replaced.

Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman Graham, seconded by Supervisor Hameister and carried unanimously, the Board moved direct staff to complete final preparations and advertise the revised Corridor Overlay Ordinance for adoption. Ayes –5; Nays – 0.

It was general consensus by Board members that within the Corridor Overlay District, trees should be replaced in a ratio of at least 1:1 and trees should be guaranteed for 3 years. Board members directed staff to amend the proposed Ordinance to include this language prior to the March meeting.

E. REVISION TO SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE – STREET STANDARDS.

Mr. Miller stated that the street standards are 99.5% complete but do not include updates from the Regional Fire Protection Committee Report.

Mr. Miller stated that there is no action to be taken at this time but the Board should review and advise as to any revisions before the March Board of Supervisors meeting.

F. REGIONAL FIRE PROTECTION REPORT.

Mr. Miller stated that staff recommends forwarding the Fire Protection Committee Report to the Planning Commission for comment.

Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman Graham, seconded by Supervisor Hameister and carried unanimously, the Board moved to refer the Regional Fire Protection Report to the Harris Township Planning Commission for comment. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

G. MPO EXPANSION.

Mr. Miller stated that Mr. Zilla had requested that the Board needed to take a formal position about expansion of the Metropolitan Planning Organization.

Supervisor Hameister had questions about the coordinating committee. Mr. Crum responded by saying that the coordinating committee will stay the same as it is currently.

Vice-Chairman Graham stated that there is a need to have an elected supervisor on the MPO. Supervisor Warner stated that he is on the MPO. Supervisor Warner stated that Mr. Zilla suggested he attend meetings to learn procedures and assure continuity.

Upon a motion by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the Board moved to appoint Mr. John Tait to continue serving on the CRMPO’s Expansion Subcommittee on a short-term basis, as the subcommittee reviews responses to the revised proposal for expansion, and develops a course of action for consideration by the CRMPO Coordinating Committee and to appoint Supervisor Cliff Warner to attend meetings to assure continuity when Mr. Tait Vacates this position, adding that this information is to be communicated to Mr. Zilla by staff. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

Supervisor Hameister stated that the fairest method of expansion would be to allow each municipality the option of placing a representative on the MPO.

Supervisor Graham questioned funding and the reasoning behind additional representation by the Centre County Board of Commissioners.

Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman Graham, seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried unanimously, the Board moved to express general support for expansion of the MPO, adding Board members concern about assuring that representation is equitable by each participating municipality in the expansion area. Further Board members expressed reservations about the agreeing to additional representation by the Centre County Board of Commissioners. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

By consensus, Board members requested additional information from Mr. Zilla regarding population figures for all municipalities eligible for membership in the expanded MPO so equitable contribution amounts can be calculated.

H. PROPOSED RESOLUTION NO. 02-02.

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Vice-Chairman Graham and carried unanimously, the Board moved to approve Resolution No. 02-02, Resolution of the Township of Harris to Ratify Meeting of January 7, 2002. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

I. TREE COMMISSION APPOINTMENT.

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Vice-Chairman Graham and carried unanimously, the Board moved to appoint Mr. Ron Spinelli to the Harris Township Tree Commission for a term expiring December 31, 2004. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

J. STATE COLLEGE SCHOOL DISTRICT MASTER PLAN.

Mr. Crum commented on the State College Area School District Plan and memo of February 8, 2002

Supervisor Hameister stated that Our Lady of Victory would be able to accommodate students up to the 8^th grade soon.

Mr. Crum stated that State College Area School District is not observing an increase in enrollment. He stated that the School District has been asked to update enrollment trends annually.

Supervisor Hameister stated that the schools to be closed could become “community schools” to include adult education, parks and recreation programs, etc.

Chairman Chesworth advised that she believes in “neighborhood schools” and that State College Area School District should consult with some other reputable school districts in Pennsylvania to see what alternatives exist.

Supervisor Hameister stated that adult education and continuing education opportunities should be provided for taxpayers.

Mr. Crum advised that an area for an elementary school is reserved in the master plan for Toftrees expansion.

Supervisor Hameister stated that his single word description to the cost is “shock”.

Supervisors stated they are concerned about what impact of closing Boalsburg Elementary School will have on the community and indicated a desire for the property to remain in a use for a public good.

Supervisor Hameister questioned if there is more busing even though the enrollment is not going up.

Mr. Miller was directed to outline comments of the Board and communicate these to Board members by email for final thoughts before sending letter to the COG Executive Director.

Supervisor Hameister recommended possible change to “cultural zone” to include Boalsburg Elementary School and include educational activities.

By consensus, the Board expressed desire to have the State College Area School District provide enrollment figures to the municipalities.

It was consensus of the Board that Mr. Miller should summarize the comments of the Board and communicate summarized comments to the COG Executive Director.

K. GROWING GREENER SUPPORT.

It was consensus of the Board that this item would be discussed during the March, 2002 Board of Supervisors meeting.

5. MANAGER’S REPORT:

Mr. Miller stated that the diesel fuel pump had been installed and is operational and that Boalsburg Fire Company has used it at least once so far.

Mr. Miller stated that he recently heard from State College Police relative to the HC parking space at Louise Poorman’s home on East Main Street. Officer Zaffuto stated that a report would be forthcoming and advised that the State College Police Department would be recommending placement of signage that could be installed anytime, but that an ordinance would have to be in place in order to actually cite anyone for violation. Township personnel will install signs after the report is received and that staff will prepare an ordinance for the next meeting.

Mr. Miller advised that residents of Country Place were recently exposed to a daylong fire set to burn brush from the site of the future storage facility along Torrey Lane. He stated that although the fire burned throughout the day, in conformance with the burning ordinance, it was too much. He stated that the Boalsburg Fire Company personnel went to the scene and found that materials had been brought in from other sites and that the fire was burning after dark. He stated that Chief Winter asked the owner of the property to extinguish the fire and not bring in any further foreign material. He stated that the owner complied, although the fire smoldered for quite some time, no citation was issued.

Vice-Chairman Graham questioned staff’s interpretation of the Burning Ordinance relative to this and similar fires set on commercial or industrial land.

Mr. Miller acknowledged receipt of a Certificate of Appreciation received from the Department of Defense acknowledging employer support for the National Guard and Reserve on behalf of Township employee Mr. Al Klinger.

6. APPROVAL OF VOUCHERS:

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried unanimously, the Board moved to approve Voucher Transmittal Sheet No. 2002-2. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

It was consensus of the Board that staff should be compensated for emergency call out by a method other than the current. Since amounts for most employees are relatively low, Board members indicated it is inefficient to prepare a check for these small amounts.

7. COG COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Personnel No report.

Code No report.

Transportation Received a presentation by DJ Liggett and Tom Zilla.

SCCCTS Supervisor Hameister reported on recent meeting where highway alignments were shown. Chairman Chesworth stated that John Tait should report as a representative periodically.

Ad Hoc Building Oversight Meeting scheduled to review bid documents. Bids opening February 13, 2002.

Executive Chairman Chesworth discussed 2002 membership and schedule. Next meeting is scheduled one week before General Forum in March.

Public Services No report.

Finance Met with Hugh Mose, of CATA, to discuss public transit issues, particularly funding.

Spring Creek Watershed Discussed agriculture preservation presentation by Norm Lathburg.

Regional Parks Discussed 75-acre tract near Oak Hall, owned by Penn State University.

8. ADJOURNMENT

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Warner, seconded by Supervisor Hameister and carried unanimously, the Board moved to adjourn the meeting of the Harris Township Supervisors at 10:15 p.m. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

_________________________

Thomas Miller, Secretary

Minutes of February 11, 2002