Board of Commissioners
8-12-19 Minutes
MINUTES
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 12, 2019
The following were in ATTENDANCE:
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS TOWNSHIP PERSONNEL
Edward Black, President Thomas G. Vernau, Jr., Township Manager
Dean W. Villone, Vice-President Erin G. Trone, Assistant Township Manager
Richard F. Schin Richard Grove, Finance Director
Peddrick M. Young, Sr. David Holl, Public Safety Director
Dan Flint, Public Works Director
John Eby, Building & Zoning Coordinator
Leon Crone, Police Captain
Steven P. Miner, Solicitor
Tina Thomas, Recording Secretary
President Black called the August 12, 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. Commissioner Holtzman is absent with excuse.
MEETING MINUTES
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to approve the minutes from the July 22, 2019 meeting of the Board of Commissioners. Vice President VILLONE seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0, with President Black abstaining due to his absence at that meeting.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: There was none.
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.
- Resolution 2019-R-31, a resolution urging the Public Utilities Commission to adopt a regulation that would require hazardous liquids pipeline operators to hold public awareness meetings.
- Tax Collector’s July 2019 monthly report.
Commissioner YOUNG made a motion to approve the items on the Consent Agenda and Vice President VILLONE seconded it. Motion carried 4-0.
PRESIDENT BLACK
Check Register
Commissioner YOUNG made a motion to approve the Check Register of August 2, 2019 in the amount of $415,695.56. Vice President VILLONE seconded it. Motion carried 4-0.
Resolution 2019-R-32
Commissioner SCHIN moved to adopt Resolution 2019-R-32 authorizing the sale of Township property valued at over $2,000. Vice President VILLONE seconded it and the motion carried 4-0. In response to Vice President Villone’s question, Mr. Grove stated that the money from the sale is in the 2019 budget as expected revenue.
Resolution 2019-R-33
Commissioner YOUNG moved to adopt Resolution 2019-R-33 appointing Ryan J. Turpin to the position of Maintenance Specialist, Public Works Department, effective August 19, 2019, at a starting rate of pay of $24.80 per hour. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion and the motion carried 4-0.
Resolution 2019-R-34
Discussion was held regarding Resolution 2019-R-34 which recommends considering public health in all Township policies. Mrs. Trone explained that this is a sample resolution from WalkWorks (part of the Department of Health) which provided one of the $10,000 grants that the Township received towards the Pedestrian/Bike project. They are requesting that those who received grants from them consider adopting this emphasis towards leading an active lifestyle and consideration of how public health is affected when making new ordinances and policies. President Black stated that the Board would like to acknowledge the statement. Commissioner SCHIN moved to adopt Resolution 2019-R-34 and Commissioner YOUNG seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
ANY BUSINESS PERTINENT TO THE TOWNSHIP:
There was no response.
TOWNSHIP ENGINEER
SLD #2015-08; Highpoint 1.5: Vice President VILLONE moved to approve the increased improvement security at an amount to $413,861.13, with a new expiration date of August 12, 2020. Commissioner YOUNG seconded the motion and the motion carried 4-0.
SLD Docket No. 2019-09: Minor Land Development Plan for 4510 Westport Drive Building addition. Mr. Flint provided background on this project. A two-story addition is planned, with the second floor providing storage space. There will be additional parking added. There is also an underground infiltration system planned to provide stormwater control as well as use of the Rossmoyne Business Detention Basin. They are asking for a waiver from the requirement to provide sidewalks until it may be deemed necessary, which the Planning Commission has approved. Tim Diehl, President of HD Engineering Solutions was also available for comment.
Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the waiver of the requirement contained in Section 192-57.C(9) from putting in sidewalks at this time. Vice President VILLONE seconded the motion which carried 4-0.
Commissioner YOUNG moved to approve SLD Docket No. 2019-09 and Vice President VILLONE seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
SLD Docket No. 2019-07: Revised Final SD/LD Plan for Arcona Phase 2.3. Proposed revisions to the previously approved plan are as follows:
- Increasing the number of dwelling units from 98 to 107; this increase is made possible because Arcona is building a smaller size unit.
- Decreasing the proposed commercial space from 18,000 to 14,300 square feet; the original plan for three commercial buildings has been reduced to two buildings. The larger commercial building currently has enough parking to support a 174 seat restaurant. The smaller building is planned to contain two food services and hold 52 seats. Mr. Flint is in favor of the plan for 174 seats, but he anticipates Charter coming back and asking for more seats. Parking is going to be the deciding factor.
Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the revisions to SLD Docket. No. 2019-07 contingent upon the following: PA DEP approval of sewage planning and provision of an executed copy of the Buckeye Pipeline Encroachment Agreement. Vice President VILLONE seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
Payment to Verizon: Commissioner YOUNG moved to authorize payment to Verizon in the amount of $26,996.78 for relocation of facilities affected by construction of the Rossmoyne Road/Lisburn Road Roundabout. Mr. Flint stated that Verizon requires the payment in advance, and this comes to the Township because it is a Township sponsored project, but Charter will be reimbursing the Township for the costs. Vice President VILLONE seconded the motion and the motion carried 4-0.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Emergency Vehicle Preemption
Mr. Holl spoke about a request for a quote that has been made to Atlantic Transportation Systems, Inc. to upgrade the Carlisle Road/Commercial Drive/Lowther Road/Center Drive intersection to allow for emergency vehicle preemption. He stated that this would allow for emergency vehicles to trigger traffic signals to turn green in their direction of travel. Due to this intersection having 5 lanes of travel, the quote for the equipment and labor is $11,500, $1,500 more than the budgeted amount of $10,000. Mr. Holl stated that this intersection is #2 in priority and is critical for EMS and Fire Departments. Vice President VILLONE moved to approve purchase of the Emergency Vehicle Preemption system for the Carlisle Road/Commercial Drive/Lowther Road/Center Drive intersection. Commissioner YOUNG seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Land Development Application for Verizon Wireless
Mr. Eby spoke about the land development plan that Verizon Wireless would like to submit for 3628 Lisburn Road. As was previously discussed on July 22nd, Verizon would like to file their plan under the rules that were in effect when the conditional use was granted. The two major changes are the required parking spaces and the amount of setback. James Strong of McNees Wallace was in attendance on behalf of Verizon. He stated that due to the area being in a residential zone, they had to get a conditional use approval granted. The tower is designed to collapse upon itself in the event of a catastrophic failure. Commissioner SCHIN moved to allow the land development plan to be submitted under the requirements of the conditional use approval for a new tower-based wireless communications facility(WCF). Vice President VILLONE seconded the motion and the motion carried 4-0.
Appointment of Assistant Zoning Officers
Mr. Eby led a discussion about Board action to appoint assistant zoning officers in order to make the designations official. This would be from amongst current employees and would not be a pay increase. He would like permission to draft a document. This will be presented to the Board at a later date for action.
Zoning Hearing Board Report
There were no dockets submitted for July. The following will be presented at the August Zoning Hearing Board meeting:
- Docket #2019-08: Linda Milletics, 10 Argali Lane, Mechanicsburg is requesting a variance from Section 220-215B(2) and section 220-150A in order to erect a 6 foot high fence and a storage shed. The current height limit for the fence is 3.5 feet.
- Docket #2019-09: Sheetz Inc., 243 Sheetz Way, Claysburg, PA is requesting variances from Section 220-6 and 220-49.B to exceed maximum area limitations (4,000 square feet) and a variance from Section 220-49.C to exceed 8 fueling positions on 1500 and 1510 Cedar Cliff Drive. This is for redevelopment of these properties as a convenience store. Sheetz is proposing a 6,000 square foot building with 12 fuel pumps. The variances must be granted before a land development plan can be submitted. The plan also would need to be approved by New Cumberland as a small portion of the land is in New Cumberland Borough. Mrs. Trone stated that the Development Authority is in favor of this project for redevelopment.
Request for Banner over Arcona Road
Charter Homes has requested permission to erect a banner to advertise upcoming events. It would be hung near the raised pedestrian crosswalk and consist of a fabric banner and two poles. Since Arcona Road is a state owned road, the Township has to do a resolution and an indemnity agreement. Mr. Miner stated that an insurance policy is needed to back up the indemnity. Vice President Villone asked who would be responsible for the upkeep of the banner. Mr. Eby stated that the zoning department would be responsible. It can only advertise community events and is limited to 100 square feet. Mr. Strong stated that the banner would go up about 20 days before the event and come down 3 days after it. Mr. Schin requested to see an example of the banner.
MANAGER
Premium Pay for Yard Waste Certifications
Mr. Vernau spoke about the special training and certifications required to operate three pieces of Cumberland County’s yard waste recycling equipment that are used in the Township’s recycling program. These include the horizontal grinder, a leaf screener, and a windrow turner. Mr. Vernau proposed a $.50 per hour increase for those employees who have been certified by the County to operate all three pieces of equipment. Similarly, in 2017, employees with herbicide and pesticide licenses were eligible for a $.50 pay increase. This pay increase would amount to $2,077 per year cost to the Township.
Vice President VILLONE moved to approve the pay rate increase and Commissioner SCHIN seconded it. Motion carried 4-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mr. Kirk Sohonage introduced himself to the Board and to the audience. He stated that he is running as a Republican for the position of Judge in Cumberland County. He said that he is attending meetings at various municipalities to get to know people.
Mr. Jeff Logan, 3212 Emerson Way, addressed the Board regarding parking at Arcona. He is concerned about plans for higher density parking near the apartments. He stated that in the evening there are not a lot of extra spots available, and not all of the apartments are built yet. He encouraged the Board of Commissioners to challenge the builder on the number of available parking spaces. He expressed his concerns about the increased number of apartments selling for less and causing the existing homes to drop in value. Mr. Logan also stated that about one third of the townhouse units are owned by investors as opposed to homeowners. He asked if there was any new information available regarding the commercial lots on Lisburn Road. He was told by Mr. Flint that the Planning Commission rejected the last plan and a revised plan has not yet been submitted.
COMMISSIONERS REPORTS
Mr. Holl spoke about the integrated response exercise that was held at Cedar Cliff High School being a success. There were three scenarios which were run through by Police, Fire, EMS, and surrounding municipalities.
Commissioner Schin spoke about cars parking along the church side of Old Slate Hill Road and that it is unsafe for motorists coming off of the highway. Mr. Flint responded that the road is 40 feet wide in that section and there is adequate room for parking on both sides of the road. Commissioner Schin reported frequent incidences of fireworks being set off in his neighborhood. He said that the police are not responsive. He asked if it is possible to express displeasure to the legislature for this legislation. President Black stated that the Township can express this to the elected legislators and senator if the Board would vote to do so. Commissioner Schin also spoke about a committee that is being formed to go through the current ordinances. Some are outdated or need to be repealed. He has met with Vice President Villone regarding this. Commissioner Schin expressed his desire to attend the PSATC conference in September. He also spoke about information he received for an upcoming Land Conservation event if anyone is interested.
Vice President Villone spoke about ongoing traffic issues in Arcona. There is still not adequate signage and people have made their own signs. He stated that residents are complaining because when drivers realize they are lost, they are in a hurry and careless. He asked if there was anything the township can do. Mr. Flint stated that the President of Charter Homes said that they would put up signs; so far only two signs have been put up. There will be additional contact with them if more signs are not added. Vice President Villone stated that the Lisburn Festival was very successful and well attended. He stated that he saw both Captain Wirth and President Black helping out in the dining area. He also attended the classroom training part of the Cedar Cliff Exercise. He felt that there was great and efficient communication between the groups and they worked well together and helped each other. Lastly, Vice President Villone talked about the recent National Night Out sponsored by Lower Allen Public Safety. He felt there was good flow and good interaction with the public. He spoke about Public Works being a great addition this year.
Commissioner Young agreed with Vice President Villone and Commissioner Schin that National Night Out was a success.
Mr. Vernau asked about drafting a letter regarding fireworks to the representatives. President Black replied that the Board would wait for Commissioner Holtzman to return and have it put on the agenda. He also spoke about a meeting he and Mr. Flint had with Rob Bowman and Anthony Faranda-Diedrich from Charter Homes. The meeting was to discuss the creation of a Public Safety facility in Arcona due to the density of the population. They also discussed ways that Arcona has changed from its original plans to what it is looking like today. Mr. Bowman is going to set up a walking tour of Arcona for members of the Board, Planning Commission, and anyone who is interested to explain why things are changing from the original plans. Mr. Miner stated that this would not be considered a public meeting as long as it is an educational event and with no deliberation. Mr. Vernau pointed out the new livestreaming camera which was installed by 3rd Element. They are planning to finish installing equipment and training staff on how to use it next Wednesday.
Mr. Eby stated that the Arcona Phase 2.3 plan approved tonight was a moving target in terms of numbers of parking spaces and restaurant seating. Charter would like to count 30 additional parking spaces in the residential area toward additional seating in the restaurant but the Zoning Department did not permit this. Mr. Eby would like to see a plan that would protect residential parking but allow for growth of business.
President Black said that the Lisburn Fire Company Festival was a great event with great food and reasonable prices.
RECESS TO EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners recessed at 8:37 pm to discuss the following:
- Update on Triple Crown Corporation’s filing for partial Summary Judgement.
- Employee medical treatment.
RECONVENE
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners reconvened at 9:27 pm.
Commissioner YOUNG moved to send the employee letter recommended by Labor Counsel Michael M. Miller. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion and the motion carried 4-0.
ADJOURNMENT
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners adjourned at 9:28 pm.