Board of Commissioners
12-10-18 Minutes
MINUTES
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 10, 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 Dan Flint, Public Works Director
Carolyn Holtzman Richard Grove, Finance Director
John Eby, Building and Zoning Coordinator
Leon Crone, Police Captain
Steven P. Miner, Solicitor
Tina Thomas, Recording Secretary
President Black called the December 10, 2018 Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners to order at 7:03 pm followed by a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. He announced that Proof of Publication was available for review.
MEETING MINUTES
Commissioner VILLONE moved to approve the minutes from the November 26, 2018 Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE PRESENTATION
Ken Hassinger, Director of the Asset Forfeiture Division of the Drug Task Force, spoke about the importance that officers play in the success of the Drug Task Force. He and Mr. Skip Ebert, District Attorney for Cumberland County, were both present at the meeting. Mr. Hassinger stated that currently five municipalities contribute officers for use by the Drug Task Force with 5 full time and 3 part time officers. The District Attorney’s office looks at what funds come in and allocates money back to participating municipalities. The Task Force is not designed to make money but rather to investigate crime. They help departments with investigations as needed which frees up officer time. Heroin seizures do not generally result in a large amount of cash forfeitures as other drugs in the past like cocaine. When there is an arrest with forfeiture, the money goes into an escrow where it waits until there is a conviction. Other non-participating municipalities will be asked to participate by sharing an officer or making a donation.
District Attorney Ebert expressed his sincere appreciation to Lower Allen Township for their support of the Drug Task Force. He stated that they were able to give back $20,000 to the Township last year and this year they anticipate writing a check to the Township for $30,000.
Vice President Simpson stated that he would like to see the cost dispersed amongst the counties instead of the municipalities. President Black thanked Mr. Hassinger and D.A. Ebert and stated that Detective McNair will be continuing on with the Task Force.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: ANY ITEM ON THE AGENDA
There was no response.
RECESS TO EXECUTIVE SESSION
Commissioner Simpson requested a recess to executive session for a personnel matter. The Board recessed from 7:38 pm to 7:47 pm.
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 so now. President Black requested that agenda item 6(l) be removed for separate consideration regarding the Final Land Development Plan for the Rossmoyne Elementary School.
The following items were on the Consent Agenda:
a) Resolution 2018-R-43 Establishment of Fees and Charges:
This resolution establishes fees and charges authorized by various ordinances and statutes for administration of Township business in accordance with these ordinances and statutes.
b) Resolution 2018-R-44 Green Light Go Program:
This resolution authorizes the execution of the 17th Street – 18th Street – State Street – Hummel Avenue Green Light – Go Program / Grant Reimbursement Agreement with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Transportation.
c) Resolution 2018-R-45 Green Light Go Program:
This resolution authorizes the execution of the Rossmoyne – Wesley Corridor Green Light – Go Program / Grant Reimbursement Agreement with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Transportation.
d) Resolution 2018-R-46 Green Light Go Program:
This resolution authorizes the execution of the Gettysburg – Slate Hill – Locust Project Green Light – Go Program / Grant Reimbursement Agreement with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Transportation.
e) Resolution 2018-R-47 Debt Analysis:
This resolution concludes that adequate analysis has determined that the impact to the Township’s Debt Limits and risk limits are acceptable relating to Lower Allen Township Development Authority’s proposed issuance of the Guaranteed Project Note, Series of 2019 (Federally Taxable.) Commissioner Villone wanted to have it on record that during due diligence everything was found to be satisfactory. Assistant Township Manager Trone stated that they are happy with the risk level and the Development Authority is as well. She stated that the debt limits are self-imposed and it is a for a five year term.
f) Third Quarter 2018 General Fund Operating Statements
g) Preliminary Plan for SLD Docket No. 2018-07:
Waiver of the requirement contained in Section 192-24.C to submit a Preliminary Plan for SLD Docket No. 2018-07, Land Development Plan for Rossmoyne Elementary School.
h) Modification for SLD Docket No. 2018-07:
Modification of the requirement contained in Section 192-57.C(9) to provide sidewalks along all street frontage, to allow construction of sidewalk along the Manor Drive frontage, extended to the Westport Drive intersection, including a crosswalk across Westport Drive, in lieu of sidewalk along Rossmoyne Road, for SLD Docket No. 2018-07, Final Land Development Plan for Rossmoyne Elementary School.
i) Waiver for SLD Docket No. 2018-07:
Waiver of the requirement contained in Sections 192-57.B(2)(h)[2] and 192-57.C(8) to provide curbs on all street frontage, to require installation of curb along the Rossmoyne Road frontage only in locations required by the PennDOT HOP, until such time as the installation of same has been deemed necessary by the Township for the health, safety of welfare of the general public, for SLD Docket No. 2018-07, Final Land Development Plan for Rossmoyne Elementary School. These improvements shall be made at the owner’s expense. This is a covenant running with the land, which shall bind the owners, their successors, heirs and assigns.
j) Waiver for SLD Docket No. 2018-07:
Waiver of the requirement in Section 192-58.E(10) that planting islands and beds be designed to collect stormwater runoff from adjacent paved parking areas, for SLD Docket No. 2018-07, Final Land Development Plan for Rossmoyne Elementary School.
k) Waiver for SLD Docket No. 2018-07:
Waiver of the requirement in Section 192-44 to provide financial security for proposed improvements, for SLD Docket No. 2018-07, Final Land Development Plan for Rossmoyne Elementary School.
m) Tax Collector’s November 2018 Report
Vice President SIMPSON moved to approved the amended Consent Agenda and Commissioner SCHIN seconded it. Motion carried 5-0.
SLD Docket NO. 2018-07 Final Land Development Plan for Rossmoyne Elementary School, 1225 Rossmoyne Road, contingent upon the following:
• Executing a Developers Agreement.
• Issuance of a Highway Occupancy Permit by PennDOT.
• Executing a Stormwater Facility and BP Maintenance and Monitoring Agreement.
Commissioner VILLONE moved to approve the plan and Vice President SIMPSON seconded it. Motion carried 5-0.
PRESIDENT BLACK
Check Register
Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the Check Register of December 7, 2018 in the amount of $284,168,33 and the Voided Check Register of November 5, 2018, voided check in the amount of $152.00. Commissioner VILLONE seconded it. Motion carried 5-0.
Fleet Manager Removed From Probationary Period
Commissioner HOLTZMAN moved to approve the release of Fleet Manager Charles Reynolds from probation effective December 12, 2018. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Bob Nailor Retirement
Commissioner SCHIN, with regret, moved to accept the Notice of Retirement from Public Works Coordinator Bob Nailor. Commissioner HOLTZMAN, also with regret, seconded it. Motion carried 5-0.
Ordinance 2018-12 2019 Budget:
President Black stated that the budget presented to the public included a surplus and no tax increase. Commissioner VILLONE moved to enact Ordinance 2018-12, appropriating specific sums estimated to be required for the specific purposes of the municipal government hereinafter set forth, during the fiscal year 2019.
Roll Call Vote: Commissioner Holtzman: Aye
Commissioner Schin: No
President Black: Aye
Vice President Simpson: No
Commissioner Villone: Aye
Ordinance 2018-12 passed by a 3-2 vote.
Ordinance 2018-13 Tax Rates:
Vice President SIMPSON moved to enact Ordinance 2018-13, fixing tax rates for the year 2019. This includes a small street light assessment increase but no tax increase.
Roll Call Vote: Commissioner Holtzman: Aye
Commissioner Schin: Aye
President Black: Aye
Vice President Simpson: Aye
Commissioner Villone: Aye
Ordinance 2018-13 passed by a 5-0 vote.
Ordinance 2018-14 Township Manager Compensation:
Commissioner HOLTZMAN moved to enact Ordinance 2018-14, amending the Codified Ordinances of Lower Allen Township, 1997, as amended, at section 32-7, Compensation of the Township Manager.
Roll Call Vote: Commissioner Holtzman: Aye
Commissioner Schin: Aye
President Black: Aye
Vice President Simpson: No
Commissioner Villone: Aye
Ordinance 2018-14 passed by a 4-1 vote.
Ordinance 2018-15 Lease Rental Debt:
Commissioner HOLTZMAN moved to approve Ordinance 2018-15, determining to incur lease rental debt in the maximum principal amount of $14,200,000.00 to be evidenced by a Federally Taxable Guaranteed Project Note to be issued by Lower Allen Township Development Authority in connection with a certain capital project being undertaken by said Authority, and other actions. Commissioner Schin asked for clarification on lease rental debt. Jennifer Caron, a bond attorney from Eckert Seamans, explained that it refers to a guaranteed obligation other than bond debt. Daryl Peck was also present. He represents Concord Public Finances which provides financial advice to the Development Authority. Mr. Peck stated that his company sent loan proposals to thirty banks for the project and five responded. F&M Trust was chosen with a fixed rate of 4.3%.
Roll Call Vote: Commissioner Holtzman: Aye
Commissioner Schin: Aye
President Black: Aye
Vice President Simpson: Aye
Commissioner Villone: Aye
Ordinance 2018-15 passed by a 5-0 vote.
ANY BUSINESS PERTINENT TO THE TOWNSHIP
There was none.
COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Zoning Hearing Board Report:
Mr. John Eby, Building and Zoning Coordinator spoke about three dockets that will be considered at the upcoming Public Hearing on December 20, 2018. These are as follows:
1. Docket 2018-09: Yousef Yousef is requesting a special exception in accordance with Section 220-165B to establish a tailor shop with a 6 square foot sign at his residence at 1710 Carlisle Road, Camp Hill, PA. Details are lacking regarding how minimum off-street parking requirements will be met and how backing of vehicles onto Carlisle Road will be prevented. Participation of the Township Solicitor at the hearing is being requested. Commissioners are in favor of the Solicitor attending the hearing.
2. Docket 2018-10: William and Sandra Seckinger are requesting a variance from Section 220-15A(2) to construct a carport on their property at 1302 Strafford Road, Camp Hill, PA. The minimum yard setback would be one foot instead of five feet. Sufficient information has been provided.
3. Docket 2018-11: JMS Property, LLC is requesting a variance from Section 220-242.L.2(b) to install off-street parking less than five feet from the lot line at 4500 Gettysburg Road, Mechanicsburg, PA. They want to put an addition on the back of their structure and add parking. This land is currently not developed. This request was filed without meeting with the Zoning staff. Additional issues were found requiring two additional variances. It may be tabled due to this discovery.
ASSISTANT MANAGER
Assistant Manager Erin Trone announced that a Pedestrian/Bike Committee will be reconvening in January of 2019. The Township has received a $10,000 grant from Walk Works from the University of Pittsburgh. This is in addition to a $10,000 grant from Cumberland County. This money will go toward a pedestrian bike study. There are requirements spelled out in the letter from Walk Works that must be completed, including participation by a Commissioner. Commissioner Schin expressed his interest in participating.
COMMISSIONERS REPORTS
Public Safety Director Dave Holl stated that the EMS subscription documents have been finalized and are currently being printed. He anticipates them going out by the end of the year. There are rate increases as were previously approved. He also spoke about a recent fire with entrapment on the second floor that Fire and Police handled successfully by working together.
Commissioner Schin commended the Township Manager and Engineer on the letter they drafted regarding keeping the safety zones at Rossmoyne Elementary School. He also had several students mention receiving the new Township maps that were recently sent to residents.
Vice President Simpson stated that he is looking forward to discussions and next year’s meetings and where we go from here.
Commissioner Villone spoke about attending the Yellow Breeches Watershed Association (YBWA) meeting that was held last week at LACP. He appreciated Mr. Eby’s input in the meeting regarding Wal-Mart’s building and recycling policies and hopes other builders will also build responsibly.
Township Manager Vernau stated that he received an e-mail from David Schmidt, our library representative. He will be resigning from the position due to other commitments, so we will need a new representative.
Mr. Eby stated that it was refreshing to see a good turnout at the YBWA meeting. He mentioned that Rebecca Davis, MS4 Coordinator for Lower Allen, and another MS4 coordinator were there and are planning to be involved. He stated that Lower Allen Township was the organization that started YBWA.
Mr. Flint gave a project update on the perimeter fence being completed at Allendale Park.
Commissioner Schin stated that the Stormwater Authority is still struggling with their identity. He is concerned that new board members may be needed. He would like Mr. Vernau to look for resumes for possible replacements. Mr. Miner stated that he hopes the current board will stay but agrees it won’t hurt to have a backup plan.
President Black made a tribute to the recently deceased President George H.W. Bush and mentioned some of his most notable accomplishments.
ADJOURNMENT
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners adjourned at 8:33 pm.