Public Hearing Rezoning Request Graymont PA, Inc./Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc. Tressler Tract Tax Parcel 13-4-61 February 15, 2011 6:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER: The Public Hearing for the Graymont PA, Inc./Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc. Rezoning Request was called to order at 6:00 P.M. by Terry Perryman, Chairman. Supervisors Township Manager Zoning Officer - Solicitor - Guests - Terry Perryman, Frank Royer & David Capperella William MacMath Vaughn Zimmerman Tracey Benson Attendance Sheet attached to original minutes EXPLANATION OF HEARING PROCEDURE: Tracey Benson, Solicitor, gave an explanation of the procedure for the Public Hearing. Mr. Benson also reported the Township has followed the laws and posted the said property, advertised properly etc. Encouraged all to sign in. Mr. Benson reported the function of the hearing is to help the Supervisors make a decision. Everyone will be given the opportunity to speak, however no decision will be made at this hearing. Requested everyone respect each other and listen to comments. Mr. Benson went over the Agenda and what will take place. VICE-CHAIRMAN S COMMENTS: David Capperella, Vice-Chairman, recused himself due to conflict of interest. Written statement was provided for the record and will be attached to the original minutes. Terry Perryman, Chairman, reported they will proceed with the hearing and asked everyone to be respectful and polite.
PRESENTATION OF APPLICATION GLENN O. HAWBAKER, INC: Marc Messenger, Graymont PA, - Mr. Messenger gave brief description of the property in question. Property is South of Route 64 and has 60 acres of Mineral. Mr. Messenger turned over to Glen Hein, Senior Leader of Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc. Glen Hein Mr. Hein, Senior Leader for Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc. reported he is joined by Sam McCartney, Brian Witmer and John Curtin. Mr. Hein reported they will try to address concerns. Mr Hein reported on the history of stone uses, and reported there is a great situation here and a valuable resource. They provided good things for the Township including jobs and taxes. They are at the point they need to expand. In eighteen (18) counties they serve, there is no limestone so they need to truck it in. A concern of the Planning Commission was destroying prime farm land. However, you can not stop business from growing. A timeline was presented showing 1905 through 1981. All homes in The Stover Development were built in an active mining industrial area, nobody can say they did not know. Any home purchased after 1981 were sold when it was Gentzel Quarry. The concern for loss of home value, Mr. Hein reported what Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc. has decided to do for residents. They do not believe there will be a loss in value but as a solution to property owners, Glenn O. Hawbaker will pay to have all residential properties appraised, and if approved, once mining starts if anyone were to lose value upon selling of their property, Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc. will make up the difference. They will offer that protection until all mining in the Tressler Tract is completed. Residents can use John Curtin, Fisher Real Estate or if someone has a particular person they want to handle their appraisal that will be permitted also. John Curtin Mr. Curtin gave brief explanation of how appraisals are done. Believe home values are between $125,000 to $175,000. Brian Witmer Mr. Witmer, Glenn O. Hawbaker, explained why the urgency in moving to the Tressler Tract. In 2005 SRBC put a levy on Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc. giving them no choice but to maintain 218 million gallon of water in the Whiterock Quarry at all times, pumping 1,000 gallons per day to Logan Branch. Therefore they need to move the mining due to only one spot left. Will need to backfill current location and continue with the Tressler Tract. Further explained water situation. Need to comply with DEP regulations, need to pump water plus maintain the 218 million gallons in the hole at all times. Mr. Witmer further reported they are being forced to move to the Tressler Tract, not by choice but by need. Mr. Witmer presented charts showing blasting dates that occurred between 2009 and 2010. Science proves the blasting did not cause cracks in foundations. Residents can feel the vibrations but they are not responsible for cracking foundations. Mr. Witmer reported blasting has been investigated by the Chief Blasting Agent for D.E.P. and Glenn O. Hawbaker was commended for their records of shots and vibrations. As for dust, yes the work they do creates dust but operations are not effecting Stover Development. Most operations are 240 ft. below the road, primary dust is 3 miles from Stover Development. Mr. Witmer presented a chart of the shots which showed less than two (2) times a week.
95 shots in 2010. Most of the times winds were blowing away from the Stover Development. Most dust is spread by farmers. Mr. Witmer continued with explaining the reclamation process, and how they are trying to be good neighbors. Always looking for ways to improve. Sam McCartney - Mr. McCartney, Employee for Glenn O. Hawbaker for 25 years, explained the importance of jobs for the community and that this is a natural resource much needed and the community has built around it. Mr. McCartney pointed out Frank Miceli, Spring Township Planning Commission has questioned what the benefit is to the community of mining. Glenn O. Hawbaker has spent millions of dollars in this community and has given away lots of materials to help the area. Mr. McCartney read list of some of the things Glenn O. Hawbaker has done. Mr. McCartney also pointed out 500 jobs are directly effected by this mine along with countless other jobs that are individually effected. Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc. serves over 400 customers with their products. Mr. McCartney requested the Supervisors to continue to allow Glenn O. Hawbaker to develop and provide jobs to this community. QUESTIONS TO APPLICANT FROM BOARD OF SUPERVISORS: Frank Royer Mr. Royer, Supervisor, questioned how many jobs directly will this effect. Sam McCartney Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc. Mr. McCartney reported 500 with Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc. and 180 with Graymont. QUESTIONS TO APPLICANT FROM OTHERS: David Grove Mr. Grove questioned how long jobs will last. Sam McCartney Mr. McCartney, Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc., reported they anticipate 6 to 12 years for the Tressler Tract. Terry Perryman Mr. Perryman, Chairman, questioned how many additional sub contractors does Glenn O. Hawbaker have. Sam McCartney Mr. McCartney, Glenn O. Hawbaker, reported last year had 50 to 75 sub contractor trucking companies. Frank Royer Mr. Royer, Supervisor, questioned if approved, after 6 to 12 years will Hawbaker s move back to the Whiterock Quarry to work? Brian Witmer Mr. Witmer, Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc., reported yes.
Bryan Goodrow Mr. Goodrow, Representing Stover Development, questioned how many core samples were taken at Tressler Tract to see what Tressler Tract will hold. Brian Witmer Mr. Witmer, Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc., reported no samples were taken at Tressler, however, definitely Gentzel Quarry holds the water and Tressler is right next to it. Garo Goodrow Mr. Goodrow, Representing Stover Development, questioned the reclamation process and commented what good is it now? Mr. Goodrow also showed pictures of reclamation areas and said these areas can no longer be used for farming. Brian Witmer Mr. Witmer, Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc., reported whatever you want to do with it. They put back to condition prior to mining. Glen Hein Mr. Hein, Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc., reported the one area that is reclaimed will end up being a lake. However, the one area Mr. Goodrow is referring to has not been completed yet. Calvin Kiffer Mr. Kiffer, Stover Development, reported when Phantom Lake existed, basements would fill with water. Glen Hein Mr. Hein, Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc., reported the hole is making a place for the water and questioned if Mr. Kiffer had water in his basement recently. Calvin Kiffer Mr. Kiffer, Stover Development, reported years ago, but if water gets put back it will be in basements again. Glen Hein Mr. Hein, Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc., reported due to elevation he doesn t see a problem and does not feel residents of Stover Development will either. Catherine Arbogast Ms. Arbogast, Stover Development, questioned when Mr. Curtain stated appraisals were done years ago, when were they done? Glen Hein Mr. Hein, Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc., - reported 1983. Catherine Arbogast Ms. Arbogast also questioned if the water is moved closer, would residents be required to carry flood insurance? Glen Hein Mr. Hein, Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc. reported he is not sure but the hole is so large he feels there would never be an issue.
Brian Goodrow Mr. Goodrow, Stover Deveopment Representative, reported in the Planning Commission Minutes of June 20, 1983 a realtor said any economic depreciation would be caused by above ground mining. Chad Trithart Mr. Trithart reported the Centre Daily Times had an article in the paper and quoted Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc. as employing 298 people. Mr. Trithart questioned if this is true or a mistake since Mr. McCartney claims they employ 500. Sam McCartney Mr. McCartney, Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc., reported he is not sure where the Centre Daily Times got their information, could have been seasonal employees. However, he has taken his figures directly from the payroll and this mine supports Central Pennsylvania and the exact payroll is 500. William MacMath Mr. MacMath, Township Manager, reported he received three (3) letters of written comments. Mr. MacMath read the recommendation of the Spring Township Planning Commission. Letters also received from Marion Township, Deanne Brunner and Catherine Arbogast. These letters will be kept on file and made part of the record of testimony. OPPOSITION PRESENTATIONS STOVER DEVLEOPMENT: Brian Goodrow Mr. Goodrow reported they were here 29 years ago 2/15/82 for the same reason. Handed out pictures showing dust from the blasting. Mr. Goodrow reported he is representing the development and is here to show they are against approving rezoning of the Tressler Tract. The residents do not want it and they are the ones mostly effected by it. Mr. Goodrow also commented if the Supervisors are not going to listen to the Planning Commission, why have them. Ralph Shilling Mr. Shilling presented an article our of the Centre Daily Times in 1982 and commented it was ironic the same night 29 years ago they are here again regarding the same issue. Mr. Shilling also presented pictures to the Board of Supervisors which will be kept on file. Mr. Shilling stated in the Zoning Ordinance under Ag Preservation District (AI) the number one intent is to preserve Ag land in rural areas. The Nittany Valley Comprehensive Plan also states to preserve prime farm lands. For the past 28 years Mr. Shilling reported he has been identified with Spring Township and still serves as Chairman on the Zoning Hearing Board. It is the position of the Township to maintain the health, economics and social welfare of the citizens. Garo Goodrow Mr. Goodrow reported he has never heard the Scientifics of blasting, however he stated constant vibrations will cause problems over time. David Grove Mr. Grove reported he lives at 671 Garbrick Road adjacent to the quarry, there is a 2 ¼ mile stretch along Route 64 currently being mined. Over the last 20 to 30 years it has grown and feels afterwards the property is useless. This rezoning will go against the Comprehensive Plan. Part of
the Tressler Tract is in the flood plain and the Comprehensive Plan states farm land is the best use of the Tressler Tract. Before the Comprehensive Plan passed it was Industrial to Ag, now it s being requested to be rezoned. Mr. Grove also read Governor s order. Urged the Supervisors to vote with caution. Brian Goodrow Mr. Goodrow requested to speak on behalf of the Fetterolf s. Their concern is the loss of feed for their cattle and loss of milk. Their property adjoins the Tressler Tract. Sam McCartney Mr. McCartney, Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc., questioned how many home owners were present. All raised hands. 18 Residents were present. Catherine Arbogast Ms. Arbogast reported there was also a petition given to the Planning Commission opposing the rezoning. Ralph Shilling Mr. Shilling reported knowing the past history back in 1982 we have over 250 signatures. Brian Witmer Mr. Witmer, Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc., reported he feels they were not given the opportunity at the Planning Commission Meeting to present their full presentation as they did this evening. Frank Miceli Mr. Miceli, Spring Township Planning Commission Chairman, reported he does not agree. Glen Hein Mr. Hein, Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc., reported in reference to the Fetterolf s the mineral rights are owned by Graymont. At some point they should have been aware it was going to be mined. Brian Goodrow Mr. Goodrow reported they only knew underground mining, not surface. COMMENTS FROM OTHERS: Ray Noll Mr. Noll reported he is the owner of 575 acres of Nittany Noll Preserve which boarders all properties and agrees with the Planning Commission s decision. David Asencio Mr. Asencio reported he is the Owner of Eby Paving and he is in support of the rezoning. Aggregate is vital and used to build homes etc. He plans to continue to employ local workers and asked anyone opposing as to why it is okay for them to use it to build their homes but wants to stop it for future use. Mr. Asencio also reported he is the closest to the blasting and has never seen any flying rock. He feels Township should approve the rezoning. Chris Lauck Mr. Lauck, Mustang Fabrication, reported he is in support of the rezoning. He built his business due to this industry and hates to see another company go.
Aaron Boone Mr. Boone reported he is in favor of the rezoning and feels if it s not rezoned his property will be worthless. Encourages the Supervisors to make the best choice for Spring Township. David Potter Mr. Potter reported he lives on College Avenue and has been in the building industry for over 30 years. As to cracked foundations, there is many ways to get cracks in a foundation and fingers should not be pointed at blasting. This rezoning to allow Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc. to proceed with their business is a positive thing for the community. Lime alone is essential and feels Glenn O. Hawbaker have been more than fair. CLOSING STATEMENTS: Glen Hein Mr. Hein, Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc., reported he appreciates all the comments and having a civil discussion. He stated Mr. Potter summed it up and appreciates all comments. On behalf of Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc. he hopes residents do not take anything personal and appreciates the interest and consideration. Garo Goodrow Mr. Goodrow reported on behalf of the Stover Development, they also appreciate a civil meeting. They are not against having the limestone mined but feel there comes a time when enough is enough. They do not care about underground mining they are just not in favor of surface mining. Terry Perryman Mr. Perryman, Chairman, thanked everyone for attending and being respectful to each other and having a civil meeting. Frank Royer Mr. Royer, Supervisor, also thanked everyone for their conduct. Tracey Benson Mr. Benson, Solicitor, also agreed the meeting went very well and thanked everyone for their conduct. ADJOURN: With no further business to discuss hearing adjourned at 8:10 P.M. Recording Secretary Molly Baird