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Home»Board of Commissioners Minutes»Board of Commissioners
2-11-19 Minutes

Board of Commissioners
2-11-19 Minutes

MINUTES

 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS                                         LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP

 REGULAR MEETING                                                          FEBRUARY 11, 2019

 

The following were in ATTENDANCE:

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS                                      TOWNSHIP PERSONNEL

Jack R. Simpson Jr., Vice President                                      Thomas G. Vernau, Jr., Township Manager

Richard F. Schin                                                                   Erin G. Trone, Assistant Township Manager

Dean W. Villone                                                                    David Holl, Public Safety Director

Carolyn Holtzman                                                                  Dan Flint, Public Works Director

                                                                                                Richard Grove, Finance Director

                                                                                                John Eby, Building & Zoning Coordinator                                   

                                                                                                Leon Crone, Police Captain

                                                                                           Steven P. Miner, Solicitor

                                                                                           Tina Thomas, Recording Secretary                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

 

Vice President Simpson called the February 11, 2019 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.  President Black is absent with excuse.

 

MEETING MINUTES

Commissioner VILLONE moved to approve the minutes from the January 28, 2019 Regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0 with Vice President Simpson abstaining due to absence.

PRESENTATION:  Public Safety Awards

Fire Chief Murdoch provided the background for the event leading to letters of commendation being presented tonight. A house fire on Glendale Drive was called in on December 8, 2018 with occupants unable to escape. Ultimately a semi-conscious woman was rescued from an upstairs bedroom through a window and transported to the hospital with burns. After a search of the house, firefighters determined no one else was trapped there. Emergency personnel who responded are being honored tonight with an award for Exemplary Bravery. This includes fire and police officers from Lower Allen Township, Shiremanstown Fire Company, Hampden Township Volunteer Fire Company, Naval Support Activity of Mechanicsburg.

1st Asst. Chief Hoffecker from Hampden Township Volunteer Fire Company presented his firefighters with a Medal of Bravery ribbon following the above awards. He thanked the Board of Commissioners for the meeting time they allotted for the presentation.

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: ANY ITEM ON THE AGENDA

There was no response.

VICE PRESIDENT SIMPSON

Check Register

Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the Check Register of February 1, 2019 in the amount of $213,025.49. Commissioner VILLONE seconded it.  Motion carried 4-0. 

 ANY BUSINESS PERTINENT TO THE TOWNSHIP

Dan Daisley of 141 Lancaster Boulevard was in attendance and spoke about the park behind his property. He is concerned the land is being developed into a park because he has seen surveyors working in the area. He stated that he is opposed to the land being developed into a park and is concerned that Upper Allen Township residents will cut through the area on their way to Weis Market. He referred to previously performed survey of residents in the area in which the majority did not want the area developed for a park. Commissioner Villone and Commissioner Schin responded by assuring Mr. Daisley that the park is not a done deal and they are interested in what the residents want to see done with the land. Mr. Vernau stated that the results of the previous survey did indicate an interest in some low-key development of the area such as walking trails and a tot lot.  A new survey is going to be produced and sent out to the residents.

TOWNSHIP ENGINEER

Mr. Flint presented several Dockets tonight to the Board for approval:

SLD Docket No. 2000-11: Release of Improvement Security for Heights of Beacon Hill Phase 2

Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the request for release of the Improvement Security for Beacon Hill Phase 2 as the final lot has been built and the sidewalks are completed. Commissioner VILLONE seconded the motion and the motion carried 4-0.

SLD Docket No. 2005-22: Reduction of Improvement Security for Heights of Beacon Hill Phase 3

Commissioner VILLONE moved to approve the request for Reduction of Improvement Security for Beacon Hill Phase 3 as only two lots remain out of four. The new security amount will be $4,167.50 with an expiration date of February 11, 2020. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion and the motion carried 4-0.

SLD Docket No. 2017-02: Reduction of Improvement Security for Arcona Phases 2.1 and 2.2

Commissioner VILLONE moved to approve the request for Reduction of Improvement Security for Arcona Phases 2.1 and 2.2, establishing a new amount of $469,647.84 with an expiration of February 11, 2020. The Improvement Security remains to cover the final steps needed to complete Strong Road. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion which carried 4-0.

Authorization of the Township Manager to Execute Indemnity Agreements for Applications for Highway Occupancy Permits with Charter Homes

Mr. Flint explained that PennDOT has changed their Highway Occupancy Permit procedure and now requires the municipality to be the applicant instead of the developer for stormwater facilities constructed along state highway rights-of-way. The Township has drafted a standard agreement entitled “Indemnity Agreement for Application for Highway Occupancy Concerning Stormwater Facilities” which passes the responsibility of maintaining the stormwater facilities to the adjacent property owner involved in the construction, instead of it being the responsibility of the Township. This agreement is applicable to the construction of two roundabouts:  the Lisburn Road/Rossmoyne Road roundabout and the Lisburn Road/Arcona Road roundabout. In addition to the drainage facilities, the roundabouts will have highway lighting facilities which must be included. Approval is needed to authorize the Township Manager to sign those agreements. Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the authorization and Commissioner VILLONE seconded it. Motion carried 4-0.

Authorization of the Township Manager to Execute Indemnity Agreements for Applications for Highway Occupancy Permits with West Shore School District

Authorization is also needed for the Township Manager to sign the permit for stormwater facilities associated with SLD Docket No. 2018-07, the new Rossmoyne Elementary School. Commissioner VILLONE moved to approve the authorization and Commissioner SCHIN seconded it. Motion carried     4-0.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Purchase of a replacement CSO vehicle

Mr. Holl spoke about purchasing a Ford F-150 pickup style truck as a replacement CSO vehicle which was approved as a 2019 capital budget item. It would replace a 2012 Ford Escape with 92,246 miles on it. The pickup is expected to cost $30,986.68 base price, and will be larger and more visible than the Escape. The lighting package can cost as much as $8,000 but this will still come in under the budgeted amount of $46,500. Mr. Holl plans for the truck to have a cap with side storage areas and to have high visibility striping and lighting. This will allow for increased safety of the accident scene when it is being used for a Traffic Incident Management vehicle. It is anticipated to have a service life of 5-10 years. Sale of the Escape is budgeted at approximately $8,000. Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the COSTARS contract with Hoffman Ford so the truck can be ordered and Commissioner VILLONE seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.

Activation of the Civil Service Commission

Mr. Holl requested that the Board activate the Civil Service Commission to allow for the creation of a list of eligible candidates for the position of police officer. The Township anticipates hiring two officers in July and must begin testing, interviewing, and performing background checks. The Cumberland County Police Testing Consortium will be conducting written and physical fitness testing on March 30 – 31, 2019. The Civil Service Commission will also be asked to consider amendments to their rules that stem from previous Board actions that were never formally included in the Rules document. Upon Commission approval, the updated Rules will be presented to the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner VILLONE moved to approve activation of the Civil Service Commission and Commissioner SCHIN seconded it. Motion carried 4-0.

COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Mr. Eby presented the Zoning Hearing Board Report for Community and Economic Development. He stated that the Zoning Board will meet on February 21, 2019 to conduct its reorganization and to hear the continuation of Docket 2018-09. This was continued because the applicant, Youssef Youssef of 1710 Carlisle Road, had failed to provide details for off-street parking at his residence as well as the details of his business sign for his tailor shop. Mr. Eby has received drawings from surveyors which appear to meet the requirements and the case can be heard at the Zoning Board hearing. Mr. Miner will be present to assist with statements made under oath, as previously approved by the Board.

TOWNSHIP MANAGER

Resolution 2019-R-03

Mr. Vernau stated that a request had come from the fire companies that the joint criteria developed for the Tax Credit Program also be used for the Volunteer Fire Service Award Program (VFSAP). This would streamline administrative efforts in tracking the service hours of the volunteers by allowing use of the same set of criteria. Commissioner SCHIN moved to adopt Resolution 2019-R-03, amending the VFSAP service credit criteria and Commissioner VILLONE seconded it. The Resolution passed 4-0. This will become effective as of the new plan year on April 1st.

Purchase of a Ford F350 for Public Works

Mr. Vernau spoke about the purchase of a 2019 Ford F350 to replace a 2008 F350 Public Works truck which was approved as a 2019 capital budget item. This truck will be used as a sign truck for the Public Works Department, allowing them to carry along all tools, signs, and posts needed to do a job and store them in the truck. They would like it to be upfitted with a utility bed, sign post puller, and a snowplow. Lights and striping will be done in-house. Total cost of the COSTARS contract for the F350 with upfit is $56,981.72 which is above the budgeted amount of $50,000. It is requested that the $12,209 saved on the purchase of the large dump truck be applied to the balance. Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the purchase of the truck and Commissioner VILLONE seconded it. Motion carried 4-0.

COMMISSIONERS REPORTS

Director Holl thanked the Board for allowing the Fire Companies to present their awards. He spoke about the display of teamwork between fire and police.

Solicitor Miner thanked the Board for welcoming Karen Miller in his absence at the last meeting.

Commissioner Schin spoke about the railroad crossings at Slate Hill and Rossmoyne being all torn up. Mr. Vernau stated that work is being done by Norfolk Southern Railroad but they have not informed us of what they are doing or the timeline for their project. Mr. Allen from the Codes Department has been trying to get in touch with the railroad but has only found a worker to speak with. They currently have trenches dug which were filled with stone and cold patch but that did not last. Mr. Schin also mentioned ongoing tensions in the Stormwater Authority meetings. Mr. Miner replied that the last meeting had gone more smoothly. Mr. Schin commended Mr. Flint and Mrs. Davis for their hard work.

Commissioner Villone spoke about staff helping a local church understand the upcoming stormwater billing process. He stated that the Stormwater Authority needs to understand their role well because people will be coming in to ask about the program. Commissioner Villone said that Mrs. Davis was very helpful in explaining the credit system when he spoke with her.

Township Manager Vernau spoke about a letter he received from CS Davidson Engineers regarding upcoming work on the Slate Hill Bridge. This will necessitate closure of the bridge daily from 7:30am to 4pm for seven business days. This work is anticipated to begin on February 25th, with Notification signs going up on the 13th

He spoke about the upcoming meetings to be held by Cumberland County and Carlisle Borough (CDBG) regarding fair housing. One is slated to be held in the Lower Allen Township Municipal Building this Wednesday at 7pm.

Lastly, Mr. Vernau spoke about receiving notification from Verizon that late payment charges will be increasing from $5 to $9. No reason was given for this increase. President Black has requested that the Township send a letter voicing our objection to this rate increase. Mr. Vernau read the draft letter.  Commissioner SCHIN moved to have a letter sent to Verizon and Commissioner VILLONE seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.

Mr. Eby spoke about being asked to provide input as part of the Cumberland County Housing Development Authority. He attended a session last week. He stated that there is money available to help people with disabilities who need help with accessibility or home repairs.

Mr. Flint gave an update on the Stormwater Authority’s recent activities. There is a short notice included on the sewer and trash bills that were sent out for the first quarter. Letters were sent to the over 400 properties in the Township with greater than 1 ERU. In addition, 100 properties which are eligible for credits received a letter telling them which credit they qualify for and instructing them to fill out the application.

Vice President Simpson spoke about several deer herds that have been wandering in Allendale recently. He asked if deer crossing signs could be put up in places where people tend to be driving faster, such as Allendale Drive, or when coming into the neighborhood. Mr. Flint stated that the signs are usually put up following deer strikes.

 ADJOURNMENT

  The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners adjourned at 8:23 pm.