HARRIS TOWNSHIP

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
 Minutes of January 7, 2001

 

 

7:30PM

 
 

Text Box: REGULAR MEETING

 

 


MEMBERS PRESENT:

 

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

 

 

OTHERS PRESENT:

 

Tom Miller, Township Manager; Todd Shea, Zoning Officer; Lori Cahill, Township Secretary; Paul Weener, Harris Township Planning Commission; Joe Zafutto, State College Police Department

 

 

1.     CALL TO ORDER:

 

Chairman Hameister called the January 7, 2001, meeting of the Harris Township Board of Supervisors to order at 7:30 p.m.

 

                                                                                               

2.       APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Graham, seconded by Supervisor Chesworth and carried unanimously, the Board moved to approve the minutes of December 10, 2001 Board meeting, and December 18, 2002, “special meeting.”  Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

 

3.       CITIZENS COMMENTS:

 

No comments.

 

 

4.        TOWNSHIP BUSINESS

 

A.     WELCOME TO SUPERVISOR WARNER

 

Board members verbally welcomed Supervisor Warner to the Board wishing him well as he undertakes his new duties.

 

 

B.     ORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Graham, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the Board moved to elect Josephine Chesworth Chairman for the 2002 term.  Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Graham and carried unanimously, the Board moved to elect Bud Graham Vice-Chairman for the 2002 term.  Ayes – 3; Nays – 2.

 

 

C.     MEETING SCHEDULE

 

Chairman Chesworth stated the meeting schedule is the second Monday at 7:30 p.m. (primary meeting) and the fourth Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. (emergency meeting) of each month.

 

Mr. Miller stated that he included in the Agenda for consideration possible change of the start time for primary meetings from 7:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

 

Upon a motion by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Graham and carried unanimously, the Board moved to keep the following meeting and road inspection schedule, and to retain 7:30 p.m. as the starting time for the primary meeting each month.  Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

 

 

PROPOSED MEETING DATES

 

PRIMARY MEETING                                    SECOND MEETING (as needed)

 

January 7                                                          January 23

February 11                                                     February 27

March 11                                                         March 27

April 8                                                  April 24

May 13                                                            May 22

June 10                                                            June 26

July 8                                                               July 24

August 12                                                         August 28

September 9                                                     September 25

October 14                                                      October 23

November 11                                                   November 20

December 9                                                     December 18

 

ROAD INSPECTION

 

April 10                                                            October 16

 

 

           

D.     ANNUAL APPOINTMENT TO POSITIONS STIPULATED BY CODE OR ORDINANCE

 

1.     Township Secretary – Treasurer

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Vice-Chairman Graham and carried unanimously, the Board moved to appoint Thomas C. Miller (Lee Avenue) to serve as Secretary – Treasurer of Harris Township for 2002, setting the treasurer’s bond at $375,000.  Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

 

2.     Assistant Secretary – Treasurer

 

Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman Graham, seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried unanimously, the Board moved to appoint Supervisor Wilson as Assistant-Treasurer & adopt Resolution No. 02-01. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

 

 

E.     PROFESSIONAL APPOINTMENTS

 

1.     Township Engineer

 

Mr. Miller stated that staff recommends that Uni-Tec continue as the primary engineer and that an alternate engineer be appointed to serve if needed.

 

Supervisor Hameister questioned if their use would be a fee for service basis.

 

Mr. Miller commented that the ELA Group had indicated interest in serving as Township Engineer and they should be considered for appointment to the position of Alternate Engineer.

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Vice-Chairman Graham and carried unanimously, the Board moved to appoint Uni-Tec Consulting Engineers to serve as Municipal Engineer for 2002 and to appoint ELA Group to serve as alternate Municipal Engineer for 2002.  Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

 

 

2.     Sewage Enforcement Officer

 

Supervisor Hameister questioned whether Mr. Herr and Ms. Winter working out of the same office would provide sufficient coverage for the Township in the event of “conflict of interest.”

 

Mr. Miller stated that there is seldom a conflict of interest with the Sewage Enforcement Officers.  The reason that two individuals are appointed is to provide coverage if one is on vacation.

 

Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman Graham, seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried unanimously, the Board moved to appoint Mr. Charles Herr and Ms. Pam Winter to serve as Harris Township Sewage Enforcement Officer for 2002.  Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

 

 

3.     Township Solicitor

 

Vice-Chairman Graham stated that there should be an amendment to the motion appointing “Goodall & Yurchak” instead of “H. Amos Goodall, Jr.” so that if he is unable to serve an associate or partner may fill in.

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the Board moved to appoint Goodall & Yurchak, P.C., to serve as Harris Township Solicitor for 2002.  Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

 

 

4.     Zoning Hearing Board Solicitor and Alternate Solicitor

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Vice-              Chairman Graham and carried unanimously, the Board moved to appoint Mr. Richard Campbell to serve as Harris Township Zoning Hearing Board Solicitor for 2002 and to appoint Mr. Al Jones as alternate Zoning Board Solicitor for 2002.  Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

 

 

5.     Act 511 Tax Collector

 

Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman Graham, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the Board moved to appoint the Harris Township Tax Administration Office as the Act 511 Tax Collector for 2002.  Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

 

 

6.     Real Estate Collector

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Wilson, seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried unanimously, the Board moved to appoint the Township Manager to serve as Harris Township Real Estate Tax Collector for Calendar 2002 (to serve contingent upon resignation from the elected office) and further that the Township Manager will receive no additional compensation, that the authority for actual collection be delegated to the Tax Administration Office, and that a letter of agreement be executed between the Township Manager and Tax Administration Office for clarification of duties. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

 

 

7.     Harris Township Board of Auditors

 

Mr. Miller stated that Bill Updegraff has agreed to serve, Gary Delafield has agreed to continue in the position, which continues until 2006.  He went onto say Cathy Horner has resigned and, Mary D’Ambrosia has agreed to continue to serve through 2004.

 

Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman Graham, seconded by Supervisor Hameister and carried unanimously, the Board moved to appoint Bill Updegraff to serve a six year term, and appoint Mary D’Ambrosia to complete the two year term of Cathy Horner.  Ayes 5; Nays – 0.

 

 

 

F.      ANNUAL COG AND RELATED COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS

 

The Board questioned the Ad Hoc COG Program Committee.

 

Mr. Miller stated that the Ad Hoc COG Program Committee is in charge of  reviewing existing policies, for building consensus and initiating new programs and projects and other related issues regarding the functioning of the Centre Region COG and prepare recommendations for the potential improvement for the General Forum to consider.

 

Board members decided as follows:

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously the Board moved to appoint Committee members for 2002 as follows:

 

Executive Committee – Chairman Josephine Chesworth;

Finance Committee – Vice-Chairman Charles (Bud) Graham;

Personnel Committee – Supervisor Nigel Wilson;

Public Services Committee – Supervisor Dennis Hameister;

Code Committee – Supervisor Nigel Wilson;

Transportation Committee – Supervisor Cliff Warner;

SCCTS Committee – John Tait with Supervisor Hameister as alternate;

Building Oversight Committee – Chairman Josephine Chesworth;

Regional Parks & Recreation Committee – Supervisor Cliff Warner;

Ad Hoc COG Program Committee – Vice-Chairman Charles (Bud) Graham;

Fire Training Site Committee – To be combined with Public Service;

Spring Creek Watershed Committee – Supervisor Dennis Hameister; and to direct Township staff to notify the COG Executive Director that substitution/voting policy shall remain unchanged for 2002.  Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

 

G.     

H.     OTHER MUNICIPAL APPOINTMENTS AND RE-APPOINTMENTS

 

1.     Harris Township Planning Commission

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried unanimously, the Board moved to appoint Ron Buckalew to serve as Harris Township representative to Centre Regional Planning Commission and to appoint Paul Weener to serve as representative to the Centre Region Metropolitan Planning Organization Technical Committee.  Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

 

2.     Harris Township Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Wilson, seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried unanimously, the Board moved to appoint Susan Hammerstedt to serve a three-year term on the Harris Township Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee.  Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

 

3.     Vacancy Board

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Wilson, seconded by Vice-Chairman Graham and carried unanimously, the Board moved to appoint John Tait to serve as representative to the Vacancy Board.  Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

 

4.     Centre Region Parks & Recreation Board

 

Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman Graham, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the Board moved to appoint Mr. Roy Harpster to serve as Harris Township representative to the Centre Region Parks & Recreation Board for 2002.  Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

 

5.     State College Borough Water Authority Liaison

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried unanimously, the Board moved to appoint Gert Aron to serve a one-year term as Harris Township Liaison to State College Borough Water Authority.  Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

 

6.     C-NET

 

Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman Graham, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the Board moved to appoint Mr. George Thurman to serve as Harris Township representative to C-NET for a three-year term ending 12/31/04.  Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

 

 

I.        “Keep Kids Alive – Drive 25”

 

Officer Joseph Zaffuto from the State College Police Department presented a new safety campaign intended to discourage speeding and reckless driving in areas where pedestrians and children are present.

 

Officer Zaffuto stated that he has been monitoring a program that started in California called “Keep Kids Alive – Drive 25” several years ago.

 

Officer Zaffuto stated that he is forming a volunteer committee to help assist with the program and to raise funds.

 

Officer Zaffuto advised that the program would consist of yard signs to be given to residents who would to place the sign in the yard.

 

Officer Zaffuto stated that a study showed that 75% of the motorists that passed the first yard sign applied their brakes.  He also stated that in Oceanside, California, there was a traffic study done which showed 16% reduction in average speed in a residential neighborhood.

 

Officer Zaffuto advised some ways to get the message across to the residents would be to use the red recycling bins, bumper stickers, window stickers, pens, pencils, presentations at schools, driver education programs and signs.

 

Chairman Chesworth questioned that if the Township or resident would be responsible for the cost.

 

Officer Zaffuto stated that signs could be purchased, but that the signs would be available at no charge due to solicitation of businesses for donations.

 

Supervisor Hameister questioned what contacts have been made in Harris Township with respect to neighborhood groups.

 

Officer Zaffuto stated that he has not contacted any groups, but that he received a complaint from a Harris Township resident with children.

 

Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman Graham, seconded by Supervisor Hameister and carried unanimously, the Board moved to support the program “Keep Kids Alive – Drive 25.”  Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

 

 

J.       Building Repair & Renovation

 

         Supervisor Wilson expressed concern about the placement of electrical connections and conduit should the work proposed by Mr. Witherite proceed.

 

            Mr. Miller explained that Mr. Witherite had proposed to insulate and drywall the walls and ceiling of the 2nd floor of the Carriage Shop for a cost of $3,900.00, which did not include electrical work or conduit.

 

            Supervisor Hameister said he had several concerns.  First, if the 2nd floor was going to be used by staff and visitors, what would have to be done to create an emergency fire exit?  He also asked if the drywall would enclose and cover any historically significant materials.

 

            Board members agreed to recess the meeting for a few minutes to inspect this part of the building.

 

            Meeting recessed by Chairman Chesworth at 9:07 p.m.

 

            Chairman Chesworth reconvened the meeting at 9:17 p.m.

 

            Upon a motion by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Wilson, the Board directed staff to consult with Mr. Bob Hoffman relative to construction of an emergency exit; preservation of historical materials; his professional opinion of Mr. Witherite’s proposal; and Mr. Hoffman’s professional opinion of what planning needs to be done to properly prepare for installation of wiring and for conduit in the 2nd floor of the “Carriage Shop.”  Ayes – 3; Nays – 2. (Vice-Chairman Graham and Supervisor Wilson)

 

 

K.     PSU “Fee-in-Lieu” Agreement Addendum

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the Board moved to agree to support amendment to the PSU/Centre County Fee-in-Lieu Agreement to allow State College Area School District to be instated as a party to the agreement and authorize the Chairman and Secretary to sign the amended agreement on behalf of Harris Township.  Ayes – 5; Nays – 0

 

 

L.      2002 Earned Income Tax – Rules and Regulations

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Wilson, the Board moved to adopt the “2002 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 “2002 Rules and Regulations for Tax on Earned Income and Net Profits” be implemented for collections by the Harris Township Tax Administration Office.  Ayes – 4; Nays – 1.

 

 

M.   Open Burning Ordinance Amendment

 

Todd Shea discussed Section 9.2 of the Open Burning Ordinance.

 

        Vice-Chairman Graham stated that it is a Crimes Code violation if fire is offensive and that the Ordinance does not need to be improved.

 

        Vice-Chairman Graham stated that campfires should be reported to the ECC (Emergency Communications Center).

 

Supervisor Hameister stated that the 11:00 p.m. deadline to extinguish fires should be kept.

 

Upon a motion by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried unanimously, the Board moved not to change the Burning Ordinance at this time.  Ayes – 5; Nays – 0

 

 

 

N.       Appointment of Delegate to State Convention

 

        Upon a motion made by Supervisor Wilson, seconded by Supervisor Hameister and carried unanimously the Board moved to appoint Chairman Chesworth to serve as Harris Township’s delegate at the 80th annual PSATS Convention held April 14-17 at the Hershey Lodge & Convention Center.  Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

 

 

Mr. Miller stated staff had overlooked the appointment of Dr. Brian Dempsey to University Area Joint Authority during preparation of the Agenda.  Dr. Dempsey’s term expired December 31, 2001.  During his term of office, Dr. Dempsey had moved to the Borough of State College.  Mr. Miller explained Board members would need to decide whether to replace Dr. Dempsey due to his change in residence or to retain Dr. Dempsey due to his expertise.

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the Board moved to appoint Dr. Brian Dempsey to serve as Harris Township representative to University Area Joint Authority.  Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

 

 

 

5.                 MANAGER’S REPORT:

 

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

 

Mr. Miller stated installation of the fuel pump/monitoring system and lighting for the filler is proceeding as planned.  Mr. Miller stated there would be an “explosion proof” pole light installed on the same switch as the fuel pump, so the light will only be on when someone is refueling.  Mr. Miller stated that Miller Electric has been consulted and will be completing electrical work that will include an electric fuel pump/monitoring system and will include an outlet to accept power from a portable generator in the case of power failure.

 

Mr. Miller advised that he spoke with a salesperson from Nextell to inquire about communications equipment.  He stated that Nextell is partially owned by Motorola and it is believed that they can be compatible with CCECC.  Mr. Miller stated that he would speak with State College Borough to inquire as to whether or not they are pleased with Nextell’s service.  Mr. Miller stated that the initial cost per unit is $200.00 for the top of the line unit and $80.00 for one that should meet the Township’s needs and that the monthly fees would be roughly $40.00 per unit.  Mr. Miller stated that he would explore further before making a recommendation.

 

Mr. Miller stated that Louise Poorman, a long time resident of East Main Street, who is aging and not in good health, has asked for a handicapped parking designation to be placed on Main Street in front of her house.  Mr. Miller stated that he referred the request to Mr. Potter and the Village District Committee.  Mr. Miller stated that Ms. Poorman expects to hear what the Board decides after the Committee completes its work.

 

Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman Graham, seconded by Supervisor Hameister and carried unanimously, the Board moved to place a handicapped parking space for Louise Poorman upon recommendation and approval by the State College Police Department Traffic Unit.  Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

 

Mr. Miller reminded the Board that the Boalsburg Fire Hall has been reserved for Saturday, February 16, 2002, for the Annual Appreciation Dinner.

 

Mr. Miller advised that the Township Office would be closed and personnel on leave, Monday, January 21, 2002, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

 

 

6.          APPROVAL OF VOUCHERS:

 

Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman Graham, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the Board moved to approve Voucher Transmittal Sheet No. 02-01.  Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

 

 

7.    COG COMMITTEE REPORTS:

 

                        Personnel                                                         No Report.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

                        Code                                                                No Report.                                                                                                                                          

                                   

                        Transportation                                      No Report.                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

 

                           SCCCTS                                                         Alternative routes to the East side of Centre Hall were discussed at the last meeting.  A  meeting is to be held to discuss alternative routes West of Centre Hall eventually terminating them at a point in the Spring Township area.                                                                        

                                                                                                                       

                        Ad Hoc Building Oversight                   Meeting is scheduled to review bids.   Landscaping should be a separate bid item.                                                                    

 

                        Executive                                                          Proposal to fund the library was discussed.       

                                                                                                                                                                                               

 

                        Public Services                                     Toured the Borough on a fire truck to test the traffic pre-emption system.                                                

 

                        Finance                                                            Met in December to discuss library funding.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

                        Fire Training Site                                              No new progress.                                                                                                                                            

 

                        Spring Creek Watershed                                  Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January15th.                                                

 

 

9.           ADJOURNMENT

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Vice-Chairman Graham and carried unanimously, the Board moved to adjourn the meeting of the Harris Township Supervisors at 10:03 p.m.  Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.