HARRIS TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Meeting Minutes January 3, 2017

Transcription

1 HARRIS TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Meeting Minutes January 3, 2017 Board Members in Attendance: Staff in Attendance: Dennis Hameister Charles Graham Nigel Wilson Frank Harden Amy Farkas, Township Manager Debbie Lang, Administrative Secretary Don Franson, Township Engineer Public in Attendance: Marvin Sanders, Cub master Pack 380 Weeblo Cub Scouts, Pack 380 CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Hameister called the January 3, 2017 regular meeting of the Harris Township Board of Supervisors to order at 4:35 PM. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Supervisor Harden moved to approve the minutes of the December 12, 2016 public hearing and December 12, 2016 regular meeting. Supervisor Graham seconded the motion. The minutes were unanimously approved as submitted. 3. CITIZEN COMMENTS: There were no citizens present to discuss items that were not on the agenda. 4. TOWNSHIP BUSINESS: a. ORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS: Ms. Farkas said Board members should nominate and elect a Chairman and Vice-Chairman for calendar year Supervisor Graham moved to nominate/elect Supervisor Lord as Chairman and Supervisor Harden as Vice-Chairman to serve in calendar year Supervisor Wilson seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. Page 1 of 12

2 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: George Harrigan, Fairfield Drive, is interested in serving on the Planning Commission or the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. Mr. Harrigan previously served on the Small Area Plan Committee. The Board will make the appointments to these boards later in the meeting. Mr. Harrigan introduced himself to the Board. He said he worked on the Small Area Plan Committee and would like to extend his service to the Township. He said he and his wife have been residents of Harris Township for almost four years now. He said he believes he is a creative thinker, reasonable and objective and has no real agenda for the Township. In response to a question from Supervisor Hameister, Mr. Harrigan said he worked for Van Heusen shirts in New Jersey prior to retirement. He said they moved to this area because their children are here. Supervisor Graham said as a member of the Small Area Plan Committee, Mr. Harrigan attended every meeting of that group. Vice Chairman Harden thanked Mr. Harrigan for his application and willingness to serve. c. RESOLUTION 17-01: DESIGNATING THE CENTRE COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP AS THE SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INQUIRIES IN CENTRE COUNTY: Ms. Farkas said the CBICC has asked that the municipalities and the county consider designating the Centre County Economic Development Partnership as the single point of contact for economic development inquiries in Centre County. The resolution is intended to centralize and focus responses to economic development opportunities within the County. Supervisor Hameister asked what the difference was between this partnership and the Chamber. Ms. Farkas said this partnership is part of the Chamber and the regional Managers and County Commissioners have been working together with the Chamber on putting together this partnership. Vice Chairman Harden said the TLU had been discussing this partnership and while he feels a point of contact is needed, we still need to have communications with this partnership and a developer needs to know they still need to check with the appropriate municipality. Supervisor Hameister asked what the expected outcome of this partnership would be. Ms. Farkas said this partnership would be the central contact point and they would refer inquiries to the appropriate municipality. The goal is to centralize the process. Supervisor Hameister asked if there was any financial liability to the Township with this resolution. Ms. Farkas said not at this time. This resolution was just for support. Supervisor Hameister asked how the other municipalities felt about this partnership. Ms. Farkas said they approved the resolution. Supervisor Graham asked if the Township could provide the partnership with money at some time. Ms. Farkas said we could if we wished to at any time. Page 2 of 12

3 Supervisor Hameister moved to approve Resolution 17-01, designating the Centre County Economic Development Partnership as the single point of contact for economic development inquiries in Centre County. Supervisor Wilson seconded the motion which passed unanimously. d. PROPOSED ORDINANCE 326: ADOPTING A COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT FOR THE CENTRE REGIONAL POLLUTANT REDUCTION PLAN: Ms. Farkas said a public hearing was held on this matter earlier in the evening. Ms. Farkas said the Township is an MS-4 community, meaning it is required to comply with certain state and federal stormwater guidelines. One of those requirements is the completion of an MS-4 Chesapeake Bay Pollution Reduction Plan. This plan, which is being funded by the MS-4 Partners and Penn State, will identify ways that we can meet mandated pollution reduction guidelines in The MS4 partners solicited proposals from three engineering firms. The group selected Newell Tereska Mackay Engineering from State College to complete the study at a total cost of $159,950. Costs are being allocated based on the percentage of the total urbanized area. The Township will pay 7.95 percent of the total cost, which equates to $12,716. Proposed Ordinance 326 adopts an intermunicipal agreement that outlines the terms of payment for the Centre Regional Pollutant Reduction Plan. Once the plan is completed, a separate agreement will be developed for the implementation phase. At the Board s request, a copy of the ordinance and the agreement was sent to the Township Solicitor for review. Mr. Fanelli did not have any issues with the language in the agreement or the ordinance. He did note that Ferguson Township would be responsible for administering the contract on behalf of the MS4 partners. Ms. Farkas said she understood the Board had some concerns with this agreement. She said this is a jointly funded plan. Ferguson Township will only be sending bills to us as they come in for our share of the plan. Ms. Farkas distributed an from Mr. Fanelli addressing the Board s concerns and explaining that, by law, an ordinance must be passed to enter into this agreement. She said Mr. Kunkle and Mr. Seybert from Ferguson Township will be managing this contract. Supervisor Graham said he agrees we need to participate in this study but a red flag was raised for him in Mr. Fanelli s letter dated December 14, 2016 that said he wanted the Supervisors to understand that they are contributing to the cost but not getting any formal entitlement to offer any input. Mr. Franson said the MS4 Partners put out a RFQ and the scope of work and associated costs are already set for this plan. He said the MS4 Partners will review this work as the engineering firm completes the study. He said Ferguson Township will just be a clearinghouse for the bills, etc. Vice Chairman Harden said he also had the same concerns as Supervisor Graham; however, the new distributed by Ms. Farkas from Mr. Fanelli clears this up for him. Page 3 of 12

4 Supervisor Graham said he is not in agreement and is very concerned that this could affect the taxpayers in the Centre Region and the residents of Harris Township. Mr. Franson said there are things that Harris Township will need to do as a result of this study but we have been doing a good job and therefore the numbers should be low. Ms. Farkas called the Board s attention to page 2, paragraphs H. & I. of the agreement addressing the implementation and purpose of this agreement. Supervisor Hameister asked if the contract is for the plan only. Ms. Farkas said it was. Mr. Franson said the Board will receive updates from the MS4 Partners as the project progresses. In response to a question from Supervisor Hameister, Mr. Franson said the October deadline is a DEP deadline. Supervisor Graham moved to approve Proposed Ordinance 326, adopting a cooperative agreement for the Centre Regional Pollutant Reduction Plan and include the from Township Solicitor Fanelli. Supervisor Hameister seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 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 Graham moved to appoint Amy Farkas to serve as Secretary-Treasurer of Harris Township for 2017, setting the Treasurer s bond at $1,000, Supervisor Wilson seconded the motion. 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. Supervisor Graham served in this position last year. Supervisor Hameister moved to appoint Supervisor Graham as an Assistant Secretary- Treasurer and adopt Resolution Supervisor Wilson seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. Page 4 of 12

5 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 2016, 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. 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 moved to appoint College Township Assistant Engineer, Mr. Don Franson P.E., to serve as primary municipal engineer for Harris Township in 2017 and to appoint Stahl Sheaffer Engineering, LLC to serve as alternate municipal engineer in 2017 and to appoint McCormick Taylor to serve as traffic engineer in Supervisor Wilson 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 Wilson moved to appoint Ms. Mary Kay Lupton to serve as Harris Township Sewage Enforcement Officer for 2017 and Mr. Stan Wallace as First Alternate Sewage Enforcement Officer in Supervisor Graham seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. Township Solicitor Ms. Farkas said the Township has utilized the services of two law firms in 2016 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. Supervisor Graham moved to appoint the law firm of Fanelli Willett and Patrick Fanelli to serve as Harris Township Solicitor for 2017 and to appoint Ronald McGlaughlin and the Page 5 of 12

6 law firm of Stover McGlaughlin to serve as alternate solicitors for Supervisor Hameister seconded the motion and 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 Supervisor 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. 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. Supervisor Wilson moved to appoint Centre Tax Agency as the Act 511 Tax Collector for Supervisor Graham 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 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. Page 6 of 12

7 In addition to the COG appointments, the Board needs to appoint representatives to the following boards: 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. Supervisor Wilson said since Chairman Lord will now have the Executive Committee, he would be willing to take one of Chairman Lord s other committees if he wished. Ms. Farkas said she would reach out to Chairman Lord to see if he would like Supervisor Wilson to take on one of his Committees. Supervisor Graham moved the appointment of Committee members for 2017 to remain the same as they were for 2016 with the exception that Chairman Lord is now the representative to the Executive Committee and if he wishes to give one of his other Committees to Supervisor Wilson then Supervisor Wilson will take over that Committee 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 2016 and has expressed an interest in continuing to serve. Supervisor Wilson moved to appoint Mr. Paul Rittenhouse to serve as Vacancy Board Chairman for 2017, with a term ending December 31, Supervisor Hameister seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Planning Commission Ms. Farkas said four seats are up on the Planning Commission: Bob Igo, Jeff Duerr, Bill Wallace and Ron Buckalew. Mr. Igo, Mr. Duerr and Mr. Wallace have expressed an interest in serving an Page 7 of 12

8 additional term. Mr. Buckalew has accepted the position of Planning Commissioner Emeritus with the Township. Chris Gamble and Eric Allen served as alternates to the Planning Commission in Mr. Gamble has expressed interest in filling Mr. Buckalew s seat. Mr. Allen indicated he was interested in continuing as an alternate. George Harrigan submitted an application for the Planning Commission and was interviewed by the Board earlier in the evening. 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. Gamble to the Planning Commission and appointing Mr. Harrigan to be an alternate. Supervisor Hameister moved to appoint Bob Igo, Jeff Duerr, Bill Wallace and Chris Gamble to the Planning Commission, for terms ending December 31, Supervisor Wilson seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Supervisor Hameister moved to appoint George Harrigan as an alternate member of the Planning Commission. Supervisor Wilson seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Supervisor Hameister said he would like to see the Planning Commission meetings broadcast on C-Net. Ms. Farkas said the Board could discuss this matter with the Planning Commission at their January 25, 2017 meeting. Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Ms. Farkas said the terms of Susan Hammerstedt, Diane Farr, Amy Lorek and Pam Dunn are expiring. All four have expressed an interest in continuing to serve. Supervisor Wilson moved to appoint Susan Hammerstedt, Diane Farr, Amy Lorek and Pam Dunn to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee to three year terms, ending December 31, Supervisor Graham seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Zoning Hearing Board Ms. Farkas said Len Rockey has indicated a willingness to continue serving on the Zoning Hearing Board. This Board meets only when necessary. Page 8 of 12

9 Supervisor Hameister moved to appoint Len Rockey to the Zoning Hearing Board to a three year term, ending December 31, Supervisor Wilson seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Centre Regional Planning Commission Ms. Farkas said Roy Hammerstedt served as the Township's representative to the Centre Regional Planning Commission in He has indicated a willingness to continue serving in this capacity. Chris Gamble served as his alternate. He has also indicated a willingness to continue serving in this capacity. Supervisor Graham moved to appoint Roy Hammerstedt to serve as Harris Township representative to the Centre Regional Planning Commission for calendar year 2017 and to appoint Chris Gamble to serve as Harris Township s alternate member to the Centre Regional Planning Commission. 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 Wilson moved to appoint Gert Aron to serve as Harris Township s liaison to the State College Borough Water Authority. Supervisor Graham 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 1 year term. Supervisor Graham moved to appoint Bill Speakman to serve as Harris Township s C-Net Representative. Supervisor Hameister seconded the motion. 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 Wilson 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 Hameister seconded the motion. The motion passed 3-1 with Supervisor Graham voting against the motion. Page 9 of 12

10 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.). PROPOSED MEETING DATES Regular Meetings Work sessions at 7:30 p.m. (as needed) January 3, 2017 January 25 February 13 February 22 March 13 March 22 April 10 April 26 May 8 May 24 June 12 June 28 July 10 July 26 August 14 August 23 September 11 September 27 October 9 October 25 November 13 November 22 December 11 December 27 Supervisor Wilson moved to approve the meeting schedule as proposed. Supervisor Hameister seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. j. APPOINTMENT OF DELEGATE TO STATE CONVENTION: Ms. Farkas said the annual PSATS Convention is scheduled for April 23 rd -26 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. Supervisor Wilson moved to appoint Supervisor Hameister as Harris Township s delegate for Supervisor Graham seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Ms. Farkas asked the Board members to let her know by Friday, January 6 th if they plan to attend PSATS so she could make reservations. She also said the PML conference this year will be held in October in Erie, PA. Page 10 of 12

11 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 are highlighted in yellow. Vice Chairman Harden questioned the wording on page two under the Zoning Hearing Board fees. He said the wording makes it sound like a refund can be requested. He suggested the wording at the bottom of page four, Any balance of the deposit remaining after payment of these costs shall be refunded to the applicant or appellant, upon request. If these costs exceed the amount of the deposit, the applicant or appellant shall be responsible for any excess, and the Township shall bill the applicant or appellant for any excess should be added on page two under the Zoning Hearing Board fees. Supervisor Hameister also questioned item r. on page four under Sewage Disposal System Fees regarding open tank inspection for pumping waiver. He said we don t have a waiver. Ms. Farkas said these rates are Ms. Lupton s standard fees and she cannot do anything that we will not allow her to do. Supervisor Hameister moved to adopt Resolution 17-03, setting the Fee Schedule for Harris Township with the changes suggested by Vice Chairman Harden. Supervisor Wilson seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 5. MANAGER S REPORT: Ms. Farkas said Christmas tree recycling will begin the week of January 9 th and continue through the 13 th. She also said the traffic signal pole installation at Warner Boulevard will take place on January 5 th. PennDOT will also be removing some of the concrete barrier to try to make this lane access easier. That work will not be completed until after the traffic signal work is completed. Supervisor Hameister asked about the riparian buffer waiver request from Mountain View Country Club. Ms. Farkas said the request was made so they would not have to disturb the fairway. The Planning Commission will discuss this item at their January 9 th meeting. 6. APPROVAL OF VOUCHERS: Supervisor Wilson moved to approve voucher transmittal sheet No , in the amount of $95, Supervisor Hameister seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. Supervisor Graham noted the boot allowance given to Staff does not cover the cost of the boots. Ms. Farkas said raising the boot allowance was something the Supervisors should discuss. Supervisor Graham moved to raise the boot allowance given to Staff to $ Supervisor Wilson seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. Page 11 of 12

12 7. COG COMMITTEE REPORTS: Executive Committee: Supervisor Hameister said this Committee discussed the pay raise for the COG Executive Director. Human Resources Committee: Supervisor Wilson said this Committee did not meet. Finance Committee: Supervisor Graham reported this group did not meet. Public Services and Environmental Committee: Supervisor Hameister said this Committee discussed a communication between the Public Safety Committee and the TLU, discussed the sewer issue in Benner Township between UAJA and the Spring Benner Sewer Authority, discussed beneficial reuse expansion into Harris Township and discussed the regional organics program. He noted recycling rates will remain the same in Supervisor Graham said he would like to see the report on single stream recycling. Ms. Farkas said she will send the report to the Supervisors. Spring Creek Watershed Commission: Supervisor Hameister said this group did not meet in December. Transportation and Land Use (TLU) Committee/Centre County Metropolitan Planning Organization (CCMPO) Coordinating Committee: Vice Chairman Harden said neither of these groups met in December. Public Safety Committee: Chairman Lord was not present to provide a report from this Committee. Parks Capital Committee: Chairman Lord was not present to provide a report from this Committee. Boalsburg Heritage Museum Association: Supervisor Graham said the museum is closed for the season. He said a rain garden was installed on the site this summer, there are two weddings booked for the museum in 2017 and an organ from the Dale family was donated to the museum. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion by Supervisor Hameister, second by Supervisor Wilson, the meeting adjourned at 5:35 PM. The motion was approved unanimously. Respectfully Submitted, Amy Farkas, Township Secretary Page 12 of 12