MINUTES

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS                                         LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP

REGULAR MEETING                                                         JUNE 11, 2018

The following were in ATTENDANCE:

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS                                      TOWNSHIP PERSONNEL

Edward Black, President                                                     Thomas G. Vernau, Jr., Township Manager

Jack R. Simpson Jr., Vice President                                      Erin G. Trone, Assistant Township Manager

Richard F. Schin                                                                    David Holl, Public Safety Director

Dean W. Villone                                                                    Leon Crone, Police Captain

                                                                                               Dan Flint, Public Works Director

                                                                                               John Eby, Building & Zoning Coordinator

                                                                                               Richard Grove, Finance Director

                                                                                               Steven P. Miner, Solicitor

                                                                                               Tina Thomas, Recording Secretary

President Black called the June 11, 2018 Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners to order at 7:02 pm followed by a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.  He announced that Proof of Publication was available for review.  Commissioner Holtzman is absent with excuse.

MEETING MINUTES

Commissioner VILLONE made a motion to approve the minutes from the May 29, 2018 meeting of the Board of Commissioners as written.  Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.  

PRESENTATION 

The upcoming stormwater project was the subject of a presentation by consultant Tony Dill from Arcadis US, Inc.  He was joined by Tom Wilson from K&W Engineers.  Mr. Dill spoke on why a program must be developed for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) and what options exist for funding the program.  He explained the difference between a flat fee approach as opposed to a tiered fee system.  He fielded questions from the residents who were in attendance as well as the Commissioners.  A decision has not yet been made regarding the fees, but the Township anticipates fees beginning in 2019.  President Black thanked the residents who attended the meeting for their interest and questions.

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION:  There was a request by a member of the audience to discuss item number 10 on the agenda.

CONSENT AGENDA

President Black asked that any Commissioner, staff member or anyone in attendance who would like to have an item on the Consent Agenda removed for further discussion request do so now.  There was no response. 

The items on the Consent Agenda were:

1. Resolution 2018-R-21 for support of Stormwater Grant Applications
2. Side Letter Agreement between the Township and the Lower Allen Township Police Officers’ Association to amend wording in Section 4.14 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement to reflect the correct percentage of pay increase for Acting Officers.
3. Tax Collector’s May 2018 monthly report.

Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to approve the items on the Consent Agenda and Vice President SIMPSON seconded it.  Motion carried 4-0.

PRESIDENT BLACK

Check Registers

Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to approve the Check Register of June 8, 2018 in the amount of $581,234.41.  Vice President SIMPSON seconded it.  Motion carried 4-0. 

Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to approve the Manual Check Register of May in the amount of $94.44 and Commissioner VILLONE seconded it.  Motion carried 3-0 with President Black abstaining due to having a relative who will benefit from the payment.

Promotion of Fleet Manager

Vice President SIMPSON made a motion to adopt Resolution 2018-R-22 appointing Charles A. Reynolds as Fleet Manager of the Fleet Maintenance Department, effective June 12^th, 2018.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner SCHIN and carried 4-0.

Sale of Township Equipment

A motion was made by Commissioner VILLONE to adopt Resolution 2018-R-23 authorizing the sale of Township property valued over $1,000.  The items are a generator and a pump.  Motion was seconded by Vice President SIMPSON and carried 4-0.

Release of Probation

There was a motion made by Commissioner VILLONE and seconded by Vice President SIMPSON approving the release of Sergeant Douglas Foltz from Probationary status effective June 26^th, 2018.  Motion carried 4-0.

There was a motion made by Vice President SIMPSON and seconded by Commissioner SCHIN approving the release of Maintenance Specialist Matthew Hammaker from Probationary status effective June 2t^th, 2018.  Motion carried 4-0.

Improvement Security Time Extension

A motion was made by Commissioner SCHIN to approve a time extension for Improvement Security for SLD #2005-24 at Liberty Point and establish a new amount of $85,425. 95.  This extension carries until June 15^th, 2019.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner VILLONE and carried 4-0.

ANY BUSINESS PERTINENT TO THE TOWNSHIP

1. Terry Kaiser, 4126 Rosemont Ave, and Jill Itterly, 4124 Rosemont Ave, came to speak about concerns related to issues with a trailer park located behind their properties. Brush and rotted wood have been accumulating there and neighbors are seeing an increasing number of snakes and mice.  Kaiser requested the Township’s help in getting the property owner to clean up this area.  President Black stated that the Township will pursue action to remedy the situation.

2. Amber Nagy, 925 Shetter Lane, requested permission to remove an unused section of sidewalk that is in front of her family’s house. She would like to avoid maintaining this sidewalk as a large tree is causing it to raise up, and she would like to enlarge her yard.  It was determined that she will need action from the Board at the next public meeting.

ENGINEER

PennDOT Reimbursement Agreement

A motion was made by Commissioner SCHIN to adopt Resolution 2018-R-24, authorizing the Township Manager to sign the Reimbursement Agreement with PennDOT for the Rossmoyne Road/Lisburn Road Roundabout Project.  Mr. Flint stated that they are awaiting permit approval by PennDOT for the roundabout.  Motion was seconded by Commissioner VILLONE and carried 4-0. 

COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Letters of Credit

There will be two Letters of Credit Extension coming up at the next meeting.  The first one is for SLD #2000-22, Heights of Beacon Hill, Phase 2.  The second is for SLD #2005-22, Heights of Beacon Hill, Phase 3.  This is necessary because the sidewalks have not been completed due to remaining open lots.

Resident Richard Bonneville, 1320 Brewster Court, wished to express his concerns on this matter.  He stated that there are 5 plots currently not developed, but he feels it is likely that homes will be built on at least some of these.  He asked the Board to keep the Letter of Credit going so that sidewalks can be added in this area in the future.  He was told that the Township does not have a time limit for Letters of Credit for sidewalks.

Zoning Hearing Board Report

Mr. John Eby, Building and Zoning Coordinator, announced that there will be an additional Public Hearing held on June 21, 2018 for Docket #2018-04.  This refers to the application made by Tony and Caryn Samento, P.O. Box 383, Dillsburg, PA for a variance from Section 220-24.A(2) of the Code of Lower Allen Township, side yard setbacks.  They wish to construct a garage attached to a single family home at 1425 Main Street, Mechanicsburg.  The posting went up today and neighbors will be receiving notices by mail.

Grant Application

Assistant Township Manager Erin Trone spoke about Land Partnership Grant Applications from Cumberland County which are due June 29^th, 2018.  In the past, the Township has received $33,000 for the Cedar Spring Run Park. This year she is hoping to obtain $20,000 toward the $40,000 Fun Fort project at Lower Allen Community Park.  She would also like to reconvene the Bicycle/Pedestrian Committee.  A motion was made by Vice President SIMPSON and seconded by Commissioner SCHIN to pursue the grant.

MANAGER

Newspaper Litter

Township Manager Tom Vernau presented information he and the Solicitor have gathered since last month’s newspaper distribution discussions. Discussion ensued on ordinances that some other communities have implemented to control litter in the form of unwanted newspapers.  Solicitor Steve Miner stated that the Township cannot ban the newspapers but can regulate it.  It can be prohibited on vacant lots, private property and sidewalks.  Mr. Vernau said that he would work on a proposed ordinance and get back to the Board.

 Pension Plan Discussion

The topic of pension plans was brought to the table and President Black as well as the Commissioners would like to have Mr. David Killick come back to help them with setting up a defined contribution plan.  There was discussion as to what this will cost as well as if the meeting should be public or private.  Mr. Miner advised that the meeting should be public unless it is considered educational.  Mr. Killick will be contacted for an available time.

Employee Recognitions

There are several employees who will be recognized at the July 9, 2018 Board of Commissioners meeting for years of service.

COMMISSIONERS REPORTS

Mr. John Eby announced and encouraged participation in the upcoming Yellow Breeches Creek Cleanup to be held on Sunday, July 15^th, 2018.  He will be distributing flyers advertising his event. More information is available at YBWA.org.  He stated that a permit has been authorized for demolition of the White Pines Building and was picked up so work should begin soon.  No plans regarding this property have been received. 

Township Manager Tom Vernau spoke about the upcoming Township Employee Picnic to be held at 11:30 am on Wednesday, June 20^th, 2018 in the fire station bays.  A Lower Allen Township night with Senators Baseball has been scheduled for July 28^th, 2018.  It will offer kids a chance to be on the field at the beginning of the game as well as discounted tickets and food vouchers.  A prominent citizen can be selected to throw out the first pitch at the game if desired.

Commissioner Villone talked about his recent meeting with the CCTC Board, regarding state control of tax collections.  They are currently trying to schedule a meeting with the Department of Revenue.

Vice President Simpson appreciates seeing increased police presence in his neighborhood recently.

Commissioner Schin stated that he has been seeing an increase in the “We Buy Houses” signs again in the Township.

Public Safety Director Dave Holl spoke about meeting with a representative from the Officer Phil   program which educates children in grades K – 4.  The representative will be seeking support from local businesses for booklets for the program as well as to pay an actor. 

President Black stated that he enjoyed seeing the demonstration of the Township’s new fire equipment tonight prior to the meeting. 

RECESS TO EXECUTIVE SESSION 

The meeting was recessed to executive session at 9:23 pm.  Suspension of a part time employee was discussed as well as Development Authority negotiations for purchasing property and the tax sale of another parcel.

The Board reconvened at 10:07 pm and Vice President SIMPSON made a motion to adopt Resolution 2018-R-25 authorizing the Township Manager to bid on land owned by DLM, LLC at the judicial sale on July 9^th, 2018.  Sum is not to exceed $5000.00.  Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion.  Motion passed 4-0.

ADJOURNMENT

The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners adjourned at 10:08 pm.