HARRIS TOWNSHIP

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Text Box: REGULAR MEETING
Minutes of July 8, 2002

7:30PM

 
 
 
MEMBERS PRESENT:

 

Chairman Josephine Chesworth, Supervisors Dennis Hameister, Nigel Wilson and Cliff Warner

 

 

 

OTHERS PRESENT:

 

Thomas Miller, Township Manager; Todd Shea, Zoning Officer; Lori Cahill, Township Secretary, Richard Kipp, CATA Representative; Frank Bailey, Ed Catherman, Bailey Subdivision; David Lee, Schlow Library; Jack Stevens, Ken Hull, B.V.B.&P.A.; Jane Moore, Lou Moore, Herb Kunkle, Tim Mooney, John Domico, Jack Winter, Barbara Hubbard, Pat Long, Katie Ombalski, Ron Ombalski, Harris Township Citizen; Van Winter, Boalsburg Fire Company; Wally Snipes, Tom Songer, GTW Associates; Greg Snipes, Springfield Commons; Sharon Faulkner, Harris Township Parks & Recreation; Mark Torretti, Penn Terra Engineering; Paul Weener, Harris Township Planning Commission

 

 

 

CALL TO ORDER:

 

Prior to the commencing of business, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

 

Vice-Chairman Chesworth called the July 8, 2002, meeting of the Harris Township Board of Supervisors to order at 7:30 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 June 10, 2002, Board of Supervisors meeting.  Ayes – 4; Nays – 0

CITIZENS COMMENTS:

 

Jack Stevens stated that he is representing a group of citizens that believe McCormick-Taylor has not taken the Harris Township position on the SCCCTS study into account.  Mr. Stevens stated that he represents a group of eight persons.  Mr. Stevens stated that the letter forwarding the position of Harris Township to McCormick-Taylor was ambiguous, vague and not well written.  He distributed a document prepared by the group of citizens that he represents, to the Board requesting that Board members agree to strengthen the Harris Township position by agreeing to forward a redrafted position statement to decision makers and agree to convene a public forum in September.

 

Chairman Chesworth stated that since Mr. Stevens had presented this information without prior notice, Board members had not had sufficient time to consider the merit of his requests and would include discussion of this matter on the agenda for the August Board meeting. 

 

 

TOWNSHIP BUSINESS:

 

A.           REPRESENTATIVE REPORT.

 

David Lee stated that circulation of books to Harris Township residents has increased.

 

Mr. Lee stated that the proposed new library will be 38,000 square feet and cost will be $9.3 million.  COG contribution will be $4 million.  He stated that an additional $2 million needs to be raised.

 

Supervisor Hameister questioned the timing of ground breaking relative to acquisition of the $9.2 million.

 

Mr. Lee replied by stating that issue is unclear, but that if $2 million is raised in cash, and $4 million is contributed by COG, construction could begin.  He also stated that he Borough has extended their leases.

 

Mr. Lee stated that the library might be renamed if someone makes a substantial contribution.

 

Mr. Lee stated that it is the hope that the Schlow family heirs will help out with the campaign.

 

Mr. Lee stated that 44% of Harris Township residents are active cardholders.

 

Chairman Chesworth thanked Mr. Lee for his report.

 

 

B.             BAILEY PRELIMINARY SUBDIVISION PLAN & PLANNING MODULE.

 

Mr. Shea requested the Board approve the plan contingent upon receiving approval from DEP that the sewage facilities planning module meets their specifications.  He stated that the Board would then sign the preliminary plan.

 

Chairman Chesworth questioned the length of time for DEP approval.

 

Mr. Shea stated it could take a couple of weeks or longer.

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Warner, seconded by Supervisor Hameister and carried unanimously, the Board moved to approve the Bailey Preliminary Subdivision Plan & Planning Module contingent upon DEP approval of the sewage facilities Planning Module.  Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.

 

 

 

C.           SPRINGFIELD COMMONS “CONCEPT” PLAN.

 

Tom Songer introduced the Springfield Commons “Concept” Plan.

 

Mr. Songer stated the updated plan is based on comment from the Harris Township Planning Commission at the June 2002 meeting.

 

Mr. Songer stated that the location is at the intersection of Loop Road and Torrey Lane.  He stated that the plan is a condominium environment with single family detached homes and duplex units. 

 

Mr. Songer stated the units would have a minimum of 1500 square ft. He stated that they would have “walk out” basements. 

 

Mr. Songer stated development would have a linear park.  He stated that Wooster & Associates have been employed as traffic consultant to help evaluate alternatives.

 

Supervisor Hameister questioned the meeting with PennDot to discuss the traffic study.

 

Mr. Miller stated Wooster Associates is currently working on the Traffic Study and a meeting will be scheduled to discuss the results.

 

Mr. Songer stated the Planning Commission did ask him to consider a connector with the adjacent Weaver tract.  He stated that the Weaver tract might develop in the future.  He stated it would be considered an emergency access, but could possibly be more.

 

Mr. Songer stated there is a “club house” being planned which is going to be a gathering place that will include a meeting room, workout facility and a social room with full kitchen for functions.

 

Chairman Chesworth questioned the width of the streets.

 

Mr. Songer stated the streets would be 24 feet with parking along one side.

 

Mr. Songer stated that there would be an entire landscaping plan submitted with the design.

 

Mr. Songer requested that once a meeting has taken place with the traffic consultant and Harris Township staff, a meeting be scheduled with supervisors and Planning Commission together to discuss concerns and issues.

 

Supervisor Wilson expressed concerns with only one access to the loop on southern portion of tract.

 

Fire Chief Van Winter stated he agreed with Supervisor Wilson.

 

Supervisor Hameister stated the number of hydrants should be increased.  He suggested the stormwater detention basin be eliminated with more progressive means of controlling stormwater employed if possible.

 

Supervisor Wilson asked if underground stormwater detention could be used.

 

Supervisor Hameister suggested rear yard sidewalks.

 

Mr. Songer stated topography would not be feasible for that purpose and residents like their back yards to be private.

 

Chairman Chesworth thanked Mr. Songer for the update.

 

Mr. Songer thanked Board members for their willingness to meet with him, Planning Commission and Park and Recreation Committee members on August 28th.

 

 

 

 

 

 

D.            BLUE SPRING PARK BASKETBALL COURT BID AWARD.

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Wilson, seconded by Supervisor Hameister and carried unanimously, the Board moved to award the Blue Spring Basketball Court Construction Project to Eby Paving & Construction, Inc. in the amount of $18,242.09.  Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.

 

 

 

E.             BID AWARDS FOR STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.

 

Project 02-04 – Brush Valley Road and Bailey Lane.

 

Mr. Miller stated that this project was rebid.  He stated that during the re-bid two alternates were included.  He stated that after reviewing the difference in costs, the engineer is recommending that the Township award Project 02-04 to HRI using ID2, which is the strongest material.

 

Supervisor Hameister questioned the weight limit of the road.

 

Mr. Miller stated that the speed limit will not be affected and that weight limit on the road could possibly be removed but it would not be necessary, if the Board chose not to.

 

Mr. Shea reminded Board members that when requiring bonding, it is not just the road surface being bonded it is also the berm, stormwater facilities and speed limit signs, etc.

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried unanimously, the Board moved to award Project 02-04 to HRI, Inc., at the bid price of $88,140.00.  Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.

 

 

Project 02-07 – Elks Club Road.

 

Mr. Miller stated that the lowest bidder was Eby Paving at the bid price of $49,221.29. 

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the Board moved to award Project 02-07 to Eby Paving for the amount of $49,221.29.  Ayes – 4; Nays – 0

 

 

 

 

F.             REQUEST FOR FIRE POLICE ASSISTANCE.

 

Mr. Miller stated that the Township has received correspondence from Centre Hall Borough Council requesting assistance from the Boalsburg Fire Police for traffic control during the July 18th Centre Hall Fireman’s Parade.  He stated that whenever the services of fire police are requested for “non-emergency” services, the governing body has to grant approval.  He stated that the rain date would be July 19, 2002.

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Wilson, seconded Supervisor Warner and carried unanimously, the Board moved to authorize Boalsburg Fire Police to assist the Centre Hall Fire Company with traffic control during the Centre Hall Fireman’s parade on July 18, 2002 or rain date of July 19, 2002.  Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.

 

 

 

G.           OUTDOOR ILLUMINATION ORDINANCE.

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Wilson, seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried unanimously, the Board moved to table this issue to the August 12, 2002, Board of Supervisors meeting.  Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.

 

 

 

 

H.            ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT FOR EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SERVICES.

 

Mr. Miller stated that Jim Steff of the Centre Region Council of Governments has responded to the issues raised at the May 15, 2002, Board of Supervisors meeting.  He stated that surrounding townships are relying on Harris Township’s participation and recommended Board members decide whether to participate or not so other municipalities will know how to proceed.

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the Board moved to direct staff to prepare and advertise Harris Township Ordinance to adopt the revised joint Articles of Agreement for Emergency Management for consideration at the August Board meeting.  Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.

 

 

 

 

 

I.               BOALSBURG SIGNS.

 

Mr. Miller stated that Chuck Hacker and Ken Hull indicated they wanted to spend more time considering the issue with staff and were not present.  No action was taken.

 

 

 

MANAGER’S REPORT:

 

Mr. Miller stated that he would like to recognize Supervisor Dennis Hameister who was awarded volunteer of the year an appeared on the cover of Centre County Habitat for Humanity’s “Habitat Happenings.”

 

Supervisor Hameister asked if Chief King could be invited to be present at the August meeting to provide an update of police activities.  Mr. Miller responded he would invite Chief King to the August meeting.

 

Chairman Chesworth asked if debris could be removed at the intersection of Belle and Ishler Street.

 

                        Mr. Miller responded that it would be taken care of.

 

                   

 

 

APPROVAL OF VOUCHERS:

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the Board moved to approve Voucher Transmittal Sheet No. 02-07.  Ayes 4; Nays – 0.

 

 

 

 

COG COMMITTEE REPORTS:

 

Executive Committee                                                                              No report.

 

Building Oversight Committee                                                                No report.  

 

Finance Committee                                                                                  No report.  

 

COG Program Committee                                                                       No report.  

                                                                                         

Personnel Committee                                                                                Discussed Life Safety Education Coordinator position.    

                                                                                          

Code Committee                                                                                      No report.

                                                                                              

Public Services Committee                                                                      No report.       

 

Spring Creek Watershed Committee                                                       No report. Social event held.  Supervisor Hameister stated that he and D.J. Liggett are meeting to review the new applicants for the Agricultural security area.

                                                                                         

Regional Parks Committee                                                                      Supervisor Warner stated that Ferguson Township has donated $321,000.00 for the purchase of parkland in Ferguson Township.  He stated that recommendation was the remaining four municipalities purchase Oak Hall property at $300,000.00                                   

Transportation Committee                                                                      No report.                                   

SCCCTS Committee                                                                                 Scheduled to meet next in September.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                      

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

Chairman Chesworth recessed the meeting to Executive Session at 9:05 P.M.  No action was take. Reconvened to regular session at 9:44 P.M.

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried unanimously, the Board moved to authorize the Township Solicitor to execute the proposed Zoning Hearing Board Settlement Agreement drafted by Solicitor Goodall on behalf of Harris Township and to withdraw the appeal of Zoning Hearing Board Case 02-01 pending approval of the Settlement Agreement by the presiding Judge.  Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.

 

In a separate action, upon a motion made by Supervisor Warner, seconded by Supervisor Hameister and carried unanimously, the Board moved to approve the Inter-Municipal Agreement for Engineering Services with College Township contingent upon review and approval of the agreement by the Harris Township Solicitor; contingent upon a clause being added to authorize performance evaluation of the engineer serving Harris Township be granted by the Harris Township Manager; and contingent upon a clause being added to void the agreement should the position be vacated.  Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the Board moved to appoint Engineering Staff of College Township to serve as Harris Township Engineers.  Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.

 

Mr. Miller clarified for the record that this appointment would be in addition to the current appointments of Uni-Tec Consulting Engineers, Inc. and the ELA Group.

 

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT:        

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Warner, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the July 8, 2002, meeting of the Harris Township Board of Supervisors adjourned at 9:54 p.m.  Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.

 

 

                                                   ____________________________________

                                                                       Thomas C. Miller, Manager