Hanover Borough Council Minutes, January 29, 2024  President Reichart convened the public meeting of Hanover Borough Council on Monday, January 29, 2024 at 7:00 PM in the Hanover Borough Council Chamber, 44 Frederick Street, Hanover, Community Media was present to conduct a video and audio recording of the meeting via Zoom  as PA,  advertised.  presentation for all citizens to have access. PRELIMINARY MATTERS & OFFICERS' REPORTS  President Reichart called ther regular business of ther meeting to order and asked all those in attendance On roll call the following answered as present: Mr. Bubb, Mr. Fuentes, Mrs. Funk, Mrs. Greenholt, Mr. Hegberg, Mr. Kress, Mr. Lookenbill, Mr. Reichart, Mr. Roland and Dr. Rupp.; Mayor Whitman; Solicitor Shultis; Staff Members Secretary Felix and Borough Manager Lewis; Junior Counciipersons Huston Solicitor Shultis acknowledged that an executive session was held this evening from 6:30 PM to 7:00 PMI regarding the proposed lease of a portion of the Guthrie Memorial Library to the Hanover Area PRESENTATION - Special Counsel Michael Miller, Eckert Seamans was present this evening to discuss the proposed lease of a portion of the Library and curatorship of the Pennsylvania Room Attorney Miller stated that the lease would begin March 1, 2024, and would encompass 23-24% of the Library. This lease would allow thet teen library to remain ini its current location through the end of 2024 to allow additional time for the Board of Governors and staff to plan where the teen library would best Attorney Miller explained that the reality is that the Borough paid 1.2 million over the last 10 years in fair share toward the upkeep and maintenance and 1.8 million over the last 10 years in subsidies for the Library above and beyond the Borough's fair share. ($3.9 million total). Each year the Library The proposed HAHS lease provides for part of the Library to be used to house the Historical Society's Library collection with curatorship of the Pennsylvania Room. The cost to be paid by HAHS would be approximately $30,000 for the first year and $43,000 annually in following years for the rental of that space and the incorporation of the HAHS collection. These funds would be applied toward the annual Legal counsel for the Library Board of Governors requested that the Borough seek approval through the County Orphans Court to approve the HAHS lease before moving forward. The recommendation oft the Borough's Legal Counsel is for Hanover Borough Council to approve this lease and file a petition at Orphans Court ifc deemed necessary. Attorney Miller noted thatt the HAHS collection is nota a for-profit entity, and the use itself is a collection entirely in harmony with the use of the Library. Attorney Miller emphasized that there would be no reduction in staff or services at the Library in relation to the HAHS lease. Mr. Miller thanked the Library Board of Governors for their support and recommended an ongoing effort to ensure the Library's sustainability into the future. He emphasized the need of the Library Board of Governors to pursue each municipality's fair share contributions. The Board of Governors needs to provide ap plan of divestment to Hanover Borough Council by the end of June 2024. Attorney Miller commended Borough Manager Lewis on her hard work on these efforts to gap find a way to move forward together to help to sustain the Library for years to come. Attorney Miller thanked the Library Board of Governors and their counsel for being cooperative in this Itist thei intentioni thatt this endeavor will provide the Borough and the Board of Governors the opportunity When Attorney Miller asked, there were no questions from Hanover Borough Council at this time.  tor recite the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silence.  and Persaud were not in attendance.  Historical Society under Sections 708a (3), (4) and (5) of the Sunshine Act.  Hanover the  by  Area Historical Society (HAHS).  be relocated.  operates with between $200,000 to $500,000 deficit on average.  maintenance and to offset operational costs of the Library.  the bridge  and endeavor.  tor move forward cooperatively with mutual support.    Hanover Borough Council Minutes, January 29, 2024, Page 2  PRELIMINARY MATTERS & OFFICERS' REPORTS  Public Comment:  Isaac Riston, 36W. Hanover Street: Mr. Riston reported that the August 17, 2022 report did not include al leasing option. He asked Council to oppose the lease, to create a memorandum of understanding, Shannon Resh, 210 Fleming Avenue: Mrs. Resh spoke about the Library's benefits, noting she was a past Library Board president, she is a current patron of the Library and is currently employed as a school librarian. She stated her opposition to the lease of a portion of the Library to the HAHS. In addition, she noted that the teen Library. just received an upgrade at no cost to the taxpayers. Connie Hoffacker, 9 Rebecca Lane: Ms. Hoffacker stated she is a business owner at 565 Carlisle Street, but resides in Penn Township. She asked for at town hall meeting to gather public input. Aaron Seidal, 327 W. Elm Avenue: Mr. Seidel stated that he felt an open discussion, better transparency and better communication were necessary before moving forward. Jason Resh, 210 Fleming Avenue: Mr. Resh asked that Council facilitate an agreement with the other municipalities to contribute their fair share. He noted that the HAHS is not a Library, and the deed Paul Minnich, Counsel for Library Board of Governors, 100 East Market Street, York, PA: Mr. Minnich spoke about the value of the Library to the community. Mr. Minnich would like to work collaboratively to mitigate the economic impact, and work together to maintain the current Library operations. He thanked Attorney Miller and Solicitor Shultis for their quick response for discussion last week. Mr. Minnich believes that the lease to HAHS needs to got through the York County Orphans Court to ensure Ms. Christina Rosensteel, 71 Fawn Hill Rd, Library BOG President: Ms. Rosensteel thanked Mr. Minnich for his input and agreed that York County Orphans Court approval is necessary before moving Barbara Strangfeld, 127 Paul Street: Ms. Strangfeld asked for the proposed lease with HAHS to be tabled, and she requested more public input. She reflected on all of the valuable services the Library provides, and that home schooled children need this Library. She felt that the Library needs more Connie McInturff, former Library employee, 35 Segovia Court: Ms. Mcinturff, former Library employee spoke about the loss of space which she feels is critical and should not be compromised, and spoke about the value of the programs the Library offers. She noted that over 120,000 people visited the Library in 2023, and that they checked out over 199,000 items. A Library development director was Doug West, 205 S. Forney Avenue: Mr. West thanked Council, Police and Borough staff for their support and attendance at the recent Hanover Against Hunger Event which packed over 200,000 meals. He is at former employee of the State Archives and is an active patron of the Library. He loves history and respects the HAHS, but does nots support the decision to lease the space. He feels that, in general, the public knows very little about the plans, and there is much confusion. He asked Council tot table the decision and to hold a public input meeting to clarify and eliminate confusion. Jeff Spangler, 205 Carlisle Street.Apt.C: Mr. Spangler reflected on the previous rental lease agreement at the Library to a caterer that failed. Mr. Spangler asked Council to table the current request, and asked for copies of the Keller Report and the report of special counsel if there is one. Rick Fraumeni, 1125 Roosevelt Street: Mr. Fraumeni reflected on the previous lease to a caterer that failed. He stated that he felt the Yelland Library was private, not public. The physical modifications to accommodate the HAHS could go over $75,000, and that would be an expense on the taxpayers. He asked if thel lease would include utilities and other expenses. There was no reference to the conversion When: asked by! Mr. Fraumeni, Mr. Hegberg stated that his wife is on the Board oft the Historical Society.  andt to facilitate at town hall meeting before moving forward.  specifically states the building must be used as al Library.  compliance with the deed.  forward.  space, not less space.  recently hired, and Ms. Mcinturff asked that Council give her a chance to do her job.  of the Library in the Librarys newsletter.    Hanover Borough Council Minutes, January 29, 2024, Page 3  Robert Holt.513 High Street: Mr. Holt noted that this has been an issue that was discussed by Council and the community for well over 10 years, and the Hanover taxpayers have footed the bill for all of the other citizens who dor notr residei int thel Borough. Her noted that none oft the out of Borough municipalities give their fairs share contributions to thel Library. He noted that the former Keller report presentation was televised on Community Media, and that the Library Board had this report and could have shared this report with citizens. Most all of the citizens here tonight have been shirking their responsibility as a citizen to attend and pay attention to the public meetings. Mr. Holt has made it a point to attend public meetings and there is no reason that the public should be shocked at this time. The Library is not sustainable as it is now with the high cost burden on the taxpayers. He would be in favor of citizens paying for their Library services. He noted that Hanover is the only Library in the county run by a Miles Myers, 42 Carlisle Street: Mr. Myers was not in favor of the HAHS lease. He views the Library as Ashleigh Tomcics, 361 W. Hanover Street: Ms. Tomcics noted her occupation as at teacher and stated that Guthrie Library works with schools in Hanover and provides a valuable resource for teens in the community, among other services. She is concerned about the reduction of space, and noted it may Katrina Wlabel, 43 Carlisle Street: Ms. Wlabel asked that Council table the HAHS lease and consider public opinion before a decision isr made. She asked that the Library be considered as a valuable natural resource, and toi implored Council to realize thei importance of their decision this evening. Mary Driscoll, 21 Sprenkle Avenue: Ms. Driscoll shared her positive experiences at the Library, and spoke on behalf of other students who could not attend this evening. She opposed the closing of the teen Library stated that she was in favor of more public input and public voting on the issue. Audrey Coppersmith. 412 Osage Drive: Ms. Coppersmith stated that she agreed with citizens that Collin Cameron, 308 Maple Avenue: He questioned the lease to the HAHS, and he asked for review Walter Evans, (unable to hear the address): Mr. Evans opposed the lease to the HAHS. Vanessa Fox, Red Lion, PA: Ms. Fox voiced her opinion in opposition to the HAHS lease.  municipality.  av valuable asset to the community.  deter other municipalities from paying their fair share. Public opinion is important.  asked for more public input.  oft the document and to table the motion this evening.  President Reichart thanked all citizens fort their comments this evening.  Consent Agenda It was moved by Dr. Rupp, seconded by Mr. Kress to approve the following items  on the Consent Agenda:  a. Approve the Minutes: b. Finance Reports: Library Board  i. Conditional Use Decisional Public Hearing December 27, 2023 I. Council Meeting December 27, 2023 iii. Council Reorganization Meeting January 2, 2024 . Approve Bills for Payment ii. Accept Monthly Financial Statement iii. Accept Report of Monthly Investments  . Appoint Eric Klansek, Library Association Appointee - 3 year term  d. Hanover Tax Appeals Board ii. Appoint Chuck Hegberg C. Police Pension Committee . June 8, 2024 ii. September 14, 2024  ii. Appoint Alternate Member Scott Roland . Appoint C. Edward Good -2 year term  d. 2nd Saturday Events for Market House: Approve use of parking lot g. Tree Dedication Program: Approve proposed Resolution No.1394 h. Special events: Approve special event permit applications    Hanover Borough Council Minutes, January 29, 2024, Page 4  Consent Agenda, continued  A Annual Memorial Day Parade: May 27,2024 i. Strength United Crossfit 5K Run: March 23, 2024  Motion carried.  REPORTS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES Finance & Personnel Committee - Mr. Kress  Itwas moved by Mr. Kress, seconded by Mrs. Greenholt to ratify the action of the proper officers of the Borough of Hanover approving the following Real Estate Tax Lien Filings by the Hanover Borough Tax Collector Holly Liska, 207 Third Street, Hanover, PA and exonerating the Tax Collector from a. The Real Estate Taxes listed on the "Return of Uncollected Real Estate Interim Taxes for the b. The Real Estate Taxes listed on the "Return of Uncollected Real Estate Full Taxes for the year The Real Estate Taxes listed on the "Return of Uncollected Real Estate Interim Taxes for the d. Charge 2024 Real Estate Tax Collector Holly Liska, 207 Third Street, Hanover, PA with the collection of 2024 Real Estate Taxi in the amount of $6,434,238.19 and authorizing the issuance of Tax Warrants for same with the payment of ninety-five hundredths (0.95%) percent  further efforts to collect the aforesaid taxes:  year 2022" totaling $406.37 face value; 2023" totaling $113,461.22 face value; year 2023" totaling $212.86 face value;  commission on the collection of each tax bill collected.  Motion carried.  Itv was moved by Mr. Kress, seconded by Mrs. Funk to approve the proposed 2024 Council Committee  assignments. Mr. Kress read the Committee assignments as follows:  Finance & Personnel Committee - Mr. Kress, Chair, All Council Members Governance & Policy Committee - Dr. Rupp, Chair, Mrs. Greenholt and Mr. Roland Public Works & Facilities Committee - Mr. Roland, Chair, Mr. Fuentes and Mr. Hegberg Enhancement Committee Mr. Hegberg, Chair, Dr. Rupp, Mrs. Funk and Mr. Lookenbill Water & Sewer Committee = Mr. Reichart, Chair, Mr. Bubb and Mr. Kress Public Safety Committee - Mr. Fuentes, Chair, Mrs. Funk and Mrs. Greenholt  Motion carried.  Itv was moved by Mr. Kress, seconded by Mrs. Funk to approve the proposed revised 2024 Council  Goals. Mr. Kress read the Council 2024 organizational goals:  1. Foster transparency and accountability by ensuring that Council meetings and decisions are easily accessible to the public and encouraging citizen participation and engagement. 2. Promote fiscal responsibility by maintaining a balanced budget, seeking opportunities for cost-saving measures without compromising essential services., using technology to improve efficiency, and supporting initiatives that promote revenue generation for the 3. Improve facilities and services by identifying and addressing key infrastructure needs in buildings, plants, roads and utilities, and encouraging the development of recreational 4. Enhance public safety for supporting initiatives and promoting programs that foster positive 5. Sustain and protect the environment by preserving and protecting natural resources, promoting sustainability initiatives, and advocating for responsible land use and zoning 6. Cultivate economic development by supporting local businesses to create job opportunities and economic growth, promoting policies to attract investment and encourage small businesses, and collaborating with regional organizations, such as the Chamber of  Borough.  facilities and public spaces.  relationships between law enforcement and the community. regulations to balance development with environmental protection.  Commerce.    Hanover Borough Council Minutes, January 29, 2024, Page 5  REPORTS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES Finance & Personnel Committee = Mr. Kress  7. Strengthen relationships and collaborate with country, state, and federal representatives to secure resources and support fori the municipality, with local healthcare providers to promote public health and services that enhance public well-being, and with the school district to improve educational and occupational opportunities for members of the community. 8. To continue to improve and create services and programs to benefit all citizens and to  encourage them to remain in our community.  Motion carried.  Itwas moved by Mr. Kress, seconded by Mr. Roland to authorize staff to prepare and execute the letter of fund commitment for 25% of the total estimated project cost for the Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC) Consumptive Use Grant for LBS Tower Gate Replacement at Lawrence Baker Itv was moved by Dr. Rupp to table the following motion for the proposed HAHS lease with the Guthrie Memorial Library. She requested that a meeting be held between all local municipalities, the Board of Governors and Hanover Borough Council to stress the need for all municipalities to pay their fair share, and thereby avoid the need for the lease with the Historical Society. In her opinion she felt that funds generated by the! HAHS lease of $30,000 could easily be raised by municipalities whose citizens utilize Itv was moved by Mr. Kress, seconded by! Mrs. Funk to approve the proposed lease and use ofa a portion of the Guthrie Memorial Library subject to the approval by the Borough Solicitor and special including filing a petition at Orphans Court if deemed necessary and curatorship of the Pennsylvania Room byt the Hanover Area Historical Society. On roll call, the following voted in favor of ther motion: Mr. Reichart, Mr. Bubb, Mr. Kress, Mr. Lookenbill, Mr. Fuentes, Mrs. Greenholt, Mrs. Funk and Mr. Roland. Dr. Rupp voted in opposition to the motion. Mr. Hegberg abstained from the vote due  Sheppard Dam. Motion carried.  the Library. The motion died for lack of a second.  counsel  legal  to his wife's membership on the Historical Society. Motion carried.  Stormwater Authority - Mr. Reichart  It was moved by Mr. Reichart, seconded by Mr. Kress to approve the letter of intent regarding the proposed gasification facility project. Mrs. Funk voted in opposition to the motion. Mr.  abstained  Hegberg  due to business relationship with the contractor. Motion carried.  Department of Water Resources - Mr. Reichart  Itv was moved by! Mr. Reichart, seconded by Mr. Kress to accept the offer of dedication for water main a. Posting of an 18-month Maintenance Bond (in a form to be acceptable by Solicitor) in the b. Satisfactory review and acceptance, by the Solicitor of a Bill of Sale (to include Title) to document exactly what all is being tendered for dedication (including a deed of dedication). Resolution of any outstanding Water Resource Department punch list items and corrective d. Payment of all outstanding Borough costs (from Water Resources Department, Solicitor, third  extensions for Residences on Church conditioned on the following: amount of $19,267, per the PA Municipalities Planning Code.  actions. party costs, etc.).  Motion carried.  It was moved by Mr. Reichart, seconded by Mr. Kress to accept the offer of dedication for the Gitts a. Posting of an 18-month Maintenance Bond (in ai form to be acceptable by Solicitor) in the b. Satisfactory review and acceptance, by the Solicitor of a Bill of Sale (toi include Title) to document exactly what all is being tendered for dedication (including a deed of dedication).  Run Road Commercial Development conditioned on the following:  amount of $20,974, per the PAI Municipalities Planning Code.    Hanover Borough Council Minutes, January 29, 2024, Page 6  REPORTS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES Department of Water Resources - Mr. Reichart  Resolution of any outstanding Water Resource Department punch list items and corrective d. Payment of all outstanding Borough costs (from Water Resources Department, Solicitor, third  actions. party costs, etc.).  Motion carried.  MAYOR'S REPORT - Mayor Whitman reported the following items for December 2023: Dec 4th: We held the first explorative Blue Zones committee meeting. This passion project would bring the Dec 8th: Borough Manager Margie Lewis, several office employees and I attended the annual Hanover  Blue Zones principles to Hanover and' York County. We have a stellar, dedicated steering committee thati is growing in support oft this project that willi impact the lives of York Countians. Chamber of Commerce Holiday Luncheon. Schmuck Lumber was recognized for their 100 year milestone of membership, and Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill spoke about the strength and Before the luncheon, I attended a meeting on homelessness and Code Blue with representatives from Life Path Ministries, Tree of Life and Dr. Susan Peck. These meetings are helping us to understand the homelessness challenges, severity and the stress on the services that are available and how we can coordinate these services between Hanover and York and other agencies. currently discussed and several officers were recognized1 for their years of service tot the Borough. Each officer Later, lattended a Trail Towns meeting where the maint topic of discussion was installing signage at  exceptionalism of the Hanover Community.  Dec 19th: Hanover P.D. had our annual Christmas Breakfast followed by the group meeting. Business was  received a new updated badge for their uniforms. Moul Field and the messaging on the sign.  Mayor Whitman congratulated Hanover Police Department for achieving their certification of law enforcement, that has been in progress since 2017. Becoming an accredited agency is a testament to the dedication and  professionalism of the department. OTHER MATTERS Public Comment  President Reichart thanked Mayor Whitman for her report.  Aaron Seidal, 327 W. Elm Avenue: Mr. Seidal stated he realized after he commented previously that the minutes and community media recordings were previously posted on the Borough's Isaac Riston, 36W. Hanover Street: Mr. Riston noted that he was disappointed ini this evening's Robert Holt, 513 High Street: Mr. Holt thanked Council for their decision, and asked that all Kathy Deitrich, 237 Princess Street: Ms. Deitrich thanked Dr. Rupp for her vote to table the motion for the Library lease and was disappointed that Council did not take the public comments Walter Adams, no address provided - Mr. Adams thanked Dr. Rupp for her vote to table the As a closing statement, President Reichart noted that the Library, as ite exists, with all of the great and wonderful things that it does and things that it can do, will still be able to do those things. The Library is being asked to share with another entity that also does some really good things. He stated that he hopes that we can proceed collectively and in as spirit of cooperation because often times iti is the  website, along with the Keller Report, and he appreciated the transparency.  decision regarding the Library lease.  budget linei items be published for the Library Board of Governors.  into consideration. motion on the Library lease.  that  spirit  helps to make the results better.    Hanover Borough Council Minutes, January 29, 2024, Page7  OTHER MATTERS February meetings;  President Reichart thanked all for their attendance this evening and reminded all of the upcoming  FEBRUARY 2024 BOROUGH COUNCIL & COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS: Council Workshop/Finance & Personnel: Wednesday, February 21, 20247:00PM Committee Meetings will be cancelled ift there is no business. Please advise the Borough  Governance & Policy Committee *Public Safety Committee *Public Works & Facilities Committee Hanover Borough Council: youv be unable to attend any meetings.  Monday, February 5, 2024 6:00 PM Tuesday, February 6, 20246 6:00PM Wednesday, February 14, 2024 6:00F PM Wednesday, February 28. 20247:00PM  if Secretaryi  will  ADJOURNMENT  Itv was moved by Mr. Roland, seconded by! Mr. Kress to adjourn the meeting at 8:501 PM. Motion carried.  Respectfully submitted, Oh/Ihn Dorothy C. Felix Borough Secretary