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The December meeting for the North Annville Township Board of Supervisors featured discussions regarding the firing range ordinance, fire service tax and biosolid use.
This month’s meeting began with a public hearing pertaining to the proposed Firing Range Ordinance No. 2-2023. The ordinance will include hours of operation for the firing ranges to protect surrounding properties from noise and stray bullets past dusk.
North Annville Township solicitor Paul Bametzreider clarified that the ordinance will not have a decibel limit due to the Second Amendment requirements regarding restrictions of firearms.
Hearing no qualms from the public, the supervisors unanimously approved the adoption of Ordinance No. 2-2023.
The supervisors facilitated a discussion regarding the proposed Fire Service Tax Resolution No. 4-2023. The fire tax has been a topic of contention over the past several months and would involve an additional .5-mill real estate tax.
Following the public disapproval for the fire tax, the supervisors decided to table the resolution. Until the topic is brought up again, the township will continue to assist the merged fire company through an annual monetary donation, supervisors said.
Rich Raiders, an environmental engineer and attorney, led a discussion pertaining to the use of biosolids by the state in the township. Although there are regulations in place to promote safe use, residents can take several courses of action to alert their representatives if they suspect that harmful chemicals are being used.
Raiders recommended calling elected officials, submitting complaints on the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection website, documenting areas of concern with pictures and videos, requesting water testing, rallying other townships and bringing the issue to light at PA State Association of Township Supervisors conventions.
In terms of housekeeping for the new year, the 2024 budget was unanimously approved for adoption.
Supervisors also unanimously approved the following meeting dates, times and locations for 2024: the board reorganization meeting will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 2 at 7:30 p.m. at Union Water Works Social Hall; monthly board meetings will be held on the second Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at Union Water Works Social Hall; and the monthly Planning Commission meeting will be held on the first Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at Union Water Works Social Hall. All meetings are open to the public.
The supervisors also reviewed the BlueScope Building expansion plan. The property is split evenly between North Annville and Annville townships, so supervisors decided to consult the Lebanon County Planning Department prior to making a decision.
A representative from Pinehill Builders presented the subdivision plans for the Groy property on Valley Glen Road. The property will be split into two parcels in order to build a house. Since the plans were approved by the county and planning commission, the supervisors unanimously approved the subdivision plans, planning module and sewer planning module.
The supervisors also discussed the following issues:
- The supervisors unanimously approved the reappointment of Brent McFeaters for another five-year term as the North Annville Township Great Lebanon Refuse Authority representative.
- Starner Excavating LLC was unanimously approved to be awarded a contract for equipment rental for 2024-2025.
- Following the public’s request for speed humps on Hill Church Road, supervisors consulted PennDOT. PennDOT found that the road does not meet the requirements for speed humps. The supervisors will continue to submit a request for speed humps despite the findings.
- The Clear Spring Road speed limit analysis is to be completed by the end of the year.
- The list of 2023 volunteer firefighters from Bellegrove and Union Water Works fire companies who qualified for the Act 172 Earned Income Tax Credit was unanimously approved.
- The Emergency Services Advisory Committee reported that the merged fire company will be named the North Annville Fire Company. The final details of the merger are expected to be completed by spring or early summer of 2024.
- Solicitor Bametzreider reviewed the proposed Comcast Cable Franchise Agreement. His notes are to be sent to the supervisors in January.
- The graffiti on School Creek Lane is to be cleaned up.
- The Nuisance Ordinance violation on School Creek Lane is to be remedied within 30 days.
- Chief Jeffrey J. Farneski of the Cleona Borough Police Department reported that there were approximately 40 calls for service in November. Farneski also reminded the public to be careful of scams.
- An executive session was held at the conclusion of the regular meeting.
- Motions to approve the November meeting minutes, November treasurer’s report and pay the monthly bills were unanimously passed.
The Board of Supervisors of North Annville Township meets at 7:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month. Meetings are held in the Union Water Works Social Hall at 2875 Waterworks Way and are open to the public. Next month’s meeting will be held on Monday, Jan. 8.
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