Board of Commissioners
9-12-16 Minutes
MINUTES
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 12, 2016
The following were in ATTENDANCE:
| BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS | TOWNSHIP STAFF |
| H. Edward Black, President | Thomas G. Vernau Jr., Township Manager |
| Peddrick M. Young, Sr, Vice President | Erin Trone, Assistant Township Manager |
| Richard F. Schin | David Holl, Director of Public Safety |
| Carolyn E. Holtzman | Daniel Flint, Community Development |
| Jack R. Simpson, Jr. | Richard Grove, Director of Finance |
| Leon Crone, Lieutenant, Police Department | |
| Steven P. Miner, Solicitor | |
| Julie Echterling, Recording Secretary |
President Black called the September 12, 2016 Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners to order at 7:00 pm. He followed with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. He announced that Proof of Publication was available for review.
MEETING MINUTES
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to approve the minutes from the August 22, 2016 meeting of the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
PRESENTATION: CENTRAL PENN COLLEGE-FORENSIC CAMP
Dr. Sam Morgan, former Township police officer and professor at Central Penn College, addressed the Board. He spoke about the forensic camp he conducted at Lower Allen Township for his students. He stated that he is here to support the Township and the Police Department. He presented Director Holl a check for $1,000 for the forensic unit. President Black and the Board thanked him for the check and his service to the Township.
PRESENTATION: RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD ANNUAL REVIEW
Mr. Mahon stated that he was here tonight to represent the Recreation and Parks Board and to provide suggestions for the upcoming budget process. He discussed the tours conducted in the Township parks and provided the following suggestions: Installing a tot lot structure at Sheepford Crossing Playground, upgrades to the play structures at the Fun Fort, repair/replace the fence at Allendale Playground, installation of a water fountain at Pete’s Field at the pavilion, improve water trail access at Creekwood and Yellow Breeches Parks, placement of recycling containers at each park, rehabilitate the asphalt areas of Highland Park, including painting four square or shuffle board courts, and begin the planning and grant process for the installation of a walking trail around the perimeter of LACP. He thanked President Black and Vice President Young for coming to their meetings. He thanked Mrs. Donna Paul, Mr. Tom Vernau, and Mr. Jim Chianos for their work with the Rec Board. The Board thanked him and the Recreation and Parks Board for their service to the Township
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: ANY ITEM ON THE AGENDA
There was no response.
CONSENT AGENDA
President Black advised that any Commissioner, staff member, or anyone in attendance could request any item on the Consent Agenda be removed for further discussion and asked if there was such request. There was no response.
Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the following Consent Agenda items:
- Release of Improvement Security for SLD Docket No. 2015-01, 2404 Gettysburg Road Building Addition.
- Tax Collector’s Monthly Report for August 2016.
Commissioner SIMPSON seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0
PRESIDENT BLACK
Approval of Check Register
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to approve the Check Register of September 2, 2016 in the amount of $162,058.62. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
ANY BUSINESS PERTINENT TO THE TOWNSHIP
There was no response.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Resolution 2016-R-27-Emergency Operations Plan
Director Holl spoke about the Emergency Operations Plan for the Township and how it is required to be updated every two years and filed with the County. He discussed how it addresses all hazardous situations that could affect the Township. He stated that it is the framework and checklist for the local response to these situations. Without this plan, grants and disaster assistance could be denied.
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to approve Resolution 2016-R-27, a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of Lower Allen Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, adopting the updated Emergency Operations Plan of Lower Allen Township. Vice President YOUNG seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
9/11 Memorial Location on Municipal Services Center Property
Director Holl provided a handout to the Board. It included a map of the proposed location of the 9/11 memorial monument. He discussed the reasons for the location, including the request from the Lower Allen Fire Company for it to be there. Discussion ensued. Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to approve the location of the 9/11 Memorial. Vice-President Young seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
SLD Docket 2016-05 Capital City Mall Restaurant Addition
Mr. Flint showed the Board the location of the proposed restaurant addition for the Capital City Mall. He stated that it would be added to the former Old Navy location. He stated that they have excess parking spaces, and there would still be enough parking with this addition to meet the ordinance requirements. The mall is looked at as a whole entity rather than each store individually. Craig Reynor, Pennoni & Associates, stated that since there were no waivers requested or any major comments, he asked the Board for approval tonight. Commissioner Holtzman asked what restaurant would be going into that space. Chris Mrozinski, PREIT, stated that they don’t have a signed lease and therefore couldn’t reveal the name at this point. Discussion ensued.
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to approve SLD Docket 2016-05, Final Minor Land Development Plan for Capital City Mall Restaurant Addition. Commissioner SIMPSON seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-1, with Commissioner Holtzman opposing.
Traffic Engineering Services Contract – McMahon Associates, Inc.
Mr. Flint discussed the need for engineers to help with traffic studies for the Township. The costs associated with these studies are passed through to the SLD applicant. He is recommending McMahon Associates, Inc. to perform this work.
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to approve executing a contract with McMahon Associates, Inc.to provide Traffic Engineering Services on as-needed basis associated with reviews of Land Development Projects. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
ASSISTANT MANAGER
Resolution 2016-R-28 –Sale of Township Property Valued over $1,000
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to approve Resolution 2016-R-28, a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of Lower Allen Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, authorizing the sale of Township property (2005 Tiger 3-point hitch mounted boom mower, model RBF-14C ser# RBF 1209) valued over $1,000. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
MANAGER
Snow and Ice Removal Ordinance Amendment.
Mr. Vernau discussed the changes he made to the Snow and Ice Removal Ordinance Amendment.
Vice President YOUNG made a motion authorizing the Solicitor to advertise the changes to the Snow and Ice Removal Ordinance Amendment. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Employee Recognitions
Mr. Vernau stated that several employees will be recognized next meeting for their years of service. He stated that Mr. Eby and Mr. Yeagley will be recognized for their work on the Wesley Mews sprinkler deficiencies. The Board agreed that they did a great job in taking care of this situation.
Township Health Insurance Plan
Mr. Vernau stated that because of some higher than usual claims over the past two years, the insurance premiums will increase by about 14% this year, or about $150,000. He stated that they are looking at different options to reduce the cost to the Township, including higher deductibles and health savings plan options. He met with Benecon on Friday and he is working through a few options. Discussion ensued. He will present the Board different options during the budget process.
COMMISSIONERS REPORTS
Commissioner Simpson discussed a letter from a Strafford Rd resident that the Board received in their packet this week. He asked about the parking issue. President Black stated that this is the situation in Highland Park with parking and the narrow streets. The streets were designed that way to reduce speeds. The Board has addressed this issue in the past, including a survey on which side to park cars which came back 50/50. He feels the only way a change in the parking can take place is if all the residents agree and sign a petition and pass it along to the Township Manager.
Commission Schin asked if the CSOs wear vests. Director Holl stated that they are in the budget for 2016 and they are changing their uniforms to look less like police officers.
Director Holl spoke about the touching 9/11 ceremony held at the VFW yesterday.
Mrs. Trone stated that the sale of the Hummel Avenue building closed and is officially sold as of last week.
President Black spoke about the great loss that was suffered on 9/11 and the great job done by so many that day for our nation.
ADJOURNMENT TO EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners adjourned to executive session at 8:17 pm to discuss the following items:
- Captain benefits
- Employee benefits.