LANCASTER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING
Minutes—November 14, 2011
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE, CALL TO ORDER, AND ROLL CALL
The duly advertised Lancaster Township Board of Supervisors meeting was held on November 14, 2011 in the township building at 1240 Maple Avenue, Lancaster, PA. Chair Kathleen M. Wasong called the meeting to order at 7:00PM. Vice Chair Benjamin H. Bamford and Treasurer Thomas H. Schaller were also present. Others in attendance included township management staff and interested parties. Ms. Wasong led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.
II. PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS: There were no comments.
III. SECRETARY’S REPORT
The minutes of the October 10, 2011 Lancaster Township Board of Supervisors meeting were approved as presented by general consent.
IV. TREASURER’S REPORT
Mr. Schaller presented the treasurer’s report with the following amounts as of October 31, 2011:
General Fund……………………………………………………………………………………… $3,930,466.04
Highway Aid Fund…………………………………………………………………………………. 546,110.62
Parks and Open Space Fund………………………………………………………………………. 23,290.44
Capital Reserve Fund………………………………………………………………………………. 724,898.24
TOTAL……………………………………………………………………………………………… $5,224,765.34
Ms. Wasong stated the treasurer’s report would be filed for audit.
V. PAYMENT OF BILLS
On a motion by Mr. Schaller, seconded by Mr. Bamford, the board approved the payment of bills (10/10/11–11/14/11):
General Fund………………………………………………………………………………………… $242,207.90
Escrow Fund……………………………………………………………………………………………… 4,143.00
Highway Aid Fund…………………………………………………………………………………… 15,474.48
Park and Open Space Fund………………………………………………………………………….. 2,776.47
Capital Reserve Fund………………………………………………………………………………….. 1,297.75
TOTAL………………………………………………………………………………………………… $265,899.60
VI. REPORTS
A. Lancaster Township Fire Department: Mr. Schaller reported 56 calls in October for a year-to-date total of 488 calls. Mr. Schaller then reminded residents that the LTFD does not solicit residents for contributions as the township funds their operating expenses. If a resident receives a phone call for donations, be aware that it is not for the Lancaster Township Fire Department but rather for the Lancaster City Fire department.
B. Lafayette Fire Company: There were 13 responses to the east side of the township.
C. Police: September and October reports are available for public inspection. No officer was present and there were no questions.
D. Sewer/Other Reports: These reports are available for public inspection before and after this meeting as well as during regular business hours.
E. Recycling Report: The 2011 September recycling rate was 19.12%, which includes flood loads. Also collected were 5,213 yard waste bags and 190 yard waste bundles.
F. Lancaster Inter-Municipal Committee: William M. Laudien, township manager, reported that there was discussion of the LIMC’s goals and objectives. The members voted no increase in the annual dues. The next meeting will be held on December 14, 7:30AM at Columbia Borough.
VII. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. The next Lancaster Township Board of Supervisors meeting will be held Monday, December 12, 2011 at 7:00PM with the workshop at 6:00PM.
VIII. OLD BUSINESS: There was no old business.
IX. PLANNING & ZONING
A. Presentation of Draft Zoning Ordinance and Map
Mr. Schaller presented the new draft ordinance and map. Mr. Laudien explained the substantial changes: merging RS and R-1 zoning districts, merging C-1, C-2 and OP into one commercial district that will be called LC (local commercial, low impact) and GC (general commercial, high impact). Mr. Bamford moved to forward the ordinance to all appropriate entities for their review and comment prior to board acceptance. Mr. Schaller seconded and the motion was carried unanimously.
B. LTPC #233—Crossway Church, Phase I, Reduction in Financial Security
Mr. Bamford moved, Mr. Schaller seconded, and the board unanimously approved a reduction in the amount of $409,370.25, as recommended by the township engineer in a letter dated October 19, 2011, leaving a balance of $447,479.75, which is adequate to cover the costs of remaining work.
C. Crossway Church—Request for Tax Forgiveness
Mr. Schaller moved to grant a request for seven years of property tax forgiveness. Ms. Wasong seconded the motion and then there was discussion. Mr. Laudien noted past experiences with similar requests from the School District of Lancaster and Manor Township School District. After discussion, the vote was zero (0) in favor of approval and three (3) opposed to granting tax forgiveness. The motion was defeated zero to three.
X. NEW BUSINESS
A. Ordinance No. 2011-06
Mr. Schaller presented this ordinance, which determines an elected supervisor’s compensation according to township population, as set by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Second Class Township Code. This ordinance will be acted upon at the regular board meeting on December 12, 2011.
B. School District of Lancaster/Elizabeth Martin Elementary School; Relinquishing the Lancaster Area Sewer Authority’s Right to Provide Public Sewer Service
Mr. Bamford moved, Mr. Schaller seconded, and the board unanimously agreed, along with LASA, to relinquish its right to provide public sewer service to Elizabeth Martin Elementary School.
C. Presentation of Proposed Lancaster Township 2012 Budget
Mr. Schaller presented the proposed 2012 budget which will be acted upon at the regular board meeting on December 12, 2011. Mr. Laudien gave a brief description of some of the highlights: there will be a $400,000 deficit (primarily because of a downturn in economy); the budget includes short- and long-term projections for equipment, etc.; there will be a transfer of $650,000 from the general budget to the capital fund (thereafter, $100,000/year); there will be a purchase of a dump truck for $125,000; we’ve brought down the spending but it doesn’t keep pace with revenue. Mr. Schaller stated it is a thoughtful and judicious budget that meets the township’s needs. The other board members echoed his feelings. Mr. Laudien and the board then thanked staff members for their work in preparing the budget.
XI. GUEST RECOGNITION & PARTICIPATION
•Doris James, Spencer Avenue, brought up several subjects including burglaries/attempted burglaries, a stolen ATV, speeding, and police response to calls. Mr. Laudien reported that he is negotiating with police for a Lancaster Township-assigned investigator. The clearance rates in the township have increased significantly in the past two years. Ms. Wasong noted that perceptions are sometimes different from reality and that we need to address those perceptions. Ms. James also mentioned that cars are being parked to close to corners, which blocks a driver’s view. Mr. Laudien said the township will paint curbs at corners with bright yellow. •Paul Reinhart, Bentley Lane, thanked the township for responding to and rectifying some property maintenance issues in his neighborhood.
XII. ADJOURNMENT
With no further business brought forward, the meeting was adjourned at 7:59PM.
Respectfully submitted,
William M. Laudien, Secretary
Q:\Share\BoS\Minutes\2011\SpvMin-Nov2011.doc
No Responses to “November 14, 2011 minutes”