MINUTES

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS                                         LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP

REGULAR MEETING                                                         September 23, 2019

 

The following were in ATTENDANCE:

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS                                     TOWNSHIP PERSONNEL

Dean W. Villone, Vice President                                          Thomas G. Vernau, Jr., Township Manager

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

Carolyn Holtzman                                                                 Richard Grove, Finance Director

Peddrick M. Young, Sr.                                                         Dan Flint, Public Works Director

                                                                                               David Holl, Public Safety Director

                                                                                               Steven P. Miner, Solicitor                                                                                                 

                                                                                               Tina Thomas, Recording Secretary      

 

Vice President Villone called the September 23, 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 SCHIN made a motion to approve the minutes from the September 9, 2019 meeting of the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0, with Commissioner Young abstaining due to absence from that meeting.

EMPLOYEE RECOGNITIONS FOR LONGEVITY

Vice President Villone recognized Laurie Nissel of Police Records for her ten years of service to the Township. Officer Cramer also received a certificate for five years of service but was not in attendance.

PRESENTATION:  Pedestrian and Bicycle Committee Plan

Mr. Flint spoke first and explained the purpose and nature of the pedestrian/bike study. He then introduced Geoff Creary from Simone Collins Landscape Architecture. Mr. Creary spoke about the extensive study results that his firm provided to the Township. He spoke about traveling through Lower Allen Township by bike, foot, and car, as well as participating in a community bike ride. An inventory of the existing sidewalks was completed, and committee meetings were held. He stated that this led to the creation of the Improvement Plan. The Improvement Plan includes sidewalks, crosswalks, special crossings, “hand man” signs, rapid flashing beacons, share-a-route signs, pedestrian refuge island, bike box, bump outs, multiuse trails, bicycle lanes, speed reduction, and connections to other municipalities. Simone Collins working with the Ped/Bike Committee came up with a list of priorities:

• Short-Term (1-3 years): Bike lane on 18^th Street, crosswalks, curb cuts, and sidewalks.
• Mid-Term (4-7 years): Rapid flashing beacons, speed reduction (Arcona), and sharrow routes, which are painted share-a-route markings.
• Long-Term (10+ years): big ticket items such as a multiuse trail running through prison-owned property, pedestrian bridge over 18^th Street, railroad tunnels into Camp Hill Borough, and a tunnel under the railroad tracks on Carlisle Road.

 

Mr. Creary said that the expense of these projects is far outweighed by the safety they would create.

Discussion:

Commissioner Holtzman asked Mr. Creary how the Township could get Norfolk Southern to allow the pedestrian tunnel. He suggested that getting assistance from elected representatives sometimes helps or asking another municipality who was successful how they did it. Commissioner Schin complimented the Committee on their hard work as did Mr. Creary. Vice President Villone asked if the proposed trails at Arcona were involved in the discussions and if there are plans to connect to them. Mr. Creary said that he did not know if the Arcona trails would be for public use, but they are interested in connecting to these trails so that people can go out of Arcona. Vice President Villone asked if Lower Allen Township would need to work with Camp Hill Borough to create the pedestrian bridge at 18^th Street. Mr. Creary suggested that there are lots of grants out there and this particular project being a known problem area as well as multi-municipal would be a good candidate.

Mr. Darin Cox spoke about his belief that the most dangerous place in the Township is the railroad tunnel on Carlisle Road. Mr. Vernau stated that when the Township created Cedar Spring Run Park, they asked Norfolk Southern railroad for a pedestrian trail under the bridge. After the Township paid for engineering and got permission to build it, the Harrisburg office of Norfolk Southern shut down the project. Michele Tarquino encouraged the Board to think about future maintenance costs and costs up front if they decide to complete some of the larger projects such as the bridge to Camp Hill.

Vice President Villone asked Mrs. Trone what the next step is now that the study is completed. Mrs. Trone stated that the study will be brought back at the next Board meeting for adoption. She said that the Ped/Bike Committee wants to continue meeting. She has reached out to the County liaison who specializes in trails and is hopeful that a multi-jurisdictional committee can continue the work. The most popular project is the 18^th Street Bridge. Mrs. Trone said that there is a lot of projects in the study because they wanted to keep it flexible so it could be tailored for a specific grant or fund. Mr. Schin asked if copies of the Ped/Bike Study would be available to the public. Mrs. Trone said that they would print off a copy for anyone who asked for one as well as put it on the website.

PRESENTATION:  Cumberland County Commissioner Vince DiFilippo

Commissioner DiFilippo spoke about trying to visit various municipalities to provide an update on what is happening at the County level. He mentioned the following topics:

• Voting machines are being updated since it is now mandated that they produce a paper ballot. They have been certified by the state and will be in place for the 2020 election.
• The census is taking place and they are trying to make residents aware of this.
• It is now possible to apply online for an absentee ballot.
• The County has had three collection events, and 850 pounds of recyclable waste has been collected.
• Death rates from opioids decreased from 2017 to 2018 and from 2018 through 2019 so far. The Opioid Epidemic Court started by the County in 2018 has helped to get people into treatment sooner and keep them out of jail.
• There is a Farmland Preservation Celebration coming up at Paulus Farms on Thursday. This recognizes the preservation of 20,000 acres of private farmland.
• There is an opening on the County Ag Board. If anyone is interested in this position, they can apply by contacting the County Planning Department by September 30^th.
• The Public Safety Department can now accept texts to 911 if someone is unable to call.

PRESENTATION:  Dawson Flinchbaugh from Flinchy’s Restaurant

Vice President Villone introduced Dawson Flinchbaugh, who spoke about their annual event called Flinchypalooza. There were 54 entrees in the chili cook-off and the winners went to the World Championships. This is also a fundraiser and Mr. Flinchbaugh presented a check to Captain Crone for $1,018.00 for the Lower Allen Township Youth Program and K-9 Fund donated by Sun Motor Cars. Vice President Villone also thanked Mr. Flinchbaugh for food he provided for a Township meeting earlier in the day.

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION:  There was a request to discuss item 11C on the agenda, approving a 60 day time extension for Sheetz, Inc.

CONSENT AGENDA

Vice President Villone 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. The following items were on the Consent Agenda:

1. Department Reports for the month of August for Community Development, Fleet Maintenance, Township Engineer, Public Works, and Public Safety.
2. Tax Collector’s August Report.

Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the Consent Agenda and Commissioner YOUNG seconded it.

Motion carried 4-0.

VICE PRESIDENT VILLONE

Check Register

Commissioner YOUNG moved to approve the Check Register of September 13, 2019 in the amount of $385,173.71.  Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion and the motion carried 4-0.

Resolution 2019-R-38, Sale of Township Property

Commissioner YOUNG moved to adopt Resolution 2019-R-38 authorizing the sale of Township property valued at $2,000 or more. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion.  Vice President Villone asked about what was being sold. Mr. Vernau said it was a 1996 New Holland Tractor that was not being used anymore by Public Works. It is not in the budget as it is not being replaced. Motion carried 4-0.

Resolution 2019-R-39, Liquor License Transfer

Commissioner YOUNG moved to adopt Resolution 2019-R-39, approving the transfer of restaurant liquor license No. R-19823 into Lower Allen Township for the Outback Steakhouse at Capital City Mall. This was the subject of a hearing prior to tonight’s meeting. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion and the motion carried 4-0.

ANY BUSINESS PERTINENT TO THE TOWNSHIP:

Mr. Darin Cox, 2002 Wentworth Drive, addressed the Board regarding Ordinance 2019-002 which regulates parking recreational vehicles in the Township. He stated that he does not see the need to restrict the parking of  RVs on private property in residential areas if they are properly inspected and registered, and not blocking sight distance. The ordinance applies to RVs over 30 feet. Mr. Cox owns an RV that is 25 feet long and is not affected by the ordinance, but he is afraid this will lead to banning the parking of all RVs on private property in the future. Mr. Cox requested that the Board consider striking the phrase “30 feet or less” from the ordinance.

TOWNSHIP ENGINEER

Preliminary Street Paving List

Mr. Flint stated that paving is usually done every other year, but due to a gas line being installed in Fair Oaks, a small street paving job was needed this year. There were no bids received so it will be added to next year’s list. He referred to the memo he had provided the Board with the 2020 Preliminary Street Paving List. Mr. Flint stated that approval is needed a year ahead of time due to notifying utilities of the upcoming work. The cost is not part of the General Fund. Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the 2020 Preliminary Street Paving List and Commissioner YOUNG seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.

Payment No. 1 to Pennsy Supply, Inc.

The first payment to contractor Pennsy Supply, Inc. is for the amount of $181,588.00. Mr. Flint explained that this is an expected expense for the Lisburn-Rossmoyne Roundabout, but due to the size of the payment, it needs Board approval. Commissioner YOUNG moved to approve the payment and Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.

SLD Docket No. 2019-11, Sheetz, Inc., 1508 Cedar Cliff Drive

Mr. Flint spoke about Sheetz submitting a land development plan and then requesting a 60-day time extension, due to meeting with the public and deciding to alter the plan. The 60-day time extension would establish a new deadline of January 17, 2020.

Comments from the Audience

Melissa McNeal, 401 Blacklatch Lane, addressed the Board regarding the proposed Sheetz on Cedar Cliff Drive. She stated that she is one of the residents who started the Facebook Page with information about Sheetz coming in and she wishes to have some questions answered. She asked if there would be a new traffic study completed and Mr. Flint said that there would be, and a revision to the previous traffic study completed. Part of the traffic study will be a pedestrian study. Ms. McNeal asked if the plan addresses football traffic or other nighttime events. Mr. Flint responded that PennDOT provides the guidelines for how traffic studies are conducted, and they will take everything into consideration. Ms. McNeal asked if more streetlights along Cedar Cliff Drive are being considered. Mr. Vernau replied that PPL owns the streetlights, and since the Township assesses a fee for streetlights, the residents affected by the fee would need to petition for the streetlights.  She requested members of the Board to view the intersection between 7:15 am and 8:15 am where the proposed Sheetz would be located. There are a lot of elementary students and students walking from New Cumberland and she is concerned about their safety. Mr. Vernau said that there will be many opportunities to speak with Sheetz representatives at various upcoming Township meetings. Vice President Villone asked if the studies note what is going on around the area or just in their particular place of interest. Mr. Flint said that the Traffic Impact Study takes into account the impact of the development including the effect on pedestrian traffic. Ms. McNeal stated that there are also concerns among residents about the proposed turn lanes for Sheetz. The plans will go to the Zoning Board and then the Planning Commission. Vice President Villone thanked Ms. McNeal for coming and speaking to the Board.

Michele Tarquino asked if any of the Commissioners would be attending the Zoning Hearing Board meeting to hear what the residents have to say. Vice President Villone is considering it but does not want to have a conflict of interest. He did attend the first meeting. Ms. Tarquino asked Mr. Flint if the Township has received a date for the Traffic Impact Study and Mr. Flint replied that he has not heard. She asked if they would be surveying to update the study or just updating the wording. Mr. Flint did not have information on that.

Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the time extension for Sheetz, Inc. and Commissioner YOUNG seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.

FINANCE

Resolution 2019-R-40:  Five Year Smoothing Method to Determine Assets

Mr. Grove spoke about the importance of forecasting the long-term needs of the pension plans for Police and Retirement Plans. He stated that they will have an effect on the 2021 budget. Actuarial valuations are conducted every two years, the most recent dated January 2019. The valuations result in adjustments to the assumptions and changes to the mortality table, which is used to predict how long retirees from the Township will be drawing benefits. Board action is required by the State Auditor General in order to elect the five year smoothing of assets. This was recommended by the Township’s actuary, the pension attorney, and staff. Mr. Vernau added that he is not seeking action on the finance resolutions at this meeting.

Vice President Villone was absent from the meeting from 8:05 to 8:07 pm.

Resolution 2019-R-41:  Reduction of Interest Earnings Assumptions from 7.75% to 7.5%

Mr. Grove stated that this resolution has to do with earning assumptions. The assumption of what a portfolio will earn has the most effect on the budget. When looking at portfolio returns over the past 5 years, it was recommended by our Pension Committee that the assumption be changed from 7.75% to 7.5%, a more conservative number. Mr. Grove said that there is a window of opportunity to do it now that will not negatively affect the Township’s distress level. Commissioner Schin asked if an increased assumption equates to a decreased contribution. Mr. Vernau stated that if the Township Plans reach a particular level of interest, then contribution goes down. If the anticipated amount of interest is not realized, the Township has to make up the difference through contributions. He explained that if the Township lowers the assumption rate, the contribution will go up. If a higher rate of interest is achieved than assumed, the contribution rate will come back down due to over-funding. Mr. Grove said that if the Board reduces the assumption to 7.5%, the taxpayers will pay less in the long run if the rate of 7.75% is not achieved. It is the Board’s decision whether to reduce the assumption.

Vice President Villone suggested that the decision on these resolutions wait until the full Board is present and can discuss it again. Mr. Grove welcomed questions from the Commissioners as they work through this.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Alpine Fire Reporting and Response Software

Mr. Holl spoke about the Alpine RedNMX Software which is a program that supports both Lower Allen and Lisburn Fire Companies. Code Enforcement and PSOs are also using it now. It took a lot of work to set it up, but it has now gone live. It can be expanded in the future to include EMS services. The complete system is a three year project with a total cost of $93,968.50. Mr. Holl is requesting that the Board approve the second year installment of $31,322.83 to continue implementation. It is in the budget. Vice President Villone asked what anticipated recurring costs exist and Mr. Holl said just a maintenance fee which covers the cost of all updates. Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the payment and Commissioner YOUNG seconded it. Motion carried 4-0.

Request to Advertise for Full-Time Paramedic

Mr. Holl spoke about the number of full-time EMTs going from 8 to 7 recently. Instead of filling the vacant EMT position with an EMT, Mr. Holl is requesting to hire a Paramedic instead. This would help to provide additional ALS coverage and help to cover ambulance staff shortages. The additional cost would be absorbed into the 2019 budget and added to the 2020 budget requests. The maximum difference in pay would be $6,500 to $6,600, based on experience. Vice President Villone asked if there would be a future request for another EMT and Mr. Holl said possibly there would be in the future, but not in 2020. Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve advertisement for a paramedic, based on Director Holl’s memo, and Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded it. Motion carried 4-0.

MANAGER

Cell Tower at Beacon Hill Radar Site

Mr. Vernau reported that he heard back from Deborah Baker of Baker Acquisition LLC, representing Shentel (Sprint). She had reached out to the Township and requested permission to construct an 80 foot cell tower monopole on Township-owned property at the Beacon Hill Radar Park. Ms. Baker responded that, due to having to get FAA approval and a conditional use permit, as well as the cost of the lease, Shentel has decided to look elsewhere for a spot for their cell tower.

COMMISSIONERS REPORTS

Mrs. Trone stated that BWB is now working at the Bon Ton site to gut the insides of the buildings there.

Mr. Holl spoke about the Business and Industry Alliance that was held at Lower Allen Township today. He said that Commissioner Schin and Vice President Villone had attended. He noted that Dianna Knisley had designed the symbol that was used on the packets. It represents a handshake between the business community and Public Safety. Mr. Holl stated that the meeting went well and helped to establish trust and relationships with local businesses.

Commissioner Schin spoke about the Business and Industry Alliance being great and pointed out that it also enabled local businesses to share information amongst themselves. He also reported a streetlight that is out on the corner of Plainview and Scarsdale Drives.

Mr. Flint provided an update on the roundabout projects. He said that at the Rossmoyne-Lisburn project, underground drains were completed. A contractor working for PPL has been moving poles, and they are starting to work on the curbing. Work is a little further ahead at Arcona-Lisburn with the curbs going in.

Mr. Crone reminded everyone that Thursday is Coffee with a Cop at Starbucks from 8 – 10am.

Mr. Holl reported that last weekend’s eastbound closure of the PA Turnpike went well, and they will be closing the westbound direction this weekend. There will again be extra police and EMS monitoring the area.

Vice President Villone said that he continues to get a lot of positive comments from people about the Public Works staff. They are said to be doing a great job and are friendly. He also spoke about attending and helping at the Lisburn Gun Raffle. The Lower Allen and Lisburn Fire Companies worked together to make the event a success. He expressed his appreciation for the Firefighters, social members, and auxiliary.

RECESS TO EXECUTIVE SESSION:

The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners recessed at 8:36 pm to discuss a personnel matter.

RECONVENE

The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners reconvened at 9:02 pm.

Commissioner YOUNG moved to terminate the employment of Ashley Beishline, effective September 11, 2019. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion and the motion carried 4-0.

ADJOURNMENT

The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners adjourned at 9:03 pm.