Hanover public meetings in 2022

1 Hanover Borough Council

Council approved the fiscal year 2023 budgets for all borough accounts and the Fire Commission. They passed an ordinance levying taxes for 2023 and adopted a new Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance. Additionally, two probationary police officers were appointed.

• Approved Resolution No. 1359 adopting 2023 budgets for all borough accounts
• Approved Ordinance No. 2333 levying a real estate tax of 6.09 mills and a $0.00 Per Capita Tax for 2023
• Approved Ordinance No. 2336 adopting the Hanover Borough Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance
• Appointed Hannah Lee Martin and Kaylin Mae Bickel as Probationary Police Officers
• Approved 2023 Fire Commission Budget
• Approved York County Economic Alliance scope and fee to manage $5.5M RACP Grant for new Public Administration and Public Safety Facility
• Approved Resolution No. 1360 for 2023 Miscellaneous Fees and Resolution No. 1361 for 2023 Non-Union Compensation and Health Insurance
• Authorized enforcement actions regarding 206 York Street for public safety concerns

Miscellaneous Public Hearings and Town Halls

The Borough held a public hearing to discuss the enactment of an amended Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO). The proposed update replaces regulations dating back to 1993. No public comments were presented, and the enactment was placed on the regular Council agenda.

2 Finance & Personnel Committee

The committee voted to recommend the appointment of Spencer Shirk, James Zartman, and Matthew Funk to the Zoning Hearing Board. It also moved several items to the full Council agenda, including the 2023 Fire Commission budget and the hiring of three police officers. A work group for rental registration and inspections was scheduled for January.

• Recommended appointment of Spencer Shirk to Zoning Hearing Board (5-4)
• Recommended reappointment of James Zartman to Zoning Hearing Board (8-1)
• Recommended appointment of Matthew Funk as Zoning Hearing Board alternate (7-2)
• Recommended reappointment of Jill Rohrbaugh, Jane West, Eric Kenworthy, and William W. Reichart II to respective boards
• Moved 2023 Fire Commission budget to Council agenda for consideration
• Moved hiring of three police officers to Council agenda for consideration
• Moved $81,000 YCEA grant management fee for public safety facility to Council agenda
• Moved continued use of Community Media services at ~$700/month to Council agenda

Hanover Borough Council Conditional Use Public Hearings

The Borough Council conducted a conditional use public hearing regarding Buck Stuckey's application to convert a four-unit apartment building into a boarding house. No final decision was made during the meeting; a separate decisional hearing will be scheduled and advertised.

• Tabled decision on boarding house application for 223 Carlisle Street pending a future decisional hearing

5b Hanover Area Fire and Rescue Commission

The Commission approved a job function restructure and salary adjustments for non-union staff. It also authorized the hiring of a part-time administrative assistant and the use of asset agreement funds for a new utility vehicle.

• Approved job function restructure and salary adjustments for non-union staff (unanimous)
• Approved hiring of part-time administrative assistant at $34,000 per year (unanimous)
• Approved use of asset agreement funds for a new utility vehicle for Clearview Station
• Deferred discussion on AEMT position

4d Library Board of Governors

The Board of Governors approved the appointment of Mark Riggs to the board effective January 2023. The Director reported the receipt of a $25,000 community aid grant for 2023 operating expenses. No action was taken regarding the consultant's report.

• Approved November 2022 minutes
• Voted to appoint Mark Riggs to the Board of Governors (effective January 2023)

5a Civil Service Commission

The Commission reviewed and certified an eligibility list for three patrolman positions within the Borough of Hanover Police Department. The certified list, containing three candidates and one alternate, was forwarded to the Borough Council for hiring decisions.

• Certified and forwarded police patrolman eligibility list to Council (unanimous)

1 Hanover Borough Council

Council failed to pass a proposed Rental Property Ordinance after significant public opposition. However, they approved a new procedure for waiving real estate tax penalties for taxpayers who do not receive notice. The Borough also announced a $5.5 million grant for a public safety administration building.

• Rental Property Ordinance No. 2335 failed (motion died for lack of a second)
• Approved Ordinance No. 2334 to waive real estate tax penalties for failure to receive notice (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance No. 2332 modifying restricted parking in Cherry Tree Phase I (unanimous)
• Approved $30,000 contract with Downstream Strategies and $13,500 with Buchart Horn Architects for market analysis
• Approved $2,976 contract with Forever Media for parking meter informational ads
• Approved 2023 Asset Capitalization Policy
• Approved early retirement for five Water and Public Works employees
• Approved contract for Springbrook Holding Company LLC government accounting software

4c Zoning Hearing Board

The Zoning Hearing Board will consider two special exception requests for multi-family housing: one for an expansion on the 700 block of George Street and another for 120 garden apartment units on Cherry Tree Court. Both items were continued from the October 17, 2022 hearing. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes and public comment.

• Special exception for Peach Tree expansion on 700 block of George Street
• Special exception for 120 garden apartment units on Cherry Tree Court
• Both items continued from October 17, 2022 hearing

The board reviewed a special exception application for a multi-family dwelling on Cherry Tree Court. No final decision was made as the applicant requested a waiver of the 45-day decision period to allow for a decisional meeting in January. A separate application for apartment expansion on George Street was withdrawn.

• Approved minutes of the October 17, 2022 meeting
• Acknowledged withdrawal of special exception application for Peach Tree Terrace Apartments on George Street
• Tabled decision on Cherry Tree Court garden apartments pending transcript and findings

5b Hanover Area Fire and Rescue Commission

The Commission approved the 2023 budget for submission to municipalities and authorized a health insurance supplement. The board also approved a benefit package for the Fire Chief and Executive Assistant and a Medical Standby agreement.

• Approved 2023 budget for submission to municipalities (unanimous)
• Approved Health Insurance supplement (unanimous)
• Approved benefit package for Fire Chief and Executive Assistant (unanimous)
• Approved Medical Standby agreement (unanimous)
• Approved all three items on the Consent Agenda (unanimous)
• Sworn in FF Joseph Wysocki as C Shift Fire Captain

4e Recreation Board

The Recreation Board approved the 2023 fee schedule for field usage and special events. The board also granted field and playground access to the Hanover Soccer Club and AVO Soccer Club.

• Approved August 17, 2022, minutes
• Approved Treasurer’s Report for August, September, and October 2022
• Approved Hanover Soccer Club use of Moul Field for Spring Season (U6 & U8 teams)
• Approved AVO Soccer Club use of Myers Playground for Spring/Fall Season (April thru October)
• Approved 2023 fee schedule for Field usage and Special events

2 Finance & Personnel Committee

The committee moved several items to the Council Agenda for final consideration, including the 2023 budget, a new accounting software contract, and police hiring. They also discussed a proposed rental registration and inspection ordinance following significant public opposition.

• Moved 2023 budget approval for public inspection to Council Agenda
• Moved 2023 Springbrook accounting software contract to Council Agenda
• Moved approval to direct Civil Service Commission to provide police hiring list to Council Agenda
• Moved approval of five employees for Early Retirement Incentive Program to Council Agenda
• Approved current policy on Legal Affairs and Employment of Legal Counsel with no revisions
• Moved 2023 Asset Capitalization Policy ($5,000 threshold for all departments) to Council Agenda
• Moved grant-funded Market House study contracts to Council Agenda
• Moved Forever Media radio contract for parking promotion to Council Agenda

4d Library Board of Governors

The Board of Governors approved the October 2022 minutes and voted to keep the current slate of officers for the 2023 year. The annual appeal reached $15,000, and the board was informed that the Peoples Bank portfolio has decreased 17% since the start of the year.

• Approved October 2022 minutes
• Approved current slate of officers to continue into 2023 (unanimous)

4a Stormwater Authority

The Authority approved the draft 2023 budget subject to advertising. Members also approved the consent agenda including previous meeting minutes and bills from August through October 2022.

• Approved draft 2023 budget subject to advertising
• Approved September 8, 2022 meeting minutes with corrections
• Approved payment of bills for August, September, and October 2022
• Approved monthly financial statements for August, September, and October 2022

4f Shade Tree Commission

The Commission approved several pruning and planting requests and updated its recommended species list. Two tree removals were approved pending public hearings on January 9, 2023. The board also discussed a potential Arbor Day 2023 planting project with Hanover Auto Team.

• Approved minutes of October 3, 2022
• Removed Krimson King maple and Serviceberries from recommended species list
• Approved pruning at 514 Baltimore Street
• Approved pruning at 324 Barberry Drive
• Approved pruning at 201 Princess Street
• Approved expanding planting areas and planting trees at 126 & 132 York Street
• Approved removal of dead tree and replacement at 138 York Street (pending Jan 9 hearing)
• Approved removal of dying tree at 595 Wilson Avenue (pending Jan 9 hearing)

3a Governance and Policy Committee

The Governance & Policy Committee will discuss and potentially approve a policy on legal affairs and employment of legal counsel, and set the 2023 asset capitalization policy for the Water Department at $5,000 to match other funds. The meeting also includes public comment and approval of prior minutes.

• Policy on Legal Affairs and Employment of Legal Counsel discussion
• 2023 Asset Capitalization Policy: set Water Department threshold at $5,000 to be consistent with other funds

The Governance & Policy Committee reviewed the 2022 Solicitor’s Report and the 2023 Asset Capitalization Policy. Both items were moved to the Finance/Workshop for further review or approval by the full Borough Council.

• Approved minutes of October 3, 2022
• Moved Policy on Legal Affairs and Employment of Legal Counsel to Finance/Workshop for review
• Moved 2023 Asset Capitalization Policy to Finance/Workshop for approval

4b Planning Commission

The Planning Commission recommended that Borough Council ratify the amended Subdivision and Land Use Ordinance (SALDO). The commission also recommended the denial of land development plans for the Peach Tree Apartments expansion and recommended approval for a subdivision plan at 712 Ash Drive.

• Recommended adoption and ratification of the amended Subdivision and Land Use Ordinance (SALDO) to Borough Council
• Recommended denial of Land Development Plans for Peach Tree Apartments expansion near 751 George Street
• Tabled Cherry Tree Court Land Development Plan until December 7, 2022
• Recommended approval of Subdivision Plan for 712 Ash Drive to Council, subject to technical review compliance
• Approved October 5, 2022 meeting minutes

3c Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee approved moving an ordinance amendment regarding parking restrictions in the Cherry Tree Phase 1 Development to the Council Workshop. The committee also agreed to strictly follow existing special event ordinance limits and require Recreation Board approval for events in Borough parks.

• Approved minutes of September 6, 2022 meeting
• Recommended exploring grant opportunities for $100,000 mechanical event barricades
• Agreed to strictly follow special event ordinance limits on monthly and annual event frequency
• Decided all special events using Borough parks must be evaluated by the Recreation Board before the Council Workshop
• Approved moving Cherry Tree Phase 1 parking restriction ordinance amendment to the Council Workshop

Zoning Amendment Public Hearing

The Borough Council held a continuation public hearing to discuss proposed Ordinance No. 2330 and its revised zoning map. No votes were taken or decisions made during this session.

1 Hanover Borough Council

Council appointed Margaret Lewis as Borough Manager effective December 1, 2022, and approved a real estate tax increase for 2023. The council also adopted Ordinance No. 2330 to amend the Borough Zoning Ordinance and Official Zoning Map.

• Appointed Margaret Lewis as Borough Manager effective Dec 1, 2022 (6-4)
• Approved 2023 real estate tax rate of 6.09 mills, an increase of 0.44 mills (7-3)
• Approved 2023 Per Capita Tax Rate at $0.00
• Adopted Ordinance No. 2330 amending the Zoning Ordinance and Official Zoning Map (10-0)
• Approved Resolution No. 1356 for Voluntary Retirement Incentive for eligible employees
• Approved Resolution No. 1357 for Tidal Wave Auto Spa land development plan
• Approved Resolution No. 1355 for PA State Association of Boroughs Junior Council Person Program
• Approved advertisement of ordinance to amend Rental Property Ordinance No. 1796

4c Zoning Hearing Board

The Hanover Borough Zoning Hearing Board will consider a variance for a garage roof at 122 York Street and two special exceptions: one for a multi-family apartment expansion on the 700 block of George Street (continued from September), and another for 120 garden apartment units at Cherry Tree Court. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes and public comment.

• 122 York Street – Variance for roof pitch/height of an accessory garage structure
• George Street (700 block) – Special Exception for Peach Tree expansion of multi-family apartment land use (continued hearing)
• Cherry Tree Court – Special Exception for construction of 120 garden apartment units

3a Governance and Policy Committee

The committee will review the 2021 policy on legal affairs and the employment of legal counsel. Members will also discuss the Borough Manager hiring process and a draft for an Early Retirement Incentive Program.

• Review of Policy on Legal Affairs and Employment of Legal Counsel (adopted Jan 27, 2021)
• Review of Borough Manager hiring process
• Draft Early Retirement Incentive Program

4c Zoning Hearing Board

The Hanover Borough Zoning Hearing Board will meet to review a variance request and a special exception. The board will decide on roof specifications for a dwelling unit and the expansion of a multi-family land use.

• 132 Potomac Avenue: Variance for pitch/height of accessory dwelling unit roof
• George Street (700 block): Special Exception for Peach Tree expansion of multi-family apartment building

3a Governance and Policy Committee

The Governance and Policy Committee is meeting to discuss draft policies for bid procurement, contracts, and purchasing. The committee will also review existing policies regarding the relationship between council members and staff, as well as the employment of legal counsel.

• Draft Bid Procurement, Contracts & Purchasing Policies
• Policy on Borough Council Members and Staff – Appropriate Relationship
• Policy on Legal Affairs and the Employment of Legal Counsel

4c Zoning Hearing Board

The Hanover Borough Zoning Hearing Board will meet to review a request for 650 Broadway. The board is considering a special exception for a multi-family residential dwelling unit and a variance regarding lot width.

• Special exception request for multi-family residential dwelling at 650 Broadway
• Variance request for lot width at 650 Broadway

3a Governance and Policy Committee

The committee will review the minutes from the June 6, 2022 meeting. Discussion items include a draft of the bid procurement, contracts, and purchasing policy, as well as a revised list of employees authorized for take-home vehicles.

• Approval of June 6, 2022 minutes
• Draft Bid Procurement, Contracts & Purchasing Policy
• Revised List of Employees for Take Home Vehicles

4c Zoning Hearing Board

The Hanover Borough Zoning Hearing Board will meet to consider three specific property requests. The board will decide on variances for commercial developments and a special exception for a residential dwelling.

• 230 Wilson Avenue: Variance for a fence exceeding 10 feet in height
• 500 Eisenhower Drive: Dimensional Variance for lot coverage and maximum signage area
• 132 Potomac Avenue: Special Exception for a new Accessory Dwelling Unit at the rear of the property

3a Governance and Policy Committee

The committee will review the minutes from the March 8, 2022 meeting. The agenda also includes a draft of a Mandatory Training & Certification Policy.

• Approval of Minutes – March 8, 2022
• Draft Mandatory Training & Certification Policy

3a Governance and Policy Committee

The Governance and Policy Committee will meet to review a draft policy regarding appointments and reappointments to boards and commissions. The meeting also includes a period for public comment and the approval of previous minutes.

• Review of draft policy on appointments and reappointments to boards and commissions

3a Governance and Policy Committee

The committee will review the January 3, 2022, meeting minutes and discuss a social media policy for employees.

• Approval of Minutes – January 3, 2022
• Social Media Policy for Employees

4c Zoning Hearing Board

The Hanover Borough Zoning Hearing Board will meet to elect leadership and introduce a new Zoning Officer. The board will consider three special exception requests for residential and commercial developments.

• Special Exception for four multifamily units at 200 East Walnut Street
• Special Exception for expansion of Rutter's convenience store at 661-663 Broadway
• Special Exception for an accessory dwelling unit above a garage at 189 Second Avenue

3a Governance and Policy Committee

The Governance & Policy Committee is reviewing several personnel and administrative matters. Discussions include social media policies for non-uniformed staff, employee classification, and the Mayor's compensation.

• Policy on Information Technology & Social Media - for Non-Uniformed Personnel
• Non-Union Employee Compensation & Classification Policy
• Discussion on Compensation for Mayor