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Home»Board of Commissioners Minutes»Board of Commissioners
8-27-18 Minutes

Board of Commissioners
8-27-18 Minutes

MINUTES

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS                                         LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP

REGULAR MEETING                                                         AUGUST 27, 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

Carolyn Holtzman                                                                  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 August 27, 2018 Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners to order at 7:00 pm followed by a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.  He announced that Proof of Publication was available for review. 

MEETING MINUTES

Commissioner VILLONE made a motion to approve the minutes from the August 13, 2018 regular 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.

PRESIDENT BLACK

  1. Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to approve the Check Register of August 17, 2018 in the amount of $238,210.42. Commissioner VILLONE seconded it.  Motion carried 5-0.
  1. Vice President SIMPSON made a motion to release Police Officer Kimberly Floyd from her probationary period. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion.  Motion carried 5-0.
  1. ORDINANCE 2018-06: With regard to the hearing that was held at 6:30 pm, this ordinance will allow for organization of a Stormwater Authority under the Municipality Authorities Act.  This will include appointing members to serve on the Board of Authority, as well as creating articles of incorporation and legal notices necessary for the formation of the Authority.  Vice President SIMPSON made a motion to enact this ordinance. 

Roll Call Vote:            Commissioner Holtzman:  Aye

                                                    Commissioner Schin:  Aye

                                                    President Black:  Aye

                                                    Vice President Simpson:  Aye

                                                    Commissioner Villone:  Aye

 

Ordinance 2018-06 was approved by a 5-0 vote.

  1. ORDINANCE 2018-07: This ordinance will amend Chapter 147, Noise Control, of the Code of the Township of Lower Allen 1997.  This will prohibit consumer fireworks being set off between 11 pm and 7 am.  Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to enact this ordinance.

Roll Call Vote:            Commissioner Holtzman:  Aye

                                                    Commissioner Schin:  Aye

                                                    President Black:  Aye

                                                    Vice President Simpson:  Aye

                                                    Commissioner Villone:  Aye

Ordinance 2018-07 was approved by a 5-0 vote.

  1. Vice President SIMPSON made a motion to approve the Department Reports for the month of July for Community Development, Township Engineer, Public Works, and Public Safety. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion.  Motion carried 5-0.    

ANY BUSINESS PERTINENT TO THE TOWNSHIP    There was no response.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Increase in Part-Time EMT-1 Hourly Rate

Public Safety Director Holl asked for the Board to consider raising the starting rate of the EMT-1 part-time position from the current $11.08 per hour to $13.86.  After six months’ probation and having worked at least 288 hours in that time, the wage would increase to $14.82.  He is hopeful that this will make it easier to attract qualified candidates and keep them after they are trained.  Mr. Holl stated that Lower Allen has a hard time competing with other nearby townships who pay EMTs higher wages.  Currently, full-time EMTs are often covering open spots as overtime due to the shortage.  Discussion ensued with both Vice President Simpson and Commissioner Villone expressing their surprise at the current hourly rate for part-time EMTs being so low.  Vice President Simpson suggested starting the part-time EMTs at $14.00 per hour instead of $13.86, as it would look more appealing to potential employees and make Lower Allen on the higher side of the starting pay scale.  In six months, this will increase to $14.80 per hour.  Rick Grove asked when this change would become effective.  It will become effective in the next pay period for current employees and then it will be advertised.  Motion was made by Commissioner VILLONE and seconded by Vice President SIMPSON to increase the starting EMT-1 rate to $14.00 per hour, with an increase to $14,80 after 6 months and 288 hours worked.  Motion carried 5-0.

Crimewatch

Director Holl spoke about a program called Crimewatch which is being made available as a county-wide project by District Attorney Ebert. He has negotiated a reasonable cost amount per department for participation.  The DA’s office has asked for a letter from the municipalities expressing support in presenting the request to the County Commissioners for their 2019 budget.  Crimestoppers is active in Harrisburg and has been proven effective.  There is a number that people can call to submit tips and a social media forum.  A letter has been drafted by Director Holl and Captain Crone and they are looking to the Board to sign it.  It will not cost the Township but will come out of the Cumberland County budget.  Motion was made by Commissioner VILLONE and seconded by Commissioner SCHIN.  Motion carried 5-0.

TOWNSHIP ENGINEER

Public Works Building Addition

Mr. Scott Loercher from Buchart Horn Architects was present to show the Board some plans that have been drawn up for an addition to the west side of the current Public Works building.  This would allow for indoor parking for the trucks with plows and some other miscellaneous equipment.  Mr. Loercher used the overhead projector to display 4 different concept designs and the various cost options accompanying each design.  He met with Public Works approximately 3 months ago to get their input on what they would like to see included in the addition.  The first phase included data collection from various Township departments and assessment of the current building systems.  The existing fire suppression, sanitary and electrical could be extended.  There is no request for water to be added.  Goals would be maintaining the temperature at 55 degrees and overhead doors for plows which would be 16 feet wide.  Storage would be provided for 12 pieces of equipment with each truck having a garage bay.  A section of the upper lot that is not currently being used may be removed to provide additional pervious coverage.  Mr. Loercher suggested that there are several items that the Township may be able to perform in-house which would save money.  This includes electrical work, pavement removal, relocating an inlet, and sanitary line installation for plumbing.  The basic cost estimates to the Township are as follows: 

                                                     Option #1:  $719, 600 / 8 bays and 82 feet of addition

                                                     Option #2:  $726,300 / 8 bays and angled parking

                                                     Option #3:  $812,700 / 10 bays and 94 feet (preferred by Public Works)

                                                     Option #4:  $784,000 / 14-foot bay doors (barely wide enough for trucks)

As far as timeframe, Mr. Loercher is looking at about 10 months; 2 months for construction documents to be approved, 2 months for collecting bids, and 6 months for construction. 

Upgrades were also listed and would be additional cost to the basic prices quoted.  This would include 20-foot eave height, conventional framing, electrical work, insulated metal panels, and direct drive operators to open the garage bay doors.  Each option would end up being just over one million dollars with everything performed through public bid.  Mr. Loercher will provide the Commissioners with the report detailing the costs at a future time.  Buchart Horn Architects will return to a future Board of Commissioner meeting to discuss the construction documents. Vice President SIMPSON made a motion for a field study and geo tech survey to be performed not to exceed 9,120 square feet.  Commissioner VILLONE seconded the motion.  Motion carried 5-0.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Updating Codified Ordinance Chapters 70, 103, & 162

Mr. John Eby, Building and Zoning Coordinator, gave an update on progress with drafting the amendments to bring Lower Allen Township’s building and fire codes up to date with the PA Uniform Construction Code.  These regulations go into effect on October 1, 2018.  The Board had voted to have Codes pursue this at the July 23, 2018 meeting.  Community Development staff are working on the draft of the resolution and hope to send it to the Solicitor by September 5th.  They anticipate this being ready for public meeting and a vote by October 8, 2018.

MANAGER

West Shore Recreation Commission

Mr. Thomas Vernau, Township Manager, gave a report on the West Shore Recreation Commission’s 2019 budget.  The municipal contribution rate will remain the same at $2.50 per capita or $36, 155.00 for Lower Allen Township.  Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to approve the budget and Commissioner VILLONE seconded it.  Motion carried 5-0.

Liquor License Transfer Request

Mr. Vernau informed the Board of a request by Primanti Bros., Inc. to transfer a liquor license from a business in Carlisle to their new restaurant which will be opening at the Capital City Mall.  This business will have an exterior entrance from the parking lot.  The recommendation by the Solicitor is to advertise the public meeting for October 8, 2018 at 6:00 pm followed by action the same night.  The motion was made by Commissioner SCHIN and seconded by Commissioner VILLONE. Motion carried 5-0. 

COMMISSIONERS REPORTS

Dan Flint stated that the street paving projects have been completed.  The Commissioners complimented the paving work that was done on Cedar Cliff Drive. 

John Eby stated that the sign permit is in for Primanti Bros. and will say “Almost Famous”.

Tom Vernau assured the Commissioners that he will get the cost spreadsheet to them for the Public Works building addition options. 

Commissioner Villone talked about a meeting he had attended recently for the Tax Bureau regarding Resolution 291.  They had spoken with the Department of Revenue and it appeared that none of the municipalities were in favor of using the Department for tax collection.  He also mentioned this Saturday’s fundraiser event at Flinchy’s Restaurant involving a chili cook-off and live music.  Dean’s band will be one of the groups playing music.

Commissioner Simpson mentioned the cost savings of the indoor equipment storage as well as pros and cons as discussed in the “6 Reasons Why Not To Park Trucks Outside” memo. 

Commissioner Schin referred to discussion held at the last BOC meeting regarding the Patriot Plus packets. He wished to clarify a comment made to him by a resident.  Solicitor Miner stated that work between the Patriot News and Lower Allen Township is ongoing.

Commissioner Holtzman spoke with her neighbors and asked them if they were bothered by the newspapers placed in their driveways.  She reports that they told her the Township should worry about more important issues and not the newspapers.  They will call the paper if they want the deliveries stopped.

Public Safety Director Holl wanted to make the Board aware that speed signs are in place on Carlisle Road to compare if drivers are going faster now that the paving project is completed.  The Board had provided the money for these signs.  He also thanked Commissioner Schin for inviting him to the COG meeting.  He found the discussion on volunteer shortage to be very helpful.

President Black suggested inviting Eric and Todd from the West Shore Recreation Commission to a future Board of Commissioners meeting for a formal commendation on the great job they are doing running the WSREC program. 

ADJOURNMENT

The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners adjourned at 8:48 pm.