HARRIS TOWNSHIP
BOARD
OF SUPERVISORS
May 13, 2002
Public Hearing
Prior to the commencing of
business, Chairman Chesworth led the Pledge of Allegiance.
1.
CALL TO ORDER.
Chairman Chesworth called the
Public Hearing to order at 7:30PM.
Chairman Chesworth stated that
the purpose of the public hearing was to receive comment relating to the
adoption of proposed Ordinance No. 221, No. 222, & No. 223.
Mr. Shea introduced the Proposed
Ordinance No. 221 proposed to amend Chapter 12, Article IV, Section 2.2 (1). of
the Harris Township Code of Ordinances to reduce the minimum lot size for
single-family detached dwellings in the R-2 zoning district from 8,500 square
feet to 6,500 square feet.
Mr. Shea introduced Proposed
Ordinance No. 222 proposed to amend Chapter 12, Article IV, Section 3.2 (1) of
the Harris Township Ordinance to permit single-family semi-detached dwellings
in the R-3 zoning district, and to establish minimum lot requirements for each.
Mr. Shea introduced Ordinance No.
223 proposed to amend the Official Harris Township Zoning Map by rezoning
approximately two (2) acres of property #25-04-43A from Forest to two-family
Residential.
Kent Baker of 209 Homestead Lane
expressed concern regarding rezoning in Ordinance No. 223. He suggested that
rezoning lower tract from R-3 to R-2.
Mr. Baker stated that the
position concurs with position of CRPA.
John Tait suggested making the
change to zoning when access issue is addressed. He stated that it might be the last chance for “leverage” to
achieve cooperation from the developer.
DJ Liggett stated that another
option for this parcel would be PRD (Planned Residential Development) which
would require no change to the existing ordinance. She asked Board of Supervisors to consider.
Tom Songer expressed concern
about whether PRD could occur on forest zoned land.
2. ADJOURNMENT.
There being no additional comments, Chairman Chesworth adjourned the Public Hearing at 7:52 P.M.
HARRIS TOWNSHIP
BOARD
OF SUPERVISORS
7:30PM
Chairman Josephine Chesworth, Vice-Chairman
Charles (Bud) Graham, Supervisors Nigel Wilson and Cliff Warner
OTHERS PRESENT:
Tom Miller, Township Manager; Todd Shea, Zoning Officer; Lori Cahill, Township Secretary, C-Net; Scott Rawson, Bruce Knox, Alpha Community Ambulance; Kent Baker, 209 Homestead Lane; Tom Songer, Torron Group; Greg Snipes, GTW; Jack and Kay Winter, 311 Montclair Lane; Richard Kipp, CATA; Gert Aron, State College Borough Water Authority; Paul Weener, Harris Township Planning Commission; Van Winter, BFC; Linda and Dick Ackley, Linden Hall; Ken and Shannon Hull, Main Street; Anne and Jack Stevens, VTPA; Greg Roth, Linden Hall Village Association.
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Chesworth called the May 13, 2002, meeting of the Harris Township Board of Supervisors to order at 7:52 P.M.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:
Vice-Chairman Graham stated that in page four, third
paragraph of the April 8, 2002 minutes, it should state “40 ft. – rear” rather
than 40 ft. near Corle Street.
Vice-Chairman Graham stated that
a motion was missing from the last page and that motion is to not include the 4th
request.
Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman
Graham, seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried unanimously, the Board moved
to approve the minutes of the April 8, 2002 and March 27, 2002, Board of
Supervisors meeting as amended. Ayes –
4; Nays – 0.
CITIZENS COMMENTS:
None.
TOWNSHIP BUSINESS:
A.
REPRESENTATIVE REPORT.
Gert Aron, liaison to the State
College Borough Water Authority, was present and stated that there has not been
a lot of activity. He stated that there
have been some improvements to “Hill” the Boalsburg system serving the water distribution. He discussed acquisition of the Pine Grove
Mills Water System. He stated that the
Thomas well field quality has dropped and water will be treated. He stated that the use capacity of the State
College system is ¼ of available capacity.
Vice-Chairman Graham requested a
report regarding protection of water supply from terrorists.
Vice-Chairman Graham expressed
concern about rates.
Dr. Aron offered to arrange a tour
of the State College water facilitation plant.
Board members agreed this visit would be scheduled for May 22nd.
B.
REPRESENTATIVE REPORT.
John Tait was present and
summarized options for Rt. 322 144/45 that were discussed at the South Central
Centre County Transportation Study meeting on April 23, 2002. He stated that some options were dismissed
at that meeting.
Jack Stevens questioned whether
“trees were more important than citizen’s opinion.”
Mr. Tait replied by stating that
federal law requires federal approval to balance concerns about environment damage.
Mr. Tait stated
that process of elimination of what isn’t going to be studied occurred.
Jack Stevens
stated that Mr. Tait is not representing the position of the Township. John Tait stated that he serves at the
pleasure of the Board.
Mr. Tait stated
that all possible solutions are being considered.
John Dutton stated
that the process has never allowed CAC members to make decisions.
Mr. Tait replied
by stating that was correct and that the process was truncated, so the CAC was
taken out of the decision making process.
Marvin Goldberg
questioned the next step.
Willie Kogelmann
stated that he met with McCormick Taylor and stated that he is helping to
engineer a tunnel.
Richard Kipp
questioned if the purpose of a tunnel is to get cars to the Centre Region or
trucks to I-80.
Mr. Tait replied
by stating that the purpose is for both.
Mr. Tait stated
that Corridor O complicates the discussion.
Paul Weener stated
that the Board needs to push for Black Hawk Gap alternative. He stated that PennDot would select a “good
transportation solution” and that sending traffic to the Centre Region is not a
good solution. He stated that VTPA
advised that the Black Hawk Gap solution is best with traffic improvements to
address peak traffic flow.
Mr. Stevens again
voiced his concern about Mr. Tait not representing the interest of residents of
Harris Township on the direction of the Board and “moved” to appoint Mr. Weener
to assume the position of representatives.
This motion was “seconded” by Mr. Hylbert.
Board members
thanked Mr. Tait for his report.
C.
FY 2002/2003 CATA BUDGET.
Hugh Mose stated that additional
support is requested for next year’s fare.
He stated that on July 1, 2002, there will be increased from $1.10 to
$1.25. He stated that there is no
service change to the B route, but revised COG formula and impact of other
municipalities has affected next year’s contribution.
Vice-Chairman Graham questioned if
Tussey Mountain’s contribution could be increased to cover their fair share.
Hugh Mose stated that the amount
should be $4,100.00, same as last year.
He added that service fluctuations make this difficult to predict, but
that this amount has covered costs in previous years and should be sufficient.
Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman
Graham, seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried unanimously, the Board moved
to direct staff to notify Jim Steff of the acceptance of 2002/2003 CATA Budget
in present form. Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.
D.
AQUATICS FEASIBILITY STUDY.
Mr. Miller stated that the Board
received a presentation at the General Forum Meeting.
Supervisor Wilson stated that there
should be more negotiations with School District about currently expanding
Welch Pool. He stated that it should be
pursued, as an option, to get more land available at that location. He stated that a decision to abandon Welch
Pool might be too hasty.
Vice-Chairman Graham stated that he
agrees with expanding the Welch Pool.
He stated that he was told that the School District would not extend the
lease to the Welch Pool. He stated that
at the State College School District meeting, they were questioned if someone
had approached them regarding expansion of the pool. They replied by stating they had not and if they were approached
they certainly would have extended the lease.
Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman
Graham, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the Board moved
to direct staff to forward comments from the Harris Township Parks and
Recreation Committee and the Board of Supervisors comments to the COG Executive
Director. Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.
E.
PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO. 221.
Upon a motion made by Supervisor
Wilson, seconded by Vice-Chairman Graham and carried unanimously, the Board
moved to ordain proposed Ordinance No. 221.
Ayes – 4; Nays 0.
F.
PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO. 222.
Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman
Graham, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously the Board moved
to ordain proposed Ordinance No. 222.
Ayes – 4; Nays –0.
G.
PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO. 223.
Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman
Graham, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the Board moved
to ordain proposed Ordinance No. 223.
Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.
Vice-Chairman Graham stated that
the option to change R-3 to R-3 should be kept open.
H.
ALPHA COMMUNITY AMBULANCE.
Vice-Chairman Graham asked if there
were any matching grants applied for.
Scott Rawson stated that state
monies have been applied for but that Alpha would be taking out a loan to pay
for the project.
Vice-Chairman Graham stated that
when grants are applied for, there is a need for matching money and questioned
what the matching money would be.
Mr. Rawson stated that they have
met with all the municipalities and would like the municipalities to consider
contributing ¼ of the costs of the facility or $750,000.00. He stated that to
date, they have commitments from State College Borough, College Township and
Ferguson Township.
Supervisor Wilson questioned the
other municipality contributions.
Mr. Rawson stated that State
College Borough has committed to a contribution of $57,000.00, Ferguson Township is $27,000.00, College Township is
$32,000.00, Patton Township would be $18,000.00, Harris Township would be at
$16,000.00 if contribution is approved at the requested level and Pennsylvania
State University is contributing the land for headquarters.
Vice-Chairman Graham stated that he
is in favor of a contribution but has concern about how much to
contribute. He stated that the Alpha
Ambulance Club is a business and is self-supporting and does not get any tax
money due to billing for services. He stated
that he is reluctant on using taxpayer money when they are paying for the service.
Mr. Rawson stated
that when ambulance service is billed, the cost for providing for that service
is also based on what Medicare would allow to charge.
Bruce Knox stated
Alpha does not ask for operating support, but is requesting assistance with
infrastructure.
Supervisor Wilson
questioned if the South Atherton facility will remain open.
Mr. Rawson replied
by stating it would not.
Mr. Wilson stated
that he would like to see a breakdown of local vs. non-local residents who get
service from Alpha Ambulance Service in Harris Township.
Upon a motion by
Supervisor Warner, seconded by Supervisor Wilson, the Board moved to include
the requested contribution of $16,000.00 in the 2003 Harris Township
Budget. Motion did not pass. Ayes – 2 (Chairman Chesworth, Supervisor
Warner), Nays – 2 (Vice-Chairman Graham, Supervisor Wilson).
Upon a second
motion made by Supervisor Wilson, seconded by Vice-Chairman Graham, the Board
moved to include the contribution to Alpha Community Ambulance in an
unspecified amount, in the 2003 Harris Township Budget. Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.
Vice-Chairman Graham again asked
Alpha to provide information about grants awarded and how much they will be.
I.
BID AWARDS FOR STREET IMPROVEMENT
PROJECTS.
Upon a motion made by Supervisor
Wilson, seconded by Vice-Chairman Graham and carried unanimously, the Board
moved to award street improvement project 02-01 to Russell Standard Corp. at a
cost of $20,979.39. Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.
Upon a motion made by Supervisor
Warner, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the Board moved
to award street improvement project 02-02 to HRI, Inc. at a cost of $112,894.25. Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.
Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman
Graham, seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried unanimously, the Board moved
to award street improvement project 02-03 to HRI, Inc. at a cost of
$19,486.00. Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.
Mr. Miller stated that staff
recommendation was to postpone decision on project 02-04, which are actually
two roads but one project, until staff had sufficient time to check references
of the low bidder.
Upon a motion made by Supervisor
Wilson, seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried unanimously, the Board moved
to postpone award of street improvement project 02-04 until June 10, 2002
pending determination of the qualifications of the apparent low bidder, Hager
Paving. Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.
J.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.
Mr. Miller stated that the
Emergency Management Coordinator position has been at the General Forum. The
COG Executive Director is asking for comment from the Board of Supervisors
about whether the Township will participate.
He stated that it is a fairly substantial responsibility. He stated that correspondence has been
received stating that the position will be announced internally, then
externally and all resumes will be reviewed at the conclusion of the external
application process.
Mr. Miller stated that the
individual hired would become a university employee.
Vice-Chairman
Graham stated that the county should be providing this position. He stated that Harris Township should not
have to pay additional for this position because residents are already paying
through their county taxes.
Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman
Graham, seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried unanimously, the Board moved
to establish a partnership agreement between the participating municipalities
of the Centre Region Council of Governments with Penn State University for emergency
management services as proposed by the Public Services Committee and the Centre
Region Emergency Management Council; to contribute annual financial support of
$3,500.00 per year (pro-rated for 2002, commencing with appointment of an
Emergency Management Coordinator, and as may be amended by future agreement of
the parties); support adoption of revised articles of agreement for emergency
management; to have a review every five years; and direct staff to contact the
COG Executive Director by May 14, 2002.
Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.
K.
REQUEST FOR TRAFFIC WARNING SIGNS.
Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman
Graham, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the Board moved
to approve the request of Ms. Jennifer Kane for placement of a deaf child warning
sign on Church Street & Crestview Avenues.
Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.
Upon a motion made by Supervisor
Wilson, seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried unanimously, the Board moved
to approve the request for “Watch Children” signed on Chambers Alley, as
requested by Mr. James Laird. Ayes – 4;
Nays – 0.
L.
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND STREET CLOSINGS.
Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman
Graham, seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried unanimously, the Board moved
to approve the requested street closings and traffic changes. Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.
CLOSED TO TRAFFIC
(Monday
– Memorial Day)
(0730-1700)
Main Street Boal Avenue to Tennis Alley
South Church Street Chambers Alley to The Diamond
North Church Street Boal Avenue to The Diamond
South Academy Street Chambers Alley to Main Street
North Academy Street Main Street to Pine Street
Loop Road Chambers Alley to Main Street
Rockey Alley Full Length
East Pine Street Boal Avenue to North Church Street
West Pine Street North Church Street to Tennis Alley
Old Boalsburg Road North Church Street to Boal Estate
(1730-1800)
South Church Street Chambers Alley to the Diamond
(1745-1800)
North Church Street Diamond to Boal Avenue
(1800-1900)
North Church Street Pine
Street to Boal Avenue
Old Boalsburg Road North Church Street to Boal Estate
(0830-0930) (Fun Run)
Chambers Alley (west) Church Street to West Main Street
West Main Street Full Length
Bailey Lane Full Length
West Pine Street Full Length
Wagner Street Full Length
(0800-2330) (Carnival)
East Pine Street Church Street to Academy Street
CLOSED TO TRAFFIC
(Thursday,
Friday, Saturday)
(1700-2330) (Carnival)
East Pine Street Church Street
to Academy Street
CLOSED TO TRAFFIC
(Saturday)
(1600-1830) (Parade)
East Main Street Boal Avenue to The Diamond
West Main Street The Diamond to Shingletown Road
East Pine Street Boal Avenue to Church Street
West Pine Street Church Street to Wagner Street
Wagner Street Full Length
North Church Street Boal Avenue to Chambers Alley
Academy Street East Pine Street to Chambers Alley
Boal Avenue Eastbound Right Turn Lane from East
Pine Street to East Main Street. *(This
approval requires permission from PennDOT.
PennDOT has already issued the required permit for this road closing.)
NO PARKING
(Thursday, Friday,
Saturday, Monday)
East Pine Street Church Street to Boal Avenue
(North Side)
Old Boalsburg Road Church
Street to Boal Estate
(North Side, across from homes; both sides west of homes)
Academy Street East
Pine Street to Main Street
*”Temporary – No Parking” signs will be placed at these
locations and remain in place during the period. Enforcement by Police will occur only during hours of operation
of Carnival.
(0600-1700)
Chambers Alley Loop
Road to Tennis Street
(Both Sides)
Main Street Boal
Avenue to Tennis Alley
(Both Sides)
Loop Road Boal
Avenue to Chambers Alley
M.
VILLAGE DISTRICT ISSUES.
SIGNS:
Chairman Chesworth questioned which
sign is in need of repair.
Ken Hull replied by stating it is
the sign at the corner of Church Street and 322.
Vice-Chairman
Graham stated that it was originally suggested that a new sign would replace
the old sign at the cemetery. He stated
that the village merchants were willing to pay for the entire amount of the
sign at the cemetery, and that it would be nice to have two additional signs
that could be placed at the two entrances to Boalsburg.
Shannon Hull
stated the Merchants and Professional Association is requesting the Township
fund the entire cost of the sign. She
stated that it was discussed that the Township pay for the signs and the
Village Merchants would maintain the signs.
She stated that after discussion, they felt that it would not be
feasible for the Association to maintain the signs.
Vice-Chairman
Graham stated that the Township should pay for the two signs leading into
Boalsburg. He stated that his concern
is that the sign at the intersection is a merchant sign and not a Township sign
but that there should be some cooperation on that particular sign.
Ms. Hull stated
that as merchants, they are not making any profit.
Vice-Chairman
Graham stated that the reason the Township should not fund the entire sign is
that not all of Harris Township residents benefit from the sign. He stated that the merchants benefit, but
represent a small percentage of Township residents.
Chairman Chesworth
questioned if there were other bids received.
Mr. Hull replied
by stating that they had difficulties getting estimates from sign makers.
Mr.
Hull questioned what the Board would be willing to contribute to the sign at
the cemetery.
Mr. Shea stated
that the Sign Ordinance states that “a sign is not to be supplied by a
governmental body or in the direction of a governmental body and cannot bear
commercial advertisement.”
Mr. Hull
questioned if the merchants are “dead in the water” as far as the Ordinance
goes.
Mr. Shea advised
that the Township could only be involved with a sign that has no commercial
advertising.
Mr. Hull
questioned commercial advertising.
Mr. Shea stated
that it would involve any advertising of the business opportunities found in
Boalsburg Village.
Vice-Chairman
Graham stated that he felt it would be an excellent opportunity for the
merchants to advertise that there is a village-shopping district.
Mr. Shea stated
that the ordinance also states that only signs authorized and erected by the
government body can be located in the right-of-way. He stated no other sign can be located within the right-of-way.
Supervisor Wilson
stated that merchants should pay for the advertising sign and the Township
could pay for two other informational signs.
Mr. Miller stated
that signs would not be permitted without PennDot approval.
Upon a motion made
by Supervisor Wilson, seconded by Vice-Chairman Graham and carried unanimously,
the Board moved to approve Harris Township to purchase highway informational
signs with no advertising and the location to be where Township deems
appropriate with the understanding that the final cost be approved by the Board
of Supervisors. Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.
PARKING IN THE VILLAGE:
Upon a motion made
by Supervisor Wilson, seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried unanimously,
the Board moved to refer all current information to the Harris Township
Planning Commission and Township Engineer for review and comment and to
postpone any action on these items until the Village District Study Committee
has completed their mission and submitted their report for consideration. Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.
MANAGER’S REPORT:
Mr.
Miller referred the Boards attention to the written report.
Mr. Miller stated that Cathy Prosek
has advised that the South Central Centre County Transportation Study Meeting
will be held the same evening as the May 29, 2002 General Forum Meeting. He stated that to assure a quorum, it has
been suggested that the General Forum meet on Thursday, May 30, 2002, at 7:30
P.M. at the Millbrook Marsh Nature Center.
Board members indicated that not all members would be present, but that
at a minimum quorum of Board members would be in attendance.
Mr. Miller stated that there were
complaints about the recent Nittany Velo Club Race. He stated that residents were not treated very well and proposed
that Board members consider the attitude of the race promoter and workers
toward the local residents before granting permission to the Nittany Velo Club
next year.
Mr. Miller congratulated Dave
Aukerman of the Maintenance Department who completed the Level 1 Transportation
Engineering Technology/Highway Construction Certification course and now has
certification to perform construction inspection.
APPROVAL OF VOUCHERS:
Vice-Chairman
Graham questioned voucher #02-889 to the Boalsburg Village Conservancy for the
Memorial Day run.
Mr. Miller replied
by stating that was a check written to Harris Township that was to be directed
to the conservancy as a contribution to the Yoder Preserve.
Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman Graham,
seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried unanimously, Voucher Transmittal
Sheet No. 02-05 was approved. Ayes – 4;
Nays – 0.
COG COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Executive Committee Chairman Chesworth said the Executive
Committee met to prepare for the General Forum meeting.
Building Oversight Committee Discussed ground breaking
for the COG building.
Finance Committee Vice-Chairman Graham said they had
met, but he had nothing to report.
COG Program Committee Discussed instituting
new COG programs.
Personnel Committee Supervisor Wilson said the Committee
discussed tuition reimbursement and also discussed candidates for planning
director.
Code Committee Supervisor Wilson said amendments
to the Building Code were discussed. He stated that any accessory structure
over 150ft. floor space now requires a building permit. He said it is being proposed that it be increased to 200 sq.
ft. Mr. Shea reminded that no matter
what the limit is for a building permit, a zoning permit is always
required. Supervisor Wilson said
dimensions for a fire egress window and radon control was also discussed.
Public Services Committee Not present to report.
Spring Creek Watershed Committee Not present to report.
Regional Parks Committee No meeting. Still
awaiting funding numbers.
Transportation Committee Discussed countywide MPO
expansion.
SCCCTS Committee Not present to report.
*Supervisor Hameister serves as alternate for Mr. Tait.
N. EXECUTIVE SESSION.
Chairman Chesworth
recessed the meeting to Executive Session at 10:46 P.M.
Board of Supervisors
meeting of May 13, 2002, reconvened the meeting at 11:25 P.M.
Upon a motion by
Vice-Chairman Graham, seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried unanimously,
Board members directed staff to notify the Township Solicitor to file a legal
appeal of the decision of the Zoning Hearing Board in Case 02-01. Ayes – 4; Nays – 0.
ADJOURNMENT:
Upon a motion made by Chairman
Chesworth, seconded by Vice-Chairman Graham and carried unanimously, the May
13, 2002, meeting of the Harris Township Board of Supervisors adjourned at
11:33 p.m.
____________________________________
Thomas
C. Miller, Manager