Public Works & Facilities Committee (Merged with Enhancement Committee January 2026)

MINUTES OF THE HANOVER BOROUGH COUNCIL PUBLIC WORKS & FACILITIES COMMITTEE MEETING AprillO, 2019 Chairman Lockard convened the meeting of the Hanover Borough Council Public Works & Facilities Committee meeting on Wednesday Evening, April10, 2019 at 6:00PM at the Hanover Borough Municipal Building, 44 Frederick Street, Hanover, Pennsylvania, as advertised. Attendance: Hanover Borough Public Works & Facilities Committee Members present were Mr. Baumgardner, Mr. Chesney, Mr. Lockard, Mr. Noble and Dr. Rupp; Council Members Mr. Hoover, Mr. O'Neill and President Reichart; Staff Members Manager Bowersox, Secretary Felix, Public Works Supt. Grimm, Library Director Kane, Police Chief Martin, Finance Director Miller and Administrative Asst./ Asst. Secretary Musselman; Library Board of Governors Members Ms. Burkentine, Mrs. Carbaugh, Mr. Sherman and Mr. Swartz. Approval of the Minutes: It was moved by Mr. Chesney, seconded by Mr. Noble to approve the minutes of the Public Works & Facilities Committee from March 13, 2019. Motion carried. Library of Governors Presentation: Mr. George Swartz read the following introduction to a PowerPoint presentation: "The Value of Guthrie Memorial Libran; to the Hanover Community" "Guthrie Memorial Library's Board of Governors is one of many vested stakeholders in the library building at 2 Library Place. The libran; is a community gathering place unlike any other in the greater Hanover area. What other building in the Borough ofHanover ushers approximately 200,000 visitors through its doors each year, like Hanover's Public Library does? It is a reliable, safe gathering space fully accessible to everyone. No one is turned away from entering and accessing information and knowledge in a myriad of fonns. It is staffed by trained professionals and numerous volunteers who welcome people of all ages, ethnic groups, social classes and abilities. Just like a business, the library has evolved over the years, changing and adapting to new technology and modes of information. The libran; is a place of learning and self-discovery. It is a place to research employment opportunities and engage in social interactions and much more. It is a place where kids can spend time talking and interacting with each other face-to-face in an age of widespread polarization and perceived inequality. MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC WORKS & FACILITIES COMMITTEE MEETING April10, 2019 Pa e2 In the presentation that follows, Guthrie Memorial Library's Board of Governors wish to showcase the value of the libran; to you and what it means to the residents of Hanover Borough and the surrounding communities. The decision of spending dollars and cents to fix the libran; building is not ours. We understand you will wrestle with the decision to spend monies for this project to fix water from infiltrating the building and we implore you to fix the building. However, before you can debate that question you need an answer to this question. Of what value is Guthrie Memorial Libran; to our communitt;? The simple, one-word answer to that question is tremendous! The following presentation is support for the tremendous value Guthrie Memorial Library provides to the people of Hanover and its surrounding communities." Mr. Swartz narrated a PowerPoint Presentation, outlining community programs. He specifically recognized the Robotics Team for their 2nd place in the region out of 52 teams. There are programs for all age groups, including early childhood development, teen and adults, and even preparatory courses for students on the edge of continuing education and career placement. Testimonials were heard from Mr. Lou Guthrie, bearing the namesake for the library who has contributed significant funding throughout the years, and citing the need the library as an integral part of the community. Dr. Barbara Rupp former Southwestern School District Supt. and Hanover Borough Council Member specifically praised the library for their involvement with the School Districts and as an essential gathering place for the community. Mr. Swartz summarized statistics of library attendance and praised the library for the amount of fundraising that has been increased significantly in the last few years. Funds raised were directly allocated toward library operations, making the Borough' s contribution for operations the lowest ever. The library also seeks to grow their endowment fund looking toward future self-sustainability. The debt portion that the Borough currently funds will expire in 2026. In summary, the Library Board of Governors recommended that the full amount of reconstruction should be undertaken as soon as possible in order for the library to remain at its current location and to sustain itself into the future. Mr. Swartz stated on behalf of the Board of Governors that a partial fix may deter some sponsors and donors, who need to be assured that the library will continue to operate at the high level in the community that it has attained to this point. Mr. Swartz introduced those present from the Library Board of Governors to Council: Mr. Steve Sherman, President thanked the Committee, Hanover Borough Council and Manager Bowersox for listening and discussing their viewpoints this evening; Mrs. Katelyn Burkentine, Vice President; Mrs. Chris Neary, Finance Chair, and Mrs. Barbara Carbaugh, past president. MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC WORKS & FACILITIES COMMITTEE MEETING April10, 2019 Pa e3 The Committee discussed the pros and cons of the full maintenance costs of $4 to $5- million versus the $230,000 option to repair external water infiltration with yearly inspections until 2026 when the debt obligation would be met. The Committee was concerned about other significant repairs that may be needed if the pumps would fail in the basement; and other significant repairs that could come into play by waiting another 8 years, that would further increase the cost. While the Committee fully supports the need for the library in the community, more analysis for financial budgeting options would be necessary before committing to any type of reconstruction effort. Other projects the Borough has under consideration include the downtown streetscape design project, and many other infrastructure improvements such as sewer infiltration and inflow projects, and paving and reconstruction of streets that are in disrepair. Some Committee members thought it may be more cost effective and serve the community better to build a new library facility at another location for the same funds it would cost to fully repair the existing facility. The need to have input from constituents was also a major consideration, and there was discussion of proposing a referendum on the November ballot. It was also proposed that the Board of Governors could organize a capital campaign to help fund the full cost of reconstruction. The burden of cost to Hanover Borough taxpayers was a major concern, especially in regard to the amount of library patrons from neighboring municipalities who do not bear this tax burden. Library Director Kane noted about 1/3 of library patrons are Borough residents, but pointed out when patrons visit the library from other municipalities, they also patronize Hanover Borough businesses. Chairman Lockard thanked President Sherman, Library Director Kane, and the Library Board of Governors for their presentation this evening. Market House Masonry Repairs: Manager Bowersox explained there is a major crack on the masonry at the top of the archway, along with other repairs. A price quotation was received from Randy Brady Masonry at $8,200. The Committee would like to see another quotation from Witmer Restoration in Lancaster for comparison purposes, and then staff may proceed with the lower quotation to get the repairs completed. MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC WORKS & FACILITIES COMMITTEE MEETING April10, 2019 Pa e4 OLD BUSINESS: Project Schedule: )> Facilities Master Plan- Manager Bowersox noted the architectural firm Hammel Associates LLC is in the process of completing their analysis of Borough facilities, and he will forward to the Committee when he receives same. )> Paving Plan- Public Works Supt. Grimm stated the gas, water and ADA ramps should be completed by June 2019 on the Hanover Street project, and the paving will be completed by the end of the year. )> Fleet Management -The Borough is currently utilizing the in-house fleet management plan at a lower cost than outsourcing same, and it is running efficiently. )> Garbage & Refuse - Public Works Supt. Grimm noted the garbage and refuse complaints from many commercial properties, junk piles, etc. have been taken care of in a very efficient manner due to the efforts of working with the new Code Enforcement Officer, Mr. Papale. )> Bridge Eisenhower Drive - Public Works Supt. Grimm met with the representative from DSA, the new engineering firm working under PennDOT regarding work to be done for bridge repair in conjunction with PennDOT requirements. )> Early Intervention Program (EIP) Study - Manager Bowersox forwarded the report to DCED; Staff awaits information from DCED on steps to continue progress into Phase II- Implementation. )> Regional Firing Range- Manager Bowersox met with Conewago Township, Penn Township and Police Chiefs. Penn Township has opted out for now, since they are expanding their range. Chief Martin noted the proposed range will be 360° for more efficient training standards. Conewago Enterprises purchased the adjacent lot next to the site of the old Wastewater Treatment Plant. The proposed range would be constructed with ground excavated from Conewago Enterprises' site at no cost; the ground would be used to construct the berms. An NPDES permit would be required. Total cost of the proposed project would be approximately $172,250, to be shared with Conewago Township. There was concern regarding the impact of noise generated at the nearby residential development. MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC WORKS & FACILITIES COMMITTEE MEETING April10, 2019 Pa e5 )- Old Manheim Township Landfill Site- Manager Bowersox stated he visited the site and spoke to the business owner occupying the land. Considerable moving of ground has taken place which is unauthorized by the Borough and DEP, as an NPDES permit is required. Mr. Bowersox notified the contractor to discontinue the earth-moving immediately. )- George Street Stop Signs- Mr. Noble commended Borough staff on a job well done with signs, but thought a larger size of stop sign would be needed. Mr. Noble asked if the property owner on the corner would be installing sidewalk; a certified letter may need to be sent to follow through. )- Grant Drive Turn Lane at Broadway - Public Works Supt. Grimm noted the request was submitted to PennDOT. )- Library- Mr. Noble asked if a special meeting time should be set to further discuss the library and to determine what direction to pursue for the future of the building and repairs. There was discussion among the Committee, and it was moved by Mr. Noble, seconded by Dr. Rupp to schedule a pubic meeting for further discussion so adequate time could be set aside to address this issue. Motion carried. ADJOURNMENT: It was moved by Dr. Rupp, seconded by Mr. O'Neill to adjourn the meeting at 7:23 PM. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, ()ffi/4174 Dorothy C. Felix Borough Secretary