Board of Commissioners
11-12-19 Minutes
MINUTES
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 12, 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
Peddrick M. Young, Sr. Richard Grove, Finance Director
Carolyn Holtzman David Holl, Public Safety Director
John Eby, Building & Zoning Coordinator
Steven P. Miner, Solicitor
Tina Thomas, Recording Secretary
Vice President Villone called the November 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 asked for a moment of silence in honor of Coroner Charlie Hall’s wife, Dotty, who passed away unexpectedly. Vice President Villone announced that Proof of Publication is available for review. President Black is absent with excuse.
MEETING MINUTES
Commissioner YOUNG moved to approve the minutes from the October 7, 2019 Ad Hoc Report Meeting. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion and the motion carried 4-0.
Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the minutes from the October 21, 2019 Budget Meeting. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion and the motion carried 4-0.
Commissioner YOUNG moved to approve the minutes from the October 28, 2019 Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion and the motion carried 4-0.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION:
There was none.
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:
- Authorize payment No. 2 to Shannon A. Smith, Inc. in the amount of $18,130.50 for the Mechanical Construction contract for the Public Works Building Addition.
- Authorize payment No. 2 to SSM Industries, Inc. in the amount of $29,515.23 for the Plumbing Construction contract for the Public Works Building Addition.
- Tax Collectors October report.
Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the Consent Agenda and Commissioner YOUNG seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
VICE PRESIDENT VILLONE
Commissioner YOUNG moved to approve the Check Register of November 8, 2019 in the amount of $365,594.08. Commissioner SCHIN seconded. Motion carried 4-0.
ANY BUSINESS PERTINENT TO THE TOWNSHIP:
There was no response.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Director Holl spoke about EMS Captain Tony Deaven reaching his six-month release from probation. Commissioner YOUNG moved to approve Captain Deaven’s release from probation and Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. After Mr. Holl addressed a question from Commissioner Holtzman, the motion carried 4-0.
COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Mr. John Eby spoke about the Zoning Hearing Board report.
a. Docket #2019-11: October 17, 2019 Public Hearing.
High Associates, Inc., 5000 Ritter Road, Suite 210, Mechanicsburg, requested a special exception from Section 220-241 of the Building Code to reduce the number of off-street parking spaces at 4910-4932 Louise Drive. Mr. Eby stated that the board was satisfied that the number of parking spaces could be reduced, however, there was some confusion about the amount of relief being sought by the applicant. The request was continued until the November 21st meeting. The applicant is to come back before the board with a seating plan and additional data.
b. Docket #2019-09: November 21, 2019 Continued Public Hearing
Sheetz, Inc., 243 Sheetz Way, Claysburg, PA is requesting a variance associated with re-development of 1500 & 1510 Cedar Cliff Drive. An amended application was submitted on October 31, 2019. Mr. Eby said the building shown on the plan is 5,000 square feet but when the various uses are divided into it, it is compliant with the 4,000 square foot limit. It is divided into a fueling island, convenience store, and fast food restaurant. A variance is still needed from Section 220-49C to allow for 12 fueling positions (six pumps). Sheetz is also requesting a Special Exception from Section 220-241 to reduce the number of required off-street parking spaces to 40. They will present data to show this is adequate.
Vice President Villone said he is in favor of the additional gas pumps as it should improve traffic flow in that area. Commissioner Young asked where they will put the additional pumps. Mr. Eby said that the original plans show 6 fueling islands under a full size canopy. Commissioner Holtzman asked if traffic would come in and out on Cedar Cliff Drive and Carlisle Roads. Mr. Eby said that there will be no access from Carlisle Road and the driveway will be further away from the intersection with Carlisle Road. Mr. Eby pointed out the details to the Board of Commissioners by showing them the building plan.
Due to the complexity of the case, Mr. Eby requested that the Board authorize the Solicitor to participate. Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve participation of the Solicitor and Commissioner YOUNG seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
MANAGER
Mr. Vernau provided the Notice of the Lower Allen Township 2020 Meeting Schedule to the Board. If approved, this will be given to the newspaper for publication. Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the meeting schedule and Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded it. Motion carried 4-0. Vice President Villone mentioned that he had received comments that people did not like having Township meetings the night before elections. The Board did not feel that changing the meeting date before an election was justified.
COMMISSIONERS REPORTS
Mrs. Trone thanked everyone who attended the Bon Ton demolition event. She also spoke about attending a Township meeting in Upper Allen with Mr. Vernau to request support for the Multimodal grant application for the pedestrian bridge in Arcona. Upper Allen Township provided them with a letter of support and requested input into the design of the bridge/trail in the future. Mrs. Trone said the New Resident Workshop went well. About 20 people attended. It ran a little long so she may schedule it for two hours in the future. She hopes to conduct it quarterly.
Mr. Holl announced that Seventh Grade TEAM graduation will be held on November 22nd at Allen Middle School. It starts at 11:40am. Commissioner Schin said he would be attending. Mr. Holl also said that the next Coffee with a Cop is scheduled for November 26th at Starbucks. It runs from 8 – 10 am.
Solicitor Miner mentioned a date correction on the meeting schedule regarding a Development Authority meeting on February 18th. It will be held on Tuesday not Wednesday as listed. Mrs. Trone said that the Planning Commission will meet immediately following the Development Authority that night.
Commissioner Holtzman asked if part time employees could be rewarded based on years with the Township instead of hours worked. Mr. Vernau said that currently it is based on hours worked because there can be a large variation in how many hours different part time employees work for the Township. Commissioner Holtzman would like to see employees who work 20 – 25 hours per week on a regular weekly basis to be rewarded for years of service. Vice President Villone suggested that the Board look into the current system for rewarding full-time and part-time employees, as well as volunteers. Then a decision could be made if deemed appropriate. Mr. Vernau will provide a list of benchmark hours.
Commissioner Schin asked about getting a deer crossing sign put up on Slate Hill Road near Appleton Street, heading toward Lisburn Road. He said there are deer killed in that area frequently and he would like to warn people to watch for deer there. Mr. Vernau said it is a state road but he will check with Mr. Flint to see if anything can be done.
Mr. Vernau spoke about the Sewer Authority passing an increase in sewer rates for 2020. This is the first increase in six years. He said the rate will go from $70 per quarter to $74.
Mr. Eby thanked the Board and staff for their support of the Yellow Breeches Watershed Association. They appreciate being able to use the Barn at LACP.
Vice President Villone spoke about attending the Yellow Breeches Watershed Association annual community meeting. He found the keynote speaker from Riverkeepers to be very interesting. He also learned that the Susquehanna River does not have the same standards for pollutants as creeks like the Yellow Breeches.
RECESS TO EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners recessed at 7:44 pm to discuss several items including personnel, pay rates, a resignation, Board & Commission appointments, and an employee bonus.
RECONVENE
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners reconvened at 8:49 pm.
Commissioner YOUNG moved to accept the resignation of Scott Harbold, effective November 22, 2019. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion and the motion carried 4-0.
ADJOURNMENT
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners adjourned at 8:50 pm.