MINUTES

DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY                              LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP

SPECIAL MEETING                                                 JULY 26, 2018

 

The following were in ATTENDANCE:

AUTHORITY MEMBERS                                        TOWNSHIP PERSONNEL

Max E. Stoner, Chairman                                             Erin Trone, Township Assistant Manager

Peddrick Young, Vice Chairman                                   Steven Miner, Solicitor

John Eby, Secretary

Salvatore F. Marone, Treasurer

 

PUBLIC IN ATTENDANCE

Lower Allen Township resident, Katherine Killmeyer of 120 Allendale Way attended the meeting with a friend, who was not a resident of the Township. Ms. Killmeyer stated that she was attending the meeting for extra credit for her Government class at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC).

Max Stoner, Chairman called the meeting of the Lower Allen Township Development Authority to order at 6:04 pm and announced Proof of Publication was available for review.

Edward Black was absent with excuse.

PUBLIC COMMENT: There were no comments from the public.

• Two weeks ago, Mr. Black and she met with the Jordan’s that own the L.B. Smith property which is located along the corridor which according to our comprehensive plan is marked for re-development. They are also interested in redeveloping this corridor and have approached some of the residents already. They explained to the Jordan’s that the township will be doing a corridor study and that they are welcome to participate. They are open to the idea and it was a good opening discussion and outreach.

RECESS TO EXECUTIVE SESSION

The Regular Meeting of the Development Authority recessed into Executive Session to discuss real estate transactions @ 6:07 pm.

Sal Marone joined the meeting at 6:12 pm.

RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING

The Regular Meeting of the Development Authority reconvened @ 6:45pm.

In regard to item 4. Letter of Intent to Purchase Property:

Mr. EBY made a motion to submit the revised Letter of Intent to purchase property to A&G Partners. Mr. MARONE seconded the motion. Motion carried, 4-0

Mr. YOUNG made a motion to execute the Loan Agreement and Promissory Note between Lower Allen Township and the Lower Allen Township Development Authority in the amount of $810,000 for the Letter of Intent. Mr. EBY seconded the motion. Motion carried, 4-0.

Mr. MARONE made a motion to authorize Lower Allen Township staff to contact and hire bond counsel and a financial advisor on behalf of the Lower Allen Township Development Authority. Mr. YOUNG seconded the motion. Motion carried, 4-0.

Mr. EBY made a motion to authorize staff to issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to seek a development partner(s). Mr. YOUNG seconded the motion. Motion carried, 4-0.

Mr. EBY asked the Lower Allen Township Development Authority’s consultants, Art Campbell of Campbell Commercial Realty and Tom Ritchey of Third Mountain Partners, LLC. If they had any advice to offer regarding due diligence. Mr. Campbell offered the following:

-Review existing leases

-Make sure the Bon-Ton fully vacates the building and does not leave behind any belongings

-Determine the full costs of demolition

-Analyze the physical and structural integrity of the buildings

-Analyze the environmental condition of the site.

-Perform further financial analysis using prevailing wage costs due to the possibility of securing federal or state funding.

-Complete a roof inspection

-Review all documents from A&G Partners

-Determine tax ramifications

-Complete a parking and zoning analysis

Mr. EBY made a motion to authorize staff to move forward with due diligence as discussed by hiring consultants as needed in an amount not to exceed $20,000. Mr. YOUNG seconded the motion. Motion carried, 4-0.

Chairman Stoner directed Ms. Trone to prepare a press release regarding the purchase of the real estate, and to distribute a draft to the members of the Lower Allen Township Development Authority for review.

Chairman Stoner asked if there was anything further to discuss. Mrs. Trone said there was a Memorial and Arboretum opening on August 5^th at 1PM at 1841 Brookview Drive in the Beacon Hill neighborhood. It would have a trail network and can be used by students and scouts to learn about conservation. Discussion ensued.

NEXT MEETING OF THE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

The next meeting of the Development Authority is scheduled for Monday, August 20, 2018 at 6:00pm.

ADJOURNMENT

Meeting adjourned at 7:25pm.