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Home»Board of Commissioners Minutes»Board of Commissioners
1-27-2020 Minutes

Board of Commissioners
1-27-2020 Minutes

MINUTES

 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS                                         LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP

 REGULAR MEETING                                                          JANUARY 27, 2020

 

The following were in ATTENDANCE:

 

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS                                     TOWNSHIP PERSONNEL

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

Edward Black, Vice President                                          Erin G. Trone, Assistant Township Manager

Richard F. Schin                                                                    Richard Grove, Finance Director

Carolyn Holtzman                                                                 David Holl, Public Safety Director

Thomas H. Kutz                                                                    Dan Flint, Public Works Director

                                                                                               Leon Crone, Police Captain

                                                                                               Steven P. Miner, Solicitor

                                                                                               Tina Thomas, Recording Secretary

 

 

President VILLONE called the January 27, 2020 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 KUTZ moved to approve the minutes from the January 6, 2020 Reorganization Meeting. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion and the motion carried 5-0.

 

Resolution 2020-R-03

Commissioner KUTZ moved to adopt Resolution 2020-R-03, recognizing Charles A. Clement, Jr. for his years of service as District Justice for Lower Allen Township. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion and the motion carried 5-0.

 

PRESENTATIONCharles A. Clement, Jr.

President VILLONE presented Judge Charles A Clement, Jr. with a Resolution recognizing him and thanking him for 31 years of service to Lower Allen Township as District Justice. Pennsylvania House Representative Cheryl Delozier then presented Judge Clement with a Citation from the House of Representatives and thanked him for his time and commitment. Pennsylvania Senator Mike Regan spoke about Judge Clement being a longtime friend and ally to law enforcement. He presented him with a Proclamation and best wishes from the Senate. Judge Clement spoke about his appreciation for the employees of Lower Allen Township and the Police Department. Captain Crone presented Judge Clement with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Lower Allen Department of Public Safety.

 

Vice President BLACK requested a moment of silence in honor of the late Harrisburg Mayor Steven Reed. He spoke about working with Mayor Reed during the 28 years he served as Mayor and getting to know him. He said he was a good person who believed in his friends.

 

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

There was none.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

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.  Commissioner SCHIN stated that he would like to discuss the Public Works Report and requested that it be removed from the Consent Agenda.

 

Commissioner SCHIN moved to accept the Department Reports for the month of December 2019 for Community Development (Year-end report), Fleet Maintenance, Township Engineer, and Public Safety. Commissioner KUTZ seconded the motion and the motion carried 5-0.

 

Commissioner SCHIN asked about the section of the Public Works report which limits the amount of brush that can be brought to the Public Works facility. He questioned what constitutes a load for brush. Mr. Flint replied that for residential drop-off it is whatever you have in your vehicle.  Commissioner SCHIN then moved to accept the Public Works 2019 year-end report, and Commissioner KUTZ seconded the motion.  Motion carried 5-0.

 

Commissioner SCHIN moved to accept the Tax Collectors December 2019 Report and Commissioner KUTZ seconded it. Motion carried 5-0.

 

PRESIDENT VILLONE

Check Register

Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the Check Register of January 17, 2020 in the amount of $476,826.12. Commissioner KUTZ seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.

 

Resignation

Commissioner SCHIN moved to accept the resignation of Michael Quenzer as a full-time Paramedic in the Emergency Medical Services Department, with the request to stay on as a part-time Paramedic. Commissioner KUTZ seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.

 

Resolution 2020-R-04

Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve Resolution 2020-R-04, hiring Richard Dillon as a Maintenance Specialist for the Public Works Department, effective January 28, 2020. It was noted that this is a replacement for a position, not a new position. Commissioner KUTZ seconded the motion and the motion carried 5-0.

 

Resolution 2020-R-05

Commissioner KUTZ moved to approve Resolution 2020-R-05, changing the title of MS4 Coordinator to Stormwater Program Manager and increasing the compensation for Rebecca L. Davis. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Commissioner HOLTZMAN asked what the increase would be. Mr. Vernau replied that it was increasing to $68,000 from $55,740. Motion carried 5-0. Commissioner SCHIN commended the work that Mrs. Davis has been doing in the Stormwater area.

 

ANY BUSINESS PERTINENT TO THE TOWNSHIP: 

President VILLONE reminded members of the audience who wished to speak to state their name and address for the record, as well as to limit their comments to 15 minutes.

 

Joan Lenker, 1942 Sheepford Road, spoke about recent efforts to save the Sheepford Road Bridge. She provided handouts on Save Our Bridge efforts. Mrs. Lenker stated that the Township goals include such things as protecting private property and property values, and public recreation. She asked that the Board of Commissioners for help in saving the bridge. They are hoping to raise funds to restore it as well as addressing safety concerns. Mrs. Lenker spoke about ABC27 News and Fox News providing coverage of the efforts underway to save the bridge. Volunteers have also been collecting signatures. Mrs. Lenker has also presented the case for saving the bridge to the County Commissioners. Mrs. Lenker talked about the historical significance of the bridge as well as safety concerns related to the nearby pipeline. She does not think most people are aware that the bridge may be closed. There is an inspection of the bridge coming up this week.  She would like the Township to draft a resolution to save the bridge. Vice President BLACK asked Mrs. Lenker about the response she received from the County Commissioners. She said they were receptive to her and said they would look into it. Vice President BLACK also stated that the County is responsible for the bridges, not the Townships.

 

President VILLONE asked the Township Manager to provide a brief overview of the issue. Mr. Vernau spoke about the bridge being built in the late 1800’s. It did have its deck replaced in the 70’s or 80’s with a steel grate. It has been downgraded in what weight it can support until its current limit of 3 tons. If the bridge is closed, there will no longer be maintenance performed on it. If the Township requested to keep it open as a pedestrian bridge, it would also assume maintenance costs. If costs can be covered by grants or funding, Lower Allen Township would not mind keeping the bridge there. It is ultimately up to York County as it is their bridge. Mr. Flint added that the National Bridge Inspection System inspects weight posted bridges every year. He said this bridge is being inspected every three months due to being in a critical condition.

 

Mrs. Lenker spoke about a number of people who will be landlocked in the event of a pipeline emergency. They could not exit from Sheepford Road or Thompson Lane. Commissioner SCHIN asked if Fairview Township residents are interested in saving the bridge and Mrs. Lenker said that they are.

 

Mr. Vernau announced that there were representatives in the audience from Energy Transfer, Inc., the Mariner 2 pipeline operator, and suggested that they address the safety concerns. Joe McGinn, Public and Community Affairs, and Matt Gordon, Senior Director of Operations, introduced themselves. Mr. McGinn spoke about the pipelines running throughout the state for a number of decades. Gasoline, diesel fuel, propane, and natural gases are moved as well as liquids from the Marcellus Shale by Mariner East. Mr. Gordon said that the pipeline was originally built in the 1930’s and has been continuously maintained since then. It was converted to natural gas liquids in 2014. The Buckeye Pipeline parallels this to the south. President VILLONE said that the safety concerns raised have to do with there being a dead end at the creek. In an emergency, residents in that area could not exit without the bridge being there.

 

Mr. McGinn spoke about pipeline safety as being the safest form of transportation for the substances they carry. He said that the federal government and Pennsylvania Utilities Corporation perform a lot of inspections. The pipeline moves a non-corrosive product so the greatest risks to a pipeline failure are third party damage and external corrosion. He stated that if there were to be a hole in the pipeline, the liquid would become a gas which would be dispersed in the wind. Local emergency responders would be contacted and a perimeter established. Mr. McGinn said the pipelines are patrolled and they go above and beyond federal regulations. Outreach to emergency providers is conducted yearly and safety information is provided. Public Safety Director Holl added that standard protocol would be followed by the Township as it would for any emergency event. He said that our Planner has met with members of the pipeline and is working on incorporating this into the Township’s Emergency Operation Plan. He plans to keep track of who is attending the pipeline training.

 

Janice Lynx, 2036 Sheepford Road, wished to speak on the topic of the pipeline. She stated that the pipeline has been fined for not following rules and that Governor Wolf’s office is being investigated by the FBI for their permitting process. She said that she is glad the Township is working on an emergency plan and is keeping track of who has attended the training. She stated that there are unanswered safety questions remaining. She would like to know how it was determined that police response time would be adequate. Ms. Lynx thanked Commissioner KUTZ for attending the Have a Heart, Save Our Bridge event and speaking with residents.

 

President VILLONE spoke about different reports having different restoration figures and he would like to make sure the Township has the correct information to make an informed decision.

 

Erik Arneson, 1950 Sheepford Road, spoke about moving into the Township a year ago. He complimented Helen the Township Secretary on the job she does and the Township on being well run and professional. He also thanked the Commissioners for serving. He spoke about driving on the bridge to get to the meeting. He would like to see the Board pursue writing a letter of support or resolution for the bridge to continue to be operational for vehicular traffic.

 

President VILLONE stated that good discussion regarding the bridge was held and the Commissioners will be looking at the information as it comes in to figure out which direction to go.

 

TOWNSHIP ENGINEER

Mark D’Agostino

Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to move Mark D’Agostino from probationary to regular full-time employment status as Highway Supervisor of the Public Works Department, effective immediately. Commissioner KUTZ seconded the motion and the motion carried 5-0. 

 

Payment No. 4 to SSM Industries, Inc.

Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve payment No. 4 to SSM Industries, Inc. in the amount of $21,483.11 for plumbing construction on the Public Works Building Addition project. Vice-President BLACK seconded the motion and the motion carried 5-0.

 

Stormwater Basin Retrofit Bids

Vice President BLACK moved to allow staff to advertise for and solicit bids for the Stormwater Basin Retrofit projects at the Public Works Building and Sheepford Crossing West Basins. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion and the motion carried 5-0. Vice President BLACK asked if these MS4 projects were covered by a grant and he was told that they are.

 

LACP Fun Fort Reconstruction Bids

Commissioner KUTZ moved to allow staff to advertise for and solicit bids for reconstruction of the Fun Fort at LACP. The design is completed and a grant is paying 50% of the costs. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion and the motion carried 5-0.

 

Street Paving Program

Commissioner SCHIN moved to allow staff to advertise for and solicit bids for the 2020 street resurfacing and paving program. Vice-President BLACK  seconded the motion and the motion carried 5-0.

 

PPC Plan for Public Works Facility

Vice President BLACK moved to approve the yearly update of the Preparedness, Prevention, and Contingency Plan (PPC) of the Public Works Facility. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion and the motion carried 5-0.

 

Financial Security for SLD Docket No. 2017-12

Mr. Flint spoke about the upcoming expiration of the Financial Security for SLD Docket No. 2017-12, Arcona Phase 2.1 and 2.2. These two phases are nearly complete, but will expire February 11, 2020. Renewal of the Financial Security will include a 10% increase. This will be an agenda item at the next BOC meeting.

 

Financial Security for SLD Docket No. 2005-22

Mr. Flint spoke about the upcoming expiration of the Financial Security for SLD Docket No. 2005-22, Heights of Beacon Hill, Phase 3 which also expires February 11, 2020. An increase of 10% will be included. Mr. Flint said that homes have not yet been built on two small lots and the security is being held for sidewalks.

 

PUBLIC SAFETY

Full-Time Paramedics

Director Holl spoke about establishing a pool of paramedics to hire from. Commissioner HOLTZMAN asked if EMT positions are being replaced by medics. Mr. Holl replied that they are not, and there are more EMTs than medics. An additional medic will provide the sufficient number of medics necessary with full-time and part-time positions to be fully staffed. Captain Deaven noted that the chase truck has been up and running since September as scheduling allows for available staff.  Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve advertising for full-time paramedics and Vice President BLACK seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.

 

Resolution 2020-R-06

Commissioner KUTZ moved to adopt Resolution 2020-R-06, hiring Michael Houser as a full-time paramedic for the Emergency Services Department, effective February 10, 2020. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion and the motion carried 5-0.  Mr. Holl said that Mr. Houser was a Life Team medic and would be moving to Lower Allen Township full-time.

 

Job Description:  PSOs and Fire Administrative Clerk

Director Holl provided the Commissioners with the Job Descriptions that were developed for full and part-time PSO, and the new Fire Administrative Clerk position.  Commissioner SCHIN asked if the Fire Administrative Clerk would include responsibilities at Lisburn. Captain Wirth said that Lisburn Fire Company is covered by volunteers. Training may be included. Commissioner SCHIN asked about what cash receipts the Clerk would be handling. Chief Murdoch said this would include depositing donations and relief from the Commonwealth Statistics and data would also be analyzed.  Vice President BLACK moved to approve the proposed job descriptions and advertising for full-time and part-time PSOs and the Fire Administrative Clerk. Commissioner KUTZ seconded the motion and motion carried 5-0.

 

Capital Purchase of 2 SUV Vehicles

Mr. Holl spoke about the need to replace two marked police cars, Car 2 and Car 7, due to high mileage. The Public Safety Department would like to replace them with two Ford Hybrid SUVs. They are included in the 2020 Capital Budget at a cost of $104,000. Mr. Holl said the quoted cost from Hoffman Ford, using a COSTARS contract, would be $82,520 for both vehicles. The additional funds in the budget would be used for lights and equipment installation. He also said that they would like to hang onto Car 2 as a back-up for when another car is out of service or extra cars are needed for prisoner transports. President VILLONE asked what financial loss would be incurred by not selling Car 2. Fleet Manager Charlie Reynolds said $4,000 was the anticipated sale price but it varies by who is bidding. The Board agreed to retain Car 2 for backup. Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the Capital purchase of two replacement SUVs and Commissioner KUTZ seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.

 

School Resource Officer

Commissioner KUTZ spoke about his desire to have a school resource officer at Cedar Cliff High School. He asked Director Holl to make a presentation on a school resource officer program. He added that he has spoken with Senator Regan regarding this and grants that are available. Senator Regan offered to assist the Township. Mr. Holl said that he has created a school resource program in the past at another location. He said that the Board must have the support of the school district. Commissioner KUTZ said that Senator Regan would be willing to hold a roundtable with the school district. 

 

MANAGER

Purchase of Ford Escape

Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the purchase of a Ford Escape for Community and Economic Development to replace a 2004 Ford Explorer. This is a budgeted item. Commissioner KUTZ seconded the motion and the motion carried 5-0.

 

Purchase of a John Deere mower

Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the purchase of a John Deere mower for Parks to replace a 2007 mower. This is a budgeted item. Commissioner KUTZ seconded the motion and the motion carried 5-0.

 

Purchase of two Large Snowplows

Commissioner KUTZ moved to approve the purchase of two large snow plows which could throw snow higher and further off the roads. This is budgeted in the Highway Aid Fund. Vice President BLACK seconded the motion and the motion carried 5-0.

 

Health Insurance Cost Update

Mr. Vernau spoke about the Cadillac Tax being repealed and said it will not come up again in the future. He said that the Patient Centered Outcomes Research (PCOR) fee, which is used for medical research, has been extended for another ten years. This costs the Township around $350 per year.

 

COMMISSIONERS REPORTS

Mr. Miner mentioned that there will be an Executive Session for an update on the Stormwater Appeal.

 

Vice President BLACK acknowledged Captain Crone’s ten years of service as President of the Police Accreditation Coalition. Captain Crone thanked him and said that he has passed this position on to the next generation. He also mentioned the officers’ contributions with Pink Hands of Hope, handing out jackets at Highland Elementary school, and Shop with a Cop at Walmart. He congratulated Officer Milletics for being recognized by his fellow officers for single handed apprehensions, and Captain Deaven for being elected to PA Emergency Service Council.

 

Commissioner SCHIN spoke about attending the Lower Allen Development Authority and asked what the Capital City Condominiums are. Mrs. Trone replied that the Bon Ton was considered legally part of a business condominium, as there are several units.

 

He also recognized Mr. Vernau for receiving the Capital Area Council of Governments Perry Albert award. Mr. Vernau spoke about his relationship with Mr. Albert and the advice and wisdom he offered in local government.

 

Commissioner KUTZ also congratulated Mr. Vernau.

 

He spoke about hearing concerns from the residents at the Save the Bridge event. He thanked the residents for speaking with him. He also spoke about an upcoming YBWA Riparian Buffer project on the back side of Allendale along the creek. A number of trees will be planted. More information will be coming closer to the event.

 

Commissioner Kutz also said he will be attending an event for newly elected municipal officials to be held in State College.

 

Mr. Flint spoke about Thursday’s bid opening for the Gettysburg Road relocation project. This could be on a future agenda for approval.

 

President VILLONE congratulated Mr. Vernau on his award and thanked him for his representation of the Township and caring about the staff and residents.

 

He mentioned how clean and organized the construction site at the Bon Ton is. Mrs. Trone said that the demolition contract is done in February. They will still have to crush the foundation. 

 

RECESS TO EXECUTIVE SESSION

The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners recessed at 9:05 pm to update Commissioners on the Peiffer stormwater appeal and to discuss the collective bargaining team for 2020.

 

RECONVENE

The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners reconvened at 9:36 pm.

 

Commissioner KUTZ moved to appoint Township Manager Thomas Vernau, Assistant Township Manager Erin Trone, Vice President Ed Black, and Commissioner Rick Schin as the Collective Bargaining Team for 2020.  Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion and the motion carried 5-0.

 

ADJOURNMENT

The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners adjourned at 9:38 pm.