Board of Commissioners
1-23-17 Minutes
MINUTES
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 23, 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 23, 2017 Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners to order at 7:21 pm. He stated that the 6:00pm Public Hearing ran long. 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 January 9, 2017 meeting of the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner SIMPSON seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
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 a request. There was no response.
Vice President YOUNG moved to approve the following Consent Agenda items:
a. Resolution 2017-R-02, appointing Benjamin R. Peters to the position of Maintenance Specialist, Public Works Department, effective February 6, 2017, at a starting rate of pay of $15.00 per hour.
b. Purchase of a 2017 Ford Interceptor police car from Hoffman Ford through COSTARS for $31,868.00. This vehicle replaces a 2014 Interceptor. It is a budgeted item.
c. Purchase of a CrimeScope CS-16-500W Forensic Light Source from Spex Forensics for $19,975.00 plus shipping. This is a sole-source item and is budgeted.
d. Purchase of six (6) Xslate i5 tablet PCs for the Police Department from Allegiance Tablet PC Experts through COSTARS for $22,809.18. This is a budgeted item.
e. Tax Collectors January 2017 monthly report.
f. Department Reports for the month of December for Community Development, Township Engineer, Public Works, Fleet Maintenance, Assistant Managers and Public Safety
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 January 20, 2017 in the amount of $350,380.92. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Beacon Hill Trail Extension Project
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to approve awarding the construction contract for the Beacon Hill Trail Extension Project to Rogele, Inc. in the amount of $196,751.90. Vice President YOUNG seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Resolution 2017-R-03 – Realignment Project
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to adopt Resolution 2017-R-03 authorizing the negotiation, execution and signature authority, on behalf of the Lower Allen Township Board of Commissioners, for all correspondence and documents related to the acquisition of right of-way for the Gettysburg Road realignment project in Lower Allen Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. Commissioner SIMPSON seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
ANY BUSINESS PERTINENT TO THE TOWNSHIP
Mrs. Jill Etterly, 4124 Rosemont Ave, discussed the noise issues they are experiencing in her neighborhood from Ward Trucking. She stated that the noise goes on from 6pm to 4am. She spoke about the lights that shine on her neighbor’s yard. She asked if anything could be done to help with reducing the noise and lights. Mr. Vernau stated that he met with the property manager today. He spoke about the property and how the screen planting wasn’t planted. He spoke about the new truck drivers and their busy time. He needs to speak to the general manager. Discussion ensued. President Black asked Mrs. Etterly to keep in contact with Mr. Vernau.
Mr. Terry Kaiser, Rosemont Ave., stated that he believes the noise from Ward Truck is a training issue. He stated that they are dragging trailers, which will cause damage. He spoke about how the yard shifter was operated, and he understands the operation, having been in that business himself. He stated that he would go with Mr. Vernau and speak to the general manager with him, if desired.
Gary Spangenberg asked about the Spangler Mill Road bridge. He spoke about his concerns with the traffic being rerouted through is neighborhood. Mr. Flint discussed the detours for the state road.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Capital Purchase-Pierce Enforcer Custom Rescue Pumper
Director Holl spoke about his memo outlining the request for a new rescue pumper for the Lower Allen Fire Company. The new pumper will replace the 1998 Pierce Saber engine (Engine 2-12). He discussed the process they went through for the decision for the chosen pumper. He stated that the capital budget was $570,000. He stated that the discounted prepaid price for the pumper is $766,468. The Fire Company would be covering the difference between the capital budget and the net price of the pumper. Discussion ensued.
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to approve the purchase of a Pierce Enforcer Custom Rescue Pumper for $766,468. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Activate Civil Service
Director Holl discussed his memo requesting activation of the Civil Service Commission to consider three items. First is the testing conducted by the Cumberland County Police Testing Consortium taking place in May. After the testing and interviews, a list of candidates will be created for background checks. Second is to begin the process of promotion for a Sergeant and at least one Corporal. The third item to consider is removing the requirement from the rules and regulations that candidates up for promotion be required to pass a physical agility test as part of the testing process to be eligible for promotion. He discussed each request and the reasons behind each request.
He discussed a trial period for moving to 12 hour shifts. He spoke about the benefit of the 12 hours shift. He stated that a side letter to the Collective Bargaining Agreement would be necessary. Discussion ensued.
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to activate the Civil Service Commission to consider the testing for a candidate list for a new officer, promotion process for a Sergeant and Corporal, and consideration of changing of the requirements for promotion. Commissioner SIMPSON seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Ordinance 2017-01
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to prepare the adjudication in the negative for Ordinance 2017-01, an Ordinance of the Board of Commissioners of Lower Allen Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, amending, modifying and changing the Code of the Township of Lower Allen, Section 220-8A, the zoning map of the Lower Allen Township Zoning Ordinance of 2009, as amended to rezone three (3) tracts of land from R-2 single-family rural residential to R-3 multi-family residential. Commissioner SIMPSON seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Traffic Control Device Ordinance
Mr. Flint discussed updating the current ordinance to update it with the changes that have taken place in the Township. He stated that there are new roads and changes to the traffic signals that will need to be codified. He stated that this will be brought to the Board for approval at an upcoming meeting.
Zoning Ordinance text amendment – Indoor Agricultural
Mr. Eby discussed his memo about a proposed zoning ordinance text amendment change to allow certain indoor agricultural uses within specified industrial and commercial districts. He spoke about why this is coming to the Board and how it is could be used with “locally sourced/locally grown/farm to table” food. He spoke about older, underutilized commercial and industrial buildings in the Township that could be repurposed as an indoor growing facility. He spoke about hydroponics, aquaponics, and aeroponics. Commissioner Simpson asked if this would apply to growing medical marijuana. Mr. Eby discussed the Pennsylvania law and regulations which allow a very small number of growers, but those growers could grow in these zones if the amendment is adopted. Solicitor Miner stated that there are very few licenses granted in the state for this use. Mr. Eby asked if the Board would like to see a sample of regulations and updated ordinance for dealing with requests. The consensus of the Board was for Staff to provide the Board with a draft amendment.
MANAGER
Date(s) for Strategic Planning Meeting(s)
Mr. Vernau discussed his memo for having a Strategic Planning meeting with the Board, as there has been a change in Commissioners since the last one. He stated that the meetings should establish the mission and what the goals and objectives are for the Township and may include setting service levels. He spoke about doing this before the Comprehensive Plan is started. He asked the Board if they would prefer to do it in one session on a Saturday or in successive evenings. Discussion ensued. Mr. Vernau will send an email to the Board to nail down a day.
COMMISSIONERS REPORTS
Director Holl spoke about the Public Safety Citizen’s Academy he is proposing to start for the community. It would be a 10-week course meeting on Mondays in the EOC. It would provide a look at EMS, Fire, Police and Public Safety. It would be limited to 24 residents and he encouraged the Board to attend one.
Commissioner Schin asked about a comment during the public hearing about Charter Homes developing the Township’s town center. President Black asked about this in the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Vernau stated that it was discussed at the last plan and the community didn’t formally push for a town center for the Township.
Commissioner Simpson spoke about a presentation on Cumberland Valley providing college credits for classes for EMS, Fire Fighters and MS4 for students. He thought this maybe something we may want to consider for our Township.
Mr. Grove spoke about the funding for the fire truck and the capital lease that will be coming before the Board for approval soon.
Mr. Flint spoke about the MS4 permit meeting. He stated that it would take place at 6pm in February or March and he will let the Board know when.
Mr. Eby spoke about the Yellow Breeches Water Shed and the landscaping challenge taking place this year.
ADJOURNMENT
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners adjourned at 8:57 pm.