HARRIS
TOWNSHIP
BOARD
OF SUPERVISORS
REGULAR MEETING
7:30PM
Vice-Chairman Charles
(Bud) Graham, Supervisors Dennis Hameister, Nigel Wilson (arrived at 8:10 p.m.)
and Cliff Warner
OTHERS PRESENT:
Thomas Miller, Township Manager; Todd Shea, Zoning Officer; Lori Cahill, Township Secretary, Richard Kipp, CATA Representative; D.J. Liggett, CRPA; Chuck Hacker, Boalsburg Business and Professional Association; Fred Henry, Mease Associates, Inc.
CALL TO ORDER:
Prior to the
commencing of business, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Vice-Chairman Graham called the June 10, 2002, meeting of the Harris Township Board of Supervisors to order at 7:33 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 – 3; Nays
– 0.
CITIZENS COMMENTS:
Chuck Hacker
discussed an adjustment to a proposal for purchase of five directional
signs. He stated that rather than two,
three smaller signs would be installed near the entrance to Boalsburg Village,
one along Rt. 45 and along Rt. 322. He
stated that where the signs designated shops, restaurants, galleries, etc. in
the past, would change to a logo to make it more generic and promote
Boalsburg.
Vice-Chairman
Graham stated that two signs have already been approved.
Supervisor
Hameister suggested reviewing the number of signs.
Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister,
seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried unanimously, the Board moved to table
a decision on the signs until the July Board of Supervisors meeting. Ayes – 3; Nays – 0.
TOWNSHIP BUSINESS:
A.
REPRESENTATIVE REPORT.
Richard Kipp,
representative for CATA, stated that ridership is still steady. He stated a fare increase to $1.25 per rider
will take effect as of July 1, 2002, rather than August 1, 2002, as previously
discussed. He commented on the need to
cut costs and increase revenue. He
stated that when the fare is raised by 25%, there will be a 15% increase in
revenue. He stated that local shares
are increasing 5% budget of the new with adoption. He stated that Harris Township has more riders in the winter months
due to Tussey Mountain. He commented on
the need to negotiate with the University to encourage ridership.
B.
PROPOSED RESOLUTION NO. 02-05.
Upon a motion
made by Supervisor Warner, seconded by Supervisor Hameister and carried
unanimously, the Board moved to approve proposed Resolution No. 02-05 adopting
the 2002-2003 CATA Budget with local operating share of $323,845.00 and local
capital share of $60,000.00. Ayes – 3;
Nays – 0.
C.
VACANT LAND INVENTORY.
Upon a motion
made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried
unanimously, the Board moved to refer the Vacant Land Inventory to the Harris
Township Planning Commission for review and comment. Ayes – 3; Nays – 0.
Board members agreed to re-order the agenda.
E.
OELBERMANN MINOR SUBDIVISION PLAN REVISION.
Todd Shea
stated that in February of 2001, the Board approved a minor subdivision plan
that created an agricultural lot and added some acreage to an existing lot on
Kenwalke Lane. He stated that the
agreement was necessitated because one individual that had to provide the
signature on the “Private Access Agreement” refused to do so. He stated that the plan did not go through
as originally drawn so, now Henry Surveys has drawn an access from Sharer Road
to the lot that is to be subdivided.
Mr. Shea
stated that the difference from the plan that was already approved is that this
plan provides a new access for the lot.
He stated that a several of signatures have not been provided on the
driveway notation.
Supervisor
Hameister expressed concern over the length and width of the driveway, and how
this would impact fire response.
Mr. Shea
stated that the width of the private driveway would not be regulated only a
private road. He stated that the
ordinance states that if the access serves one lot, it is considered a driveway
and if it serves one or more than one lot, it is a road.
Supervisor
Hameister questioned the width to allow the passing of two fire vehicles.
Mr. Shea
stated width would not be required because it is not a road.
DJ Liggett
stated that the regional fire report is currently undergoing some
revision. She stated that this point,
if the surface is less than 8 ft. wide it would not meet the recommendation in
the fire report. She stated that there
should be a notation on the plan stating “due to the length of the proposed
driveway, the property owner acknowledges that emergency response may be
hampered due to weather conditions or lack of proper maintenance of the
driveway.”
Upon a motion
made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried
unanimously, the Board moved to approve the Oelbermann Minor Subdivision Plan,
as revised. Ayes – 3; Nays – 0.
D.
ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT FOR EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT SERVICES.
Vice-Chairman
Graham stated that this item was already discussed.
Supervisor
Hameister commented that Patton Township agreed with advertising the position
to the public and to university employees at the same time.
Vice-Chairman
Graham stated he is concerned about coverage of the airport. He stated that
this agreement would not cover service at the airport. He expressed concern about paying for
emergency management services twice; locally and with the County. He stated that he does believe in the need
for an update of the plan, but had concerns about ongoing need for a full-time
Coordinator.
Mr.
Miller stated that the main issue is that the County serves as Coordinator for
36 different municipalities, and would not have resources to direct solely to
the Centre Region.
Supervisor
Hameister questioned the County’s ability to respond.
(Supervisor
Wilson entered the Board of Supervisors Meeting at 8:10 P.M.)
Mr.
Miller stated that there have been discussions with the County and the concern
is that they would not be able to dedicate the time, effort and energy to the
Centre Region.
Supervisor
Hameister questioned what smaller municipalities do, and if they delegate the
responsibility to the county.
Mr.
Miller stated that if they do not have the personnel, they are forced to
delegate responsibility to the County.
Upon
a motion made by Dennis Hameister, seconded by Cliff Warner and carried
unanimously, the Board moved to direct staff to refer questions for response to
Jim Steff and the Public Services Committee prior to the July Board meeting as
follows:
1.
Advertisement of the position shall be concurrent to
Pennsylvania State University and Non-Pennsylvania State University applicants;
2.
Is the University Park Airport to be covered by this
position;
3.
The interests of the Region would be best served by
more County involvement in emergency management and they should be encouraged
to participate.
Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.
F.
BID AWARDS FOR STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.
Project
02-04 – Brush Valley Road and Bailey Lane.
Supervisor
Hameister questioned the alternative pavements.
Mr. Miller
stated that ID 2 and 3 is stronger and is coarser and not as tight as asphalt
which is typically used. He stated that
there are advantages and disadvantages to using this type of pavement.
Upon a motion
made by Supersivor Wilson, seconded by Supervisor Hameister and carried
unanimously, the Board moved to reject current bids and re-bid Project 02-04
and to direct the Township Engineer to include bid alternates for application
of ID-2 and ID-3 asphalt material and to require that all bidders are “PennDOT
Pre-Qualified.” Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.
Project
02-05 – “West Hill Roadway Improvements.”
Upon a motion
made by Supervisor Warner, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried
unanimously, the Board moved to award Harris Township Street Improvement
Project 02-05 (“West Hill Roadway Improvements”) to G.O. Hawbaker at a bid
price of $27,500.00. Ayes – 4; Nays –
0.
Project
02-06 – “Torrey Lane Roadway Improvements.”
Supervisor
Hameister commented on the timing of this project with the other paving being
completed on the South end of the road.
Mr. Miller
replied by stating that the same contractor is expected to complete both jobs.
Upon a motion
made by Supervisor Warner, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried
unanimously, the Board moved to award Harris Township Street Improvement
Project 02-06 (“Torrey Lane Roadway Improvements”) to G.O. Hawbaker at a bid
price of $45,405.00. Ayes – 4; Nays –
0.
G.
ADDITION TO CENTRE REGION PARKS & RECREATION
MAINTENANCE
PROGRAM.
Supervisor
Hameister suggested waiting to add the Yoder Preserve property to the parks
system until the master plan is complete since there is no need for maintenance
until the plan is done.
Mr. Miller
stated this action by the Board, puts the plan in effect for next year.
Upon a motion
made by Supervisor Wilson, seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried
unanimously, the Board moved to direct staff to provide notification to the
Director of Centre Region Parks & Recreation that the Board of Supervisors
has approved and is requesting addition of Yoder Preserve to the Centre
Regional Parks System for maintenance beginning in calendar 2003. Ayes 4; Nays – 0.
H.
OUTDOOR ILLUMINATION ORDINANCE.
Vice-Chairman
Graham commented that Harris Township is a residential community. He stated that the Lighting Ordinance is in
need of improvement. He stated that it could
possibly be the way the lumins are measured.
He stated that a bad example of outdoor lighting is the three-lady
statue.
Supervisor
Hameister stated that the ordinance needs to be strictly enforced and the Board
must give Mr. Shea the tools to do that.
Mr. Shea stated
that it would be very labor intensive to measure light with a meter.
Vice-Chairman
Graham stated that someone would need to do it.
Mr. Shea stated
that the ordinance works fine as it is now.
Vice-Chairman
Graham questioned Mr. Shea’s attitude toward changes in the light ordinance.
Mr. Shea replied
by stating the ordinance works and that there is no need to change it. He stated he has been able to correct
deficiencies through enforcement.
Upon a motion
made by Supervisor Warner, seconded by Supervisor Hameister and carried
unanimously, the consensus of the Board was to table a decision about revising
the Harris Township Outdoor Lighting Ordinance until the July meeting. Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.
MANAGER’S REPORT:
Mr. Miller
stated that Memorial Day went well this year, but would like to have the
Board’s thoughts on street closure for future years adding that the crowd has
been small compared to the number of people necessary to close the road.
Supervisor
Hameister questioned cost to close the road.
Mr. Miller
replied by stating that the out-of-pocket expenses are not high due to labor
being volunteered and neighboring municipalities provides most materials. He stated the cost of $800.00 to $1,500.00 would
be close.
Vice-Chairman
Graham suggested leaving the highway open except for crossing of pedestrians.
Supervisor
Hameister questioned the Adelphia payment issue. He stated that the managers of all municipalities should meet and
send a letter to Adelphia to remind them they owe funds.
Mr. Miller
stated that there is a meeting to be held on Wednesday, June 12, 2002, to
discuss the franchise.
Supervisor
Hameister questioned what Adelphia owes Harris Township.
Mr. Miller
stated he would check into it but that Adelphia currently owes for one-quarter
year and 2 weeks.
APPROVAL OF VOUCHERS:
Supervisor
Hameister questioned 02-955 to Centre Region Council of Government Contribution
to COG building in the amount of $30,956.00.
Mr. Miller
replied by stating that this amount was for the new building contribution.
Upon a motion
made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried
unanimously, the Board moved to approve Voucher Transmittal Sheet No.
02-06.
Ayes 4; Nays –
0.
COG COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Executive Committee No
report.
Building Oversight Committee First
quarterly installment has been made towards the new building.
Finance Committee Met
May 17, 2002, with another meeting on Friday, June 14, 2002, to discuss the
CATA budget.
COG Program Committee COG
agreement was not acceptable and anticipate it to be acceptable at the
meeting. Library operating costs to
increase 45%.
Personnel Committee New
process being reviewed.
Code Committee No
report.
Public Services Committee Emergency
Management - Fire Training Site ownership was in question particularly in a
letter from Ferguson Township which stated they would support county or COG
ownership. Sewer and water issue is
getting closer to resolution. There will be no meeting in June.
Spring Creek Watershed Committee Meeting to be
held the end of June. The agriculture
security area update has acquired all the necessary elements except one current
member of the agriculture security area with respect to wanting to stay in the
program. Have acquired 800 new
acres.
Regional Parks Committee No
report. Waiting for the University to
get numbers.
Transportation Committee No
report.
SCCCTS Committee No
report.
Supervisor Hameister indicated
that he had received correspondence regarding support for the “Pennsylvania Growing Greener Program” and wanted
the Township to send a letter in support of the program.
Upon a motion made by Supervisor
Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried unanimously, the Board
moved to direct staff to send a letter to the “Pennsylvania Growing Greener
Program” in support of the program.
Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.
Supervisor Hameister indicated he
would assist staff with preparation of the letter.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Supervisor
Graham recessed the meeting to Executive Session at 9:07 P.M.
Supervisor Graham reconvened the Board of Supervisors
meeting of June 10, 2002, at 10:03 p.m.
Upon a motion by Supervisor Wilson, seconded by Supervisor
Warner and carried unanimously, the Board of Supervisors authorized staff to
negotiate a settlement of the Zoning Hearing Board appeal of Case 02-01,
provided the property owner will agree to a variance granted with the following
stipulations:
A. Lot coverage shall not exceed 30% total;
B. If
additional space is desired, the property owner shall be encouraged to
construct the garage as a two-story structure to minimize lot coverage;
C. All
special conditions imposed by the decision of the Zoning Hearing Board (storage
sheds to be removed, exterior surface of new garage to be treated with finished
material such as wood or stone, etc.), shall remain in place. Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.
Upon a motion made by Supervisor Warner, seconded by
Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the Board moved to accept the
resignation of John Tait, Harris Township representative to the Citizens
Advisory Committee of the South Central Centre County Transportation Study, and
directed staff to prepare a letter to thank John for his years of service. Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.
Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by
Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the Board moved to appoint Chairman
Jo Chesworth to the position of Harris Township representative to the Citizens
Advisory Committee of the South Central Centre County Transportation Study;
Board members further moved that should Chairman Chesworth decline acceptance
of this appointment, Vice-Chairman Graham would be appointed to this position;
further, that Supervisor Cliff Warner will serve as alternate to the South
Central Centre County Transportation Study to either Chairman Chesworth or
Vice-Chairman Graham. Ayes – 4; Nays –
0.
Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by
Supervisor Warner and carried unanimously, the Board moved to direct staff to
continue development of a two-year inter-municipal service agreement for
engineering services with College Township.
Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.
ADJOURNMENT:
Upon a motion
made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried
unanimously, the June 10, 2002, meeting of the Harris Township Board of
Supervisors adjourned at 10:11 p.m.
Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.
____________________________________
Thomas
C. Miller, Manager