HARRIS TOWNSHIP

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Minutes of September 9, 2002

Regular Meeting

7:30PM

 
 
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; C-Net; Ron Buckalew, Harris Township Planning Commission; Jim Caster, Harris Township Resident; John Walls, Boalsburg Village Conservancy; Ursula Allison, Kaywood; Marge Himer, Aspen Heights Resident; Bill Ayllutt, Brush Valley Road Resident; Lou Moore, John Domico and Dianne Gregg; Linden Hall Residents;

 

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 those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

 

CALL TO ORDER:

 

Vice-Chairman Chesworth called the September 9, 2002, meeting of the Harris Township Board of Supervisors to order at 7:32 P.M.

 

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:

 

Supervisor Wilson stated he was not present at the August 12, 2002 Board of Supervisors Meeting and did not second a motion on page 11, item H. 

 

Chairman Chesworth stated that it was Supervisor Warner who seconded the motion.

 

Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman Graham, seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried unanimously, the Board moved to approve the minutes as corrected of the August 12, 2002, Board of Supervisors meeting.  Ayes – 5; Nays – 0

 

CITIZENS COMMENTS:

 

John Walls, who is a Boalsburg resident, questioned relocation of the backstop on the new basketball court being constructed.

 

     Mr. Miller stated that construction is intended to begin this week.

 

Mr. Walls expressed concern about interference between the Basketball Court and the T-Ball Program.

 

Mr. Walls stated that losing the field would be a significant loss to the T-Ball Program.

 

Mr. Walls questioned the idea of placing a full-size basketball court in Blue Spring Park.

 

Mr. Miller replied by stating that Parks and Recreation recommended the basketball court, based on demographic information, provided by CRPA for the neighborhood.

 

Mr. Walls stated that a one-half size court would serve its purpose.  He expressed his concern regarding too much paving; at the park.

 

Vice-Chairman Graham stated that he is in favor of the basketball court.

 

Mr. Walls asked about lighting.

 

Mr. Miller replied by stating that there would be no lights and that the park would be closed at dark.

 

Mr. Walls expressed the need for baseball fields and soccer fields, but not basketball courts.

 

Chairman Chesworth stated that the Board would forward concerns to the Parks and Recreation Committee and suggested Mr. Walls consider a position on the Parks and Recreation Committee if a one becomes available.

 

TOWNSHIP BUSINESS:

 

A.     SOUTH CENTRAL CENTRE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY TEAM

 

Bert Kisner of the SSCTS stated that Steve Fantechi the Project Manager for PennDot and Joe Hlivia the Environmental Scientist with McCormick Taylor was also present.

 

Mr. Kisner stated that they are present to give a brief update of events since the last public meeting.  He stated that they are completing fieldwork and studying alternatives for further evaluation.

 

Mr. Fantechi stated traffic modeling and environmental work would be completed next.  He stated that step will be long and involve detailed analysis.  He stated that by fall, a lot of the traffic modeling would be accomplished with completion by winter. 

Mr. Hlivia added they are completing wetland work and farmland interviews. This work should be complete by the end of summer.

 

Mr. Kisner stated there are over 100 laws that must be complied with.  He stated that all environmental features must be identified.  He stated that the alternatives eliminated so far have been eliminated by CAC for environmental purposes. 

 

Supervisor Hameister questioned the delineated wetlands and the need to “keep the ribbons up.”

 

Mr. Hlivia replied by stating that the ribbons need to be kept as position markers for future reference.

 

Ursula Alison expressed concern about the SCCCTS team using an outdated map that should be updated to show more recent roads.

 

Mr. Kisner replied by stating that he has been made aware of the problem and the map will be updated.

 

Bill Hylbert expressed concern that a former representative of Harris Township put lines on the map that did not represent Harris Township.  He stated that Harris Township residents do not want any new alignments of a four-lane highway.  He stated the wishes of citizens of Harris Township should not be forgotten.

 

Dianne Gregg questioned the priority of “environmental resources” over “human resources.”

 

Mr. Kisner replied by stating that people are included in the analysis.  He added that resources are evaluated using the criteria of “avoid, minimize and mitigate.”

 

Mr. Hlivia commented on the need to balance impact.  He stated that there is no weighting of importance or competition between resources.

 

Chairman Chesworth expressed concern on moving homes from the 1700’s and questioned if PennDot will move a stone home.

 

Mr. Kisner replied by stating that if there were historical significance to the home, National Register would put some protection on the home.

 

Lou Moore questioned Windshield Survey

 

Mr. Kisner stated that the “windshield” survey is the first survey and once that data is classified some properties will receive further analysis.

 

John Domico of Kaywood expressed concern about parkland being acquired from Penn State University and questioned its protection.

Mr. Kisner replied by stating that public lands do have higher level of protection.

 

Supervisor Hameister stated that the grant for the purchase of the parkland has been approved and an award is expected in early 2003.

 

Mr. Kisner stated that PennDot would model what will happen with “no build” and decide what to do based on that modeling.

 

Dan Monthly expressed concern about traffic modeling.

 

Mr. Kisner stated modeling is based on annual average, daily trips and peak hour.  The model reflects 24/7 modeling.

 

Chairman Chesworth thanked the gentlemen for attending.

 

B.      REPRESENTATIVE REPORT.

 

Mr. Buckalew stated that Steve Sudor, a Penn State University graduate in Geoscience, is the new Director of the Centre Regional Planning Commission.

 

Mr. Buckalew stated that the Planning Commission has been very busy considering issues related to water use, wastewater, transportation, parkland, land use and budgeting for CRPA.

 

Mr. Buckalew stated that there is $262,000,000 in the Transportation Improvement Plan 2003/2006.  He stated that the University Park Airport is presently the 7th most heavily used airport in Pennsylvania and is expected to increase.  He stated that the University Park Airport has a 20-year master plan. 

 

Mr. Buckalew discussed Development Land use and updated the Board on the vacant land inventory. 

 

Mr. Buckalew stated that the COG, CRPA and CRMPO budget for Harris Township’s assessment decreases next year.  He stated that SCBWA Manager, Max Gill, says that the drought is not affecting State College Borough Water Authority’s ability to provide water.

 

Chairman Chesworth thanked Mr. Buckalew for his report.

 

D.  ANDREWS FINAL SUBDIVISION PLAN.

 

Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman Graham, seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried unanimously, the Board moved to approve the Andrews Final Subdivision Plan. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

 

E.   SHEERIN MINOR SUBDIVISION PLAN.

 

Todd Shea introduced the Sheerin Minor Subdivision Plan and stated that on August 8th, Kathy Henry of Henry Surveys submitted a minor subdivision plan to create 2 lots from the Kerry & Lydia Sheerin property on the corner of Boalsburg Pike and Harris Avenue.  He stated that staff has reviewed the plan and a revision to the plan and all Ordinance requirements have been met.  He stated that the only outstanding item is notification from DEP that planning module exemption has been approved.

 

Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman Graham, seconded by Supervisor Hameister and carried unanimously, the Board moved to approve the Sheerin Minor Subdivision Plan contingent upon receipt of planning module exemption from DEP.  Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

 

F.   PROPOSED RESOLUTION 02-07 – RESOLUTION ADOPTING REFUSE RATES.

 

Supervisor Hameister mentioned rates to the public as follows:

 

     Unlimited Residential Service

 

       Refuse      $11.36

       Recycling        2.51

                    $13.87

 

 

          Low Usage Service

 

            Refuse      $  8.52

            Recycling         2.51

                         $11.03

              

Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman Graham, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the Board moved to approve proposed Resolution No. 02-07.  Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

 

G. PROPOSED RESOLUTION 02-08 – RESOLUTION INCREASING THE NUMBER OF VOTING MEMBERS OF UAJA FROM SEVEN TO TEN.

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Warner, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the Board moved to approve proposed Resolution No. 02-08. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

 

 

 

H.  2003 COG PROGRAM PLAN.

 

Tom Miller stated that the COG Executive Director has requested the Board to discuss the 2003 COG Program Plan and refer comments to him for referral to the Finance Committee.

 

Supervisor Hameister stated that the 2003 COG Program Plan is a “nice working tool.”

 

By consensus, Board members directed Staff to notify the COG Executive Director of this comment.

 

I.    BUDGET WORKSESSIONS.

 

Mr. Miller advised that it is the time of year to plan Budget Worksessions.  He stated that Staff proposes the following dates for worksessions:

 

  Proposed Worksessions: Wednesday, October 23, 2002 (4:00 PM)

                         Wednesday, October 30, 2002 (4:00 PM)

                         Wednesday, November 6, 2002 (4:00 PM)

                         Wednesday, November 13, 2002 (4:00 PM)

                         Wednesday, November 20, 2002 (4:00 PM)

 

  Adoption Schedule:      Monday, November 11, 2002 (Tentative)

                         Monday, December 9, 2002 (Final)

 

Chairman Chesworth stated that she would not be available October 23rd and November 6th.

 

Mr. Miller advised that he would reschedule October 23rd meeting.

 

Supervisor Hameister advised to proceed since the first meeting is October 23rd.

 

Chairman Chesworth questioned moving November 6th meeting to November 5th.

 

Vice-Chairman Graham questioned moving November 13th meeting to November 12th.

 

Chairman Chesworth advised that she would not be attending the November 14th meeting.

 

Mr. Miller reminded the Board of road inspection on October 16th.

 

 

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Wilson, seconded by Supervisor Warner and carried unanimously, the Board moved to authorize staff to advertise the dates and times for budget worksessions as revised, that in November 6 (proposed) will not meet November 5th, and November 13th (proposed) will meet November 12th.  Others remain as proposed.  Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

 

J.   2003 COUNTY AID GRANT.

 

Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman Graham, seconded by Supervisor Hameister and carried unanimously, the Board moved to authorize staff to apply for a County liquid fuels grant equal to 50% of the engineer’s estimated costs to improve Torrey Lane and Loop Road intersection with SR 0322.  Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

 

K.  PROPOSED RESOLUTION 02-09 – FORMATION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE.

 

Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman Graham, seconded by Supervisor Hameister and carried unanimously, the Board moved to approve proposed Resolution 02-09. Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

 

L.   HALLOWEEN PARADE STREET CLOSURE REQUEST.

 

Upon a motion made by Vice-Chairman Graham, seconded by Supervisor Hameister and carried unanimously, the Board moved to grant approval to Boalsburg Village Conservancy to close Pine Street between Academy Street and Tennis Street, Tennis Street from Pine Street to Main Street, Main Street from Tennis Street to Academy Street and Academy Street from Main Street to the Lions Club for a Halloween Parade Saturday, October 26, 2002 @ 4:00 P.M. provided the Conservancy provides a letter verifying their willingness to insure, indemnify and hold harmless the Township of Harris prior to date of the event.  Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.

 

MANAGER’S REPORT:

 

Mr. Miller advised that State College Police Department would be substantially reducing patrol hours for the immediate future to reduce the number of excess hours that have accumulated.

 

Mr. Miller advised that Keep Kids Alive Drive 25 signs and bumper stickers are available at the Township office.

 

Vice-Chairman Graham questioned how the sign Ordinance would be enforced.

 

Mr. Miller replied by stating that the “Keep Kids Alive” signs would be treated as a campaign sign and would be acceptable as long as not blocking sight distance.

 

Chairman Chesworth suggested “Watch Children” signs.

 

Mr. Miller stated they are generally not seen after a period of time.

  

APPROVAL OF VOUCHERS:

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Vice-Chairman Graham and carried unanimously, the Board moved to approve Voucher Transmittal Sheet No. 02-09.  Ayes 5; Nays – 0.

 

COG COMMITTEE REPORTS:

 

Executive Committee                                   Vice-Chairman Graham attended and stated library funding to be discussed.

                                                           

Building Oversight Committee                         Visited building prior to COG General Forum meeting.

                                                              

Finance Committee                                     Will hold nine meetings to discuss budget.  

                                                         

COG Program Committee                             Flow Chart was received to see how the program to be added would flow.  

                                               

Personnel Committee                                    No report.

                                                 

Code Committee                                      No report.

                                                

Public Services Committee                              Will discuss fire equipment purchase policy.        

 

Spring Creek Watershed Committee                    Workshop scheduled for October 29th to discuss impaired sections of Spring Creek.  The water resource monitoring report was received.

                                               

Regional Parks Committee                            No report.

                                                  

                                                                          

Transportation Committee                            No report.

                                                                               

SCCCTS Committee                                                                      There was a large number

from Harris Township present

to participate and observe.

 

 

        Vice-Chairman Graham left meeting at 9:30 P.M.

 

 

C.    SPRING CREEK WATERSHED COMMISSION.

 

Mr. Genchur presented a power point presentation to illustrate recent activities.

 

Mr. Genchur defined the Watershed Plan and its boundaries.  He discussed Spring Creek designations; Spring Creek fishing; 303D DEP listing; and population of Spring Creek versus Harris Township population and growth.

 

Supervisor Hameister discussed regulatory issues regarding Watershed maintenance.

 

Mr. Buckalew commented on the high level of community interest.

 

Supervisor Hameister advised that Spring Creek is the highest funded Watershed in the Commonwealth, which speaks well for the county.

 

ADJOURNMENT:  

 

Upon a motion made by Supervisor Hameister, seconded by Supervisor Wilson and carried unanimously, the September 9, 2002, meeting of the Harris Township Board of Supervisors adjourned at 10:05 p.m.  Ayes – 5; Nays – 0.