Board of Commissioners
12-26-18 Minutes
MINUTES
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 26, 2018
The following were in ATTENDANCE:
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS TOWNSHIP PERSONNEL
Edward Black, President Thomas G. Vernau, Jr., 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
Helen Grundon, Township Secretary
Steven P. Miner, Solicitor
Mary Ellen Banks, Recording Secretary
President Black called the December 26, 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.
Commissioner Jack R. Simpson Jr. was absent with excuse
MEETING MINUTES
Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the minutes from the December 10, 2018 Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: ANY ITEM ON THE AGENDA
There was no response.
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. There was no response. The following items were on the Consent Agenda:
a. Department Reports for the month of November for Community Development, Township Engineer, Fleet Maintenance, Facilities, Public Works, and Public Safety.
b. Signature on agreement with Cumberland County for a Land Partnership Grant for the Fun Fort.
c. Signature on agreement with Cumberland County for a Land Partnership Grant for the Pedestrian/Bike Study.
Commissioner VILLONE moved to approve the Consent Agenda and Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
PRESIDENT BLACK
Check Register
Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the Check Register of December 21, 2018 in the amount of $460,282.82 Commissioner VILLONE seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
Board and Commission Appointments
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to reappoint Richard Bonneville to the Lower Allen Township Zoning Hearing Board for a term of three years, beginning January 1, 2019, and to reappoint Leon Boncarosky as an Alternate to the Lower Allen Township Zoning Hearing Board for a term of three years, beginning January 1, 2019. Commissioner VILLONE seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
Commissioner VILLONE made a motion to reappoint Lloyd W. Bucher to the Lower Allen Township Authority for a term of five years, beginning January 1, 2019. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
Commissioner Schin inquired why Lloyd is the only one being reappointed to the Stormwater Authority at this time, since he understood everyone on the Authority was appointed at the same time and these were to be five year terms. Solicitor Miner explained the terms were staggered, and Lloyd was one of the ones with a short term.
Commissioner VILLONE made a motion to reappoint Lloyd W. Bucher to the Lower Allen Township Stormwater Authority for a term of five years, beginning January 1, 2019. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to reappoint John M. Eby to the Lower Allen Township Development Authority for a term of five years, beginning January 1, 2019. Commissioner VILLONE seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to appoint Brian Wickenheiser to the Lower Allen Township Planning Commission for a term of four years, beginning January 1, 2019, and to appoint Samuel Bashore to the Lower Allen Township Planning Commission for a term of four years, beginning January 1, 2019. Commissioner VILLONE seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to reappoint James Kaiser to the Lower Allen Township Recreation and Parks Board for a term of five years, beginning January 1, 2019, and to reappoint Robert Pelles to the Lower Allen Township Recreation and Parks Board for a term of five years, beginning January 1, 2019. . Commissioner VILLONE seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to appoint William Laubenheimer as an Alternate to the Lower Allen Township Civil Service Commission for a term of six years, beginning January 1, 2019. Commissioner VILLONE seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
Messrs. Bonneville, Boncarosky, Eby and Laubenheimer were present and were sworn in by Township Secretary Helen Grundon. President Black thanked all for their service to the Township.
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to approved release of Improvement Security for SLD Docket No. 2015-13, Final Land Development Plan for Stone Gate Village. Commissioner VILLONE seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
ANY BUSINESS PERTINENT TO THE TOWNSHIP
There was none.
TOWNSHIP ENGINEER
Traffic Signal Maintenance
Mr. Flint discussed his request to execute a contract with Atlantic Transportation Systems, Inc. for Maintenance of Traffic Signal Control Systems, in accordance with the Proposal submitted December 14, 2018. Atlantic Transportation Systems, Inc. was the only contractor who answered the RFP. The one-year contract period will begin February 1, 2019, renewable annually at the discretion of the Township. Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to direct the Manager to execute a contract with Atlantic Transportation Systems, Inc. for the Maintenance of Traffic Signal Control Systems per the December 14, 2018 proposal. Commissioner VILLONE seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
PUBLIC SAFETY
PSO Resignation Withdrawal
Director Holl explained to the board that PSO Bryan Dunbar withdrew his resignation today, so there would be no action needed on this item on the agenda.
Ambulance Purchase
Director Holl discussed the capital purchase of a 2019 Ford F550 Life Line Ambulance. (Note: Agenda had a misprint of F350). This is to replace a 2006 ambulance with over 108,000 miles. This purchase was included in the 2019 budget at $250,000; however, with the new litter requirements the cost will exceed the approved budget line. This will be mitigated through budget savings in other areas as well as earmarked donations. Commissioner SCHIN made a motion for the purchase of the 2019 Ford F550 Life Line Ambulance not to exceed $255,415.00. Commissioner VILLONE seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Pedestrian/Bike Committee
Mr. Flint discussed the desire to renew our Pedestrian/Bike Plan, and the need for another Ped/Bike Committee since the original one in 2006 was sunset following completion of their work. Mr. Flint also supplied the Board with a list of interested persons to date. Mr. Black verified with all Commissioners that they do not have a problem if these persons are not Lower Allen Township residents. Commissioner VILLONE made a motion to re-form the Pedestrian/Bicycle Committee. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
MANAGER
Leaf Picker Purchase
Mr. Vernau explained a new leaf picker was budgeted to replace a 2004 ODB leaf picker in 2019 for $75,000. Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to purchase the new leaf picker as requested. Commissioner VILLONE seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
Employee Recognitions
Mr. Vernau stated that Employee Recognitions for longevity for two police officers, Corporal Edward Curtis and Corporal Rick Tamanosky would be on the next meeting agenda.
COMMISSIONERS REPORTS
Mr. Flint explained the Township had submitted our application for renewal of our MS4 Permit in September 2017, anticipating the renewal date of March 2018. Today he received notice that they approved the application and the plans as submitted.
Mr. Eby thanked the Board for the re-appointment to the Development Authority; the business is getting interesting and it is fun to serve.
Mrs. Banks reminded the Commissioners to check their email since Lisburn Community Fire Company sent an invitation for the banquet in February. And, she also thanked the Commissioners once again for their donation for the tanker; it was much appreciated.
Mr. Vernau explained to the Board there was “Stop the Bleed” training for employees done by Holy Spirit Hospital personnel. There was more interest than could be fit into two sessions; therefore, there will be an additional session on January 23rd at 10:00am. Mr. Vernau wanted to open this up to the Commissioners if they are available. He is also trying to arrange a 6:00pm session prior to a public meeting and will let the Board know if this is successful.
Commissioner Villone stated that he received an email/memo from the Cumberland County Tax Bureau regarding the resolution that the Board sent out to the PA legislators in opposition to statewide collection of EIT. The Department of Revenue did submit their findings to the PA House and it came back with 3 options, “1) do something, 2) do nothing or 3) do something in between”. His opinion is when it does come up, the Board may have to further their position that they would not want such a thing. He will keep the Board informed. He thanked all for a great year and appreciated everyone’s help and encouragement and wished everyone a happy new year.
Commissioner Schin congratulated Director Holl on his certificate of graduation from Department of Homeland Security Executive Planners Course. He also inquired concerning the memo in reference to the police staffing. Mr. Vernau explained Captain Crone did take our complement of CSO’s and PSO’s into account, which is why they came up with the number they did, which was four (4) officers by 2021 and then possibly four or five additional by 2026.
Commissioner Schin would encourage leadership to give encouragement for emergence of opinions and diversity on our Board. He looks forward to 2019.
Commissioner Holtzman asked if anything was ever done about the issue on Beaver Road. Discussion ensued. It was determined that residents were concerned with the speeding on the road, not the use by Brook’s Edge residents. Director Holl stated they will have speed measuring devices there in the new year.
Solicitor Miner wanted to clarify his comment to Commissioner Schin by stating the Authorities Act does require staggered terms under 5610 and the Manager and he decided to keep the terms the same as the Sewer Authority seats, and since Lloyd was up for renewal on this Authority, it made sense since he had the shortest terms and that is why he was up for re-appointment at this time.
Director Holl thanked the Board for their support this past year. He stated they had a lot of accomplishments and they closed out this month a number of projects for this year. Now, they are starting the planning process for 2019 and anticipates bringing before the Board a couple of items in January and February.
President Black thanked those that were sworn in tonight and thanked them for their service. He stated this year we lost two important members to our staff and tomorrow we are celebrating the life of one of them at 8:30am. We have replaced some used equipment and replaced some safety equipment. So, it has been a good year for Lower Allen Township. He thanked all the employees who make this a 1st Class Township. He then wished everyone a belated Merry Christmas, a Happy Holiday season and happy and prosperous New Year.
ADJOURNMENT
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners adjourned at 8:20pm.