Susquehanna Township Administration - Board Meeting Minutes

Susquehanna Township: Administration - Board Meeting Minutes

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SUSQUEHANNA TOWNSHIP BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 12, 2008

REGULAR MEETING President PATTON called to order the Regular Meeting of the Susquehanna Township Board of Commissioners on Thursday, February 12, 2009, at 7:30 P.M. at the Municipal Building, 1900 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17110. She requested note be made that all Commissioners are present except Commissioner ENGLE who is excused. President PATTON stated an Executive Session Meeting was held at 7:00 P.M. to discuss matters permitted by law including discussions regarding litigation and personnel. ROLL CALL: COMMISSIONERS Donald Houser Diane Bowman Tracey S. Lewis, Esquire Frank Lynch Jacquelyn Patton Sean Sanderson Fred Engle – Excused Sherri Levin-McConnell Travis Waters TOWNSHIP PERSONNEL

 

Gary L. Myers, Manager Bruce D. Foreman, Solicitor Robert C. Grubic, P.E. Robert Martin George Drees Albert Wrightstone Michael Rohrer Robert Reichard David Dyer Dean Deitrich Lynn Roche Jonniene Urban OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE: Cindy Deitrich, Catherine Taylor, Julie Young, Wanda S. Pierce, Mark S. Mills, Ron Lucas, Glenn McCoy, Keith Bashore, Greg Smith, Earl Frazier, Steven Burlew, Kira Bock, Lynda Heckendorn, Jim Thiele, Joe Rebarchak, Diane McCormick, Marc Kurowski, Patricia K. Logan, Tim Mellott, Richard Bronstein, Gary Lewis, Martin Latimore, Greg Lowe and Mark DiSanto. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commissioner LEVIN-McCONNELL followed by a moment of silence.

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Susquehanna Township: Administration - Board Meeting Minutes

PETITIONS, COMPLAINTS, SUGGESTIONS FROM CITIZENS: Greg Lowe, Building Committee Chairman of Covenant Christian Academy at 1982 Locust Lane took the podium and asked the Board members if they would reverse their decision about NOT waiving the Building Permit Fees for Covenant Christian Academy. Kira Bock of 3827 Hillcrest Road took the podium and informed the Board members her two children attend Covenant Christian Academy plus she is currently working in the office at the school building and she is in favor of having the fees waived. Steven Burlew of 3617 Hillcrest Road took the podium and remarked to the Board members his children have been involved in Covenant Christian Academy for the past 10-years and it is an excellent school so he supports that the fees be waived. Patricia Logan of 2925 Locust Lane took the podium and commented to the Board members she has four children who currently attend the school and she urged the Board members to please re-consider their decision on the fees involved. Mark Mills of 2801 Paxton Church Road took the podium and commented to the Board members Saint Margaret Mary is proposing to build their new church on Paxton Church Road which is narrow and at times unsafe for residents who travel that road daily. Mr. Mills stated to the Board members with the increase in traffic from St. Margaret Mary driving in that area will get worse for everyone using that road so please keep this issue in mind when making any decision on the plan. Mr. Mills informed the Board members he also has storm water drainage issues regarding the driveway at St. Margaret Mary because it will be directly across from his driveway which may cause flooding onto his property. Commissioner LEWIS thanked the individuals who came to plead their case on behalf of Covenant Christian Academy and she encouraged them to continue their hard work. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Meeting – January 8, 2009 Commissioner BOWMAN moved the minutes of the Regular Meeting held on January 8, 2009 be approved as published; Seconded by Commissioner SANDERSON and unanimously approved. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: Building & Grounds 1098 Edgemont Road Commissioner LEWIS reported to the Board members at last month’s meeting authorization was given to Manager MYERS to advertise for Bids to sell the 1098 Edgemont Road property which will be opened on March 5, 2009. Manager MYERS informed Commissioner LEWIS he has sent some Bid packets out but he has not yet received any Bids back. Budget, Finance, Insurance & Pension Edgemont Community Park Residential Structures Commissioner LYNCH reported to the Board members at last month’s meeting the Edgemont Community Park Project was referred to the Budget and Finance Committee. Commissioner LYNCH reported to the Board members the Budget and Finance Committee held a

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Susquehanna Township: Administration - Board Meeting Minutes

committee meeting to discuss the proposed demolition project. Commissioner LYNCH moved to authorize Manager MYERS to solicit quotes for the demolition of the Edgemont Community Park structures, per the HRG specifications, and then proceed with the project if the lowest qualified quote does not exceed $10,000; Seconded by Commissioner SANDERSON and unanimously approved. Highway Vehicle Replacement List Commissioner LYNCH reported to the Board members enclosed in their packets is the Highway Vehicle Replacement List for the trucks which need to be replaced. Commissioner LYNCH reported to the Board members since the Township is not going to pursue a Bond Issue and since the Highway Department is in dire need of replacing some of their vehicles; the Budget and Finance Committee has recommended getting a loan in the amount of $500,000 to secure the necessary equipment as indicated on the list. Commissioner LYNCH moved to authorize taking all necessary steps to proceed with the borrowing of $500,000 to purchase the necessary equipment needed by the Highway Department; Seconded by Commissioner SANDERSON and unanimously approved. Commissioner LEWIS suggested the Township should still look into the possibility of hiring a Grant Writer to try and come up with some creative ways to bring revenue into the Township. Health & Sanitation Commissioner LEVIN-McCONNELL reported to the Board members Health Officer ROCHE wants to remind residents if their red recycle bins or their yellow yard waste bins have blown away with this week’s extremely high winds; residents can stop in at the Township building for replacement bins free of charge. Commissioner LEVIN-McCONNELL reported to the Board members Health Officer ROCHE also wants to remind all commercial businesses in the Township there will be a commercial recycling information meeting at the Township building on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. to answer any questions they may have. Commissioner LEVIN-McCONNELL reported to the Board members on the situation with the Harrisburg Incinerator which has gone to arbitration with Dauphin County. Commissioner LEVIN-McCONNELL reported to the Board members a decision will be made on February 18, 2009 and she will give the Board members her report next month. Highway No Report Administration & Personnel No Report Police No Report Fire, EMS, EMA Commissioner WATERS reported to the Board members EMS is in desperate need of financial assistance in order to continue to provide services to the Township that residents have come to expect but without financial help EMS may have to discontinue some of the services in the near future.

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Susquehanna Township: Administration - Board Meeting Minutes

Commissioner WATERS urged Township residents to please assist EMS with their donations or memberships which is $35.00 for individuals or $50.00 for families. Commissioner WATERS informed Township residents checks can be made payable to STEMS and mailed to 108 Short Street, Harrisburg, PA 17109. Commissioner BOWMAN thanked Fire Marshal DREES along with the Fire and Police Departments for their quick response given to her family on a chimney fire at her house. Recreation Commissioner SANDERSON reported to the Board members Reeder Swartz through the AARP is helping again this year seniors and low income residents of the Township to prepare their taxes on Thursdays from 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. and Saturdays from 8:00 A.M. to Noon through April 11, 2009 free of charge and no appointment is needed. Commissioner SANDERSON reported to the Board members the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee will hold their Annual Open House on Saturday, April 4, 2009 at Thomas Holtzman Elementary School from 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. in the Cafeteria with about thirty (30) Township recreational organizations displaying their services. Commissioner SANDERSON reported to the Board members planning for the Parks and Recreation Summer Program for Day Camp and playgrounds has begun which will be open June 15, 2009 to July 31, 2009. Commissioner SANDERSON reported to the Board members the Township will be accepting applications for summer employment so please forward any applications they may receive to Parks and Recreation Director REICHARD. Commissioner SANDERSON reported to the Board members applications are also available at Susquehanna Township High School, Bishop McDevitt High School, Parks and Recreation Department Office and on-line at www.susquehannatwp.com. Commissioner SANDERSON reported to the Board members the Coast Guard Auxiliary is sponsoring a boating safety and certification course in the Susquehanna Room every Tuesday beginning March 3, 2009 through March 24, 2009 from 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. which is free to the public. Commissioner SANDERSON reported to the Board members news articles for the Spring/Summer Newsletter are due by March 15, 2009. Planning & Zoning Commissioner LEVIN-McCONNELL reported to the Board members at the January 26, 2009 Planning Commission meeting the Latsha Property located off of Linglestown Road was discussed. Commissioner LEVIN-McCONNELL reported to the Board members the Planning Commission members Tabled Action on the Plan until the February 23, 2009 meeting. Commissioner LEVIN-McCONNELL reported to the Board members on January 22, 2009 a Public Meeting was held at the Township building for the neighbors, the developer, their representatives and Township Staff to discuss the Plan. BIDS AND AGREEMENTS: None ACTION ON ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS, AGREEMENTS, SUBDIVISIONS AND LAND DEVELOPMENT PLANS: Ordinance 09-01 Modifying Compensation of Treasurer Effective January 1, 2010 file:///C|/...rs/Brett%202/Desktop/stevens%20lee/Susquehanna%20Township%20Administration%20-%20Board%20Meeting%20Minutes.htm[3/30/2009 8:23:38 PM]

Susquehanna Township: Administration - Board Meeting Minutes

Commissioner LYNCH reported to the Board members this Ordinance is in regards to the compensation of the Township Treasurer which has been set at $100.00 annually. Commissioner LYNCH reported to the Board members Staff has been working together with the School District to get a handle on the way taxes are collected in the Township. Commissioner LYNCH reported to the Board members this needs to be done because monies that would be paid to the Treasurer could be put to use in another tax collection method and legally the Township has to do it at this point because for it to take effect on January 1, 2010 it has to happen before nominated petitions are circulated by any potential candidates for Treasurer. Commissioner LYNCH reported to the Board members the School District is doing the exact same thing so they also can move on with the new tax collection system. Commissioner SANDERSON reported to the Board members last year the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed a law called Act 32 which begins to consolidate almost 600 earned income tax collectors into approximately 69 county-wide collectors and municipalities and school districts have 4years to abide by that law. Commissioner SANDERSON reported to the Board members this is a good management practice for the Township to take and he thanked Manager MYERS and Finance Officer Litzelman for their work. Commissioner BOWMAN moved to adopt Ordinance 09-01 modifying the compensation of the elected Treasurer to $100.00 annually effective January 1, 2010; Seconded by Commissioner LYNCH and unanimously approved. PENNSYLVANIA STATE EMPLOYEES CREDIT UNION Zoning Officer MICHAEL ROHRER took the podium and presented to the Board members the Final Subdivision Plan to subdivide a 47.28 acre parcel from a 189 acre parcel located at the Northwest corner of Elmerton Avenue & Kohn Road which is currently zoned Conservation. Zoning Officer ROHRER informed the Board members the Plan was recommended for approval by the Planning Commission contingent on the approval of the following waivers: 1) Waive the requirement that the metes and bounds be provided for the entire existing property and for the residual lot. 2) Waive the requirement that the Plan Scale be 1” = 200’. 3) Waive the requirement for the submission of a copy of the Sewage Facilities Planning Module or appropriate documentation. 4) Waive the Preliminary Plan requirement. 5) Waive the requirement for the installation of curbing. 6) Waive the requirement for the installation of sidewalks. 7) Waive the requirement for the installation of fire hydrants. Commissioner HOUSER moved to approve waivers #1, #2, #3, #4 and #7; Seconded by Commissioner BOWMAN. A discussion was held between the Board members and Solicitor FOREMAN who explained to them the reason of waivers #5 and #6. Commissioner HOUSER withdrew his motion and Commissioner BOWMAN withdrew her Second. Commissioner HOUSER moved to approve the seven (7) waivers; Seconded by Commissioner BOWMAN. Motion carried 7-1 with Commissioner LEWIS opposing. Zoning Officer ROHRER informed the Board members the Planning Commission also attached the following conditions for approval of the Plan:

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Susquehanna Township: Administration - Board Meeting Minutes

1) Provide the correct project location on the location map located within the Wetland Delineation Report. 2) Correct the discrepancy in the Wetland Delineation Report between the date that the field work was carried out and the date on the data forms to provide consistency. 3) Revise the 25’ Right-of-Way shown along Kohn Road to 30’ as Kohn Road is classified as a collector. 4) Add a Note on the Plan that PSECU will not use Lot #1 for a retail banking office or a drive through automatic teller machine unless the Susquehanna Township Board of Commissioners approves such uses. Commissioner HOUSER moved to approve the Plan with the four (4) conditions; Seconded by Commissioner SANDERSON. After a discussion was held between the Board members on condition #4 of the Plan, Commissioner SANDERSON called the question. Motion carried 7-1 with Commissioner LEWIS opposing. SET PUBLIC HEARING DATE – Establish Public Hearing date for Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union rezoning request. The request is to change the Zoning District from C, Conservation to BOR, Business-Office-Residential. After President PATTON and Manager MYERS had a discussion on what date and time the Public Hearing should be held it was decided the Public Hearing will be held at the Board of Commissioners 2nd Meeting of the month on March 25, 2009 at 6:30 P.M. with subsequent proposed action on the rezoning following the Public Hearing. Manager MYERS informed the Board members this will give Zoning Officer ROHRER enough time to properly post and advertise the property. Manager MYERS informed the Board members the Public Hearing notice and the intent to adopt an Ordinance will also be properly advertised. ST. MARGARET MARY ALACOQUE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Zoning Officer ROHRER presented to the Board members the Preliminary/Final Land Development Plan for an 18,950 square foot church which is located at the Northwest intersection of Paxton Church Road and Crums Mill Road in the R-1, Low Density Residential District. Zoning Officer ROHRER informed the Board members the Plan was recommended for approval by the Planning Commission contingent on the approval of the following waivers: 1) Waive the Preliminary Plan requirement. 2) Waive the requirement regarding widening of existing abutting public streets. 3) Waive the requirement regarding curbing of existing abutting public streets. 4) Waive the requirement regarding sidewalks along existing public streets. 5) Waive the lighting requirements. Commissioner HOUSER moved to approve the five (5) waivers; Seconded by Commissioner BOWMAN. After a discussion was held between the Board members and Mark DiSanto of Triple Crown Corporation regarding concerns they had about the Plan, Commissioner HOUSER called the question. Motion carried unanimously. Zoning Officer ROHRER informed the Board members there were NO conditions attached to the Plan. Commissioner HOUSER moved to approve the Plan with NO conditions; Seconded by Commissioner SANDERSON and unanimously approved. HIGH POINTE II

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Susquehanna Township: Administration - Board Meeting Minutes

Zoning Officer ROHRER presented to the Board members a request to reduce the Site Improvement Guarantee at High Pointe II from $782,804.00 to $532,570.50. Zoning Officer ROHRER informed the Board members the Township Engineer reviewed the request and recommended approval. Commissioner WATERS moved to approve the request to reduce the Site Improvement Guarantee at High Pointe II from $782,804.00 to $532,570.50; Seconded by Commissioner SANDERSON and unanimously approved. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Manager MYERS informed the Board members the updated Unfinished Business List is in their packets. REPORTS: Manager Manager MYERS asked the Board members to please keep in their thoughts and prayers former Commissioner Brian Allen. Police Department Reports # 2 through # 6 and # 9 and # 10 are posted and Health Department approved as published. Building Inspector Plumbing Inspector Highway Department Engineer No Report Solicitor Solicitor FOREMAN reported to the Board members as they are aware a tentative settlement agreement has been reached in the matter of Pender, et al vs. Susquehanna Township and he asked the Board members to approve that settlement. Commissioner LYNCH moved to approve the settlement of Pender, et al vs. Susquehanna Township; Seconded by Commissioner BOWMAN. President PATTON called for a Roll Call Vote and Manager MYERS did the Roll Call. The Vote: Commissioner HOUSER - AYE Commissioner BOWMAN - AYE Commissioner LEWIS - AYE Commissioner LYNCH - AYE Commissioner SANDERSON - AYE Commissioner LEVIN-McCONNELL - AYE Commissioner WATERS - AYE President PATTON - AYE Manager MYERS stated Motion carried 8-0 unanimously. Fire Marshal No Report Emergency Management

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Susquehanna Township: Administration - Board Meeting Minutes

No Report School Board Commissioner LEWIS reported to the Board members Susquehanna Township School District Superintendent David Volkman will be retiring at the end of the year. Commissioner LEWIS reported to the Board members there is another meeting scheduled for February 26, 2009 for the committee addressing the aggressive behavior of the female students at the High School. Commissioner LEWIS reported to the Board members she will be attending the meeting along with Chief MARTIN, President PATTON, People Striving for Excellence and Helen Spence to work out the issues at the High School regarding aggressive behavior. Authority Commissioner LYNCH reported to the Board members the Sewer Authority approved pursuing a Grant for the H2O Program with the State which contains $800 million that has been set aside for sewer and water infrastructure improvements in Pennsylvania basically in the Chesapeake Water Shed. Commissioner LYNCH reported to the Board members the Sewer Authority has engaged McCullough Consulting Group to prepare with CET Engineering Services a Grant request for just over $8 million to take care of an Infiltration and Inflow Project in Susquehanna Township which is definitely necessary. Indian Wheels Commissioner WATERS reported to the Board members on the yearly totals of the senior volunteer transportation program which contain over 18,000 miles traveled, 2,800 volunteer hours, 2,200 client trips and $2,700 in contributions. President PATTON remarked to the Board members this is a worthwhile organization and a lot of the Township seniors would be lost without this service. Shade Tree Commissioner BOWMAN reported to the Board members at the monthly meeting of the Shade Tree Commission there were once again concerns about PPL and PennDOT and the way they handle tree trimming which lets a lot to be desired as far as its aesthetics. Commissioner BOWMAN reported to the Board members there is an attempt by the Shade Tree Commission to have the Board engage in correspondence with both these entities in order to try and get them to be a little more concerned about how the trees look in the neighborhoods plus a basic concern for the trees in general. Commissioner BOWMAN reported to the Board members the Shade Tree Commission is also looking at doing an Arbor Day Program hopefully with one of the Township’s kindergarten classes. Commissioner BOWMAN reported to the Board members the Shade Tree Commission is going to contact the Olewine Center to see if they have a program that the Township can get seedlings for the children to plant. Commissioner BOWMAN reported to the Board members the Shade Tree Commission received two (2) trees donated by Deimler and Sons and the members were hopefully looking at expanding on that idea and getting that news out to others who may want to participate in the donation of trees which possibly can be planted at Sara Lindemuth because of all the new construction. Archives Committee No Report

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Susquehanna Township: Administration - Board Meeting Minutes

Reapportionment Committee No Report Community Outreach No Report NEW BUSINESS: 2009 BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS – APPOINTMENTS Recreation Advisory Board Commissioner LEVIN-McCONNELL moved to appoint Michael Loomis as the Ward 8 Representative to the Recreation Advisory Board for a 2-year term; Seconded by Commissioner SANDERSON and unanimously approved. Commissioner HOUSER reported to the Board members he was reading the minutes of last month’s Recreation Advisory Committee and he is very disappointed with the motion to eliminate Alternate members to the Recreation Advisory Committee. Commissioner HOUSER expressed to the Board members he believes it is the Board’s prerogative to appoint Alternates and he is disappointed that some members of the Recreation Advisory Committee would take it upon themselves to attempt to forward a motion to discontinue Alternates. PAYMENT OF BILLS: Commissioner BOWMAN presented and moved the following bills be paid: General Fund Check #313337 through #313492 in the amount of $523,705.86 Capital Improvement Fund Check #1309 through #1313 in the amount of $29,281.95 Highway Fund Check #101351 through #101359 in the amount of $33,146.48 Bond Issue of 2002 Check #1187 through #1188 in the amount of $14,790.60 Police Grant Fund Check #1089 through #1093 in the amount of $1,740.59 Fire Fund Check #703579 through #703617 in the amount of $28,161.16 (Administration - $2,092.32) (Rescue Fire - $3,031.07) (Progress Fire - $21,069.16) (Edgemont Fire - $1,968.61) Grand Total - $630,826.64 Seconded by Commissioner SANDERSON and unanimously approved. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner BOWMAN moved the meeting be adjourned at 8:40 P.M.; Seconded by Commissioner SANDERSON and unanimously approved.   Signed: Gary L. Myers,Secretary-Manager Copyright © 2009 Susquehanna Township, Dauphin County, PA. All Rights Reserved.

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