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Home»Board of Commissioners Minutes»Board of Commissioners
9-11-17 Minutes

Board of Commissioners
9-11-17 Minutes

MINUTES

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS                          LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP 

            REGULAR MEETING                                           SEPTEMBER 11, 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
Jack Simpson Daniel Flint, Community Development
Carolyn Holtzman Leon Crone, Police Captain
Richard Grove, Finance
John Eby, Building and Zoning Coordinator
Steven P. Miner, Solicitor
Julie Echterling, Recording Secretary

 

President Black called the September 11, 2017 Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners to order at 7:00 pm.  He announced that Proof of Publication was available for review.  Following a prayer, the flag was presented by an interdepartmental honor guard for the Pledge of the Allegiance.  Police Officer Laura Cassel, EMS Captain Christopher Yohn and Deputy Fire Chief David Murdoch presented the colors in honor of September 11th.

MEETING MINUTES

Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to approve the minutes from the August 28, 2017 meeting of the Board of Commissioners.  Commissioner SIMPSON seconded the motion.  Motion carried 5-0.

INTRODUCTION OF FIRE CAPTAIN FRANK WIRTH AND POLICE OFFICER KIMBERLY FLOYD

Captain Wirth was introduced to the Board.  He stated he is looking forward to working with the citizens of the Township and the Board.  Officer Kimberly Floyd was introduced to the Board.  She stated she is looking forward to being an Officer in the Township.

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:

  1. Adopting Resolution 2017-R-28, accepting dedication of a portion of Sconsett Way as a public street.
  2. Adopting Resolution 2017-R-29, accepting dedication of Yarmouth Lane as a public street.
  3. Adopting Resolution 2017-R-30, accepting dedication of Brewster Court as a public street.
  4. Adopting Resolution 2017-R-31, accepting dedication of Sagamore Court as a public street.
  5. Tax Collector’s August 2017 monthly report.

Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion.  Motion carried 5-0.

PRESIDENT BLACK

Approval of Check Registers

Vice President YOUNG made a motion to approve the Check Register of September 1, 2017 in the amount of $120,866.85, Voided Check Register of August 4, 2017 in the amount of $156.79, and Replacement Check Register of August 23, 2017 in the amount of $9,900.00.  Commissioner SIMPSON seconded the motion.  Motion carried 5-0. 

ANY BUSINESS PERTINENT TO THE TOWNSHIP

There was no response.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Security Release- SLD Docket # 2003-06 – Manor at Fair Oaks, Phase 2, Lot 27

Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to release the improvement security for SLD Docket No. 2003-06, Final subdivision plan for The Manor at Fair Oaks, Phase 2, Lot 27.  Vice President YOUNG seconded the motion.  Motion carried 5-0.

Security Reductions

Commission SCHIN made a motion to reduce the improvement security for SLD Docket No. 2014-01, Final Subdivision and Land Development Plan for Highpoint, Phases 1.1, 1.2 and 1.4, establishing a new amount of $377,585.41, and a new expiration date of September 11, 2018.  Vice President YOUNG seconded the motion.  Motion carried 5-0.

Vice President YOUNG made a motion to reduce the improvement security for SLD Docket No. 2016-04, Final Subdivision Plan for Highpoint, Phase 1.3, establishing a new amount of $90,647.19, and a new expiration date of September 11, 2018.  Commission SCHIN seconded the motion.  Motion carried 5-0.

Drainage Plan No. DP 2016-04, 2800 Appleton Street

Mr. Flint showed the Board the location of the drainage plan.  He spoke about the relief the property owners received from the Zoning Hearing Board.  He spoke about the impervious coverage and the process necessary for the approval of the drainage plan including coming to the Board for approval.

ASSISTANT MANAGER

Recycling Grant

Mrs. Trone spoke about the yearly recycling grant the Township submits and how it requires the Board signature.  This will be on the agenda for next meeting.

MANAGER

Budget Meeting Dates

Mr. Vernau reminded the Commissioners of the advertised dates for budget meetings:

  • October 2nd, at 6pm
  • October 16th at 7pm
  • October 30th at 6pm
  • November 6th at 6pm – if necessary. Commissioner Schin asked Mrs. Trone to let COG know that they will not be able to attend the October meeting because of these meetings.

Potential Changes to Property Maintenance Ordinances

Mr. Vernau asked the Board about any potential changes or additions to the property maintenance ordinances they would like to discuss.

President Black spoke about parked vehicles in yards which he has received complaints about.  He would like to see that non-motorized vehicles (boats, campers, etc.) prohibited from being parked more than 3 days.  He is also concerned about the number of trees being taken down and not replaced.  He would like to see a permitting process for removing trees, especially those in the right of way on the streets in front yards.  Commissioner Simpson spoke about concerns with the safety of the trees being removed with both street traffic and sidewalk damage and insurance.   He believes it should be up to the local HOAs to determine if trees are cut to be replaced.  Commissioner Schin is opposed to telling homeowners they have to have permission to cut down a tree.  He spoke about issues with tree roots and sewer/foundation issues.  He is concerned about safety.  He is more concerned with hedges and branches than having to request permission to take down a tree.  Commissioner Holtzman spoke about grass being on the roads and weeds growing in the roads because nothing is being enforced.  Solicitor Miner stated regulating trees in the right of way could be done.  Mr. Dick Bonneville spoke about the RVs with the slide outs.  He agrees with the ordinance that they can’t be parked in the driveway.  Extensive discussion ensued.  Mr. Vernau stated he will send out bullet points out to the Board from this discussion. 

COMMISSIONERS REPORTS

President Black acknowledged a Boy Scout in the audience.  Alex, from Troop 54, stated he was here as part of his merit badge.  President Black spoke about the 100th year dinner being held for the Children’s home being held on October 28th at 5:30pm at the Radisson and encouraged the Commissioners to attend. 

Mr. Eby spoke about the memo regarding 1852 Sheepford with the private sewer system.  He provided an update on the reporting.  The current owner is working on getting ready to sell the property and the Township permit would transfer to the new owner. 

Mr. Vernau asked the Board about having the last meeting of the 2018 year on Wednesday, December 26th due to the Christmas holiday, and the Board agreed.

Commissioner Simpson thanked Public Safety for assisting him as he had a truck issue after being the last person to cross the Slate Hill railroad crossing before they closed it.  Vice President Young asked about the 18th street crossing.  Mr. Vernau spoke about the process with the PUC and how they are waiting on PennDOT to approve the traffic control plans. 

Commissioner Schin spoke about attending a game at Wass Park and his concerns about the gap in the fence where a line drive could really hurt someone.  He asked if there were any ordinances that are obsolete that aren’t being enforced.  He would be willing to serve on a committee to look at them and would work with staff on this, starting in January.  Commissioner Holtzman would like to be on that committee also.

Director Holl provided a letter to the Board outlining the state’s desire to raid the Volunteer Company Loan Fund program to balance the budget.  He spoke about the program, which help fire companies purchase equipment with low interest loans.  He asked if a letter in opposition to this practice could be sent to our Representative.  The Board agreed and asked that a letter be sent.  Captain Crone stated he is updating the alarm ordinance and should have a draft in a month or so.

ADJOURNMENT TO EXECUTIVE SESSION

The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners adjourned at 8:25 pm to discuss the following:

  • Triple Crown Corporation Lawsuit