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

OTHERS PRESENT:

Thomas Miller, Township Manager; Todd Shea, Zoning Officer; Lori Cahill, Township Secretary; D.J. Liggett; C-Net; Linn Auman, Penn Terra Engineering; Van Winter, Randy Weaver, Boalsburg Fire Company; Tom Yahner, Resident

CALL TO ORDER:

Vice-Chairman Graham called the March 11, 2002, meeting of the Harris Township Board of Supervisors to order at 7:34 p.m.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:

Vice-Chairman Graham stated that on page ten of the February minutes; he wanted to correct the statement “Vice-Chairman Graham questioned staffs interpretation of the Burning Ordinance relative to this matter.” He stated that he wanted to clarify that upon calling the zoning officer, the residents of Honeysuckle Drive were given proper information.

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the Board moved to approve the minutes of February 11, 2002, Board meeting. Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.

CITIZENS COMMENTS:

No citizen comments.

TOWNSHIP BUSINESS

A. REPRESENTATIVE REPORT.

Sharon Faulkner was not present.

B. AIKENS RECREATIONAL PARK FINAL SUBDIVISION PLAN.

Mr. Shea explained that the Penn Terra plan is similar to the plans that the Board reviewed and approved last year. He explained that the preliminary plan also called for land development and Mr. Aikens has chosen to delay that and proceed in phases. He stated that this plan represents only the subdivision of the properties. He stated that staff has reviewed the original submission of the revised version and all ordinance requirements have been met.

Supervisor Hameister questioned the new number of lots.

Mr. Shea replied by stating that there will be two lots.

Mr. Auman stated that the only addition is that the lot now has the septic area approved by DEP and will have a recorded easement to the septic area when Mr. Aikens decides to move forward with the land development plan.

Supervisor Hameister questioned if the septic area was off site.

Mr. Auman replied that it is off site, which is why there is a requirement for the easement to get to the site.

Supervisor Hameister questioned the separation distance from the site to the parcel of land.

Mr. Auman replied by stating that it is roughly 1800-2000 feet.

Mr. Hameister questioned the five-year period to develop the land.

Mr. Auman stated that Mr. Aiken has five years to develop his land.

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Wilson, seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried unanimously, the Board moved to approve the Aikens Recreational Park Final Subdivision Plan. Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.

C. REGIONAL FIRE PROTECTION COMMITTEE REPORT.

Mr. Miller explained that the Planning Commission did not recommend adopting or recommending adoption of the report, as it was prepared.

Vice-Chairman Graham stated that the goal is to review the recommendations and forward comments to the Executive Director.

Mr. Shea stated that a major concern is placing a limit on structure size. He stated that he spoke with Bob Crum and was not aware of any municipalities that limited structure size for this particular reason.

Mr. Shea stated that there are mixed feelings about installation of sprinkler systems and was that he was told by a local contractor that home owners insurance policies do not cover accidental detonation. He stated that if there is an electrical fire and the electricity goes off, the water in the sprinkler system may not be sufficient to do what it is intended to do.

Mr. Shea stated that staff would like to see some examples from other places in where the examples recommended in the report have already been applied.

Vice-Chairman Graham questioned what communities should be looked at.

Ms. Liggett stated that initially the hope is that the comments from all the municipalities will go back to the committee. She stated that she recalls that there are communities in Maryland that use holding tanks.

Vice-Chairman Graham stated that in Leesburg, Virginia, there is a development that has large holding tanks. He stated that those houses are extremely expensive homes.

Supervisor Hameister stated that the intent for the sprinklers is not to make them mandatory. He stated that it is last of the options when looking at all opportunities provided.

Mr. Shea stated that it is mandatory in the sense that the person purchasing the lot and building the house will not have a choice, the developer will have made that choice before.

Vice-Chairman Graham stated that with regard to the cul-de-sac issue, there is a recommendation of a 750 feet maximum in the report. It was agreed that 1000 feet is appropriate in the Township Street Standards.

Vice-Chairman Graham asked Ms. Liggett if smoke detectors are mandatory on new construction.

Ms. Liggett stated that she did not know and that the code office is in the process of establishing a new code adoption process and that may be one of the items included.

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the Board moved to direct staff to forward comments of the Board regarding the Regional Fire Protection Committee Report to the COG Executive Director by April 1, 2002, to include a copy of Mr. Shea’s memo entitled “Regional Fire Protection Report” dated February 6, 2002, and a copy of the proposed revised Street Standards. Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.

D. CENTRE REGION BUILDING AND HOUSING CODE BOARD OF APPEALS.

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the Board moved to approve the following motion:

“That the Harris Township Board of Supervisors approve the re-appointment of Donald Smitley and the appointment of Kimberly Warren, Laura Chuba, Frank Schwab, Kenneth Sagan, Michael Norris, and Robert Kistler to the Centre Region Building & Housing Code of Appeals for a three year term commencing February 28, 2002.”

Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.

E. PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO. 220.

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the Board moved to ordain proposed Ordinance No. 220. Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.

F. MPO EXPANSION.

Mr. Miller stated that this was brought to the Board’s attention by Tom Zilla and is a follow up to last months motion and comments about the Board’s thought on the MPO expansion. He stated that has been provided with the Agenda.

Mr. Miller stated that Mr. Zilla has asked that the Board of Supervisors of each participating municipality vote on the issue of whether to support or not support the expansion of the Centre Region Metropolitan Planning Organization to a countywide organization as detailed in the proposal for expansion dated October 24, 2001.

Supervisor Hameister stated that no one is listening to the rural part of the county with respect to expanding to a countywide organization.

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Wilson, seconded by Supervisor Warner, the Board moved to support the expansion of the Centre Region Metropolitan Planning Organization to a Countrywide Organization as dictated in the proposal for expansion dated October 24, 2001. Ayes – 3; Nays – 1.

G. RELEASE OF BID PROJECTS.

Mr. Miller stated that there are three projects ready for bid in the next several weeks. He stated that this is for information only and no motion is required.

Mr. Miller stated that the first is an application of a sealer-binder to the asphalt surfaces of Brookside Drive, East Drive, West Drive, Boalsburg Pike, Spring Creek Bridge to Mary Elizabeth Street, from Mary Elizabeth Street to Boalsburg Pike to Warner Blvd. and on the Harris Township portion of Harris Acres which include Outer Drive, Harris Drive, East Outer Drive, East Hubler Road, Hubler Road and also to the building parking lot.

Mr. Miller stated that the second project is a reconstruction and asphalt overlay and replacement of the curbs in a portion of Country Place, which would include West Drive, from Boal Avenue to Homestead Lane east of West Drive to include the cul-de-sac. He stated that the third project is Boalsburg Pike from Spring Creek Bridge to the intersection of Boal Avenue and South Atherton Street.

Mr. Miller stated that there are other projects being worked on currently and will be ready to release prior to the May meeting.

Supervisor Hameister asked what the engineers suggested costs would be.

Mr. Miller stated that the engineer did not have the estimates complete.

Vice-Chairman Graham stated that this was for information only and no recommendation is required.

H. PROPOSED RESOLUTION NO. 02-03.

Supervisor Hameister stated the purpose of this resolution is to forward comments to the state reemphasizing the Township’s interest in the funding for the “Growing Greener” project. He stated that the Township is the most successful of any water shed in the state with respect to funded projects that were submitted. He stated that the Township has been working closely with the DEP office in Williamsport.

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the Board moved to approve Proposed Resolution No. 02-03. Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.

I. CARRIAGE SHOP IMPROVEMENTS.

Vice-Chairman Graham stated that this topic was discussed previously and Mr. Hoffman was to make some recommendations preserving any historical value.

Mr. Miller stated that Mr. Hoffman’s comments stated that the existing lath and plaster provide a wind barrier therefore, they should be left in place. He stated that the wiring would not be in the “old wall”, therefore the condition will be safe.

Vice-Chairman Graham stated that the only change to the proposal, which was originally to drywall the room in its entirety, is now to install insulation in the ceiling but not to drywall the ceiling.

Supervisor Wilson questioned the placement of the conduit in the wall to allow wiring for telephone and electrical outlets and if that will be planned ahead of time.

Mr. Miller replied by stating that Mr. Hoffman will work with the contractor to locate where the wiring is to be located and where the conduit would be placed.

Vice-Chairman Graham questioned the approximate start time.

Mr. Miller stated that it would begin soon.

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried unanimously, the Board moved to accept the revised proposal of recommendations along with the revised bid from $3,900.00 to $3,990.00. Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.

J. HARRIS TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION RE-APPOINTMENT.

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the Board moved to re-appoint Mary Ann Kresen to the Harris Township Planning Commission for a term expiring April 1, 2006. Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.

K. REQUEST FOR ROAD CLOSING.

Mr. Miller stated that this is the third year for this request to close Boal Avenue and South Atherton Street between Warner Boulevard and Earlystown Road for a period from 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. for the Memorial Day ceremony. He stated that this has been done since the dedication of the “Three Ladies” statue and does require a considerable amount of coordination by State College Police, Boalsburg Fire Company, Fire Police and volunteers to assist from Centre Hall Fire Police and Alpha Fire Police in addition to Township personnel.

Mr. Miller stated that this request will require the permission of PennDOT to accomplish and the request will need approval by the Board of Supervisors before it is forwarded to the District Office for their approval.

Supervisor Hameister questioned extra security for the featured guest, Governor Schweiker.

Mr. Miller stated that a unit would be assigned to work with the Governor and this would not interfere with security for the event.

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the Board moved to direct staff to forward the application for road closing of SR0322 during the Memorial Day Ceremonies to PennDOT for approval. Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.

5. MANAGER’S REPORT:

Mr. Miller stated that he has provided a report from the Maintenance Department detailing activities that have been performed within the last month and upcoming plans for the next month with the Agenda. He stated this report should keep the Board up to date, with more detail, as to what the Maintenance Department is doing. He stated that this is the first report and asked the Board Members to review and comment.

Mr. Miller stated that on March 12^th and 13^th, Battery B will be holding an Artillery Drill and Training at the PA Military Museum Ground. He stated that they plan to use lower charge than previous years. He stated that the drill will be held from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Supervisor Hameister questioned if the dates were special dates.

Mr. Miller replied by stating that the letter he received reflected that the purpose of the day is to familiarize the site directors of the Military Museum with the proper and safe conduct of the artillery unit, which they may have on their site in the future.

Mr. Miller stated that on March 27^th at 4:00 p.m. there will be a meeting to discuss the GTW Associates proposal for the development of the Springfield Mobile Home Park property. He stated that there will be a notice sent to surrounding property owners. He stated that the purpose is to hash out the issues relative to the zoning changes that are being proposed and give them as much time as they need to work out the issues.

Supervisor Hameister questioned if there is a period during which they are required to respond.

Mr. Miller replied that there is not.

Mr. Miller stated that he has been in contact with Knapka Surveying and has obtained a copy of a survey that was completed on the Yoder Preserve property. He stated that most of the property corners are in, but there are several that need to be checked. He stated that Knapka would check all corners, mark them and walk the property with Township staff to ensure that all the corners are known. He stated that this should cost several hundred dollars rather than several thousand dollars.

Vice-Chairman Graham questioned the necessity of a survey.

Mr. Miller replied that the survey is necessary because there will be hiking trails and various other things constructed on the property and that there may be gardens, tool sheds, etc. on the property that need to be relocated to private property.

Mr. Miller stated that with regard to Brush Valley Road, at last month’s meeting, the Board passed a motion that the cartway of Brush Valley Road would be 18 feet to coincide with the recommendations of the Regional Fire Committee Report. The Township engineer has been working to design a road to meet the18-foot standard, and in the process has concluded that it may be wise to reduce the cartway width to a 16-foot width. This would allow for additional width for stormwater control and a shoulder. He stated that it would include a 20-foot “clear” area that would allow vehicles to pass but paving would only be 16 feet in width.

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the Board moved to authorize staff to design the improvements to Brush Valley Road with a 16-foot wide cartway bordered by a 2-foot wide shoulder on either side. Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.

Supervisor Hameister questioned the radio issue.

Mr. Miller replied by stating that he is scheduled to meet with a sales representative from Gregg Electronics to discuss the radio issue. He stated that from the research completed it would appear that the telephone systems that are available are currently expensive to operate, do not function correctly in a true emergency, and are not compatible with the Centre Emergency Communications System.

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. 02-03. Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.

7. COG COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Personnel No report.

Code Meeting on February 14, 2002. Recommended slate for the Board of Appeals and discussed new position on Public Education Coordinator, and a tuition reimbursement policy.

Transportation Discussed eastern inner loop. Tom Zilla to include in 12 year plan. Need to allot $500.00-$580.00 from current TIP for funding.

SCCCTS No report.

Ad Hoc Building Oversight Not present.

Executive Not present.

Public Services No meeting held. Intend to discuss regional fire protection bidding and the standardization for fire equipment bids for the Alpha Fire Department.

Finance No report.

Spring Creek Watershed No report. Will meet at the end of March.

Regional Parks Discussed looking at location for regional park.

8. ADJOURNMENT

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried unanimously, the Board moved to adjourn the meeting of the Harris Township Supervisors at 9:18 p.m. Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.

_________________________

Thomas Miller, Secretary

Minutes of March 11, 2002