HARRIS TOWNSHIP

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

November 11, 2002

 

Public Hearing

 

 

 

Prior to the commencing the business of the public hearing, Chairman Chesworth led the Pledge of Allegiance.

There was a moment of silence to honor Veteran’s Day and all those whom died fighting for freedom.

 

 

1.     CALL TO ORDER.

 

Chairman Chesworth called the Public Hearing to order at 7:30PM.

 

Chairman Chesworth stated the hearing is for the purpose of receiving comment relating to three issues.  The first issued to be discussed would be the adoption of proposed Ordinance No. 225 entitled “An Ordinance of the Township of Harris amending Chapter 12, Article XV of the Harris Township Code of Ordinances, “Planned Residential Development”, to affect certain changes to regulations within Section 4.D.1 (Front Yard Setbacks), Section 5.A.1 (Usable Area for Parkland, Recreation, and Common Open Space), Section 7.A (Street Classification of PRD Access), Section 7.E (Driveway Separation Distances from Intersections and Other Driveways within PRD Developments.

 

Paul Painter questioned why the ordinance needs to be changed.

 

Tom Songer replied by stating that the plan for his proposed development “Springfield Commons” is trying to complement the historic character of the Village of Boalsburg.  He stated that it would be a traditional neighborhood development where homes could be built closer to the street; would have public sidewalks throughout and be designed to encourage people to live closer together.

 

Kelliann Foster presented power points used in previous Board of Supervisors meeting.

 

Kent Baker stated that usable open space woodlands should have a minimum width requirement of 100 ft.  He stated that a right-of-way of 40’ is very narrow.

 

Mr. Songer stated that the proposed 40’ right-of-way has a 10’ easement on both sides for 60’ usable space.

 

Mr. Baker expressed concern about reducing distance between driveways and stated that the Board should be cautious. 

 

DJ Liggett stated that the Board should be cautious and consider what impact changes will have to future development.  She stated this development could be developed without change to the ordinance. She stated that a 10’ distance between driveways is a problem because there are so many things competing for attention.

 

Logan Hill expressed concern regarding sidewalks devaluing property along Loop Road.

 

Dave Gerber expressed concern regarding stormwater drainage between the proposed development and his property.

 

Chairman Chesworth stated that the Public Hearing on the Master Plan will be continued to the December Board of Supervisors meeting.

 

Roy Love expressed concern about degrading the reflective nature of the Village of Boalsburg and the impact additional traffic would have.  He stated “no left turn” onto Loop Road from the development would be beneficial.

 

Diane Farr expressed concern about additional traffic on Chambers Alley.

 

Mr. Shea stated that a lot of issues are still to be discussed and resolved.

 

Chairman Chesworth introduced the Budget Worksession portion of the hearing.

 

Mr. Miller stated the next Budget Worksession is scheduled for November 20, 2002 and the public could comment up to that time.

 

There were no additional comments about the 2003 Township Budget.

 

Mr. Baker expressed concern about four single-family residential units in Springfield Common at the top of the hill.  He stated that those four units should be removed from the plan.

 

Jackie Rutter questioned the price of units.

 

Mr. Songer stated that a duplex containing one apartment would cost approximately $175,000 and up.  He stated that a single family would cost approximately $220,000-$350,000.

 

Katie Ombalski questioned adoption of the Centre County Watershed Stormwater Plan and when Harris Township would adopt it.

 

Supervisor Hameister stated that the plan is in a six-month review period and training is scheduled to occur in November.

Mr. Shea stated that if the Master Plan were submitted before the stormwater regulations are adopted, the new stormwater ordinance would not apply.

 

Dan Duffy stated that sidewalks on both sides of the street would make a better opportunity for residents to get to know their neighbors.

 

Supervisor Hameister encouraged construction using “uncurbed” streets to promote stormwater absorption.

 

Drew Garbon stated that the future impact on Academy Street would need to be addressed particularly in light of the development at the end of Academy Street.

 

 

 

 

 

2.     ADJOURNMENT.

 

Chairman Chesworth adjourned Part A the hearing to receive comment relating to the adoption of proposed ordinance 225 and the hearing to receive comment relating to the Harris Township Budget for 2003 and continued the hearing to receive comment relating to tentative approval of a “Springfield Commons”, a planned residential development until the December 9, 2002 Board of Supervisors meeting at 8:48 P.M.

 

 

 

 

REGULAR MEETING

            

 
 
 
MEMBERS PRESENT:

 

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

 

 

 

OTHERS PRESENT:

 

Thomas Miller, Township Manager; Todd Shea, Zoning Officer; Lori Cahill, Township Secretary, Amy and Dave Gerber, Harris Township residents; John Walls, Boalsburg Village Conservancy; Tim Hassinger, Don Murnyack, Joe Rowell, Kent Baker, Mark Russo, Craig and Daniel Karduck, Paul Painter, Jacki Rutter, Cathy Flood, Anna Smith, Earl Kesler, Elaine and Donald Kunze, Janice and Mike Olsen, Karen Conroy, Roy Love, Drew Garbon, Janice and Logan Hill, Diane Farr, Mr. And Mrs. Mike Davis, Harris Township residents; Dee Wallace, Boalsburg Heritage Museum; Thomas Songer, III, Torron Group; Van Winter, Boalsburg Fire Company; Sharon Faulkner, Harris Township Parks and Recreation; Mark Torretti, Penn Terra Engineering; Katie Ombalski, Clearwater Conservancy; Paul Weener, Harris Township Planning Commission.

 

 

 

CALL TO ORDER:

 

 

Chairman Chesworth called the November 11, 2002, meeting of the Harris Township Board of Supervisors to order at 8:48 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 October 14, 2002, Board of Supervisors meeting.  Ayes – 4; Nays – 0 (Chairman Chesworth abstained)

 

 

 

 

CITIZENS COMMENTS:

 

     None.

 

 

 

 

TOWNSHIP BUSINESS:

 

C.   PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO. 225.

 

By consensus of the Board, Chairman Chesworth re-ordered the agenda to consider proposed Ordinance 225.

 

 

Chapter 12, Article XV Section 4.D.1 (Front Yard Setbacks):

 

Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman Graham, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the Board moved to allow setbacks to be reduced from 20’ to 10’.  Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

 

Ms. Liggett questioned flexibility in the proposed ordinance to resemble the requirements for side and year yard setbacks.

 

Supervisor Wilson expressed safety in that logic.

 

Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman Graham, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the Board moved to amend the Township Zoning Ordinance to allow flexibility in approval of front setbacks in Planned Residential Development.  Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 12, Article XV, Section 5.A.1 (Usable Area for Parkland, Recreation, and Common Open Space):

 

Mr. Shea stated that with regard to Woodlands, a cap of one-third of usable area should be woodland.

 

Mr. Shea stated that he and Ms. Liggett support the one-third proposal instead of 50% proposal put forth by the developer.

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Wilson, seconded by Supervisor Hameister, the Board moved to approve proposal as shown in the Ordinance with no more than one-third of usable open space to be woodland.  Ayes – 4; Nays – 1 (Vice-Chairman Graham).

 

 

Chapter 12, Article XV, Section 7.A (Street Classification of PRD Access):

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Warner, the Board moved to approve Chapter12, Article XV, Section 7.A as shown in proposed Ordinance.  Ayes – 4; Nays – 1 (Supervisor Wilson).

 

 

Chapter 12, Article XV, Section 7.C (Right-of-Way and Utility Easements within PRD Developments):

 

Supervisor Hameister stated that the portion of road from Homestead to the Weaver tract should remain a 50’ right-of-way.

 

Mr. Songer stated that narrower streets impact traffic calming.

 

Mr. Shea stated that the street could be posted as “no parking”.

 

Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman Graham, seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried unanimously, the Board moved to approve the portion of road from Homestead to the Weaver tract Section as proposed in Ordinance.  Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

 

 

Chapter 12, Article XV, Section 7.E (Driveway Separation Distances from Intersections and Other Driveways within PRD Developments):

 

Mr. Shea introduced this request for change.  He stated that the present driveway ordinance states driveway entrances must be 50’ from intersection.  He stated that PennDot allows 30’.  He stated that part of the request is for driveways to be 10’ apart.  He stated that staff recommends driveways meet 20’ separation distance.

 

Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman Graham, seconded by Supervisor Warner, the Board moved to approve the request at 30’ from intersection and 10’ between driveways.  Ayes – 3; Nays – 2 (Chairman Chesworth and Supervisor Hameister)

 

Vice-Chairman Graham stated that he is relieved that Springfield Commons is a good development verses what could be developed.  He stated that the requirements are R-3 and R-2 and that those requirements have been met.  He stated that a bad development could be detrimental to traffic, etc.  He expressed his support in doing what had to be done to revise the ordinance to accommodate the development of Springfield Commons. 

 

Mr. Shea stated that ordinances would be redrafted as per motions.

 

Chairman Chesworth expressed the need for cooperation from the developer on improvement to streets on Loop Road and Torrey Lane.

 

Chairman Chesworth recessed the meeting at 9:40 p.m.  The meeting was reconvened at 9:45 p.m.

 

 

 

A.  REPRESENTATIVE REPORT(S).

 

Brian Dempsey introduced a report from the University Area Joint Authority.

 

Mr. Dempsey stated that with regard to construction of the Beneficial Reuse System, approximately 5% of $43 million project are complete.

 

He stated that composting would be off-line from mid-June to January 2004.  He stated that Allan Myers, the contractor, would be responsible for de-watering and removal and/or disposal during the time the compost facility is out of service.

 

Mr. Dempsey stated that with regard to Transmission Line for Finished Water bids for construction should be advertised within the next few months.  He stated that Phase 1 transmission line would likely go out Dale Summit and 1st Avenue to Centre Concrete.

 

 

 

 

Mr. Dempsey stated that with regard to the Growing-Greener Grants, the University Area Joint Authority received over $1 million for Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR).  He stated that David Smith has been very successful in competing for grants.

 

Mr. Dempsey stated that with regard to the USGS Study of Slab Cabin Run watershed and ground water, Clearwater Conservancy is working with State College Borough Water Authority to develop the scope of the project.  He stated that the agreement between the University Area Joint Authority, College Township Water Authority and the State College Borough Water Authority regarding supply of water is nearly complete.

 

Mr. Dempsey stated that with regard to the Collection System, the bigger I&I problems are resolved due to the use of a new truck/camera/grouting system for the use of inflow and infiltration.

 

Mr. Dempsey stated that the University Area Joint Authority complies with all regulations regarding discharge to Spring Creek.

 

 

 

 

B.   MURNYACK SEWAGE FACILITIES PLANNING MODULE.

 

Todd Shea stated that Don Murnyack submitted a Sewage Facilities Planning Module to permit the use of an on-lot septic system on a lot that is located within the public sewer area.  He stated that the lot is located on the East Side of Bailey Lane directly behind 644 West Main Street; the leftover portion of lands once owned by the Boal Estate.

 

Mr. Shea stated that a sewage enforcement officer not serving Harris Township has designed the system.

 

Mr. Shea stated that the cost for Mr. Murnyack to connect to public sewer would be over $15,000.00 and would require a private easement. 

 

Mr. Shea stated that the Township SEO has approved the request for the private system.

 

Mr. Shea stated that some lots on Bailey Lane have public water, but none have public sewer.

 

Mike Davis commented on the impact of an on-site system on stormwater drainage, saying Mr. Murnyack’s lot is a natural drainageway.

 

Supervisor Hameister stated that Harris Township has been considered a leader in addressing this type of issue in the Spring Creek Watershed.

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Vice-Chairman Graham and carried unanimously, the Board moved to not approve the request for the planning module for an on-site system and not approve the exemption of the Act 537 Plan.  Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

 

Vice-Chairman Graham stated that if an easement cannot be acquired, then he would be willing to reconsider the matter.

 

 

 

 

D.  APARTMENT REGULATION CHANGE REQUEST.

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried unanimously, the Board moved to direct the Harris Township Planning Commission to review the current regulations relating to accessory apartments and prepare a recommendation of action for the Board of Supervisors.  Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

 

 

 

E.   2003 COG BUGET REVIEW.

 

By consensus, Board members agreed to direct comments about the 2003 COG Budget to the Finance Committee Representative (Vice-Chairman Graham) to be shared with the Finance Committee and COG Executive Director.  There were no further comments about the COG Budget at this meeting.

 

By consensus of the Board, staff was directed to forward comments of the Board to the Finance Committee Representative.

 

 

 

 

F.   TENTATIVE ADOPTION OF THE 2003 HARRIS TOWNSHIP BUDGET.

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Wilson, seconded by Supervisor Hameister and carried unanimously, the Board moved to tentatively adopt the 2003 Harris Township Municipal Budget.  Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

 

G. ADOPTION OF THE INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE/2000.

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the Board moved to direct staff to prepare advertising and ordinance language for adoption of the International Code Council Codes as recommended by the General Forum.  Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

 

Vice-Chairman Graham asked about adoption of the Fire Code.

 

Mr. Miller stated that codes must be adopted with amendments to achieve equity with existing codes.  The proposed ordinances to adopt the new codes would be drafted to address those changes.  He stated that adoption would likely not occur until early 2003 to allow time to address these issues.

 

 

 

 

H.  RENTAL HOUSING REGULATIONS AMENDED TO ALLOW FOR REVOCATION OF HOUSING PERMIT.

 

Mr. Miller stated this regulation in force in State College might have application in a customized form in Harris Township.  The regulation would be based on Borough Ordinance 1487.

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the Board moved to direct staff to develop draft language appropriate to Harris Township for a proposed ordinance for Harris Township based on the contents of State College Borough Ordinance No. 1497 allowing for revocation of housing permits. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

 

 

 

 

I.    CENTRE COUNTY SOLID WASTE AUTHORITY REQUEST.

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Warner, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the Board moved to authorize staff to prepare a letter of support for HB 2190 as requested.  Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

J.   HARRIS TOWNSHIP TREE COMMISSION APPOINTMENT.

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Wilson, seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried unanimously, the Board moved to appoint Ms. Katie Ombalski to the Harris Township Tree Commission to complete an initial term of office expiring December 31, 2003.  Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

 

 

 

 

K.  RENEWAL OF APPOINTMENT TO CATA BOARD.

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Wilson, seconded by Vice-Chairman Graham and carried unanimously, the Board moved to appoint Mr. Richard Kipp to serve as Harris Township Representative for a term of office beginning January 1, 2003 and expiring December 31, 2007.  Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.  

 

 

 

 

MANAGER’S REPORT:

 

Mr. Miller stated that the “elected” auditors have indicated that they do not feel comfortable with the level of detail involved with the accounting of the books and since the Township has many funds, they feel that a professional firm would be more suitable.

 

Mr. Miller stated staff was drafting an “RFP” necessary to acquire the services of a qualified individual or firm and that it would be circulated to potential appointees upon completion of the document provided Board members did not object. Board members expressed favor with moving forward with the elected auditors’ recommendation.

Mr. Miller reminded the Board that the next Budget Worksession is scheduled for Wednesday, November 20, 2002 at 4:00 p.m.  He also commented about discussion with Mr. Taylor regarding construction of a maintenance building.  Vice-Chairman Graham stated that he was not interested in the Township leasing property, but that talks should proceed with Mr. Taylor to explore what is available.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

APPROVAL OF VOUCHERS:

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Wilson, seconded by Vice-Chairman Graham and carried unanimously, the Board moved to approve Voucher Transmittal Sheet No. 02-11.  Ayes 5; Nays – 0.

 

 

 

 

COG COMMITTEE REPORTS:

 

Executive Committee                                  Meeting held for General Forum. Agenda was discussed. There was no other discussion. 

                                                           

Building Oversight Committee                       The new COG Building is one-half complete and is to be complete by April 2003.

  

Finance Committee                                  Scheduled to meet on November 15, 2002.  So far, no comments from Ferguson Township regarding the 2003 budget.

                                                           

COG Program Committee                          No report.  

                                               

Personnel Committee                                No report.

 

Code Committee                                    No report.

                                                                   

Public Services Committee                          No report.              

 

Spring Creek Watershed Committee                       Training scheduled on new stormwater regulations.                 

                                               

Regional Parks Committee                         No word on grant.  

                                                                          

Transportation Committee                         No report.

                                                                             

SCCCTS                                                                                      No report.

 

 

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT:  

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the November 11, 2002, meeting of the Harris Township Board of Supervisors adjourned at 11:04 p.m.  Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

 

 

  ____________________________________

                                        Thomas C. Miller, Manager