Board of Commissioners
2-25-19 Minutes
MINUTES
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 25, 2019
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 David Holl, Public Safety Director
Richard F. Schin Dan Flint, Public Works Director
Dean W. Villone Richard Grove, Finance Director
Carolyn Holtzman Steven P. Miner, Solicitor
Tina Thomas, Recording Secretary
President Black called the February 25, 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.
MEETING MINUTES
Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the minutes from the February 11, 2019 Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners. Vice President SIMPSON seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0 with President Black abstaining due to absence.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: ANY ITEM ON THE AGENDA
There was no response.
PRESIDENT BLACK
Check Register
Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the Check Register of February 15, 2019 in the amount of $400,713.92. Commissioner VILLONE seconded it. Motion carried 5-0.
Release From Probation
Commissioner VILLONE moved to release Public Safety Officer Bryan Dunbar from his probationary period effective February 28, 2019. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Release From Probation
Vice President SIMPSON moved to release Public Safety Officer Thomas Kidd from probation effective
March 4, 2019. Commissioner VILLONE seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Department Reports
Commissioner SCHIN moved to accept the department reports for the month of January from Community Development, Fleet Maintenance, Public Works, and Public Safety, as well as the months of December and January from the Township Engineer. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
ANY BUSINESS PERTINENT TO THE TOWNSHIP
There was no response.
TOWNSHIP ENGINEER
SLD Docket No. 2019-03: Minor Land Development Plan for 1180 Lowther Road
Mr. Flint spoke about the proposed construction of a 505 square foot building addition to the Perfect Match Boutique and pointed out its location at 1180 Lowther Road on the overhead projector. He stated that the current structure is 1,000 square feet so the addition will total 1,500 square feet. There are 2 driveway entrances and some minor modifications will be made for the parking lot to allow for 6 parking spaces and a handicap parking space. The builder has requested and been granted a variance from the Zoning and Hearing Board for a slight encroachment beyond the building setback line. Mr. Flint stated that this was approved last week by the Planning Commission. Commissioner Villone questioned whether the previously figured impervious coverage as related to stormwater would be affected by the addition. Mr. Flint replied that since it was already a commercial property it is considered 2 ERUs, and this will stay the same. Commissioner VILLONE moved to approve SLD Docket No. 2019-03 and Commissioner SCHIN seconded it. Motion carried 5-0.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Capital Purchase of an unmarked police vehicle
Mr. Holl spoke about the purchase of a Ford Ranger Crew-Cab 4×4 pick-up truck as a replacement for unmarked police vehicle LA-13. This vehicle was purchased in 2014 and has 82,000 miles on it. The vehicle replacement is budgeted at $37,500. The Ford Ranger is expected to cost $31,004.20 base price using a COSTARS contract from Hoffman Ford, and has a service life of 5 – 7 years. Mr. Holl plans for the truck to have a cap and only a minor lighting package due to being unmarked. Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the vehicle purchase and Vice President SIMPSON seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Civil Service Commission Rules Codification
Mr. Holl stated that the Board of Commissioners voted at their last meeting to allow for activation of the Civil Service Commission which had its first meeting on February 14, 2019. The Commission unanimously approved codification of two years’ worth of changes to some of the language of the civil service rules. Director Holl requested that the Board approve the codified version of the Civil Service Commission Rules which he provided a copy of to the Board. Vice President SIMPSON moved to approve the rules codification and Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Public Safety Ad HOC Committee
Mr. Holl presented a proposal for the formation of a Public Safety Ad Hoc Committee to develop strategic vision for the next 5-15 years. This was last done in 1997 and consisted of 14 members. Previously, the Committee lost members over time so Mr. Holl would like to start with 20 members and a 5 to 6 month commitment to meet frequently. This could include Commissioners, various Public Safety department representatives, and members of the public. The goal of the Committee would be for any recommendations to be made to the Board in August, prior to the 2020 budget. Mr. Holl provided a model of a Whole Community approach which takes into consideration that Lower Allen Township is a diverse community. It starts with identifying risk and safety for our residents as well as our capabilities to protect them and respond in an emergency. Mr. Holl spoke about providing transparency for the public throughout the process and holding public meetings at various locations around the Township. These could be advertised by the newsletter and social media. Names of potential committee members would be provided to the Board of Commissioners for approval. He would like to have meeting minutes published and available to the public.
Vice President Simpson asked Mr. Holl if he anticipates having to hire full time firefighters due to loss of volunteers as required training hours increase. Mr. Holl stated that he does not expect to at this time, but the Ad Hoc Committee can identify issues and make recommendations on this. President Black asked Mr. Frank Williamson, Lisburn Fire Chief, how volunteers are able to obtain the necessary hours of training. Mr. Williamson thanked the Board for the tanker that they recently helped the Lisburn Fire Company to purchase. He stated that they try to get the training done in-house on the weekends but there are also classes and tests that the volunteers must attend and complete. President Black asked if the Ad Hoc Committee should promote residential sprinkler systems as a self-protection measure. Mr. Williamson is in favor of residential sprinklers. He stated that Lisburn and Lower Allen Township have a good working relationship. Commissioner Schin added that he is in favor of the committee and Commissioner Villone appreciates the transparency and efforts to involve the public. President Black would like to see all areas of the Township represented on the committee.
Commissioner HOLTZMAN moved to approve the formation of the Public Safety Ad Hoc Committee and Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
TOWNSHIP MANAGER
Approval of 2018 Emergency Volunteer Tax Credit applications:
Mr. Vernau presented the names of two additional tax credit applicants that have been checked and qualify for the tax credit certification. This will continue to be available until the end of March. Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the names and Commissioner VILLONE seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0 with President Black abstaining due to having a family member on the list.
Amendment of Chapter 209-29 to include buses:
Due to a recent school bus parking complaint, there is a consideration to include buses in the definition of Commercial Vehicles in Chapter 209-29. The current rule applies to recreational vehicles and construction vehicles parked in neighborhoods, but not buses. Mr. Miner stated that a public meeting would not be necessary to change this rule but Commissioner Schin requested a hearing for transparency. Vice President Simpson thinks the type and size of the bus should be considered and that more discussion is needed. Mr. Vernau will send out a questionnaire to the BOC to see if they want to move forward with this discussion.
Signs in the Public Right-Of-Way:
Currently, signs in the public right-of-way are prohibited by ordinance with a few exceptions. The Township has not enforced political signs in the past but an election is approaching. Mr. Vernau asked if the Board would like the ordinance enforced as written or an exception created for political signs. Mr. Miner stated that the Supreme Court does not provide a time frame for how long the signs can be out. There are no restrictions on private property and on public property as long as the signs do not affect safety. The majority of the Commissioners would prefer to allow political signs as long as they are not obstructing view. Vice President Simpson would prefer to not have any signs in the public right-of-way. Consensus was to leave things as they are now.
COMMISSIONERS REPORTS
Vice President Simpson reporting attending the Lisburn Fire Company’s 65th Anniversary Banquet. He had a good time and enjoyed seeing all of the volunteers.
Commissioner Schin also mentioned attending the Banquet and traveling down “Memory Lane”. He mentioned having a hard time finding the minutes from the Economic Development Authority meetings. He would like the Commissioners to be provided with a hard copy. President Black stated that sometimes
confidential matters are discussed. Mr. Miner stated that the confidential discussions should be held in Executive Sessions.
President Black commended the Lisburn Fire Company for 65 years of service. He also stated that there is a synopsis of the current state of the Bon Ton site in the packet. He also stated that there is need for an Executive Session.
RECESS TO EXECUTIVE SESSION
The closed executive session took place from 8:31 pm to 8:58 pm. A discussion was held on the Gettysburg Road Stormwater right-of-way. An Ordinance was considered which would authorize the acquisition of land owned by Asbury Atlantic, Inc., by the use of Eminent Domain for stormwater drainage and other transportation purposes. The Board of Commissioners would authorize the Township Solicitor to take the necessary action.
The Board reconvened at 8:58 pm and Vice President SIMPSON moved to approve advertisement of the proposed Ordinance for taking the land needed for stormwater management. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
ADJOURNMENT
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners adjourned at 8:59 pm.