A Hanover Township councilman has accused another councilman of violating the township's home rule charter.

At the township council's meeting last Wednesday, Councilman Randall Atkinson accused Councilman Bruce Paulus of violating a provision in the township's charter.

"I did an extensive investigation into this matter," Atkinson said. "The home rule charter does not allow a member of council to hold a position in a political party. Mr. Paulus holds a position as a Democratic Party committeeman. A violation is considered a misdemeanor in our charter."

Atkinson asked township Solicitor Jackson Eaton to present his findings to the district attorney. Council approved going forward with the discovery by a 4-1 vote, with Paulus voting no.

Councilman Michael Woolley expressed some reservations about the process.

After the meeting, Paulus indicated that he was unaware of the provision.

"I was forewarned that this was going to be presented," he said. "There is a state law that says I can hold a position as a committeeman and an elected office." he said.

Two residents in attendance, Tom Lerch and Curtis Wegfahrt, expressed their dismay that the accusation was made in a public forum and that Paulus was not approached in private.

"Bruce Paulus has already said that he was not aware of the provision," Wegfahrt said. Paulus, Atkinson and Wegfahrt are all on the ballot for election or re-election in November.

Councilman William Kovacs countered the arguments from Lerch and Wegfahrt saying he had been attacked during a public session by resident Joseph Heimbecker on another matter. Kovacs was accused of electioneering violations that he contended were not issues to be addressed by council, but should be taken to the county elections board. Heimbecker is also on the election ballot for a seat on the council.

According to Eaton, a violation of the rule cited by Atkinson must be willful.

"I'll present everything that I have to the district attorney as council requires," he said. "It is up to the district attorney to determine what happens next."

Also at the meeting, Chairman Frank Dreisbach offered a proposal that Hanover council meetings be video recorded and streamed on the Internet in real time.

"Anyone that wants to watch the meetings can see them from their living room," Dreisbach said. A contractor estimated the cost for equipment to provide the service at less than $1,400, he said. There would be an ongoing monthly fee estimated at $50.

Dreisbach did not receive broad support for the proposal. Paulus was opposed.

"The state has ruled that there is no need to record meetings, so I don't see what benefit this brings," he said.

Township Manager Sandra Pudliner mentioned paper minutes would still be necessary.

Dreisbach agreed to defer discussion on the matter until next meeting when council members have had a chance to review the proposal in more depth.

In other business, Pudliner recommended the council raise the fees for zoning hearings.

"We have the fee at $750 which covers the expense to advertise the meeting," she said. Based on her research, surrounding municipalities have different approaches to charging for hearings.

"Some are flat fee as we are," she said. "Others charge a smaller fee, but require that the services are paid for."

Municipalities are allowed to bill for half the cost of the required court reporter, a per diem rate for the zoning officer and costs paid to the zoning hearing board members. Pudliner suggested a flat fee of $1,000.

"That should allow us to break even," she said.

Council is expected to approve the fee increase at its next session. The fee for residents who are required to go before the zoning board will remain at $50.