Manager's Corner
Current News - Last Revised:July 1, 2010
Welcome
Welcome, everyone, to Hampden's Web Page. Our purpose, of course, is to share with you news and information that is relevant and timely, so, if you have any suggestions on what you would like to see on this Web Page, please feel free to send us an email.
s/ Michael H. Gossert, Township Manager
Planning/Zoning
At its July 1, 2010 meeting the Board of Commissioners approved with conditions a preliminary/final land development Plan for McDonalds, located at 4230 Trindle Road, one lot, 1.44 acres, zoned C-G and owned by The WF Partnership. The plan proposes demolishing the existing building, relocating it on the property and installing more easily negotiable traffic flow patterns on the property.
The Board of Commissioners at its June 1, 2010 meeting scheduled two public hearings for August 3; one to consider the request of Pinnacle Health Hospitals to rezone from Residential-Towne and Residential-Suburban to Office-Park the property located at 4305 Wertzville Road, Enola, which abuts Cumberland Technology Park. It is the Board's understanding that, if the request is granted, Pinnacle Health Hospitals will submit a subdivision plan adding the Wertzville Road property to its property in Cumberland Technology Park for use as "green space", if an when future expansion occurs at their facility off Technology Parkway. The Planning Commission has reviewed the request and has recommended to the Board of Commissioners that the request be approved. The second public hearing will consider an amendment to Chapter 27 (the Zoning Ordinance), at Part 17 by adding Section 1726, Uses Not Specifically Regulated.
The Board of Commissioners has directed the Planning Commission and staff to begin a Comprehensive Plan Update. An update is provided approximately every ten years and takes into consideration the Township's existing development and future growth, land uses and natural resources, among other things. (UPDATE: In-house review continuing)
Emergency Services
As a reminder, Township ordinance requires that each residence in the Township be visibly marked with its street number. The purpose for this is to facilitate finding your home in case of an emergency. Our ambulance and fire company are asking that those numbers be as large as possible and placed conspicuously so that precious seconds can be gained in an attempt to find you in your time of need.
If you need a copy of the Family Preparedness Guide, please stop by the Township Office. Electronic copies of the guide are also available under the "Township Publications" section of the web site.
In this continued time of uncertainty, be assured that Hampden Township has a detailed and frequently reviewed Emergency Operations Plan. The plan outlines specific procedures for Township officials to follow in order to protect your life and property. Because there are many different scenarios that may constitute an emergency, the Commissioners would like to remind residents that your best source of information will come from your local radio and/or television stations. Cumberland Valley School District has stated that children will be sent home as soon as possible after the notification of an emergency, although parents who desire to pick their children up at school may do so. If an evacuation is ever required, Township Police and Fire Police will assume control. The Township recommends that you always have basic emergency essentials such as flashlights, radios and extra batteries in your home.
Public Works Department
The Board of Commissioners at its July 1, 2010 meeting authorized preparation of a letter of support for the PA Statewide Wayfinding Signage Program (PSWSP), a program whereby the Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau and the Cumberland County Planning Department are working with the PA Departments of Community and Economic Development and Transportation to implement a program that will guide the design and placement of signage for tourist and other major destinations within the Township. The signs will be purchased by eligible businesses and organizations and will be installed and maintained by the PA Signing Trust, signs installed within Hampden Township's public rights-of-way will comply with all requirements of the Township's sign ordinance and the letter of support is in no way financially binding but demonstrates the Township's support for the program and the tourist destinations found within the Township.
The Board, at its June 1 meeting, authorized preparation of a Request for Proposal for traffic signal maintenance throughout the Township. PA PERCS currently provides the service. (UPDATE: The Board at its July 1 meeting authorized advertisement of the Request for Proposal.)
The Board at its April 29 meeting authorized advertisement for bids to furnish and install a four-way video system autoscope solo pro at the intersection of Carlisle Pike/Rr's Bridge Road. This equipment will be installed in conjunction with the milling of Orr's Bridge Road hill, replacing the current buried loops change the traffic signals based on traffic flow and stacking.
Police Department
The Board of Commissioners at its July 1, 2010 meeting appointed Jared S. Zimmerman to the position of Patrol Officer, effective July 6, to serve a one-year probationary period following graduation from the Police Academy.
The Board also at its July 1 meeting approved Hampden Township Police Department General Orders No. 6.7, Drug and Alcohol Testing for Uniformed Members; No. 6.8, Criminal Justice Protected Information; No. 6.9, Abandoned Vehicles, Towing of Vehicles and Impoundment of Vehicles; and No. 6.10, Repossessed Vehicles.
The Board of Commissioners on February 25, 2010 tasked the Civil Service Commission with certifying an eligibility list to fill up to two Corporal positions. There is currently one vacant Corporal position. (UPDATE: The Board of Commissioners at its July 1 meeting conditionally appointed Shawn M. Fullerton to the position of Corporal, effective July 14, contingent upon successful completion of psychological and medical evaluations.)
Armitage Golf Course
Upcoming Events
Armitage Better Ball; August 21 and 22
Patriot Golf Days; September 3 to 6
Hampden Cup; October 22
SEE OUR SEPARATE WEBSITE @ http://www.armitagegolfclub.com for additional information
Resident ID cards are required by all residents in order to obtain the resident discount and can be obtained free of charge from the Recreation Department with proof of residency.
For a great dining experience, please visit The Caddy Shack or schedule a banquet at the Armitage Meeting Room!
Sanitary Sewer Service
The Board of Commissioners at its July 1 meeting authorized the staff to enter into discussion with the Borough of Lemoyne regarding its request of June 10 for Hampden Township to consider the possibility of treating Lemoyne's wastewater. This request will be given the same consideration as that of the Borough of Camp Hill.
As you may have seen recently in the newspaper, Camp Hill Borough has approached the Township about the possibility of treating Camp Hill Borough's wastewater. The Board of Commissioners at its February 25, 2010 meeting authorized the staff to enter into discussion with Camp Hill Borough regarding the matter. (UPDATE: The Board of Commissioners at its April 1, 2010 meeting authorized the staff to enter into negotiations to develop an agreement for treatment of Camp Hill Borough's wastewater by Hampden Township.)
Yard Waste Recycling
The yard waste facility remains open from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday, without an appointment. Starting April 1, the facility will be open the first and third Saturday of each month from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm without an appointment . A Resident ID card is required and residents are asked to enter the drop-off site from Technology Parkway in the Cumberland Technology Park. The facility is closed on holidays and during inclement weather.
Leaf compost and tan bark will no longer be available in the parks but can be picked up at the Yard Waste Facility while supplies last. The product must be loaded by the resident and no private-loading equipment will be permitted on the premises. Product picked up at the Yard Waste Facility will continue to be free of charge.
Township residents have the option of having tan bark or leaf compost delivered to their residential property located within the Township when available. The cost for delivery, beginning on January 1, 2010 will be $75.00 for up to 8 cubic yards while supplies last. A Release/Agreement Form must be completed and payment made at the Hampden Township Municipal Building by Visa, Mastercard or check payable to Hampden Township. The product will be delivered as soon as possible after receipt by the Township of the Release and Agreement Form and payment of the delivery cost. The Release and Agreement Form is available at the Township Municipal Building or at the Township web site under General Information, "On Line Forms". Product will be delivered and placed only on the resident's driveway, not in a public right-of-way, i.e., street, sidewalk, etc. (UPDATE: Please check our web site for up-to-date information about when orders will again be accepted.)
Commercial landscapers are permitted unlimited drop off at the Yard Waste Facility, even if the waste was not generated within Hampden Township. An application must be completed and payment made at the Hampden Township Municipal Building prior to a commercial landscaper's vehicle arriving at the Yard Waste Facility. The vehicle must be identified with the company's logo. An application form is available at the Township Municipal Building or at the Township web site under General Information, "On Line Forms". The cost to a commercial landscaper is $200.00 annually.
Visit our web site at www.hampdentownship.us for additional information. Branches and trimmings also may be placed curbside for collection by the Township's trash hauler.
Any problems, please call us at 909-7145.
Budget
The Board of Commissioners at its December 1, 2009 meeting approved the 2010 Budget which provides for no real estate tax increase and very few capital improvement projects. (UPDATE: The Board of Commissioners at its January 28, 2010 meeting adopted an ordinance amending the Capital Improvement and Sewer Revenue Funds of the 2010 budget to include proceeds from sewer revenue borrowing and principal payments on the 2004, 2005 and 2006 Township "A" notes.)
The Board of Commissioners would like to take this opportunity to remind you that the Hampden Township real estate tax is .18 mills which means for a home assessed at $100,000 a resident would pay $18.00 a year in real estate taxes to the Township. The School District and the Township are separate taxing bodies and the Township receives no tax revenue from the school district and there is no revenue sharing between the two.
Miscellaneous
The Board of Commissioners at its July 1, 2010 meeting appointed John F.M. Kocsis and Erin McDermott as Co-Junior Commissioners for the school year 2010 to 2011. Congratulations to John and Erin!
The Board of Commissioners at the same meeting approved a list of items to be sent to the Capital Region Council of Governments Annual Auction to be held July 23, at the Sporting Hill Elementary School on Park Street, rain or shine. The pubic is welcome so please plan to attend and pick up some "great buys".
The Board also at its July 1 meting, authorized, with no reflection on the incumbent, preparation and advertisements of Requests for Proposal for (1) an Administrator of the Uniformed and Non-Uniformed Pension Plans; (2) an Investment Manager of the Uniformed and Non-Uniformed Pension Plans; and (3) an Actuary for the Uniformed and Non-Uniformed Pension Plans.
The Board at its June 1, 2010 meeting, authorized the staff to explore several possibilities for solar-panel installation on Township properties. I expect there will be more to report on this matter in the future. Stay tuned!
The Board of Commissioners at its April 29, 2010 meeting approved a resolution, introduced by Commissioner Silcox, establishing a Veteran's Recognition Committee for the purpose of recognizing veterans in the Township, providing and increasing public awareness of Township veterans, making recommendations for the establishment of a veterans memorial and assisting in raising funds to finance those recommendations approved by the Board of Commissioners. The Committee will be comprised of seven members appointed by the Board with each member serving a five-year term. For additional information on the committee and how to apply to serve on the committee, please visit the home page of our web site.
As a reminder, if you or your association desires to participate in the Township's Adopt-A-Highway Program, please click here.
Please remember that trees must be trimmed to a height of 8 feet above all sidewalks and 12-1/2 feet above all streets. The sole purpose of this ordinance is for the safety of pedestrians and larger vehicles which must navigate our streets, particularly emergency services vehicles and street sweepers.
We would like to remind everyone that, if you have a fire hydrant on your property, welcomed or not, it is the property owner's responsibility to maintain the area surrounding the fire hydrant to keep it clear of all obstruction. This includes grass, weeds and, unfortunately, snow. We appreciate your cooperation and hope that you realize the work that you put in greatly enhances your safety and that of your neighbors.
Please be aware of the requirement to have your dog licensed annually. Dog licenses can be purchased at the Hampden Township Municipal Building. Please see our receptionist.
Meals on Wheels is a charitable organization that helps many residents within the Township and the Commissioners have agreed to proportionately support this program in order to assist our needy, less-fortunate neighbors.
The "Meals on Wheels" program needs drivers on the West Shore. For more information or to volunteer for this worthwhile community service, please call Tony Toter at 766-2623.
Bill of Rights
The PA Tax Reform Act, passed as PA Act 50, concerned itself primarily with the ability of school districts to relax their reliance on real estate tax. However, the Tax Reform Act also gave you, the taxpayer, the entitlement to receive a written explanation of your rights with regard to the audit, appeal, enforcement, refund, and collection of all local taxes. Accordingly, the Hampden Township Board of Commissioners has adopted the Hampden Township Taxpayers' Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights covers topics such as municipal requests of information from you, the occurrence of a suspected tax over or underpayment, and the process to be followed during a tax appeal. If you ever have any questions about your rights as a taxpayer, a copy of the Bill of Rights is available at the Township office or, if you call the staff at 761-0119, we'll gladly mail you one -- or you can download it from here on our Web site. Just click on "Taxpayers' Bill of Rights" under our "Table of Contents".