Board of Commissioners
3-27-17 Minutes
MINUTES
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING MARCH 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 G. Trone, Assistant Township Manager |
| Richard F. Schin | David Holl, Director of Public Safety |
| Carolyn Holtzman | Richard A. Grove, Director of Finance |
| Daniel Flint, Community Development | |
| John Eby, Building and Zoning Coordinator | |
| Vicky Trimmer, Assistant Solicitor | |
| Julie Echterling, Recording Secretary |
President Black called the March 27, 2017 Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners to order at 7:05 pm. He followed with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. He announced that Proof of Publication was available for review. Commissioner Simpson was absent with excuse. He stated that they were meeting with Representative Delozier prior to the meeting.
MEETING MINUTES
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to approve the minutes from the March 13, 2017 meeting of the Board of Commissioners. Vice President YOUNG seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0-1. President Black abstained as he was absent from this meeting.
RESOLUTION 2017-R-08 – RECOGNIZING EDGAR J. SIPTROTH
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to approve Resolution 2017-R-08, a Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of Lower Allen Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, recognizing Edgar J. Siptroth, Jr. for his years of service as Constable for Lower Allen Township. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
PRESENTATION OF RESOLUTION TO EDGAR J. SIPTROTH
President Black read the resolution and presented it to Mr. Siptroth. The Board thanked him for his service to the Township.
EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION
Mr. David Yount, Community Development, was recognized for his 10 years of service. Ms. Corisa Kidman, Community Development, was recognized for her five years of service. Ms. Lezli Lear and Mr. Joshua Zeiders were unable to attend the meeting. Ms. Lear completed five years and Mr. Zeiders completed ten years of service with the Township.
CENTURY ENGINEERING PRESENTATION – FUN FORT
Mr. Steven Charron spoke about the presentation provided on the Fun Fort to the Board. He spoke about the steps taken, including public input, to arrive at a sketch plan. He showed the Board an aerial photograph of the Fun Fort location, the current inventory, and existing setup of the Fun Fort. He showed the Board images of potential features of the park including musical, games, and materials to be used. Mrs. Katharine Martin spoke about the input received from the Recreation and Parks Board and the changes made based on their input. She spoke about making it handicap accessible and having separate play structures for older versus younger children. She stated that the park would still have fencing and one point of entry. The community asked for the tire swing back and they incorporated it into the design. She spoke about additional seating, tables, and a natural materials/element for the fort. Mr. Charron spoke about using natural colors.
Commissioner Schin asked about the rubber surface versus wood chips and injuries to children. They spoke about the costs associated with rubber and the negative comments they received from the community about the wood chips. President Black asked about the trees. Mrs. Martin spoke about adding trees to help with shading. Discussion ensued. The Board thanked them for their presentation.
PRESENTATION – DAVE AND BUSTERS
Mrs. Jill Valachovic, representative for Dave & Busters, spoke about how excited they are for coming to the Capital City Mall. Their motto is Eat, Drink, Watch and Play. She spoke about the history of the franchise. She spoke about areas for sports viewing, parties, and special events which can be closed to the public. She stated that the Capital City Mall location would be approximately 28,000 square feet and employ 130-150 employees. She stated that no one under the age of 18 is allowed in except with an adult over the age of 25. She spoke about the responsible drinking policy they have including testing their employees. She stated that their normal hours of operation are 11am to midnight during the week, and until 2am on the weekends. They hope to open in the second quarter of 2018. Discussion ensued. The Board thanked them for coming.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: ANY ITEM ON THE AGENDA
Mr. Tim Diehl asked to speak on the PA American Water agenda item.
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.
Vice President YOUNG moved to approve the following Consent Agenda items:
a. Resolution 2017-R-07, a Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of Lower Allen Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, proclaiming the month of April 2017 to be Pennsylvania 811 Safe Digging month.
b. Department Reports for the month of February for Community Development, Township Engineer, Public Works, Fleet Maintenance, Economic Development and Public Safety.
Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
PRESIDENT BLACK
Approval of Check Register
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to approve Check Register March 17, 2017 in the amount of $360,593.83. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
ANY BUSINESS PERTINENT TO THE TOWNSHIP
There was no response.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Rear Police Parking Area Visibility Barrier
Director Holl spoke about the capital budget item for the rear Police parking area barrier. He stated that phase I would include construction of the visual barrier. He asked for the Board’s approval to send out a Request for Proposal (RFP) for phase I. He stated that phase 2 would be for an aluminum security fence and gate to completely enclose the parking area. Officer Rick Tamanosky spoke about how the officers are in favor of this barrier especially with the recent targeting of officers. Discussion ensued.
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to approve the request to go out to bid on the rear Police parking area visibility barrier. Vice President YOUNG seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
12-Hour Shift Trial
Director Holl spoke about the discussions they’ve had with the officers about going to 12 hour shifts. He stated that it would reduce overtime, improve continuity of work during shifts, improve service with shift changes occurring only twice a day versus three, improved productivity during the work day and increase recovery time between shifts due to the increased number of days off. He spoke about the conversion of hours and days with the agreement. He stated that both sides have agreed to a 90-day trial starting April 1, 2017, and either side can choose to withdraw from the agreement. Officer Rick Tamanosky spoke about how the officers are in favor of this trial and are excited to try it. Discussion ensued.
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to approve the 12-hour shift trial with the Police Department for ninety days starting April 1, 2017. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
SLD Docket No. 2017-01 – Pa. American Water Capital Campus.
Mr. Flint introduced SLD Docket No. 2017-01, Subdivision and Land Development Plan for Pa. American Water’s Capital Campus. The plan includes construction of a 3-story, 68,643 square foot office building, with associated site improvements, at 852 Wesley Drive. He stated that they are relocating their corporate office to Wesley Drive from Hershey. He showed the Board the plan, including the driveways. He spoke about the two variances for parking and building height they received from the Zoning Hearing Board. He spoke about the two waivers the Board approved in December. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the plan. He stated that there are still a few details to work out, including an agreement for stormwater with Bethany Village. He spoke about the PennDOT HOP required for driveway access and their plans for a right-in, right-out driveway with no left turns allowed for increasing safety. President Black stated that the Township was happy to have them in the Township. Mr. Tim Diehl stated that he was here to answer any questions the Board may have. Mr. Flint stated that this plan will come to the Board for approval at a later meeting.
MANAGER
Resolution 2017-R-09 – Eagle Scout – Jonathon Pastor
Mr. Vernau stated that Resolution 2017-R-09 will be on the next agenda, recognizing Jonathon Pastor for his attainment of the rank of Eagle Scout. The resolution will be ready for adoption at the April 10th meeting. He spoke about his projects and stated that the Court of Honor would be the last Sunday in April.
COMMISSIONERS REPORTS
President Black asked Mr. Eby for a status update on the Sheepford Rd. private sewer system. Mr. Eby stated that the deadline is the end of this week and spoke about the owner trying to hire someone to do the testing and reporting.
Commissioner Schin spoke about some boy scouts he saw cleaning and tagging the storm rains in the Township. He said they were doing 800 drains. Mr. Vernau explained that the young man’s name is Spencer Mulhearn and he is doing this as his Eagle project.
Director Holl spoke about the new alert system going into place soon. He spoke about the outreach they are doing for the residents, including door hangers.
Mrs. Trone spoke about Visioning week for the Comp Plan starting May 1st. She spoke about a Community survey coming out soon.
President Black spoke about attending a PSATC day with four presentations. He stated that Commissioner Schin and Simpson also attended.
ADJOURNMENT
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners adjourned at 8:26 pm.