Board of Commissioners
10-24-16 Minutes
MINUTES
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 24, 2016
The following were in ATTENDANCE:
| BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS | TOWNSHIP STAFF |
| H. Edward Black, President | Thomas G. Vernau Jr., Township Manager |
| Jack R. Simpson, Jr. | Erin Trone, Assistant Township Manager |
| Carolyn E. Holtzman | David Holl, Director of Public Safety |
| Daniel Flint, Community Development | |
| Richard Grove, Director of Finance | |
| John Eby, Building and Zoning Coordinator | |
| Leon Crone, Captain, Police Department | |
| Steven P. Miner, Solicitor | |
| Julie Echterling, Recording Secretary |
President Black called the October 24, 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. Vice President Young and Commissioner Schin were absent with excuse.
MEETING MINUTES
Commissioner SIMPSON made a motion to approve the minutes from the October 10, 2016 regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
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 SIMPSON moved to approve the following Consent Agenda items:
- Department Reports for the month of September for Community Development, Township Engineer, Public Works, Fleet Maintenance, Public Safety, and Assistant Manager.
- Move Corisa Kidman from probationary to regular full time status in the position of Complaints Coordinator.
Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0
PRESIDENT BLACK
Approval of Check Register
Commissioner SIMPSON made a motion to approve Check Register of October 14, 2016 in the amount of $344,434.18. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
Commissioner SIMPSON made a motion to approve the Manual check register for September in the amount of $356.25. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0-1. President Black abstained as a relative of his is on the check register.
Resolution 2016-R-26 – Captain of Police Department
Commissioner SIMPSON made a motion to adopt Resolution 2016-R-26, a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of Lower Allen Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, promoting Leon G. Crone, Jr. to the rank of Captain of the Lower Allen Township Police Department. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
Promotional Ceremony for Captain Crone
Public Safety Director Holl welcomed everyone to the ceremony honoring Lieutenant Leon Crone in his promotion to Captain. He welcomed Lt. Crone’s wife and children, State Representative Sheryl Delozier, Camp Hill Police Chief Hockenberry, Bethlehem Police Captain Heiberger, Dick Hammon from PA Chiefs of Police Association PA Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, Lower Swatara Township Public Safety Director Frank Williamson, and the members of the Lower Allen Township’s Civil Service Commission. Director Holl discussed Lieutenant Crone’s background including his degrees, military experience, certifications, promotions, and work with PLEAC and CALEA.
District Justice Charles Clement swore in Leon Crone as the first Captain of the Lower Allen Police Department. President Black pinned the Captain’s badge on Captain Crone. Mrs. Crone pinned on her husband’s new collar insignia. The Board congratulated him on this promotion.
ANY BUSINESS PERTINENT TO THE TOWNSHIP
There was no response.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Zoning Hearing Board Report
Mr. Eby spoke about the Zoning Hearing Board meeting for Docket #2016-02. The requested variance by the Pizza Grille owners is to build a storage shed on the parking lot they own across Gettysburg Road. The variance was approved with conditions. The conditions included working with the Township’s Public Works department with snow removal and the location of the storage shed. He stated that staff is reviewing another docket for November.
Zoning Ordinance Amendment 2015-02, Ordinance 2016-04 Wireless Communications Facilities.
Mr. Eby spoke about the public hearing held earlier tonight. He spoke about the actions the Board could take for this ordinance. Discussion ensued.
Commissioner SIMPSON made a motion to direct the Solicitor to prepare an adjudication in the affirmative for Zoning Ordinance Amendment 2015-02, Ordinance 2016-04. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
Request to remove sidewalk at 2 Palmer Drive.
Mr. Flint spoke about a request from a resident to remove the sidewalk along his residence (2 Palmer Drive). He showed the Board the location on the map and pictures of the property. He stated that the reason behind the request was that the sidewalk needs to be repaired because of the tree roots growing under the sidewalk. Instead of replacing the sidewalk, he would like to remove it as it isn’t being used. He stated that the sidewalk runs along the Hartzdale Drive stub and ends at an empty field. He spoke about the Township’s master plan for pedestrian connection and spoke about a possible future connection in this area and potential replacement of this sidewalk. Discussion ensued.
Commissioner SIMPSON made a motion to approve the request to remove the sidewalk along Hartzdale Dr. at 2 Palmer Drive and to have the property owner replace the sidewalk in the event that a pedestrian trail is planned for this area. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Commissioner Holtzman is concerned that the homeowner won’t like the condition of having to reinstall the sidewalk for a pedestrian trail. Mr. Vernau spoke about the options for the Township if/when this would occur.
SLD Docket No. 2016-07 Dairy Farmers of America Silo Capacity Expansion.
Mr. Flint discussed SLD Docket No. 2016-07, Final Minor Land Development Plan for Dairy Farmers of America Silo Capacity Expansion, at 4825 Gettysburg Road. He showed the Board the location on the map. He spoke about the impervious coverage and the changes they are proposing to meet the requirements. Mr. Greg Lebo, Lebo Engineering, stated that the plan is straightforward and the addition would be used for storage. He stated that they have the Township’s and County’s comments and are fine with them. He asked if action could be taken tonight as the cold weather is approaching and they would like to start the project. Discussion ensued.
Commissioner SIMPSON made a motion to approve SLD Docket No. 2016-07, Final Minor Land Development Plan for Dairy Farmers of America Silo Capacity Expansion, at 4825 Gettysburg Road. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
Agreement to purchase MS4 Coordinator services from Hampden Township
Mr. Flint stated that this was discussed at the last meeting and the Board was waiting to find out the hourly rate Hampden Township would charge. He stated that the rate to be charged is $45.00 per hour. Discussion ensued.
Commissioner SIMPSON made a motion to approve the agreement to purchase MS4 Coordinator services from Hampden Township at a rate of $45 per hour. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
Security Release for SLD Docket No. 2015-04, Final Land Development Plan for 4530 Lena Drive
Commissioner SIMPSON made a motion to approve the Improvement Security Release for SLD Docket No. 2015-04, Final Land Development Plan for 4530 Lena Drive. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
Security for SLD Docket No. 2014-02, Final Land Development Plan for Executive Park West No. 5
Commissioner SIMPSON made a motion to reduce the Improvement Security for SLD Docket No. 2014-02, Final Land Development Plan for Executive Park West No. 5, establishing a new amount of $35,526.43 and a new expiration date of October 24, 2017. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
Security Reduction for SLD Docket No. 2015-13, Final Land Development Plan for Stone Gate Village.
Mr. Flint stated that he received a request for a security reduction for SLD Docket No. 2015-13, Final Land Development Plan for Stone Gate Village. He stated that this may be ready for action at the next meeting after an inspection is performed.
MANAGER
CapCOG Building Code Official Program
Mr. Vernau discussed a proposal and resolution from Capital COG to participate in a program offering building inspection and plan review services to municipalities. He spoke about his involvement in developing the initiative and how it would work. He stated that it is $250 administrative fee to participate. Capital COG is in the initial stages of this program. They haven’t hired officials and the hourly rate for using the services isn’t known at the time. He stated that the Township could sign up and not use the services if the costs are too high. Solicitor Miner believes if the Board agrees, it should be in an ordinance form. Discussion ensued. The Board agreed to wait until to discuss with Commissioner Schin as he represents the Township with COG.
COMMISSIONERS REPORTS
Mrs. Trone spoke about the pumpkin decorating contest in the lobby. She spoke about the competition and how one department will receive a pizza party.
Director Holl thanked the Board for their support with the ceremony for Captain Crone tonight. He is looking forward to moving forward and believes Captain Crone will do well.
John Devine of 1604 Chatham Road, spoke about a concern he has with trees in his neighborhood. He spoke about an old tree he has that a neighbor is interesting in cutting down the parts that cross over into her yard. He asked if the Township would consider a heritage tree ordinance. Solicitor Miner stated that the Township can start a Shade Tree Commission. Discussion ensued. The Board directed staff to look into establishing a Commission. President Black asked Mr. Flint to work on an ordinance for trees.
President Black spoke about the hiring process for the position of Captain for the Police Department. He stated that Captain Crone is a well-educated officer and does a good job for the Township
ADJOURNMENT TO EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners adjourned to executive session at 8:07 pm to discuss the following items:
- 2017 Pay Increases.