Board of Commissioners
3-11-19 Minutes
MINUTES
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING MARCH 11, 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 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 & Zoning Coordinator
Steven P. Miner, Solicitor
Tina Thomas, Recording Secretary
President Black called the March 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.
MEETING MINUTES
Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the minutes from the February 25, 2019 Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner VILLONE seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
PRESENTATION: TRAINING AND UTILIZATION OF PSOs AND CSOs TO ASSIST WITH THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE
Mr. David Holl, Mrs. Erin Trone, and Mr. William Yeagley presented a project that they have been working on together with the goal of maintaining property values in the Township by increasing property
maintenance enforcement. This is in response to concerns expressed by the Commissioners regarding
blighted and rundown properties in the Township. Public Safety Officers (PSOs) and Community
Service Officers (CSOs) would be the first line of defense for spotting property violations and contacting
the property owner. Mrs. Trone stated that we are trying to be proactive rather than reactive in trying to prevent future problems. In the past we have been reactive, not acting until a complaint is received. Mr. Yeagley spoke about the success of using PSOs to perform fire inspections which has increased the number that can be completed. He is currently working with the PSOs to get them trained in the 2006 and 2015
International Property Maintenance Codes. All trainees are encouraged to take the ICC Property
Maintenance & Housing Inspector Certification test in Fall of 2019. It is more challenging to meet with
the CSOs due to scheduling conflicts so a PowerPoint program is being developed for them. Mr. Holl
stated that the goal of the program is to use a collaborative approach between Public Safety, Zoning, and
Codes, and to generate voluntary compliance.
The following practical suggestions were created as a “Toolbox” for aiding enforcement:
- Implement an Abandoned Property Registry – Banks would be required to notify the Township of vacant properties and supply a contact person who would answer property maintenance concerns.
- Implement “quick tickets” to hasten violation process – Ticket will be issued at the time of the violation instead of the Township sending a letter first (streamline the process).
- Integration of the Property Maintenance Code into Alpine RedNMX for complaint tracking
- Adoption of 2015 ICC International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC)
- Door hangers left on property so violators can be noticed at time of violation – Courtesy notice.
- Education – quarterly Saturday morning outreach sessions with residents including topics like homeowner responsibilities, stormwater, crime prevention.
Commissioner Villone asked if we need to update our existing policies to keep things consistent for all residents. Mr. Yeagley stated that he feels the PSOs have good discretion with oversight from the Complaints Coordinator. Commissioner Schin asked if there is a formal referral form for complaints. Mr. Yeagley responded that there is a complaints form on the website or the person can come into the CED office to create the complaint form. President Black asked what the committee is looking for from the Board. Mr. Holl stated that they are looking for permission to move forward with the plan. Commissioner SCHIN made a motion stating that the Board of Commissioners supports the program that was presented tonight. Vice-President SIMPSON seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: ANY ITEM ON THE AGENDA
There was no response.
PRESIDENT BLACK
Check Register
Commissioner VILLONE moved to approve the Check Register of March 1, 2019 in the amount of $97,729.40, and the Manual Check register of February 6, 2019 in the amount of $21,299.65. Vice President SIMPSON seconded it. Motion carried 5-0.
Resolution 2019-R-04: BciCapital, Inc. Master Installment Purchase Agreement
Commissioner SCHIN moved to authorize the execution and delivery of a Bci Capital, Inc. Master Installment Purchase Agreement, an Escrow Agreement, and related instruments, and determining other matters in connection thereto. Mr. Vernau explained that during the budget process it was decided to seek outside financing for five items. Mr. Grove stated that this formalizes the annual capital lease and covers the Fun Fort expansion at $173,000, Public Works Building expansion at $848,720, an ambulance at $238,000, a large dump truck at $173,000, and computer software at $350,000. This totals $1,782,720. Vice President SIMPSON seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
ANY BUSINESS PERTINENT TO THE TOWNSHIP
There was no response.
TOWNSHIP ENGINEER
Resolution 2019-R-05
Mr. Flint explained that a resolution is needed to authorize the Township Manager or his designee to sign the grant agreements with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for two Stormwater Best Management Practices which are required by our MS4 Permit. These are the Sheepford Crossing West retrofit project and the Public Works retrofit project. Vice President SIMPSON moved to authorize the Township Manager or his designee to sign the grant agreements and Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Public Works Coordinator Position
Mr. Flint spoke about the current Public Works Coordinator, Mr. Bob Nailor, and his upcoming retirement date of April 27, 2019. The process for hiring his replacement took place, and the staff choice for this position would be Mr. Bryan Harshbarger. Mr. Harshbarger is currently the Highway Supervisor and was the only applicant. This change would be effective immediately upon Mr. Nailor’s retirement. A replacement for Mr. Harshbarger’s position will be sought after an entry level employee is added. This will be on the next meeting’s agenda.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Public Safety Ad Hoc Committee
Mr. Holl spoke about his progress with forming the Public Safety Ad Hoc Committee which the Board approved in February. He has received a number of e-mails expressing interest and the total number is at 20 committee members, including various members of Public Safety, Commissioners, business people, and Township residents. Commissioner Holtzman questioned how the members were selected and expressed interest in serving on the committee, which brought the total to 21 members. Mr. Holl anticipates that the meetings may begin as early as April 1st and will meet two times per month, opposite the Board of Commissioner’s Monday meetings. He hopes to use social media, the Township website, and possibly the LA Alert system to invite members of the public to attend the meetings. Locations will vary between the Emergency Operations Center at Lower Allen Township, Fire Companies, and churches. Mr. Holl requested the Board’s approval of the list of names for the committee as well as permission to advertise. Vice President SIMPSON moved to approve and Commissioner SCHIN seconded. Motion carried 5-0.
COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Pennsylvania 811 Safe Digging
Mr. John Eby spoke about the Pennsylvania One-Call program which promotes calling 811 to assist with locating underground utilities before digging. He would like to bring a resolution to the Board at the next meeting declaring April of 2019 to be Pennsylvania 811 Safe Digging Month.
TOWNSHIP MANAGER
Employee Recognitions
Mr. Vernau spoke about two upcoming employee recognitions taking place at the next meeting. Julie Echterling will be recognized for 2500 hours of service, and Mr. Ken Hivner for 15 years of service to the Township.
Personnel Manual Updates
Mr. Vernau talked about the work being done by Mrs. Trone and Mrs. Paul, our Community and Human Resource Specialist, to update the Employee Personnel Manual. Due to the volume of material contained, it is being presented in chapters. Mr. Vernau stated that there were no major changes in the first three chapters, which were provided to the Board to review. The Board will not be asked to approve the changes until the entire manual is complete. Discussion ensued about the changes made so far and Mr. Vernau explained the updates that have been made. The Board approved Chapters 1 through 3 without further correction. However, no formal action was taken.
Resignation of Complaints Coordinator Corisa Mihoerck
Mr. Vernau announced the receipt of a letter of resignation from Complaints Coordinator Corisa Mihoerck. She has decided to resign her position for personal reasons effective at the end of the business day on March 29, 2109. Her supervisor Mrs. Trone stated that Corisa’s duties will be reassigned. Vice President SIMPSON moved to accept the resignation of Complaints Coordinator Corisa Mihoerck and Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0 with regrets expressed by the Commissioners.
COMMISSIONERS REPORTS
Mr. Eby spoke about the Community and Economic Development Department being in favor of residential fire sprinklers and being willing to promote them. He also spoke about the upcoming Trout Day which is hosted annually by the Yellow Breeches Watershed Association. It is scheduled for March 30th at 10 a.m. by the Suez water plant on the Limekiln Road side of the Yellow Breeches. A flyer will be coming out for the event.
Commissioner Villone expressed concerns regarding the upcoming Property Maintenance enforcement. He hopes that the Township can communicate the changes effectively to the public and he would be willing to help with that. He thinks it will reduce negative fallout from the changes.
Vice President Simpson talked about requests he has received for the Township to livestream Board of Commissioner meetings online or by using Facebook Live. He feels that this would increase transparency for Township residents and meetings could be saved for viewing at a later time. Discussion ensued about how best to accomplish this and it will be added to next month’s meeting agenda.
Mr. Vernau stated that an Executive Session will be held following the regular meeting to discuss the EMS Captain position.
Commissioner Schin mentioned being told about a large bump in the road going from Hartzdale Drive to Rossmoyne Road where the concrete meets the macadam. He asked Dan to look into the bump.
Mr. Miner noted that he will be absent from the next BOC meeting, but Vicky Ann Trimmer will be here in his place on March 25th.
Mrs. Trone spoke about the second Pedestrian/Bike Committee meeting to be held on Wednesday March 20th. The consulting firm will also be in attendance. She also stated that the water, heat, and HVAC systems have been shut off to the former BonTon and Borders properties. This decreases property maintenance costs and brings the Township closer to the demolition.
President Black spoke about the funeral held today for Police Sergeant Simon Jackson from Carlisle. He asked everyone to remember his family during this time.
ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners adjourned to Executive Session at 8:32 p.m.