PATTON TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS February 23, 2011
MEETING MINUTES Page 6 of 6
ATTENDANCE:
BOARD Elliot Abrams, Chair
Bryce Boyer, Vice-Chair
Jeff Luck, Supervisor
Josh Troxell, Supervisor
Walt Wise, Supervisor
STAFF Doug Erickson, Township Manager
Kim Wyatt, Finance Director
Brent Brubaker, Township Engineer
Pat Hubert, Assistant Township Engineer
John Petrick, Chief of Police
Betsy Dupuis, Solicitor
Susan Wheeler
Joe Price, Senior Planner
AUDIENCE CNET Volunteers
Matt Harlow, ELA Group, Inc
Sharon Bressler, Planning Commission
Scott Miller
Cindy Solic, Recreation Advisory Committee
Bruce Kirkpatrick, Hawbaker Engineering
Tom Zilla, CCMPO
1. CALL TO ORDER
The February 23, 2011 Patton Township Board of Supervisors meeting held at the Township Municipal Building was called to order at 7:00 PM by Chair Elliot Abrams.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Troxell moved to approve the minutes of the January 26, 2011 meeting. Seconded by Mr. Boyer, the motion passed 5-0.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mr. Scott Miller addressed the Board about the sidewalk maintenance along Clearview Avenue behind Walmart. Mr. Erickson informed Mr. Miller that Walmart is in charge of the sidewalk and that he can call the office instead of coming to a meeting. Mr. Miller asked if during a power outage could a generator be set up at the red light at Atherton Street and Clearview Avenue. Mr. Erickson said that the township will look into this and that the township has limited number of generators.
4. PUBLIC SAFETY
a. Police Update
Chief Petrick informed the Board that staff was decreased by one individual due to a retirement and the vacant Sergeant position was filled earlier this year by Sean Albright. He stated that the department took advantage of several training courses during the year. He stated that there was an increase in theft and a 90% increase in DUI arrests in 2010. Mr. Abrams asked if clearing the snow off of vehicle is a state law. Chief Petrick answered yes.
5. PUBLIC WORKS
a. Bernel Road Park
Mr. Erickson informed the Board that the Recreation Advisory Committee (RAC) has been working closely with the design firm and Township staff on the development of the bidding and construction documents and at the time the master plan was developed the initial phases of the park included the playground area and a multi-purpose rectangular field and through the current design process the RAC also reviewed an alternative Phase 1 concept that focused on the non-playfield elements of the park. Ms. Wheeler stated that in January 2008 the master plan was approved and once they started working on the design process and working with the RAC that the $2 million start up was not enough to cover costs due to earth work expenses and ask the Board to consider an amended Phase 1. Mr. Harlow stated that, with $2 million for Phase 1, he came up with a plan on the upper portion of the park could have more amenities for the same price. Mr. Boyer asked when project will start. Mr. Harlow answered that the bids will be solicited in spring and construction start this summer. Mr. Wise asked that a plan have a walk way from the housing development to the park. Ms. Wheeler answered that there has been discussion with Penn State and Mr. Crust about a right of way.
Mr. Wise moved to adopt the revised plan for the Bernel Road Park. Seconded by Mr. Troxell, the motion passed 5-0.
6. PLANNING & ZONING
a. Planning Commission Report
Ms. Bressler informed the Board that the Planning Commission met and that two new members were added to the Planning Commission due to resignation of two members.
b. Halfmoon/Patton Area Plan: Traffic Analysis
Mr. Zilla informed the Board that a traffic analysis focused on vehicle trip diversions and the level of service at certain intersections for the Halfmoon/Patton Area Plan (HPAP) is being done and one outcome of the analysis is to develop a future roadway configuration that discourages traffic diversions from State Route 550 and cut-through traffic in neighborhoods, while providing accessibility for residents and public services. The analysis also includes an assessment of the operating conditions of State Route 550 in the HPAP study area, with an outcome of identifying improvements that will protect Route 550’s ability to carry through traffic, and discourage traffic from diverting to other roads. Trans Associates Engineering Consultants, Inc. (TA) was retained to complete the analysis and developed and calibrated a travel demand model for the study area, and performed model runs for five alternative land use scenarios prepared by the Centre Regional Planning Agency (CRPA). The results of the five runs produced a list of mitigation measures needed to maintain acceptable levels of service at study intersections, and assessed the level of cut-through traffic using local roads.
Mr. Zilla stated that after the February Steering Committee meeting, TA and CRPA will prepare a final set of findings and recommendations for presentation to the Committee in March and these findings and recommendations will then be presented to the municipal planning commissions and supervisors.
6. PLANNING & ZONING (Continued)
c. Preliminary/Final Subdivision Plan: Lot Consolidation: Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc.
Mr. Erickson informed the Board that Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc. owns Parcel #18-13-65, 2.044 acres, at the intersection of Waddle Road and Weaver Street plus owns the adjacent Parcel #18-13-68A and Parcel #18-13-68D, 0.574 acres, with frontage along both Waddle Road and Weaver Street and wishes to consolidate all of the parcels so that they may develop the site as a parking lot. Mr. Miller asked when construction would start on this project. Mr. Kirkpatrick answered once approved and the weather breaks work will begin.
d. Preliminary/Final Land Development Plan: Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc.
Mr. Erickson introduced the item by providing the information included with the agenda:
“As described above, Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc. owns Parcels #18-13-65, #18-13-68A and #18-13-68D containing a total of 2.62 acres with frontage along both Waddle Road and Weaver Street. The site is located within both the OBD Office Buffer district and the I-99 Interchange Overlay district. The owner is proposing to construct additional parking.
The site is currently occupied by an office building, a structure now or formerly used as a single family residence and a small storage shed. The existing parking area consists of 117 spaces. Following site modifications and improvements, there will be 152 spaces constructed over two phases. Because the total number of proposed parking spaces exceeds 110% of the required parking spaces, the developer has provided enhancements in the form of additional landscaping and site improvements.
Maximum allowable impervious coverage is 60% with total proposed impervious coverage to reach 59.4% upon completion of Phase II. Stormwater flows will be recharged through infiltration or directed to the existing basin situated along the western portion of the property.
Access to the proposed parking area will be provided by way of the existing driveway currently serving the office building. The existing asphalt drive for the house will be removed. The proposed lighting and landscaping meet Township requirements and a screened dumpster area will provide containers for both trash removal and recycling. Site improvements and enhancements include a sidewalk extending from Weaver Street to Waddle Road, pervious paving, and additional landscaping.
The agenda packet includes a location map, a 11” x 17” version of the subdivision plan, a comment letter (no comment) from Alpha Fire Company and a copy of the marked-up staff comment letter.
The Planning Commission recommends approval with approval of the lot consolidation plan for Parcels #18-13-65, #18-13-68A and #18-13-68D and completion of all items noted on staff’s marked up comment letter.”
Mr. Kirkpatrick described the stormwater management system to be used for the site.
Mr. Luck moved to approve the lot consolidation and land development plan. Seconded by Mr. Boyer, the motion passed 5-0.
7. ADMINISTRATION
a. Centre Region Energy Efficiency Model Resolution
Mr. Abrams noted that in January the Centre Region General Forum approved the following motion:
“That the General Forum, as recommended by the Public Services & Environmental Committee refer the Model Resolution 2011-1 addressing energy efficiency to the participating municipalities for implementation as they deem appropriate.”
Mr. Erickson stated that the Township has already implemented many of the suggested actions and he would compile a brief report for the Board to review. The Board took no further action on the matter.
8. CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. Erickson stated that the items included below are routine in nature and it is not anticipated that any will generate discussion or questions. The actual Consent Agenda with a brief description of each item is included with the agenda packet materials distributed to the Board and will also be available to the public at the sign-in table. At the request of a Board member any single item or all items on the Consent Agenda can be discussed and voted on separately. If no items are “pulled,” the Board should consider a motion for “approval of the Consent Agenda items as shown on the agenda.”
a. Public Safety
1) Agreement for Participating in PA Aggressive Driving Enforcement and Education Project
For the past several years the Police Department participates in the subject highway safety project aimed at curtailing aggressive driving. The Township is reimbursed for overtime enforcement details conducted by our Officers. Due to timing the Chair has already signed the agreement.
It is recommended that the Board approve the Agreement and ratify the Chair’s execution of the same.
b. Public Works
1) Salt Contract
The Township participates in a state-wide contract administered by the Department of General Services for deicing salt. The contract runs for one year and requires annual participation approval from each municipality. The program year for this approval begins in August 2011 and ends July 2012. The deadline for submission of the contract is March 15, 2011. A memo from the Public Works Director with additional background information is included in the agenda materials.
It is recommended that the Board authorize the Manager to complete the participation agreement for the 2011-2012 Sodium Chloride Contract administered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of General Services.
8. CONSENT AGENDA (continued)
b. Public Works(continued)
2) Watershed Cleanup Day – April 23rd
Clearwater Conservancy has requested that Patton Township designate April 23, 2011 as Watershed Cleanup Day. Clearwater Conservancy has organized this community-wide volunteer effort annually since 1997 and has collected and safely disposed more than 2,700 tons of trash from our waterways and country-sides.
Patton Township Public Works will continue to participate by providing trucks and labor to assist the collection efforts. The Public Works Director will coordinate activities between Clearwater Conservancy and the Township.
Copies of a request letter and flyer from Clearwater Conservancy are included in the agenda materials.
It is recommended that the Board designate April 23, 2011 as Watershed Cleanup Day.
c. ADMINISTRATION
1) Appointments to Centre Regional Planning Commission
The Planning Commission recommends:
It is recommended that the Board appoint Kate Domico as the Patton Township representative on the Centre Regional Planning Commission and Chuck Seighman as the Alternate.
2) Voucher Report
A copy of the January 2011 Voucher Report is enclosed. Board members having questions should contact the Township office prior to the meeting so the necessary information can be obtained.
It is recommended that the Board approve the January 2011 Voucher Report.
Mr. Boyer moved to approve the consent agenda. Seconded by Mr. Troxell, the motion passed 5-0.
9. MANAGER'S REPORT
Mr. Erickson informed the Board that Susan Wheeler from Parks met with Clearwater to give an update in regards to Grays Woods park site.
10. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mr. Boyer stated that the Game Commission and the Nature Conservancy are planning to conduct prescribed burns four sections of the Scotia game lands this year between mid- March and the end of April with weather permitting. He stated that there will be public notification provided prior to any burns.
Mr. Boyer stated that Public Safety met and that they are looking at purchasing four new Ford Escapes for Code office.
Mr. Luck stated that MPO met last night and that Ferguson Township may be considering not participating in funding the MPO.
10. COMMITTEE REPORTS (continued)
Mr. Luck stated that the Parks Capital Committee met and unanimously recommended to the General Forum a $7.5 million dollar financial package for Regional Parks.
Mr. Wise stated that the finance committee talked about duration of the borrowing for Regional Parks. Ms. Wyatt stated that township audit is not complete yet and that there are two loan durations, one for 20 years and one for 25 years, being considered.
11. OTHER BUSINESS
Mr. Erickson informed the Board that the Township had been notified through the Solicitor that the prohibition on carrying firearms in parks was in conflict with the State firearms regulations which preempt any local control. Mr. Wise stated that township should work with Game Commission in regards to hunting in the parks. Mr. Erickson stated that the township can prohibit hunting but not prohibit carrying a firearm in parks. Mr. Erickson stated he would put together a suggested change to the park regulations for the Board to consider.
12. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, by Mr. Boyer’s motion and Mr.Luck ’s second, the meeting was adjourned at 9:01pm.
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Douglas J. Erickson, Township Secretary