MINUTES OF THE HANOVER BOROUGH COUNCIL PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE April 1, 2025 at 6:30 PM Chairman Fuentes convened the meeting of the Hanover Borough Council Public Safety Committee at 6:30 PM, Tuesday, April 1, 2025 in the Hanover Municipal Building, 44 Frederick Street, Hanover, PA, as advertised. Attendance: Present were Committee Members Fuentes, Funk and Lookenbill; Staff Members Fire Chief Clousher, Deputy. Fire Chief Wysocki, Secretary Felix, Public Works Director Grimm, Police Chief Martin, Chief Codes Officer Miller and Emergency Management Coordinator Waltman; and Council Member Rupp. Committee Member Greenholt was not in attendance. Approval of the Minutes: It was moved by Mrs. Funk, seconded by Mr. Lookenbill to approve the minutes of the February 4, 2025 Public Safety Committee meeting. Motion carried. Public Comment: Robert Holt: Mr. Holt noted his disappointment that the Open Container Law was not on the agenda this evening, and reminded Councilpersons that the elections are coming, and their performance will be reflected through votes. Secretary Felix reminded Mr. Holt that the first public comment is designated only for items listed on the agenda. Handicapped Parking Permit Application: 650 East Middle Street, Corner Ridge Avenue Applicant, Mr. Jacob Bankert, Sr. was present to speak on his application. Mr. Bankert requested that a handicapped parking space be installed on the south side of Ridge Avenue approximately 20 feet west (toward Broadway) from the no parking sign. Public Works Director Grimm explained that the process for approval of handicapped parking permit requests are delineated by Borough ordinance. Mr. Grimm noted that the applicant has met the criteria for the submittal and consideration of this application. Mr. Grimm explained to Mr. Bankert that his proposed handicapped parking space location should be moved an additional 20' toward Broadway near the back of the existing garage, since the location that Mr. Bankert proposed will interfere with the road marking for the right turn lane onto East Middle Street. Mr. Bankert noted that there is a black walnut tree on private property near that location that has many dead limbs. He noted that he had previously suffered damage to his vehicle because of this tree, and he did not want to move. his proposed parking space near it. Minutes of the Hanover Borough Council Public Safety Committee Meeting April 1, 2025 Page 2 The Committee and staff discussed whether contacting the property owner to have the tree removed would be a viable option, and whether it was necessary to refer to recent traffic studies at the intersection. A motion was made by Mrs. Funk, seconded by Mr. Lookenbill to table the decision on the handicapped parking space request. Mr. Fuentes pointed out that the Committee must make sure that all approved handicapped parking permit areas are legally placed with no conflict. Mr. Grimm noted that any traffic studies or effort to move the no parking sign will take some time. Mr. Lookenbill voted in favor of tabling the decision on the handicapped parking permit request, rather than making a decision this evening. Mr. Fuentes voted in opposition to the motion. Motion carried. Department Updates: Police: Chief Martin will gather information on prior traffic studies at the intersection for the next meeting. The new in-car cameras and body cameras are now up and running. Fire: Chief Clousher and newly appointed Deputy Chief Joe Wysocki attended the funeral service for former Fire Lieutenant Joseph Markle. There are two (2) firefighters currently attending the Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) who are doing well and will be graduating in May. One of the utility trucks was demolished due to a vehicular accident. Chief Clousher stated that he obtained a bucket utility truck in place of the demolished utility truck, paid for by insurance money and capital reserves. The bucket utility truck was delivered on Friday, March 28th, and it will be available for use between both municipalities, which he feels is a plus. Deputy Chief Wysocki noted that his goals are to limit community risk through prevention. He stated that he intends to maintain a good municipal relationship with Hanover Borough and Penn Township, and he will be happy to address any concerns and offer any needed help. Mr. Wysocki noted that today he is officially retired from the Air Force. Chairman Fuentes welcomed Mr. Wysocki to his new position. Code Enforcement: Mr. Miller reported that there are two (2) new modules for IworQ software for online permitting, and he also intends to include food trucks and transient retail permits as a goal. The Department is preparing for the move of the administrative offices. Enforcement signs for voluntary compliance within areas of the Borough will be placed the third week in April. Overall complaints are increasing as spring has arrived. Minutes ofthe Hanover Borough Council Public Safety Committee Meeting April1, 2025 Page 3 Chief Clousher added that the Department is receiving complaints regarding open burning and fire pits, and he is getting together with Communications Manager Meyers to post clarification on social media and offer educational information to the public, as fire pits are now legal. Public Comment: Jacob Bankert: Mr. Bankert noted that recently the left hand turn at Broadway and Eisenhower Drive traveling north seemed to be out of service for three (3) light cycles. Mr. Fuentes wanted to explore secure public safety barriers for special events as an item to bring before the Public Safety Committee, which was a request from Councilman Hegberg. Fire Report, continued: Emergency Management Coordinator Waltman noted that in 2022, he investigated unprotected streets for downtown gatherings. Hesuggested that a committee be formed to study various options. Chief Martin and Chief Clousher were on this committee, and they discovered that heavy concrete barriers are impractical due to weight since they would require the use of a crane. The water-filled barriers are impractical during winter due to ice, and MS4 provides that water could not be used directly from a hydrant unless it was filtered. Overtime must be paid for large vehicles to block intersections. He investigated a third type of barrier that could be installed by three (3) people and could stop a 15 ton truck. Although it appears to be a viable solution, Mr. Waltman noted that the cost of these devices would be over $100,000. Mr. Waltman will research options on this type of barrier, and investigate potential grant money. There were two (2) fire incidents in the Borough, with extreme hoarding conditions and one fatality. The Red Cross assists with displacement of residents, but it is difficult to find shelters in cases of emergency. York County officials contacted Mr. Waltman about potential of three (3) sites for County-run shelters with the assistance of Red Cross. Mr. Waltman suggested that the YWCA downtown may be a consideration for a shelter. A shelter agreement was presented to the YWCA, which will now be one of the County's proposed emergency shelters. Chairman Fuentes thanked all for their attendance and concerns. Adjournment: It was moved by Mr. Fuentes, seconded by Mrs. Funk to adjourn the meeting at 7:15 PM. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Dhh IMA Dorothy C. Felix Borough Secretary