MINUTES

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS                                      LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP

REGULAR MEETING                                                      June 10, 2019

The following were in ATTENDANCE:

 

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS                                      TOWNSHIP PERSONNEL
H. Edward Black, President                                                  Erin G. Trone, Assistant Township Manager

Dean W. Villone, Vice President                                          David Holl, Public Safety Director

Richard F. Schin                                                                   Daniel Flint, Public Works Director

Peddrick M. Young, Sr.                                                         Richard Grove, Finance Director

Carolyn Holtzman                                                                 John Eby, Building & Zoning Coordinator

Steven P. Miner, Solicitor

Tina Thomas, Recording Secretary

 

President Black called the June 10, 2019 Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners to order at 7:01 pm followed by a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. He announced that Proof of Publication was available for review.  Commissioner Schin arrived at 7:05 pm.

MEETING MINUTES
Vice President VILLONE moved to approve the minutes from the May 28, 2019 Regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner YOUNG seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.

Resolution 2019-R-22

Commissioner YOUNG moved to adopt Resolution 2019-R-22 recognizing David Ickler for 25 years of service to Lower Allen Township. Vice President VILLONE seconded the motion and the motion carried 5-0. Mr. Ickler was unable to attend the meeting due to a work call out.

EMPLOYEE RECOGNITIONS

Mr. David Ickler and Mr. Richard Lehigh were given letters of commendation for years of service. Mrs. Tina Thomas, Mrs. Kathy Ritter, Mrs. Rebecca Davis, Mrs. Julie Echterling, Mr. Scot Emerson, and Mr. William Yeagley also received letters of commendation for taking on extra duties in the Codes Department or working on adding the new Stormwater fee to customer bills.

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: ANY ITEM ON THE AGENDA

There was no response.

PRESIDENT BLACK

Check Register

Vice President VILLONE moved to approve the Check Register of June 7, 2019 in the amount of $413,125.69. Commissioner YOUNG seconded the motion and the motion carried 5-0.

Time Extension for Improvement Security for SLD #2005-24, Liberty Point

Commissioner YOUNG moved to approve granting a time extension for Improvement Security for SLD #2005-24 for Liberty Point. The new amount is $93,968.55 with an expiration of June 10, 2020. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion and the motion carried 5-0.

Resolution 2019-R-23:  Codes Technician appointment

Commissioner SCHIN moved to adopt Resolution 2019-R-23 appointing Margarita Cruz to the position of Codes Technician for the Community and Economic Development Department, effective June 19, 2019. Ms. Cruz has experience in zoning. She will be responsible for reviewing permits when they arrive at the counter for completeness before they are forwarded to the inspectors. Vice President VILLONE seconded the motion and asked if this position is in the budget. Mrs. Trone stated that this position was approved at a previous Board of Commissioners meeting and that it replaces some of the duties of the previous Complaints Coordinator as well as some additional duties. Motion carried 5-0.

Resolution 2019-R-24:  Paramedic appointment

Commissioner YOUNG moved to adopt Resolution 2019-R-24 appointing Jodi Etter to the position of Paramedic for the Public Safety Department. This appointment is effective as of June 24, 2019. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion and the motion carried 5-0.

Resolution 2019-R-25:  Paramedic appointment

Commissioner SCHIN moved to adopt Resolution 2019-R-25 appointing Joshua Schware to the position of Paramedic for the Public Safety Department. This appointment is effective as of June 24, 2019. Vice President VILLONE seconded the motion and the motion carried 5-0.

Tax Collector’s Monthly Report

Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the Tax Collector’s May monthly report and Vice President VILLONE seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.

ANY BUSINESS PERTINENT TO THE TOWNSHIP:
A group of residents who are also members of the Allendale Association were present at tonight’s meeting. Association President Megan Petroski, 229 Fineview Road, addressed the Board with neighborhood concerns. She referenced a letter written to the Commissioners by George and Janet Lapore. They cited three properties 109 Blacksmith, 153 Blacksmith, and 136 Blacksmith which have fallen into disrepair. In addition, there are houses on Allendale Way and lower Fineview Road that are not being kept up. Issues exist with overgrown grass and shrubs, broken down cars, and trailers in the streets. Residents are concerned about the overall decline in how the development looks affecting their property values. President Black thanked Ms. Petroski and the residents in the audience for pursuing this and agreed with the concerns about property values.

Mr. Bill Yeagley, Lower Allen Township Code Compliance Coordinator, offered to take a walk through the development with residents so they could point out their concerns. He stated that the former Complaints Coordinator resigned and that the previous process for getting action on a complaint was cumbersome. One person would verify the complaint, send a courtesy letter, and check on the situation again. If it was still not resolved, a notice of violation would be sent to the residence. Now there are 9 staff members who can respond and door hangers have replaced letters if no one answers the door. Generally the resident has 3 days to comply and then a Public Safety Officer will follow up by checking on the situation. If it is not resolved, as per Township ordinance, a certified letter is sent to the resident which can take several days. Mr. Yeagley stated that foreclosed homes usually have a sticker on the door with a phone and e-mail. He has gotten prompt results in the past by contacting the realtor directly. After a citation is issued, the property can be turned over to the blighted property review board.

For the month of May, there have been 55 calls for complaints within the Township. Mr. Richard Bonneville asked what the procedure is when a complaint is received from a resident. Mr. Yeagley replied that the caller gets a return call from the Township. Soon a complaint form will be available online. This generates an e-mail to everyone and someone on duty will respond. This will result in a door hanger or contact being made with the homeowner. The caller who initiated the complaint is then notified of the action taken.  Mr. Yeagley stated that getting complaints to him in a timely manner is helpful so that the process can be started. Most times, the issue can be addressed within an hour.

Residents asked about broken down cars and were told it depends where the vehicle is parked. If it is on the street, it is a police issue; on the property it is a Codes issue. Mr. Yeagley stated that things like grass and rubbish are usually given three days to be taken care of. Structural issues can take longer if there is a contractor or insurance company involved. Communication with the Codes Department is key when additional time is needed. Eventually it will end up in front of a judge if not resolved.

Residents asked what can be done about backyards. Mr. Yeagley said that Codes officials cannot walk onto private property uninvited. If they were invited onto a neighboring property where the backyard in question can be seen, they could then send a notice to the offender. In response to complaints about trailers, Mr. Yeagley stated that the Township Manager’s approval is required for storage of vehicles. Ms. Petroski stated that she will get in touch with Mr. Yeagley to set up a time for a walk-through of the neighborhood. President Black asked if the residents who were present at the meeting were satisfied with the results of the discussion and they were appreciative of the help.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Senate Bill 607- Radar Use by Municipal Police

Director Holl spoke about Senate Bill 607 which would allow for the use of radar and LIDAR by municipal police. He stated that Pennsylvania is the only state in the nation where municipalities are not allowed to use radar. The state police are in favor of this and the Police Municipal League and PA Chiefs are encouraging participation. This bill has been introduced in the past and expired without action. Currently it is back in the Senate and will have a House component. This would be Resolution 2019-R-26. Commissioner SCHIN moved to support sending a letter to Senator Regan supporting Senate Bill 607. Commissioner YOUNG seconded the motion and the motion carried 5-0.

Certified List of Candidates

Mr. Holl then asked the Board to consider approving a certified list of police officer candidates presented by the Lower Allen Township Civil Service Commission. Each candidate has been through physical agility testing as well as written testing. Interviews and background investigations have also been completed. After that, the Civil Service Commission created an eligibility list of three names. Ryan Mennor, Nicole Boldosser, and Jonathan Newcomer were the top three candidates. Commissioner SCHIN asked how long the list is good for and if we are starting too early for hiring on July 1st. Mr. Holl stated that the list is good for one year but we are not starting too early with the hiring process since two officers are to be hired in July. Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the certified list of eligible candidates and Commissioner YOUNG seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.

Conditional Job Offers to Nicole Boldosser and Jonathan Newcomer

Commissioner SCHIN moved to allow conditional job offers be extended to Nicole Boldosser and Jonathan Newcomer so that they can begin the physical, psychological, and polygraph testing process. It is anticipated that candidate Ryan Mennor is going to accept a position with another department. Commissioner YOUNG seconded the motion and the motion carried 5-0. The hiring resolution will be presented for adoption at the June 24th public meeting.

Medical Director Agreement

Director Holl spoke about his decision to contact Dr. Rupen Modi in regard to the position of Medical Director as well as his qualifications. Dr. Modi was recommended by Lower Allen EMS staff, as they have worked with him in the past. He is currently a Pinnacle Emergency Health physician at West Shore Hospital. Dr. Modi was interested and meets the qualifications. He will be providing quality assurance to our EMS program. Commissioner YOUNG moved to approve the Medical Director Agreement that was presented to the Board of Commissioners. Vice President VILLONE seconded the motion and the motion carried 5-0. Dr. Modi can now sign the agreement and begin working with EMS Captain Deaven.

 

COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Zoning Hearing Board Report

Mr. John Eby presented the Zoning Hearing Board report from the meeting on May 16, 2019. It contained the following cases:

·                     Docket #2019-04:  JMS Property, 4500 Gettysburg Road, has requested a variance from Section 220-242.L.2.(b) of the Code to allow encroachment into the required side yard setback for a new parking area. Prior to the hearing, the applicant submitted a deed giving them proof of ownership of their half of the paper street. They presented an indemnity agreement to the Board of Commissioners protecting the Township from any future disputes regarding private rights. The Zoning Hearing Board voted to approve the variance with a disclaimer protecting the Board from action against them by the public.

·                     Docket #2019-03:  Johnnie Compton III, 2238 Gettysburg Road, had requested a special exception in accordance with Section 220-241 of the Code to reduce the required number of parking spaces in the Lower Allen Shopping Center. Owners of the shopping center chose not to sign a shared parking agreement with the applicant; therefore, the request was denied.

At the June 20, 2019 Zoning Board meeting, the following cases will be considered:

·                     Docket #2019-05:  Matthew Farrell, 1130 Saint Johns Road, is requesting a variance from Section 220-102 of the Code to build a 70 feet x 80 feet commercial building on his property at 1120 Saint Johns Road. This would have reduced side and rear setbacks. Applicant will be reminded of the special design restrictions due to proximity of the lot lines as well as required fire resistant building materials.

·                     Docket #2019-06:  Kevin Engel of Engel Architects, 1854 Lincoln Highway East, is requesting a variance from Section 220-167.B of the Code to establish an outdoor dog run less than 200 feet from the property line. Mr. Engel represents the Greenlin Pet Resort. Since this is located near the highway, noise from the dogs should not be an issue.

·                     Docket #2019-07:  Sue Kauffman, 1345 Yarmouth Lane, is requesting a variance from Section 220-150B(1)n of the Code to allow her to install an accessory play structure less than 5 feet from the property line. It would be located on a drainage easement, but the platform is elevated.

(Vice President Villone took leave from the meeting from 8:57 pm to 9:03 pm.)

Indemnity Agreement for the Land Development Plan for Jenny’s Salon

Zoning Hearing Board approval of the parking variance for Jenny’s Salon allows for the Land Development Plan to move forward. The deed was recorded with Jenny’s Salon claiming half of the unopened street as public rights have expired. If signed, the indemnity agreement protects the Township from anything that might develop from approval of the Land Development Plan. Solicitor Miner recommends that the Board sign the Indemnity agreement. Mr. Flint stated that the applicant will reference the agreement with a note on the plan. Since the plan will get recorded, the note will as well. The Township is not liable for any legal expense. Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the Indemnity Agreement and Vice President VILLONE seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0. Commissioner Young asked if this would set a precedent. Mr. Miner stated that it could, but he did think it is unlikely that other developers would do it.

 

COMMISSIONERS REPORTS

Mr. Eby thanked the Board for taking quick action on the new Codes position. He stated that it is a combination of an administrative position and a Codes position.

Mrs. Trone spoke about an invitation extended to the Board to attend the pre-opening of Primanti Brothers. She needs to know who is planning to attend by Thursday. She also mentioned the Greater Harrisburg Realtors Breakfast being held at the Radisson at 7am. The Pedestrian/Bike Committee met on May 29th to discuss proposed recommendations. The consultants hope to have a proposed plan ready by mid-July. Mrs. Trone stated that there continues to be a lot of enthusiasm for the project.

Commissioner YOUNG stated that he appreciates having the opportunity to serve on the Board of Commissioners.

Vice President VILLONE also spoke about the Ped/Bike Committee meetings being well attended with great participation from the community. He said the consultants are doing a good job. He stated it is going to cost some money to accomplish but some stuff can be done right away. Vice President VILLONE also spoke about attending the recent Public Safety Ad Hoc meetings. The information coming from the Fire Department is startling as they face serious challenges. He encourages everyone to pay attention to this and start thinking in budgeting terms. He reminded everyone of the upcoming Lisburn Festival August 7 – 10. Any interested businesses or vendors can please contact him.

Commissioner SCHIN thanked Mr. Flint for improving the road indentation near the prison. He also spoke about the time and money that the Township put into connectivity in the past which was stopped ultimately by the railroad. Commissioner Schin also asked about the resident who is appealing her stormwater fee. Mrs. Shuman has decided to appeal to the Stormwater Authority first.  They will discuss her appeal at their July meeting. Mr. Miner stated that Commissioner SCHIN will have to decide if participating in the Stormwater Authority decision is a conflict of interest to him as a Commissioner.

Mr. Holl thanked the Board for their quick action on the Public Safety items on tonight’s agenda. He anticipates good collaboration between Codes and Public Safety. He also appreciates the Commissioners attendance at the Ad Hoc Committee meetings.

President Black thanked Mr. Yeagley for making his presentation to the Allendale residents and Mr. Holl for finding the Medical Director.

ADJOURNMENT

The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners adjourned at 9:24 pm.