MINUTES OFTHE HANOVER BOROUGH COUNCIL  PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE July 2, 2024 at 6:30 PM  Chairman Fuentes convened the meeting of the Hanover Borough Council Public Safety Committee at 6:30 PM, Tuesday, July 2, 2024 in the Hanover Municipal Building, 44 Attendance: Present were Committee Members Fuentes, Funk, Greenholt and Lookenbill; Staff Members Public Works Supervisor Bean, Police Lt. Bunty, Fire Chief Clousher, Secretary Felix, Public Works Director Grimm, Manager Lewis, Chief Codes Approval of the Minutes: It was moved by Mrs. Funk, seconded by Mrs. Greenholt to approve the minutes of the May 13, 2024 Public Safety Committee meeting. Motion  Frederick Street, Hanover, PA, as advertised.  Officer Miller and Emergency Management Coordinator Waltman.  carried. Public Comment:  Chairman Fuentes welcomed the public in attendance stating that he "runs his meetings a little different and that all would be heard this evening." Stating that, "I like to give people extra time, Iknow when you come to Council meetings you are. limited to three minutes, but I like to give people extra time. Iknow some of you don't live in the borough, SO we'll let residents talk first, but you'll get your time, andIwill! listen to you." Kathy Bridges, 209 Fleming Avenue: Ms. Bridges addressed safety concerns with motorized scooters and skateboards on public sidewalks. She noted that these devices are not allowed in the business districts, but they are still allowed in residential areas. This use also causes damage to public sidewalks which the homeowners are. responsible for. She thanked the Council for enacting the ordinance to prohibit fireworks. Wendy Stephani, 925 Broadway: Ms. Stephani addressed the Wilson Avenue and Broadway intersection. She reported that there have been at least three (3) vehicular accidents already this year. She stated that there is poor visibility when pulling out from Wilson Avenue onto Broadway. She asked if there has ever been a traffic study for this Mrs. Funk asked Ms. Stephani if there were certain times that are worse than others for higher traffic volume. Ms. Stephani stated that they have only lived there a year but Demrys Shearer, 120 Potomac Avenue: Ms. Shearer stated her concern for the alley between Eichelberger Street and McCosh Street. There are many children living in the area especially near the Potomac and Allegheny side of the alley. There are many elderly  intersection, and asked for potential solutions.  reiterated that there have been three (3) accidents already this year.    Minutes oft the Hanover Borough Council Public Safety Committee Meeting  July2,2 2024 Page2 2  citizens and people who walk their dogs as well. She is asking for a "Watch Children" Mrs. Greenholt asked what the process is tol have a "Watch Children" sign installed. Public Works Director Grimm responded that PennDOT no longer recommends installation of this type of sign due to the potential conveyance of misinformation of  sign to improve safety.  promoting a safe area for children toj play in the public right of way. Mrs. Greenholt suggested installing a sign on their own private property.  Mr. Fuentes noted that there are traffic issues at the intersection of Fulton Street and Robert Holt, 513 High Street: Mr. Holt asked Council to consider a Borough-wide traffic Chairman Fuentes asked Public Works Director Grimm to investigate costs for a Borough-wide traffic study. Mr. Grimm indicated that this would be an intense effort with a very large expense to undertake, and there may also be a cost for getting price quotes for this large of a project. Chairman Fuentes requested that Mr. Grimminvestigate Mr. Holt stated his advocacy for passing an open container law. He has kept track of Mr. Holt criticized the loading zones that were: newly installed in the area of Greer'sand Mrs. Funk asked that the loading zones be limited to delivery trucks only and that the Manager Lewis noted she discussed the issue with Chief Martin and that currently loading zones are limited to 20 minutes. Mrs. Funk stated that some citizens go into a Public Works Director Grimm noted that the approved PennDOT regulation signs have tol bei used. Lt. Bunty stated thati iti is the police department that bears the burden of proof when a citation comes before the District Magistrate, so if there is any ambiguity in that, Mr. Fuentes suggested that District Magistrate Gessner be invited to a future meeting to  Middle Street. study.  and report back to the Committee. police logs to justify this effort. Fat Bat where people illegally park. signs be changed to designate that.  restaurant to eat or pick up food and park in loading zones.  then their time is wasted.  clarify his viewpoints on loading zones.    Minutes ofthel Hanover Borough Council Public Safety Committee Meeting  July 2, 2024 Page3  Lt. Bunty noted PennDOT has a manual of uniform traffic control devices which is the regulatory matter that must be followed. Lt. Bunty stated that there is a distinct difference between private property signage for pickup and deliveries that is very different from the loading/unloading: zone located in a public right of way which is Mr. Fuentes asked for the Magistrate to be invited to the next Public Safety Committee Mr. Holt criticized the cost of the renovations to 331 Frederick Street in relation to the cost Mr. Holt criticized the boat rentals at Long Arm Dam and the impact on West Manheim Chestnut Street Traffic Study Estimated Cost: Public Works Director Grimm noted that PennDOT reviewed the area and suggested that the Borough get a traffic safety study from a certified traffic engineering firm. The traffic study should cover the intersection of Broadway and Chestnut Street, the length of Chestnut Street from Broadway to Carlisle Street including the proposed mid-block crosswalk at the Market House; the intersection ofChestnut! Street and Railroad Street; and the intersection of ChestnutStreet: and Carlisle Street. Mr. Grimm noted that the estimated cost for the traffic study would be $25,000- $35,000 but staff is applying for a Local Share Account (LSA) grant that does not require amatch. Notification should be received by Fall 2024 if the grant is approved, or costs for E-Bikes/Scooter Regulations - Ban Use in Residential Areas: Lt. Bunty noted that the Police Department would be in support of an E-bike/scooter ban on public sidewalks in residential areas. Lt. Bunty noted that statistics show that the speed of E-bikes has now Lt. Bunty noted that the vehicle code states that electric scooters are not permitted on public roadways. The current ordinance prohibits use of motorized scooters and E-bikes in the business district, but does not address their use in residential districts. Lt. Bunty stated that a potential ordinance should include prohibiting electric or self- propelled E-bikes, motor driven scooters, etc. to be banned on public sidewalks in residential areas. Electric scooters or non-human propelled devices could be added. Itv was moved by Mrs. Funk, seconded by Mrs. Greenholt to authorize staff to work with the Solicitor to develop an ordinance to prohibit use of electric or self-propelled E-bikes  intended for businesses.  meeting and to be placed on the agenda. ofal Borough-wide traffic study.  Township police to patrol the dams.  the traffic study could be budgeted for 2025.  risen to 28 mph.    Minutes oft the Hanover Borough Council Public Safety Committee Meeting  July2,2 2024 Page4  or motor driven scooters, etc. on public sidewalks in residential districts. Mr. Lookenbill Mr. Fuentes stated that the draft ordinance will be brought back to the Committee for  voted in opposition to the motion. Motion carried.  final review. Rental Inspections:  Manager Lewis noted that the current rental property registration ordinance is being modified by the Solicitor along with fee adjustments to include a fee structure for rental Mr. Fuentes stated that the proposed rental inspection portion must be addressed. Manager Lewis proposed a mock inspection or field trip for the Committee to demonstrate what will be covered in a rental inspection. Mrs. Greenholt has graciously offered one of] her rental properties for the mock inspection. All Council members will be invited to tour the rental unit to demonstrate what inspections would address. Mrs. Greenholt requested that a list of what is being addressed in the inspections should Chief Codes Officer Miller noted that a list is being developed for inspections, and he will have it available for the tour. Mrs. Greenholt is allowing Codes staff to stage some common problems as it pertains to the current code. Mr. Miller noted that an updated Mrs. Funk asked if there will be a date when all residential rentals must be in compliance. Itv was suggested that the utility billing system could be utilized to identify and notify all Mr. Millerstated that thecode will bee enforced equally fora all, as with other codes. Unsafe conditions will be addressed, life safety issues identified, and code officials will continue to work directly with landlords to correct safety issues. Codes officials will strive for Mr. Fuentes commended Chief Codes Officer Miller on the importance of working with people to correct issues, rather than issuing fines. Mr. Fuentes expressed his support for Mr. Crooks asked why there is a licensing fee and what the fees are being used for.  property registration and related non-compliance.  ber made available to the public.  rental registration form is currently being drafted.  Mr. Miller stated that the information will be pushed out to the public.  landlords of the upcoming registration requirement.  compliance and education over penalization.  the implementation of a rental registration and inspection ordinance.    Minutes ofthel Hanover Borough Council Public Safety Committee Meeting  July 2, 2024 Page5 5  Mr. Miller stated the fees will go directly back into thei infrastructure of the program. Mrs. Funk commended Chief Codes Officer Miller on being educated and fair. Mrs. Greenholt pointed out that there may be some adjustments to make with the implementation of the inspections, but it is for the safety issues of residents and first responders. A published list of what tol look for in inspections will be very helpful.  Public Comment:  Grace Mullen stated that the proposed ordinance would not cover section 8 housing. Mr. Miller stated that Section 8 is mandated by the government to do their own inspections, although Mr. Miller has worked with the inspectors from the housing authority to make the required repairs. The County housing authority often contacts codes officers to assist them in inspections within their jurisdictions. Mr. Miller noted that their department has had to condemn section 81 housing in the past and that they fall Mrs. Funk asked for an update on thei repair of the railroad tracks on Middle Street. Public Works Director Grimm stated that unfortunately it is still a work in progress. He reminded the Committee that the railroad is federally: regulated and moves at a very slow pace. An agreement has been developed but the Borough awaits the final steps to be Mr. Fuentes welcomed Mr. Lookenbill to the Committee and thanked all for their Adjournment It was moved by Mrs. Funk, seconded by Mrs. Greenholt to adjourn the  under the same life safety inspections.  taken to move forward. attendance and concerns.  meeting at 8:15 PM. Motion carried.  Respectfully submitted, DHrii Dorothy C. Felix Borough Secretary