HARRIS TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Meeting Minutes January 2, 2018

Transcription

1 HARRIS TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Meeting Minutes January 2, 2018 Board Members in Attendance: Staff in Attendance: Public in Attendance: Frank Harden Charles Graham Dennis Hameister Nigel Wilson Amy Farkas, Township Manager Todd Shea, Zoning/Ordinance Enforcement Officer Mark Boeckel, Principal Planner Debbie Lang, Administrative Secretary Michael Bernosky Amy Lorek Paul Knight John Sepp, PennTerra Engineering Dan Shawley Jeff Jones The Honorable Pamela Ruest CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chairman Harden called the January 2, 2018 regular meeting of the Harris Township Board of Supervisors to order at 4:30 PM. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Supervisor Hameister moved to approve minutes of the December 11, 2017 public hearing and the December 11, 2017 public meeting. Supervisor Wilson seconded the motion. The minutes were unanimously approved as submitted. 3. CITIZEN COMMENTS: There were no citizens present to discuss items not on the agenda. 4. TOWNSHIP BUSINESS: a. ORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS: Ms. Farkas said Board members shall nominate and elect a Chairman and Vice-Chairman for calendar year Page 1 of 13

2 Supervisor Wilson moved to nominate Supervisor Harden as Chairman and Vice Chairman Graham as Vice-Chairman to serve in calendar year Supervisor Hameister seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. b. INTERVIEW WITH PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS OF ABCS: Ms. Farkas said in 2012, the Board started meeting with candidates for our various ABCs prior to making appointments. The Board will meet with the following candidates for various positions today: Michael Bernosky, West Main Street, is interested in serving on the Shade Tree Commission. Amy Lorek, West Crestview Avenue, is interested in serving on the Planning Commission. Ms. Lorek currently serves on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. Paul Knight, Dearing Drive, is interested in serving as our C-Net representative. Ron Friedman also submitted an application to serve on the Zoning Hearing Board. He is unable to attend the meeting. Supervisor Hameister asked what the tenure was on the Zoning Hearing Board and if there was a vacancy on this Board. Ms. Farkas said the term on the Zoning Hearing Board was for three years. She said there was one member whose term is up. He is willing to continue serving if needed. Michael Bernosky from 208 West Main Street said he has lived in Boalsburg since He said after the storm in May, his attention was brought to the trees in the Township. He said his wife has been urging him to volunteer and he felt the time was now to offer his time. Supervisor Hameister asked what the tenure was on this Commission and if there were any vacancies. Ms. Farkas said the term is for five years and there are three vacancies. Supervisor Hameister asked Mr. Bernosky if he had any concerns on how things have been handled with regard to trees. Mr. Bernosky said he did not have any concerns. Chairman Harden asked Mr. Bernosky if he would be interested in serving on any other ABCs. Mr. Bernosky said anything of historical nature would be of interest to him. Paul Knight of 155 Dearing Drive said he has lived in Boalsburg just shy of 10 years. He said he has applied because he would like to be a contributor to the good work that Harris Township does. He said would be interested in a position as our C-Net Representative since his career is in broadcasting. Vice Chairman Graham said that Mr. Speakman who is our current representative to C-Net has done a very good job and comes highly recommended. Ms. Farkas noted that WPSU is filming an Our Town show on Boalsburg. She said volunteers will be needed to assist with the production of this show. She said she will contact Mr. Knight with more information on this production. Page 2 of 13

3 Amy Lorek said she and her husband moved to Boalsburg about four and half years ago and they love their new hometown. She said she lives on West Crestview Avenue. She has served on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee for about three years. Supervisor Hameister asked if there was an opening on the Planning Commission. Ms. Farkas said there is an opening; however, Mr. Harrigan who is an alternate will probably be moved into that vacancy. She said Ms. Lorek could be placed into the alternate position on the Planning Commission. She said the alternate positions have been a good option to get volunteers interested in the Planning Commission and to acclimate them to what the Commission is all about. Chairman Harden said since he was on the Planning Commission prior to becoming a Supervisor, he also believed being an alternate was helpful in learning the ropes of the Planning Commission. The Board thanked all the applicants for their interest in serving on our ABCs. c. REPLOT OF # & # INTO REVISED # & REVISED # (MINOR SUBDIVISION): Mr. Shea said on June 22, 2015, Staff received from PennTerra Engineer the above referenced plan, more simply referred to as the Ashworth Woods Shawley Plan. In short, the plan proposes to take.88 acres from the Ashworth Woods property and add it to the neighboring Shawley property. Several reviews of the plan have been performed, the latest of which is included with the agenda, as well as a plan copy. Several comments remain, but can be completed by the parties in a timely fashion. As the plan has already been the subject of numerous time extensions and progress has been made in recent months to get the plan into approvable form, Staff believes it is appropriate to approve the plan with conditions at this time, which would alleviate the Township from any further deadline responsibility. Mr. Shea said the Township also received a request from PennTerra requesting a waiver of Chapter 11 Article IV Sections 4.14.D.(1) and 14.4.(E) pertaining to Riparian Buffer Yard Plantings. The request says there are sections of the Riparian Buffer Yard that are currently used for a sanitary sewer easement and a gravel area for Mr. Shawley s business. They are requesting that the requirement to have these areas be converted to their natural condition be waived and the existing uses remain. The waiver noted that these uses will note be expanded further into the Riparian Buffer. Supervisor Hameister moved to approve the waiver request. Supervisor Wilson seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Vice Chairman Graham moved to approve the Minor Subdivision Plan Replot of # & # Into Revised # & Revised # contingent upon satisfactory completion of comments from the December 15, 2017 letters of the Township Engineer and Zoning Officer and the December 18, 2017 memo of the Principal Planner. Supervisor Wilson seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Page 3 of 13

4 d. RECESS TO EXECUTIVE SESSION: The Board recessed at 5:00 PM to a brief executive session to discuss personnel matters. The Chairman reconvened the meeting at 5:15 PM. e. ANNUAL APPOINTMENT TO POSITIONS STIPULATED BY CODE OR ORDINANCE: Township Secretary-Treasurer Ms. Farkas said one of the functions of serving as Township Manager is the responsibility of serving as Secretary-Treasurer. This is an annual appointment as required by the Second Class Township Code. The Treasurer s bond has been set at $1,000, This is based on the maximum amount of transferable or liquid assets available at any one time during the year. Supervisor Hameister moved to appoint Amy Farkas to serve as Secretary-Treasurer of Harris Township for 2018, setting the Treasurer s bond at $1,000, Supervisor Wilson seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Ms. Farkas said Resolution appoints an Assistant Secretary-Treasurer. A resolution is required by the Second Class Township Code. Vice Chairman Graham served in this position last year. Supervisor Wilson moved to appoint Vice Chairman Graham Assistant Secretary- Treasurer and to adopt Resolution Supervisor Hameister seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. f. PROFESSIONAL APPOINTMENTS: Township Engineer Ms. Farkas said Harris Township has entered into an agreement for engineering services with College Township. Although we do have a contract with College Township, it is necessary to formalize the appointment on an annual basis. The Township appoints an alternate engineer to complete projects on an as needed basis. From 2007 to 2017, the Township appointed Stahl Sheaffer Engineering, LLC, to serve as our alternate. They served as the inspector for the bike path and Boalsburg Streetscape projects and also completed a parking lot plan for Nittany View Park. Staff recommends reappointing the firm. Page 4 of 13

5 The Township should also appoint a traffic engineer to provide reviews for traffic impact studies. Over the last year, McCormick Taylor has capably filled this position for us. Given the number of ongoing projects in the Township, Staff recommends they be reappointed. Supervisor Hameister asked how many hours of Mr. Franson s time the Township uses. Ms. Farkas said the Township uses approximately 427 hours of his time per year. Supervisor Hameister moved to appoint College Township Assistant Engineer, Mr. Don Franson P.E., to serve as primary municipal engineer for Harris Township in 2018; appoint Stahl Sheaffer Engineering, LLC to serve as alternate municipal engineer in 2018 and appoint McCormick Taylor to serve as traffic engineer in Vice Chairman Graham seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Sewage Enforcement Officer (SEO) Ms. Farkas said current Sewage Enforcement Officer Mary Kay Lupton has expressed an interest in continuing to serve as our primary Sewage Enforcement Officer in Stan Wallace from Bellefonte has expressed interest in continuing to serve as the First Alternate Sewage Enforcement Officer in His rate schedule will fall under Ms. Lupton s. Supervisor Hameister asked if Mr. Wallace is still with Nittany Engineering. Ms. Farkas said she did not know for sure but that Mr. Wallace completes sewage enforcement duties on his own. Vice Chairman Graham moved to appoint Ms. Mary Kay Lupton and Mr. Stan Wallace to serve as Harris Township Sewage Enforcement Officers for Supervisor Hameister seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. Township Solicitor Ms. Farkas said the Township has utilized the services of two law firms in 2017 Patrick Fanelli from the law firm of Fanelli Willett served as our primary solicitor, with Ron McGlaughlin from Stover McGlaughlin serving as alternate solicitor. Staff has been very pleased with their work and recommends they be reappointed for another year. Vice Chairman Graham moved to appoint the law firm of Fanelli Willett and Patrick Fanelli to serve as Harris Township Solicitor for 2018 and to appoint Ronald McGlaughlin and the law firm of Stover McGlaughlin to serve as alternate solicitors for Supervisor Wilson seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Zoning Hearing Board Solicitor and Alternate Ms. Farkas said Scott Etter started his own law firm in May The Board appointed Mr. Etter as our Zoning Hearing Board Solicitor at that time. The Board also appointed Dick Campbell and David Gaines from Miller Kistler and Campbell as our Alternate Zoning Hearing Board Solicitor at that time. Staff recommends keeping these appointments the same in Page 5 of 13

6 Vice Chairman Graham moved to appoint Scott Etter and the Etter Law Firm as Zoning Hearing Board Solicitor and Dick Campbell and David Gaines and the law firm of Miller Kistler and Campbell as Alternate Zoning Hearing Board Solicitor. Supervisor Wilson seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. Act 511 Tax Collector Ms. Farkas said Act 511 are non-property based taxes, i.e. earned income tax. These taxes are now collected on a countywide basis. Centre Tax Agency has been named collector by the Centre County Tax Collection Committee. Vice Chairman Graham asked how the fees are set for this agency. Ms. Farkas said we pay on a commission basis and this was negotiated when we worked out this contract. She said we pay about two percent and this amount is the same this year as it was last year. Chairman Harden moved to appoint Centre Tax Agency as the Act 511 Tax Collector for Supervisor Wilson seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. g. ANNUAL COG AND RELATED COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS: Ms. Farkas said Board members should decide who will represent Harris Township on the following Committees: Executive Finance Human Resources Public Services and Environmental Public Safety Transportation and Land Use/MPO Parks Capital Comprehensive Regional Parks and Recreation Plan Steering Committee The COG Executive Director annually wishes to know whether there will be a departure from past practice relative to substitution at meetings and voting by those that substitute. The prior year policy was that any Board member could substitute for any other Board member at the request of the appointed Committee member, and had voting rights, but the Committee member has the responsibility for briefing the substitute before the meeting where a vote may occur. The Township Manager can substitute if no Board member is available or interested, but has voting rights only if specifically instructed by the missing Committee member on how to vote on that member s behalf. In addition to the COG appointments, the Board needs to appoint representatives to the following boards: Page 6 of 13

7 Spring Creek Watershed Commission Boalsburg Heritage Museum of Harris Township Board Centre Area Cable Consortium The Heritage Museum has submitted a copy of their Articles of Agreement that indicate the Supervisors should appoint a representative to the Board annually. It does not have to be one of the elected officials, just someone chosen to represent the Supervisors. Chairman Harden said he sent an to the Supervisors regarding their appointments to these COG Committees. He said the Supervisors all were comfortable continuing to serve on the same committees. The only change to the Committees will be that Chairman Harden will now take over the Executive Committee. Vice Chairman Graham moved to appointment the Committee members for 2018 as discussed and to direct Township Staff to notify the COG Executive Director that the substitution/voting policy shall remain unchanged for Supervisor Wilson seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. h. OTHER MUNICIPAL APPOINTMENTS AND RE-APPOINTMENTS: Vacancy Board Ms. Farkas said the Board of Supervisors must make an appointment to certain positions vacated by death, disability, or resignation, such as elected positions, within 30 days of the vacancy being declared or the Vacancy Board presides. The Vacancy Board consists of the Board of Supervisors and one electorate of the Township. The Township Code states that this appointment should occur at the organizational meeting or as soon as practical. This is an annual appointment. Traditionally, past Supervisors have served in this position. Paul Rittenhouse served in this position in 2017 and has expressed an interest in continuing to serve. Supervisor Wilson moved to appoint Mr. Paul Rittenhouse to serve as Vacancy Board Chairman for 2018, with a term ending December 31, Vice Chairman Graham seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. Planning Commission Ms. Farkas said Neil Porterfield s seat is up on the Planning Commission. He has indicated he would like to step down from the Planning Commission. George Harrigan and Eric Allen served as alternates to the Planning Commission in Mr. Harrigan has expressed interest in filling Mr. Porterfield s seat. Mr. Allen indicated he was interested in continuing as an alternate. Amy Lorek has submitted an application to the Planning Commission. Ms. Lorek currently serves on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. If the Board were to appoint Ms. Lorek Page 7 of 13

8 to the Planning Commission (including as an alternate), she would have to step down from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. Staff has found the alternate Planning Commission position to be an excellent way to bring new members on board. The alternate members are allowed to participate in all discussions and proceedings, but can only vote when a member of the Planning Commission is absent. The Township is allowed to appoint up to three alternate members. The Board may want to consider appointing Mr. Harrigan to the Planning Commission and consider appointing Ms. Lorek as an alternate to the Planning Commission. Supervisor Hameister moved to appoint George Harrigan to the Planning Commission for a termending December 31, Vice Chairman Graham seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Supervisor Hameister moved to appoint Amy Lorek as an alternate member of the Planning Commission. Vice Chairman Graham seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. Shade Tree Commission Ms. Farkas said the terms of Ron Spinelli, Andrew Glitzer and CJ Henry are expiring. All three have expressed an interest in continuing to serve. Michael Bernosky, a resident of West Main Street, has expressed an interest in serving on the Shade Tree Commission. Supervisor Wilson moved to appoint Ron Spinelli, Andrew Glitzer and CJ Henry to the Shade Tree Commission to five year terms, ending December 31, Supervisor Hameister seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Zoning Hearing Board Ms. Farkas said Jack Stevens has indicated a willingness to continue serving on the Zoning Hearing Board. Ron Friedman, Aspen Drive, has also submitted an application to serve on this Board. Mr. Friedman is a retired real estate attorney. This Board meets only when necessary. Chairman Harden moved to appoint Ron Friedman to the Zoning Hearing Board to a three year term, ending December 31, Supervisor Graham seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Page 8 of 13

9 CCMPO Technical Committee Ms. Farkas said John Wainright has served as the Township s representative to the CCMPO Technical Committee since He is interested in serving another two year term. This position is typically filled by a member of the Planning Commission. Vice Chairman Graham moved to appoint John Wainright as the Township s representative to the CCMPO Technical Committee to a two year term, ending December 31, Supervisor Hameister seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. State College Borough Water Authority Ms. Farkas said Gert Aron has capably served as the Township s liaison to the water authority since He has agreed to serve another term. This is a one year appointment. Supervisor Hameister moved to appoint Gert Aron to serve as Harris Township s liaison to the State College Borough Water Authority. Vice Chairman Graham seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. University Area Joint Authority Ms. Farkas said Garry McShea currently serves as one of the Township s representatives to the University Area Joint Authority. He has expressed an interest in serving another 5 year term. Vice Chairman Graham moved to appoint Garry McShea to the University Area Joint Authority to a term expiring December 31, Supervisor Wilson seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. C-Net Representative Ms. Farkas said Bill Speakman served as Harris Township s representative to C-Net in He has expressed an interest in serving another one year term. Paul Knight from Dearing Drive has expressed an interest in serving as the Township s C-Net representative. Supervisor Hameister moved to appoint Bill Speakman to serve as Harris Township s C- Net Representative. Supervisor Hameister seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. CATA Representative Ms. Farkas said Richard Kipp has served as the Township s CATA representative since He has expressed an interested in serving another five year term. Page 9 of 13

10 Supervisor Wilson moved to appoint Richard Kipp to serve as Harris Township s CATA representative for a five year term, ending December 31, Supervisor Hameister seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. Centre County Tax Collection Committee Ms. Farkas said she has been serving as the Township's representative to the Centre County Tax Collection Committee since its creation in The Board should consider appointing Dwight Miller from State College Borough as the alternate to this committee. Supervisor Hameister moved to appoint Township Manager Amy Farkas as representative and State College Borough Finance Director Dwight Miller as alternate to the Centre County Tax Collection Committee. Supervisor Wilson seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. i. MEETING SCHEDULE: Ms. Farkas said Board members shall select dates for the Board meetings for The proposed meeting schedule adheres to the current format (primary meetings on 2 nd Monday at 7:30 p.m.; secondary meetings and road inspection on the 4 th Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.). Please note that the November meeting has been moved to November 13 th to accommodate the Veterans Day holiday (the office will be closed on November 12 th in observance of the holiday). PROPOSED MEETING DATES Regular Meetings Work sessions at 7:30 p.m. (as needed) January 2, 2018 January 24 February 12 February 28 March 12 March 28 April 9 April 25 May 14 May 23 June 11 June 27 July 9 July 25 August 13 August 22 September 10 September 26 October 8 October 24 November 13 November 28 December 10 December 26 Supervisor Hameister moved to approve the meeting schedule as proposed. Supervisor Wilson seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Page 10 of 13

11 j. APPOINTMENT OF DELEGATE TO STATE CONVENTION: Ms. Farkas said the annual PSATS Convention is scheduled for April 22 nd - 25 th at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center. Among the Board members who attend, one Board member should accept the responsibility of serving as the delegate to the Convention. A vote of the Board is required for appointment of the delegate. Chairman Harden moved to appoint Supervisor Hameister as Harris Township s delegate for Supervisor Wilson seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. k. RESOLUTION FEE SCHEDULE: Ms. Farkas said each year, the Board adopts a Fee Schedule that lists the amounts charged for various Township and other agency services. Changes to the fee schedule were highlighted in yellow. Supervisor Hameister asked why we are not charging a fee when extensions are filed. He said he thought we could do this charge a fee for extensions per the Second Class Township Code. Ms. Farkas said she thought this was in the Municipal Planning Code. Supervisor Hameister asked Ms. Farkas to check into this. He suggested she check with the County Planning Office since he knows they charge for plan extension requests. Vice Chairman Graham asked what it costs the Township if a developer files an extension. Ms. Farkas said it does not cost the Township anything. She said the Township bills for plan review time. She said the County may be incurring a fee that we are not incurring when extensions are filed. Supervisor Hameister asked what a true and correct certification is with respect to the Right-to- Know request. Ms. Farkas said she was not sure what that meant and that these fees are set by the State. Supervisor Wilson moved to adopt Resolution 18-02, setting the Fee Schedule for Harris Township. Supervisor Hameister seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. l. RESOLUTION OPPOSITION TO HOUSE BILL 1620 (PN 2146) ENTITLED THE WIRELESS INFRASTRUCTURE DEPLOYMENT BILL Ms. Farkas said PSATS has sent an out urging municipalities to send a resolution to their local representatives and legislators opposing this bill. Basically, if this bill is passed, it would strip municipalities of their legal authority to regulate wireless facilities both inside and outside the public rights of way. Supervisor Hameister moved to adopt Resolution in opposition to House Bill 1620 Entitled the Wireless Infrastructure Deployment Bill. Supervisor Wilson seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. Page 11 of 13

12 Chairman Harden noted that Harris Township was recently featured on the cover of Municipal Reporter magazine and had an article about the Township inside which was written by Ms. Farkas. He thanked Ms. Farkas for this article. Ms. Farkas said Ms. Warner, our Finance Assistant, was instrumental in this effort. She said she would like to thank her for taking the photo and entering it in the contest. Supervisor Hameister asked Ms. Farkas to include something about this in her next E-Update. 5. MANAGER S REPORT: Ms. Farkas said the Township recently had its broker price its liability insurance package with Penn Prime. Penn Prime is an insurance trust run by the Pennsylvania Municipal League. The trust pays out 10 to 12 percent dividends each year to its members. It also offers free risk management training on site for its members. Both State College and Ferguson Township are part of the trust. Penn Prime s proposal was $5,000 lower than the renewal package from our current carrier. We will move our liability package to Penn Prime on January 1 st. Our workers compensation insurance will remain with AmeriTrust. Supervisor Hameister said with regard to the Harris Township Authority sun setting on December 31, 2018, he would strongly recommend keeping this Authority. Ms. Farkas will check with our Solicitor to see what steps need to be taken to possibly renew this authority for a different purpose. Chairman Harden said it looks like some progress was made regarding the severe flooding in Ms. Meloy s yard. Ms. Farkas said this was a very productive meeting and she would like to thank Representative Benninghoff and Matt Wise from Senator Corman s office for taking the time to meet with us and try to work out a solution. Supervisor Hameister asked about the snow plowing operation at Liberty Hill and whether that issue has been resolved. Ms. Farkas said she and Mr. Addleman met with the Homeowners Association to answer questions they had. She said the residents were pleased with our snow removal following the last storm. 6. APPROVAL OF VOUCHERS: Supervisor Hameister moved to approve voucher transmittal sheet No , in the amount of $318, Supervisor Wilson seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. 7. COG COMMITTEE REPORTS: Executive Committee: Supervisor Lord was not present to provide a report. Human Resources Committee: Supervisor Wilson said this Committee did not meet. Finance Committee: Vice Chairman Graham reported this group did not meet. Page 12 of 13

13 Public Services and Environmental Committee: Supervisor Hameister said the group met on December 7 th and were presented with the Kinber Study results, discussed the refuse and recycling rates for 2018 (they will stay the same), discussed the 2020 refuse and recycling contract, heard a report from Cory Miller from UAJA on the odor control facility (cost is estimated at $10.5 million), discussed the NPDES temperature study and agreed to delay their January meeting until January 11 th which is the second Thursday. Spring Creek Watershed Commission: Supervisor Hameister said this group did not meet. Transportation and Land Use (TLU) Committee/Centre County Metropolitan Planning Organization (CCMPO) Coordinating Committee: Chairman Harden said these groups did not meet. Public Safety Committee: Supervisor Wilson said this group did not meet. Parks Capital Committee: Supervisor Lord was not present to provide a report. Comprehensive Recreational Plan Steering Committee: Supervisor Lord was not present to provide a report. Centre Area Cable Consortium: Vice Chairman Graham said this group did not meet. Boalsburg Heritage Museum Association: Vice Chairman Graham said the Museum is closed for the winter and did not have a report. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion by Supervisor Wilson, second by Vice Chairman Graham, the meeting adjourned at 6:02 PM. The motion was approved unanimously. Respectfully Submitted, Amy Farkas, Township Secretary Page 13 of 13