Board of Commissioners
3-13-17 Minutes
MINUTES
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING MARCH 13, 2017
The following were in ATTENDANCE:
| BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS | TOWNSHIP STAFF |
| Peddrick M. Young, Sr., Vice President | Thomas G. Vernau Jr., Township Manager |
| Richard F. Schin | Erin Trone, Assistant Township Manager |
| Jack E. Simpson, Jr. | David Holl, Director of Public Safety |
| Carolyn Holtzman (via telephone) | Richard Grove, Director of Finance |
| Daniel Flint, Community Development | |
| John Eby, Building and Zoning Coordinator | |
| Steven P. Miner, Solicitor | |
| Julie Echterling, Recording Secretary |
Vice President Young called the March 13, 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. President Black was absent with excuse.
MEETING MINUTES
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to approve the minutes from the February 27, 2017 meeting of the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner SIMPSON seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
INTRODUCTION OF OFFICER TIMOTHY COX
Director Holl introduced Officer Timothy Cox to the Board. He stated that Officer Cox started last week and is in training. He welcomed him to the Township. Officer Cox stated that he is impressed with the Township.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: ANY ITEM ON THE AGENDA
There was no response.
VICE PRESIDENT YOUNG
Approval of Check Registers
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to approve the Check Register of March 3, 2017 in the amount of $122,541.72. Commissioner SIMPSON seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
Commissioner HOLTZMAN made a motion to approve the Manual Check Register for the month of February, 2017, in the amount of $5,845.50 and the Voided Check Register in the amount of $3,750. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
Resolution 2017-R-06
Commissioner SIMPSON made a motion to approve Resolution 2017-R-06, a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of Lower Allen Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, authorizing the sale of Township property valued over $1,000. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
ANY BUSINESS PERTINENT TO THE TOWNSHIP
There was no response.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Criminal Investigator Job Description
Director Holl spoke about the assignment of Detective McNair to the Cumberland County Drug Task Force and the need for another Criminal Investigator to replace him. He spoke about the selection process for an internal candidate, interviewing and the requirements for the position.
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to approve the updated Criminal Investigator Job Description. Commissioner SIMPSON seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
Fire Captain Job Description
Director Holl spoke about the Fire Captain position that was approved in the 2017 budget. He stated that there were meetings with the Fire Chiefs and the PSOs to get their input on the job description. He stated that the PSOs would report to this position and would help with the Police Department. He stated that they would like to advertise the position in early April, with an expected start date in July. He hopes to have a recommendation for hire at the first meeting in June for the Board.
Commissioner Schin stated that he attended the two fire companies’ banquets, which were filled with the volunteers for the companies. He stated that he wasn’t in favor of this position during the budget process. He stated that he doesn’t want to discourage those who have managed their departments so well over the years. Director Holl stated that he has fully discussed this position with the fire companies and they are in favor of this position. Discussion ensued.
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to approve the presented Fire Captain Job Description. Commissioner SIMPSON seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
2018 Street Pavement Resurfacing Project List
Mr. Flint discussed his memo outlining the potential streets for the 2018 street pavement resurfacing project list. He asked for the Board to approve the list so utilities could be notified for scheduling upgrades/work prior to the paving. The list also helps Public Works schedule their work for the summer months. He stated that the list can change based on conditions over the winter. Discussion ensued.
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to approve the 2018 street pavement resurfacing project list as presented. Commissioner SIMPSON seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
Zoning Hearing Board Report
Mr. Eby discussed Docket #2017-01 for 1785 Sheepford Road. The applicant is asking for a variance for their proposed landscaping business in the R-2 Single Family zone. The applicant’s attorney had outlined the five variance criteria in their application. He stated that Mr. Flint stated that if it is approved by the ZHB, a land development plan would be required. Mr. Flint questioned the propriety of approving a business that will introduce commercial truck traffic onto Sheepford Road, which wasn’t designed or constructed to accommodate larger commercial trucks. Mr. Eby, as the Sewage Enforcement Officer, would include requiring the applicant to avoid any disturbance of the approved on-lot sewage disposal sites. He stated that he and Mr. Flint would be at the hearing and the Solicitor is not required.
Commissioner Schin stated that he is not in favor of this request. Commissioner Simpson stated that he is familiar with the road and believes the road is not wide enough for a car and a truck with a trailer. He is concerned about bicycle traffic and the width of the road. The weight of the trucks hauling stones and other such items would be a stress on the road. Discussion ensued.
Ordinance 2017-03-Agricultural Growing Operations
Mr. Eby discussed the proposed ordinance for agricultural growing operations. He spoke about amending the zoning code to allow indoor growing facilities. The permitted uses would be in the C-2, C-3, I-1, and I-3 zoning districts.
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to authorize initiation of the public review process for Ordinance 2017-03, a zoning ordinance text amendment that would add certain indoor agricultural growing operations as permitted uses in the C-2, C-3, I-1 and I-3 districts. Commissioner SIMPSON seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
MANAGER
Resolution 2017-R-07
Mr. Vernau stated that April is Pennsylvania 811 Safe Digging Month. He stated that this resolution would honor this for April. This will be ready for action at the next meeting.
Resolution 2017-08
Mr. Vernau stated that this resolution would recognize Edgar J. Siptroth for his service as Constable for Lower Allen Township. He retired at the end of 2016. This will be ready for action and presentation at the next meeting.
Ordinance 2017-04 – Noise Ordinance Amendments
Mr. Vernau provided the Board a draft of the proposed changes to the Noise Control ordinance, to include prohibiting the general activity of loading and unloading operations of vehicles between the hours of 11pm and 7am. There is also an addition to the Motor Vehicle and Noise Levels governing auxiliary equipment including airbrakes, horns, and other devices associated with the operations of motor vehicles.
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion authorizing the advertising of Ordinance 2017-04. Commissioner SIMPSON seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
Employee Recognition
Mr. Vernau stated that four employees would be recognized for their length of service at the next meeting.
COMMISSIONERS REPORTS
Director Holl spoke about the Public Safety Citizens’ Academy having five students. He stated that the Township is receiving approximately $100,000 from FEMA for the Jonas storm last year. He spoke about the impending storm and the preparations Public Safety and Public Works have made for this storm. He and Mr. Vernau spoke about the snow emergency and the ability to tow and ticket cars. He spoke about the Harrisburg Firefighter Lieutenant Dennis DeVoe, who lost his life over the weekend on his way to a fire call. His funeral will be Friday and Lower Allen will be there.
Solicitor Miner will be away for the next meeting and Vicki Trimmer will fill in for him. Commissioner Holtzman asked about how street light assessments were calculated and Mr. Vernau explained. Commissioner Simpson stated that he agrees with amending the noise ordinance. Vice President Young spoke about attending the first Citizen’s Academy meeting. Commissioner Simpson suggested reaching out to the neighborhood associations for the next round of Academy meetings.
Mrs. Echterling thanked the Public Safety and Public Works employees who will be out working during the storm tonight and tomorrow. She appreciates their hard work and the services they provide to the Community. Mr. Eby spoke about the upcoming Yellow Breeches clean up dates of April 1st and 9th.
ADJOURNMENT
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners adjourned at 8:20 pm.