Board of Commissioners
2-27-17 Minutes
MINUTES
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 27, 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 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 February 27, 2017 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 HOLTZMAN made a motion to approve the minutes from the February 13, 2017 meeting of the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: ANY ITEM ON THE AGENDA
Mrs. Jill Itterly asked to speak on the Ward Trucking issue.
PRESENTATION: TOWNSHIP’S STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Mr. Flint stated that this presentation was part of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase 2 Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit Process. The purpose of this presentation is to educate the public and receive feedback. He showed examples of stormwater issues and how it can affect local streams. He spoke about water pollutants including oil spills, toxic chemicals, bacteria, chlorides, silt, and other type of items. He discussed the following six MCM (Minimum Control Measures):
- Public education and outreach
- Public involvement participation
- Illicit discharge detection
- Construction site run off control
- Post-construction storm water management
- Pollution prevention/good housekeeping
He discussed each of the MCMs and gave examples for each of them. He stated that the MS4 Permit application needs to be submitted by September 2017 and needs to be advertised for public input prior to submission.
He asked if there were any question or comments. Mr. Tony Keiser asked about grass clippings. Mr. Flint spoke about the issue with them and the public education the Township provides. Mr. Andrew Kreider asked if the Township is considering a stormwater tax/fee. Mr. Flint stated that no there is currently no considering of a tax. President Black asked about the mapping of the stormwater sewer system and training. Mr. Flint explained the mapping system. He stated that they just recently had training with 60 people in attendance including other municipalities. Commissioner Schin asked about auditing. Mr. Flint stated that DEP did their audit including a site visit at Public Works which ended in just one comment. Commissioner Simpson asked about washing cars and how there are areas where they can only be washed in yards. Mr. Flint stated that the DEP will be updating their model ordinance which will include this requirement in 2020. The Board thanked him for the presentation. Mr. Flint stated that there were handouts available to the public.
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:
1. Purchase of a Use of Force Simulator and Equipment from TI Training LE, LLC. In the amount of $32,150.00. This is a budgeted item.
2. Purchase of a new dump truck, consisting of a Western Star Chassis in the amount of $84,938.00, and upfitting by MJR Equipment in the amount of $77,976.00, for a total cost of $162,914.00, available on the COSTARS contract. This is a budgeted item.
3. Department Reports for the month of January for Community Development, Township Engineer, Public Works, Fleet Maintenance, Assistant Managers and Public Safety
Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
PRESIDENT BLACK
Approval of Check Register
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to approve Check Register February 17, 2017 in the amount of $1,101,975. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Resolution 2017-R-05
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to approve Resolution 2017-R-05, authorizing execution and delivery of a Master Lease/Purchase Agreement with U.S. Bancorp Government Leasing and Finance, Inc., of Denver Colorado, and related instruments, and determining other matters in connection therewith. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
ANY BUSINESS PERTINENT TO THE TOWNSHIP
There was no response.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Wastewater Disposal System – 1852 Sheepford Road
Mr. Eby discussed the background of an Agreement to maintain a small flow sewage treatment facility at 1852 Sheepford Road. He spoke about the issues discussed at the prior meeting and the potential suspension of occupancy to the tenant. He worked with the owner and has an amended Agreement. The new agreement requires quarterly testing for 2017. The owner is seeking a contractor to do the required testing. He reminded the Board of the escrow that is available for testing if it isn’t completed by the owner. Discussion ensued.
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to approve the amended Wastewater Disposal System agreement for 1852 Sheepford Road. Vice President YOUNG seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Gettysburg Road – Hartzdale Drive Pedestrian Safety Project
Commission SCHIN made a motion to award a contract to Rogele, Inc in the amount of $244,358 for the Gettysburg Road – Hartzdale Drive Pedestrian Safety Project. Vice President YOUNG seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
MANAGER
Fredricksen Library Representative
Mr. Vernau stated that there has been a vacancy as Township Representative to the Fredricksen Library for some time. He asked the Board to let him know if they know anyone interested in serving. Commissioner Holtzman expressed interest and Mr. Vernau will follow-up with her.
Ward Trucking Update
Mr. Vernau stated that he and Commissioner Simpson met with the site manager on Friday and took a tour of the property. He stated that the property is outdated, their slots for the trucks aren’t sized for the modern trailers, and there isn’t enough space between the trucks. Commissioner Simpson spoke about their practice of parking trucks and how the landing gear is hitting the blacktop. He spoke about the outdated building and property. We suggested extending the concrete pad, using the yard truck exclusively, and manually raising the landing gear to reduce the noise. The manager of the site stated that they don’t want to put money into the site as they would like to move.
Mrs. Jill Itterly stated that she read they have 5,000 trucks a day coming in and out. She can’t believe they don’t have to update their property. She stated that this past Thursday was one of the worst nights with noise. She asked about the noise ordinance. She stated that sometimes the drivers blow their horn when no one is at the gate to let them in. Discussion ensued. Mr. Vernau stated that they are trying to get them to cooperate and the new manager has just started. He will send a letter to the company and provide a copy to the Board. President Black asked Mrs. Itterly to call Mr. Vernau immediately if any other issues arise.
COMMISSIONERS REPORTS
Mr. Eby spoke about the upcoming Yellow Breeches clean-up dates of April 1st and 9th. Commissioner Schin spoke about the lack of electronic recycling. Mr. Vernau stated that Cumberland County is putting together a program. He also spoke about the Fall recycling event coming up for the Township.
Director Holl spoke about the Citizens’ Public Safety Academy starting next Monday. He spoke about being involved in meetings with the County about radio revisions and working through the upcoming changes. Captain Crone spoke about being on the range today and Officer Tamanosky obtaining the highest score for the day. Mrs. Trone spoke about the Citizens Advisory Committee meetings for the Comprehensive Plan. She spoke about the presentation about the Fun Fort made by the consultant at the Recreation and Parks Board.
ADJOURNMENT
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners adjourned at 8:20 pm.