Board of Commissioners
9-25-17 Minutes
MINUTES
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 25, 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 Director | |
| John Eby, Building and Zoning Coordinator | |
| Steven P. Miner, Solicitor | |
| Julie Echterling, Recording Secretary |
President Black called the September 25, 2017 Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners to order at 7:00 pm. He followed with a prayer and the Pledge of the Allegiance. He announced that Proof of Publication was available for review.
MEETING MINUTES
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to approve the minutes from the September 11, 2017 meeting of the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: ANY ITEM ON THE AGENDA
There was no response.
PRESIDENT BLACK
Approval of Check Registers
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to approve the Check Register of September 15, 2017 in the amount of $389,864.02. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to approve the Department Reports for the month of August for Assistant Manager, Community Development, Township Engineer, Public Works, and Public Safety. Commissioner SIMPSON seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
ANY BUSINESS PERTINENT TO THE TOWNSHIP
There was no response.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Rear Parking Area Fencing – Phase 2
Director Holl discussed his memo outlining the 2017 capital budget item for the installation of a visual barrier and security enclosure in the rear parking lot. Due to the second phase of the project, the security fence, anticipated to be less than $19,700, we sought telephone quotes. Four companies were contacted, but only one responded. He asked the Board to approve the quote so work could be completed. President Black asked about safety. Director Holl spoke about moving the vehicles and the improved lighting to help with safety. Commissioner Holtzman asked where the location of the fence and the lights was. Director Holl showed the Board the location on Google Maps and discussed the measures taken to improve safety. Discussion ensued.
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to approve the quote for the rear parking area fencing phase 2. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
1852 Sheepford Road License Agreement
Mr. Eby discussed the history of the small flow treatment facility license agreement between the Township and the owners of 1852 Sheepford Road. He spoke about the inspections and submitting a report to DEP. He spoke about the process in place and how the permit could be pulled if necessary. He stated that if the Board agrees, the manager will reinstate the license and they will be able to get rid of the holding tanks.
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to reinstatement of a license agreement between Lower Allen Township and CPR Property Rescue, LLC which allows treated, disinfected effluent from a small flow treatment facility at 1852 Sheepford Road to discharge through a township-owned storm drain pipe and reach a dry run on the opposite side of Sheepford Road, and this discharge is subject to a PA DEP NPDES permit # PAG043946. Commissioner SIMPSON seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
ISO Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule
Mr. Eby discussed the ISO Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule. The Survey results indicate a commercial code enforcement score regression from 2 to 9, and a residential code enforcement score regression from 3 to 9. The primary reason for this regression is that grading is heavily weighted upon the adoption of recent model codes by the Commonwealth, without amendments, that negatively impact health, safety and public welfare. Since the PA Uniform Construction Code (UCC) standards mandated by state statute and regulations are primarily based upon the 2009 ICC model codes, possible action includes contacting Senator Regan and Representative Delozier to request appropriate legislative and regulatory updates to the UCC. Discussion ensued. President Black suggested sending a copy of the letter to Representative Mehaffie as well. The consensus of the Board was to send a letter to the legislators.
SLD Docket No. 2017-05: Subdivision Plan for Arcona Neighborhoods
Mr. Flint discussed the proposed lot line adjustments and subdivision of four existing tracts, resulting in 10 lots, with a combined total of 185.23 acres. There is no development proposed with this plan. He showed the Board the plan on the map and discussed the three different ownerships of the land. He stated that the Planning Commission approved the plan and the waivers will only be applicable to this plan and not future plans. Discussion ensued. This plan will be ready for action at the next meeting.
Advertise Ordinance 2017-07, Traffic Control Devices
Mr. Flint spoke about updating the traffic controls and the process of updating the codified ordinances to reflect the traffic control changes in the Township, including new signage. He provided a draft ordinance. President BLACK asked how long it had been since we last enacted such an ordinance, to which Mr. Flint replied 4-5 years. Commissioner SIMPSON asked if we would consider updating these annually.
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to authorize the advertising of Ordinance 2017-07. Commissioner SIMPSON seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
MANAGER
Status of Act 172
Mr. Vernau provided an update to the Board on the progress of the Firefighters tax credit. He stated that they had meetings with both Fire Companies that went very well. He discussed the two tax credits available for volunteers. He spoke about the eligibility criteria that would be for both companies with the Fire Chief being responsible for reporting who would be eligible for the credits. He stated that this is the first draft and isn’t ready for action. He would like more time to find other municipalities who have passed ordinances like this to ensure we aren’t missing anything.
COMMISSIONERS REPORTS
Mr. Flint spoke about the MS4 permitting process and stated that the permit has been submitted. He spoke about the daily changes happening at Cedar Spring Run park. Mr. Eby spoke about himself and Mr. Yeagley attending meetings and being certified as second-tier disaster responders.
Mr. Vernau spoke about the Slate Hill Road Bridge. York and Cumberland Counties are willing to rehab the bridge if the municipalities (Lower Allen and Fairview) will maintain the bridge in the future. He believes the Counties should maintain the bridges. Fairview is deciding at their meeting tonight.
On October 21st at 10am there will be ribbon cutting ceremony for the Allendale-Beacon Hill trail. He spoke about the event including potential exhibitor tables.
Commissioner Simpson missed the Capital COG meeting as he was helping his company load 78 tons of materials to be sent to Florida and Houston to help the Hurricane victims.
Commissioner Schin spoke about the September 11th memorial dedication the Fire Company had and appreciated being invited. He stated that Yappy Hour was a nice gathering and exciting time for those who attended.
Commissioner Holtzman spoke about concerns with the crosswalk on Lisburn Road. She has received reports that no one stops for the crosswalk and is concerned someone will be hurt. She also spoke about cars flying through the school zone 15mph areas at Allen Middle school.
Director Holl spoke about a nationwide public alert that FEMA will be putting out through the cell towers on Wednesday. He will send out a LA alert to notify residents of the alert.
ADJOURNMENT TO EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners adjourned at 8:12 pm to discuss the following:
- Triple Crown Update