Board of Commissioners
11-13-17 Minutes
MINUTES
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 13, 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 | John Eby, Building and Zoning Coordinator |
| Richard Grove, Director of Finance | |
| Steven P. Miner, Solicitor | |
| Julie Echterling, Recording Secretary |
President Black called the November 13, 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 October 16, 2017 Budget meeting of the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Commissioner SIMPSON made a motion to approve the minutes from the October 23, 2017 regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0
Commissioner HOLTZMAN made a motion to approve the minutes from the October 30, 2017 Budget meeting of the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: ANY ITEM ON THE AGENDA
There was no response.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE PRESENTATION
Mr. Troy Truax, Michael Baker International, spoke about the process they followed for completing the comprehensive plan. He spoke about the requested outcome of the process including practical/workable strategies with action items for each. He spoke about the five keys in the planning process and the multifaceted public involvement. They worked with stakeholders and the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC). In addition, a public survey was done with 656 responses, and a visioning week was held in the Township. Through their process they identified 28 issues, which were grouped into the following four main goals:
- Enhance the Township’s existing residential neighborhoods and community parks.
- Promote a balance of open space preservation and the development and redevelopment of commercial and industrial areas.
- Expand pedestrian and bicycle connections throughout the Township.
- Improve and maintain the Township’s existing transportation infrastructure.
He showed the Board an outline of the Township map and how the areas of the Township were broken up. The areas were called the following: Old Town Allen, Lower Allen Commons, Wesley, and Yellow Breeches. These names were a way to identify the distinctive areas of the Township. He stated that the names of the areas are up to the Board to decide.
He spoke about the setup of the plan and discussed the chapters and organization of the plan. They provided a copy of the executive summary in the Board Packet. Each of the areas in the Township have the four goals outlined with strategies applicable for that area. He showed the Board an example on the screen of how the areas are broken out with strategies and action plans. He discussed examples of Township-wide strategies with action items for the four main goals.
The next steps for the plan include a final CAC meeting, Planning Commission in December and a public comment period which would begin on December 20th. The schedule for the plan includes a plan revisions and adoption between now and February. The Board liked the format of the plan and thanked them for their work.
PRESIDENT BLACK
Approval of Check Registers
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to approve the Check Register of October 27, 2017 in the amount of $360,698.57. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to approve the Voided check register of October 3rd in the amount of $18,953.85 and Manual Check Register of October 30, 2017 in the amount of $1,000. Commissioner SIMPSON seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to approve the Check Register of November 10, 2017 in the amount of $179,565.11. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
ANY BUSINESS PERTINENT TO THE TOWNSHIP
There was no response.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Officer Alex Milletics’ Probation Period Ending
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to approve Officer Milletics for non-probationary status as a Lower Allen Township Police Officer effective November 23, 2017, which is the end of probationary period. Vice President YOUNG seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Comprehensive Plan
Mr. Flint discussed the next steps in the Comprehensive Plan. These steps include sending a copy to the school district and surrounding municipalities for their input. The plan will also be discussed at the next Planning Commission meeting in December. He asked for a public hearing to be held on February 12th, 2018 for the plan.
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to authorize staff to distribute the Draft Comprehensive Plan update for review and comment and advertise a Public Hearing on the plan for 6pm on Monday February 12th, 2018. Commissioner SIMPSON seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Stormwater Program Funding
Mr. Flint discussed the potential options for funding stormwater activities and the recent legislation passed which excluded first class townships. The two options are establishing a new separate Stormwater Authority or modify the charter of the Sewer Authority to add stormwater function to the authority. Mr. Vernau stated that the Township wouldn’t be looking to them to be the operating authority for the stormwater but to do the funding. He spoke about the current sewer bills which are handled by the Township and how the stormwater bills would be handled the same way. He stated that they have had early discussions and would be using their name for billing. Solicitor Miner spoke about what the Sewer Authority’s role and the need for them to vote on this request.
Mr. Flint spoke about funding the stormwater for not just the MS4 and Chesapeake Bay requirements but for the aging stormwater system. Currently there is no funding for the system. President Black asked about the MS4 Coordinator. Mr. Flint stated that they would be doing the MS4 permitting, Chesapeake Bay requirements, ongoing projects, stormwater projects which would require engineering skills. Discussion ensued. Mr. Vernau will contact Representatives Delozier and Mehaffie to see about legislation to allow first class townships the same rights as second class townships.
MANAGER
Permission to Advertise 2018 Meeting Dates
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to approve the advertising of the 2018 meeting dates for the Township. Vice President YOUNG seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Act 42 of 2017
Mr. Vernau provided an update about municipalities opting out of the Gaming Expansion Legislation. He stated that, based on the 25-mile limit from existing casinos, this will not affect the Township.
Non-Uniformed Employee Health Benefit Plan Changes
Mr. Vernau discussed the worksheet of proposed changes for 2018 in deductibles and copays for non-uniformed employees. He spoke about shifting the cost from premium copays to out-of-pocket costs to help reduce future claims. He stated that we are looking at increasing the out-of-pocket costs to match the proposed police contract, but reducing premium copays to help offset that. He stated that in 2018 we are implementing a mandatory generic substitution program.
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to approve the proposed changes to the medical deductibles and copays. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0
COMMISSIONERS REPORTS
Mrs. Trone spoke about the Wine and Spirits grand opening on Friday at 4pm. Director Holl spoke about the conference he attended which included a discussion on the recent shootings and how important it is for all Public Safety agencies to work together in these events.
RECESS TO EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners recessed at 8:23 pm to discuss the following:
- Board and Commission Appointments
- Orchard Apartment Tax Appeal
- Update on Collective Bargaining
- Personnel issue
RECONVENMENT OF MEETING
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners reconvened at 8:52 pm.
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to accept the resignation of Christopher Yohn, with a last day of work of 11/24/17. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to direct the Solicitor to enter and appear to answer the Orchard Apartment tax appeal for the Township. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
ADJOURNMENT TO EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners adjourned at 8:54 pm to discuss the following:
- Personnel issue – Manager’s salary.