MINUTES OF THE HANOVER BOROUGH COUNCIL PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE February 4, 2025 at 6:30 PM Chairman Fuentes convened the meeting of the Hanover Borough Council Public Safety Committee at 6:30 PM, Tuesday, February 4, 2025 in the Hanover Municipal Building, 44 Frederick Street, Hanover, PA, as advertised. Attendance: Present were Committee Members Fuentes, Funk and Greenholt; Staff Members Fire Captain Amspacher, Secretary Felix, Public Works Director Grimm, Police Chief Martin, Chief Codes Officer Miller and Emergency Management Coordinator Waltman; Council Members Bubb, Hegberg and Rupp. Committee Member Lookenbill was not in attendance. Approval of the Minutes: It was moved by Mrs. Funk, seconded by Mrs. Greenholt to approve the minutes of the November 12, 2024 Public Safety Committee meeting. Motion carried. Public Comment: Robert Holt: Mr. Holt opined that the current noise ordinance is unenforceable. It is in need of better matrix for enforcement. He stated that the Center Square is unsafe, partially due to alcohol use. He referenced two (2) recent license applications with the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board in Hanover Borough, Greers on Chestnut Street for a brewery license and Rutter's on Broadway for a limited distillery permit. Mr. Holt referenced the lack of, and need for, an open container law. Secretary Felix reminded Mr. Holt that the first public comment is designated only for items listed on the agenda. Chairman Fuentes and Mrs. Funk clarified that the Governance and Policy Committee will address the potential open container law at their February 10, 2025 at 6:00 PM, and comments on the open container law could be made at that time. There is currently no proposed ordinance regarding an open container law. Committee Goals = Proposed Additional Committee Goal Chairman Fuentes called for discussion of a proposed Committee goal to "Develop a plan for educational outreach of the noise ordinance" " Mrs. Greenholt asked what points of education need to be addressed. Police Chief Martin noted that in 2022 there were 27 noise ordinance complaints from the beginning of implementation of the ordinance in August 2022. In 2023 there were a total of 97 noise ordinance complaints, and 70 noise ordinance complaints in 2024. There were Minutes of the Hanover Borough Council Public Safety Committee Meeting February 4, 2025 Page 2 a number of citations and warnings regarding the noise ordinance issued by the Police Department. The magistrate found several guilty verdicts for things such as loud music, televisions, etc. Public Works Director Grimm clarified that the proposed 14 goal" should be considered as an administrative "task" rather than a goal for the Committee, as the ordinance is already on the books, and the Committee agreed. Chief Martin noted that the Police Department has addressed the noise ordinance on their Facebook page and Borough staff has published several articles in the newsletter. The Police Department will continue to promote information on the noise ordinance as necessary, and additional information can be provided from time to time in the Borough newsletter. Mr. Hegberg noted that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court determined that meters were not necessary to assess noise or to enforce a noise ordinance. Mr. Hegberg added that he has experience in the science of noise monitoring in many different environments. In his experience, he noted that meters are not necessary to enforce the noise ordinance. He discussed various circumstances and types of noise. He stressed the importance of promoting peace and tranquility in the community. He particularly felt that loud vehicle exhausts are very disruptive and remain unmonitored. Chief Martin suggested that direct patrols or targeted enforcement during second Saturday downtown events could target noise more efficiently, along with the use of signage stating "Noise Enforcement in Progress. 1 Chief Martin noted that he will seek donations for an additional automated speed enforcement sign, since the Police Department is down to one sign that is 10 years old. Mr. Hegberg asked for more stringent laws for vehicleinspection stations to prohibit loud exhausts. Chief Martin noted that inspection stations fall under the PA State Police, and they are audited once a year. There are antique and classic vehicles that do not require state inspections, as well as vehicles that travel from other states into Hanover. Chairman Fuentes supported Chief Martin's suggestion on signs to better target noise enforcement. The signs would be intended to act as a deterrent. The Borough Public Works Department has the ability to make the signs to save on cost. Department Updates: Codes Department: Chief Codes Officer Miller noted that in the recent cold snap, his department responded to 19 different residential pipe breaks. Out of the 19, only two (2) Minutes of the Hanover Borough Council Public Safety Committee Meeting February 4, 2025 Page3 3 properties were condemned which were due to additional violations. Mr. Miller thanked Hanover Area Fire and Rescue for their assistance and appreciated the cohesion between all of the public safety department heads during this type of situation. The Department responded to 12 low heat or no heat calls, fire alarms and electrical issues. To date, there are 1,595 rental registrations received with more to come. Enforcement for non-compliance will not begin until March of 2025. A portable kiosk was set up in the Borough office to assist citizens who do not have computers, as well as a program to assist elderly property owners and those with language barriers. The Department plans to participate in Love in Action Day in May 2025. There are six (6) properties for the Department to help out this year. The Department is also teaming up with the Servants Program. The York County Façade Grant Program will be starting soon, and the department will promote the program by distributing applications to properties in need of assistance. Vacant property registrations are being submitted and added to the database. Mr. Miller noted he has not received any notifications on the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) regarding licensing applications. He reached out to Rutters and learned that they have no intention of manufacturing spirits in their store on Broadway. Rather, Rutters wants to partner with a manufacturer to expand the sale of malted beverages to other types of beverages. Mr. Miller instructed them to refile their zoning permit, since the PLCB will ask for verification of same. Mr. Miller noted that he spoke with the business owner of Greer's and he felt that their request for licensing may not be approved. Greer's will not be manufacturing any beverages, they requested to sell craft beers on the second floor. The application is very early in process. Proper permitting will be required according to Borough regulations. Mrs. Greenholt asked what the number one safety issues are for each department. Chief Codes Officer Miller noted that: Rubbish and garbage issues are the most common, with slip and fall hazards, blocked stairways, etc. The use of extension cords connecting e-bikes and scooters are a fire hazard, especially when placed in entrance areas, and are cited as violations. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are a real issue with many residences that do not install them at all, or placing them ineffectively. Captain Amspacher added that fire extinguishers should be promoted as well. Minutes of the Hanover Borough Council Public Safety Committee Meeting February 4, 2025 Page 4 Mrs. Greenholt proposed addressing these items in an upcoming Borough newsletter for public safety awareness. Mrs. Funk requested that rental properties should be mandated to provide fire extinguishers. Mr. Miller agreed and noted that this item is important and will be forthcoming. Emergency Management Coordinator Waltman added the necessity to call 911 if there is a fire, as sometimes citizens will think that the fire is extinguished, but in some cases the fire could spread unknowingly. Mr. Waltman identified the following as top safety concerns: Emergency housing for victims of fires. Displaced individuals need to be taken care of. Affordable food availability. Provision of emergency shelter and temporary evacuation space, especially in the event of a power outage. Captain Amspacher stated that he values the positive collaboration and cooperation with all of the public safety departments working together, and identified a chief safety concern for the replacement of the utility unit used in fire prevention demonstrations. He noted that interviews will be conducted the following day for the Deputy Fire Chief position. He referenced recent renovations at Wirt Park Station including the donation of a ramp from Lowe's for construction of bunker units for the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department, and a forthcoming addition of a women's bathroom and shower facility. The Committee agreed that public education through the Website, newsletter and Facebook is essential for routine safety issues and fire prevention. Public Director Grimm reported that the Borough recently received a Safe Streets for All Grant from the Federal Highway Administration. The Borough's contribution will be $60,000, but the Federal Government will contribute $240,000 for a traffic studyincluding multiple areas throughout the Borough. The purpose of the grant is to identify and document areas that have high numbers of injury accidents, whether vehicular or pedestrian, along with implementation of an action plan for targeted areas. Public Works Director Grimm indicated the following top safety issues of the Public Works Department: Construction area safety School bus vehicle rules and traffic safety Unpermitted work that often causes additional safety issues Minutes of the Hanover Borough Council Public Safety Committee Meeting February 4, 2025 Page5 Proper disposal of e-batteries, noting danger of fires initiated within refuse trucks and at the transfer station caused by rechargeable batteries Police Chief Martin reported the following items on behalf of the Police Department in January: Aj patrol officer was assigned to 30 outstanding firearms cases that were addressed Since the approval of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) Grant in the amount of $229,000, body cameras and in-car camera systems were able to be ordered Older cameras will be handed down to the Code Enforcement Department State mandated officer training minimum 12 hours, which included firearms training and defensive attacks Preparing for a State mandate effective December 2025, regarding data collection for traffic stops for submission to State Police Preparing for reconstruction of 44 Frederick Street public safety facility Promoting training to local businesses including community policing and civilian response to active shooter events 120 snow removal violations were issued from both snow events, including 20 snow removal citations to property owners The Civil Service Commission distributed notices to eligible officers for the sergeants exam Two (2) officers in field training are doing well Three (3) officers are currently attending the police academy There will be three (3) potential retirees this year Chief Martin reported the following top safety Issues of the Police Department: Stress of the job, time off and overtime Average of 24-27 use of force incidents annually, potential gun violence Juvenile disturbances and crime Traffic control and speeding Mrs. Greenholt asked if there could be a dedicated left turn lane traveling north on High Street at Kindig Lane. Public Works Director Grimm noted that PennDOT determined that there is not adequate space for a dedicated left turn at this intersection. The Committee commended the police department on their dedication and hard work to keep crime in check and keep Hanover a safe community. Public Comment: Robert Holt: Mr. Holt thanked the Committee for a very informativemeting and stressed the importance of public safety. He again referenced the proposed PLCB permits. He supported the enforcement of the noise ordinance, especially in residential areas. He Minutes of the Hanover. Borough Council Public Safety Committee Meeting February 4, 2025 Page 6 asked for more funding for the police department. He complained about the lack of specific information on the agenda. He stated that he "will not be dictated to by some non-resident bureaucrat" on what he may say or may not say in public comment. Chairman Fuentes thanked all for their attendance and concerns. Adjournment: It was moved by Mrs. Greenholt, seconded by Mrs. Funk to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 PM. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Dorethy hzo Borough Secretary