Board of Commissioners
1-9-17 Minutes
MINUTES
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 9, 2017
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 |
| Jack R. Simpson, Jr. | Leon Crone, Police Captain |
| Carolyn Holtzman | Richard Grove, Director of Finance |
| Daniel Flint, Community Development | |
| John Eby, Building and Zoning Coordinator | |
| Steven P. Miner, Solicitor | |
| Julie Echterling, Recording Secretary |
President Black called the January 9, 2017 Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners to order at 7:17 pm. He stated that the 6:00pm Public Hearing ran late. He followed with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. He announced that Proof of Publication was available for review.
MEETING MINUTES
Commissioner HOLTZMAN made a motion to approve the minutes from the December 27, 2016 meeting of the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
EMPLOYEE RECOGNITIONS
President Black recognized the following employees for their years of service:
- William Yeagley – 5 years of service in the Community Development Department
- Helen Grundon – 10 years of service in the EMS, Finance & Administration Departments
- Douglas Foltz – 15 years of service in the Police Department.
- Christopher Yohn – 15 years of service in the EMS Department.
- Bryce Landis – 20 years of service in the EMS and Public Safety Departments
- Michael Scarlato – 10 years of service in Police Department- (was not in attendance)
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:
- Purchase of a dump truck bed replacement for a 2008 Ford F-550 from MJR Equipment Company through COSTARS for $10,616.00. This is a budgeted item.
- Fleet Report for the month of November.
- Tax Collector’s December 2016 monthly report.
Commissioner HOLTZMAN 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 January 6, 2017 in the amount of $216,851.16. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to approve the Manual check register from December in the amount of $14,580. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0-1, with President Black abstaining due to a relative of his being on the check register.
Ordinance 2017-02-Municipal Agreement with COG
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to enact Ordinance 2017-02, an Ordinance of the Board of
Commissioners of Lower Allen Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, amending the Code of the Township of Lower Allen, 1997 at Chapter 23, Intergovernmental Cooperation, by creating a new Article XIII, authorizing the Board of Commissioners to enter into a municipal agreement with the Capital Region Council of Governments and its member municipalities to participate in the building code department for building code inspections and plan reviews.
Roll Call Vote: Commissioner Simpson – Aye
Vice President Young -Aye
President Black – Aye
Commissioner Schin – Aye
Commissioner Holtzman – Aye
Ordinance 2017-02 was approved by a 5-0 vote.
Resolution 2017-R-01, Eagle Scout – Vincent Camillo Pham
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to adopt Resolution 2017-R-01, a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of Lower Allen Township, Cumberland County Pennsylvania, recognizing, commending and honoring Vincent Camillo Pham for the attainment of the rank of Eagle Scout. Commissioner SIMPSON seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
APPOINTMENTS & REAPPOINTMENTS
Lower Allen Township Authority
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to reappoint Gordon E. Wilson to the Lower Allen Township Authority for a term of five years, beginning January 1, 2017. Vice President YOUNG seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Recreation and Parks Board
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to reappoint Gregory M. Mahon to the Lower Allen Township Recreation and Parks Board for a term of five years, beginning January 1, 2017. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Development Authority
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to reappoint H. Edward Black to the Lower Allen Township
Development Authority for a term of five years, beginning January 1, 2017. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Zoning Hearing Board
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to reappoint Ronald A. Massott to the Lower Allen Township Zoning Hearing Board for a term of three years, beginning January 1, 2017. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Planning Commission
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to reappoint Michael Washburn to the Lower Allen Township Planning Commission for a term of four years, beginning January 1, 2017. Commissioner SIMPSON seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to reappoint David Clovsky to the Lower Allen Township Planning Commission for a term of four years, beginning January 1, 2017. Commissioner SIMPSON seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Township Secretary, Helen Grundon, swore in the following members in attendance: H. Edward Black, Ronald A. Massott, and David Clovsky.
ANY BUSINESS PERTINENT TO THE TOWNSHIP
There was no response.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
SLD Docket No. 2016-08: Capital City Retail Reconstruction
Mr. Flint discussed SLD Docket No. 2016-08, a final Land Development plan for Capital City Mall Retail Reconstruction. He spoke about the previous plan and stated that the size is about the same but would be shaped differently. He showed the Board the plan on the screen and the map of the location. He stated that the plan will transform the current Sears store into five separate stores. He spoke about the new shape, traffic flow, parking, and the creation of a rain garden. Mr. Charlie Courtney, McNees Wallace, stated that this is simple plan and he was asking for approval of the plan tonight. Questions were asked and answered regarding the access to the new stores being outside of the mall interior. Discussion ensued.
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to approve SLD Docket No. 2016-08: Final Land Development
Plan for Capital City Mall Retail Reconstruction, proposed reconstruction and addition, with a net increase of 1,014 square feet; the approval of the Waiver requirement contained in Section 192-24.C to submit a Preliminary Plan, and contingent upon the following: an approval by the Cumberland County Conservation District and providing the executed Stormwater BMP Maintenance and Monitoring Agreement. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Zoning Hearing Board
Mr. Eby presented his report to the Board. The Zoning Hearing Board granted the three dimensional variances for Docket #2016-05. The applicant was seeking relief enabling them to submit an open space development plan for 18 townhouses and 8 single family dwellings on 6.7 acres located at 145 S. Locust Street. The Zoning Hearing Board granted the special exception variances for Docket #2016-06 for Pennsylvania-American Water Company. The variances were for reducing the number of parking spaces and the height limit of a building. He stated that there would not be a Zoning Hearing Board meeting in January.
Default of Maintenance and License Agreements for Small Flow Sewage Treatment Facility
Mr. Eby discussed his memo regarding the default of maintenance and license agreements for a small flow sewage treatment facility serving 1852 Sheepford Road. He showed the Board the location of the property on the map. He spoke about the agreement in place. He spoke about the reporting and testing requirements that are part of the agreement, including NPDES and DEP requirements. He stated that they have contacted the property owner and haven’t been able to obtain the required information. He proposed providing notice of the requirements being completed within a month, continued failure to comply would result in suspension of the storm water pipe discharge which would make the home inhabitable, and could result revocation of the discharge agreement, effecting a long-term occupancy prohibition. Discussion ensued.
Vice President YOUNG moved to take necessary action against the property owner for failing to file the required reports. Commissioner SIMPSON seconded the motion. Motion passed 5-0. Mr. Eby will send a certified letter and post the property.
Procedure for International Fire Code and International Property Maintenance Code Boards of Appeal
Mr. Eby spoke about developing application forms and rules of procedure for International Fire
Code and International Property Maintenance Code Boards of Appeal. He stated that there haven’t been any appeals to date but would like to set up the procedure. He would like to prepare the necessary documents and provide them to the Board for their approval. The Board agreed with Mr. Eby request.
Adjudication for Ordinance 2017-01
There was no discussion on this item as the Public Hearing on this matter was continued until January 23rd, 2017.
MANAGER
2017 Collective Bargaining Committee
Mr. Vernau stated that the Police contract ends on December 31, 2017. He stated that the Committee would start meeting next month. Discussion ensued. President Black and Vice President Young will represent the Board on this Committee.
COMMISSIONERS REPORTS
Mr. Grove spoke about the Township earning the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 27th year.
Vice President Young spoke about another truck having to back up on Beaver Road. Director Holl stated that it will be discussed at the next traffic committee meeting.
Commissioner Schin spoke about attending the Sewer Authority meeting.
Commissioner Holtzman spoke about the sink hole in Jack Wolfe’s back yard and asked what could be done. Mr. Flint spoke about placing a plate in the manhole in the street to stop flow. Commissioner Holtzman asked if the Township could do anything to fix the sinkhole. Solicitor Miner spoke about not being able to use public funds on private property. Discussion ensued.
Director Holl stated that today was Law Enforcement Day. He stated that a 3rd officer has been killed in the line of duty already for 2017. Captain Crone asked the Board if they would like to see any changes on the Public Safety report as they are going to the new system. Commissioner Simpson asked about seeing the number of times Narcan is used. Captain Crone will look into adding this into the narrative if possible.
President Black spoke about the passing of Mr. Jack Garner, former Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Municipal League. A memorial service will be held on January 19th.
RECESS TO EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Board of Commissioner’s Meeting recessed at 8:28pm to discuss the following item:
- Personnel
RECONVENE
The Board of Commissioners reconvened at 8:36pm.
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to accept the retirement of Mark Hoffman, a Maintenance Specialist in Public Works, effective February 3, 2017. Commissioner SIMPSON seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Commissioner SIMPSON made a motion to designate Benjamin Peters as a full-time employee in Public Works effective February 3, 2017. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
ADJOURNMENT
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners adjourned at 8:38 pm.