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Home»Board of Commissioners Minutes»Board of Commissioners
1-25-2021 Minutes

Board of Commissioners
1-25-2021 Minutes

MINUTES

 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS                                    LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP

REGULAR MEETING                                                     JANUARY 25, 2021

 

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 A. Grove, Finance Director

Thomas H. Kutz                                                                    David Holl, Public Safety Director

                                                                                               Dan Flint, Engineer

                                                                                               Brad McCullough, Public Works Coordinator

                                                                                               John M. Eby, Building and Zoning Coordinator

                                                                                               Leon G. Crone, Police Captain                

                                                                                               Tony Deaven, EMS Captain

                                                                                               Steven P. Miner, Solicitor

                                                                                               Rebecca Davis, Stormwater Program Manager

                                                                                               Tina Thomas, Recording Secretary                                                                                                                                                          

 

President Villone called the January 25, 2021 virtual Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners to order at 6:00 pm. He instructed any members from the public wishing to speak during the Zoom meeting to notify the hosts. President Villone announced that Commissioner Holtzman is absent with excuse and that Proof of Publication for this meeting is available for review. This was followed by a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

MEETING MINUTES  

President Villone and Commissioner Schin requested two corrections to the minutes. Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the Minutes of the January 11, 2021 Regular Meeting as amended. Commissioner KUTZ seconded the motion. The motion carried 4-0.

 

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION:  Any item on the agenda.

There were no public participants who wished to speak at that time.

 
BID OPENING FOR FUN FORT PROJECT

Mr. Vernau confirmed that there was only one bid received for the project. He opened it and announced that it was from Kinsley Construction for the 2021 Fun Fort Reconstruction project for $507,241.00. He said that it does include a bid bond and it will be submitted to the Solicitor for review.

 

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. There was no response.

  • Accept motion to approve the items on the Consent Agenda, which are listed as follows:
  1. Department Reports for the month of December for Community Development, Fleet Maintenance, Facility Maintenance, Township Engineer, Public Works, and Public Safety.
  2. Tax Collectors December Monthly Report.

Commissioner KUTZ moved to approve the Consent Agenda and Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.

 

PRESIDENT VILLONE

Check Register

Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the Check Register of January 15, 2021 in the amount of $1,624,288.87. Vice President BLACK seconded the motion and the motion carried 4-0.

 

Disapproval of Amending the Zoning Map

Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the Adjudication for Disapproval prepared by the Township Solicitor on the application by James Grandon, Jr. and Sleepy Hollow Enterprises to change the Zoning Map of Lower Allen Township of 2009, as amended, to re-zone two tracts of land in the Harrisburg Manor subdivision from R-1, Single Family Residential to R-3, Multi-Family residential. Commissioner KUTZ seconded the motion and it carried 3-0 with Vice President Black abstaining.

 

Ordinance 2021-02 Amending the Zoning Ordinance

Commissioner SCHIN moved to disapprove Ordinance 2021-02, an ordinance of the Board of Commissioners of Lower Allen Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, amending, modifying, and changing the code of the Township of Lower Allen, Section 220-8A, the zoning map of the Lower Allen Township Zoning Ordinance of 2009, as amended, to rezone two tracts of land from R-1 Single-Family Established Residential to R-3 Multi-Family Residential.

            Roll Call Vote:  Commissioner Schin – Aye

                                       Commissioner Kutz – Aye

                                       Vice President Black – Abstain

                                       President Villone – Aye

Motion carried 3-0 with one abstention.

 

Retirement of Wendy M. Hayden

Commissioner SCHIN moved, with regret, to accept the retirement of Wendy M. Hayden, Administrative Assistant/Events Planner, from the Public Works Department effective February 12, 2021. Commissioner KUTZ seconded the motion and the motion carried 4-0. President Villone and Vice President Black commented on the excellent job that Mrs. Hayden has done while working for the Public Works Department and wished her the best.

 

ANY BUSINESS PERTINENT TO THE TOWNSHIP: 

President Villone noted that if anyone wished to speak at the meeting, there would be 5 minutes allotted until everyone speaks; then anyone wishing to speak again would be given additional time. Arnold Cushner, a resident of Bethany Village, wished to speak on behalf of Bethany Village residents who joined the meeting. Mr. Cushner noted that he is part of the Bethany Village Ecology Team which promotes a sustainable and medically safe environment for the residents. Mr. Cushner said that safe disposal of unused medication is a major concern due to the number of residents with prescription medications. He researched the places that have prescription drop boxes such as police stations and some local universities. Before COVID, he spoke with various Township personnel and the DA’s office about the possibility of having a box placed in a secure location at Bethany Village for residents to use. Mr. Cushner said that at that time, it sounded like it would be possible if Bethany could find a secure place for the box, which they did. When Bethany security contacted Lower Allen Township, they were told that their request was being denied because the medications had to be treated as evidence. Mr. Cushner is asking the Board of Commissioners to support his request.

President Villone thanked Mr. Cushner for his comments and requested Public Safety Director Holl to speak on this matter. Mr. Holl said he and Mr. Cushner had been in touch and the Public Safety Department is in favor of removing narcotics from circulation. He said that the Township’s medicine disposal box is the responsibility of the Police Department. It is emptied by the Evidence Technician and another staff member and kept under video surveillance until transported to the County. Logistics became an issue with the box at Bethany Village as well as liability because it is in an area not controlled by the Police Department. It is also unknown how many trips would be required to empty the box per month.

Captain Crone spoke about the boxes located in universities having paid police officers who are responsible for disposal of the medications. He said that the box at the Township building is emptied at least weekly and requires two personnel. He feels that this would be providing an individual service and all retirement communities in the Township would be entitled to the same service. Captain Crone noted that the box in the Municipal Building is only accessible when employees are present to monitor what is going into the box. In the past, there have been issues with liquids and needles being placed in the box which is a health risk for staff who empty the box. He suggested looking into commercial services which do this type of thing. Director Holl spoke about getting a substance from his pharmacy that he could add to a narcotic prescription bottle which would deactivate the drugs and allow for the bottle to be disposed of in the regular trash.

Commissioner Schin asked how the prescription drugs can be considered evidence. Captain Crone responded that people who want to abuse the drugs know where the boxes are located. The Township cannot be responsible for who has access to a medication box in a private location. He suggested taking medications to pharmacies for disposal, using chemical means as suggested by Director Holl, or contracting with a private company. Per CALEA accreditation requirements, the Police Department cannot have a temporary property box offsite.

Commissioner Kutz asked if Bethany Village security is not equal to a sworn police officer as far as taking care of evidence. Captain Crone said that Universities have private police and are responsible for the medication boxes. He asked who supplies the boxes to the schools and Captain Crone was not sure about the schools, but the County supplied the box for the Township. Commissioner Kutz asked if the County supplied a box somewhere else in the Township if they could also be responsible for emptying it as repayment for Lower Allen supplying a police officer to serve on the Drug Task Force. Captain Crone said that the County would not do that.

Vice President Black noted that he sides with the Police Department and does not feel it is a business that the Township should be involved with.

Commissioner Schin asked why there was a reversal from the previous decision and Captain Crone said that it was due to a miscommunication among the various Public Safety entities. Director Holl said he is in favor of securing narcotics conceptually, but the logistics are not feasible nor the demands that would be placed on Township staff.

President Villone wondered if there would be any grants available for private entities that would help with costs of providing this service and asked Director Holl to look into this. Commissioner Kutz said that this service is a value to residents and taxpayers. He asked Director Holl if money could be put into the Public Safety budget for providing the packets for dissolving narcotics as a service to residents. Director Holl would look into the cost of this. Commissioner Schin suggested providing the information to Mr. Cushner. Mr. Cushner thanked the Board for the discussion and said he hopes to revisit the topic in the future. President Villone added that the Board appreciates Bethany Village and its residents.

Mr. Arnold Lower was present in the Zoom meeting on behalf of Harrisburg Manor and the decision made earlier in the hearing. He thanked Township staff for their time.

 

TOWNSHIP ENGINEER

Mr. Flint introduced Mr. Brad McCullough who will be taking his place as Township Engineer and Public Works Director. Mr. Vernau noted that Mr. McCullough will be coming in to meet the Commissioners when the meetings take place in person again.

 

Bids for Moreland Stormwater Basin Retrofit Project

Rebecca Davis asked the Board for permission to request bids for the Moreland Stormwater Basin Retrofit project. She said it is part of the Township’s Pollution Reduction Plan. Commissioner Schin asked if other municipalities are also out looking for these funds and Mrs. Davis said that other municipalities have the same requirements. She feels that the chances of getting bids for this project are good because construction companies are looking for this type of work.

Commissioner KUTZ moved to authorize staff to advertise and solicit bids for the Moreland Stormwater Basin Retrofit project. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion and the motion carried 4-0.

 

Payment of Invoice No. 6 to Shannon A. Smith, Inc.

Commissioner KUTZ moved to approve payment of Invoice No. 6, final invoice, in the amount of $14,897.77 to Shannon A. Smith, Inc. for mechanical construction on the Public Works Facility Addition Project. Vice President BLACK seconded the motion and the motion carried 4-0.

 

SLD Docket No. 2021-01: 2450 Gettysburg Road Warehouse

Mr. Flint provided an orientation of the location of this property. He noted that the property contains an existing warehouse building and other businesses but has a section of undeveloped land. It would be one parcel with no subdivision but two buildings. He added that the Planning Commission has recommended approval of the plan and the waivers. Terri Delo, project engineer, was in attendance to answer questions. Mr. Flint pointed out where there would be dock spaces and parking for employees included on the plan. Mr. Flint noted that Morningside Drive dead ends at the property line and will serve as an emergency access. President Villone asked Mr. Flint if the Township has ever asked a landowner to go back and install sidewalk after the plan is approved. Mr. Flint does not recall this happening.

 

Waivers and Plan approval

Commissioner KUTZ moved to grant the waiver from the requirement contained in Section 192-24.C to submit a preliminary plan. Vice President BLACK seconded the motion and the motion carried 4-0.

Commissioner KUTZ moved to grant the waiver from the requirement contained in Section 192-57.C(9) to provide sidewalks along all street frontage until deemed necessary by the Township for health, safety, and welfare of the general public. These improvements shall be made at the owner’s expense. This is a covenant running with the land, which shall bind the owners, their successors, heirs and assigns. Vice President BLACK seconded the motion and the motion carried 4-0.

President Villone added that these waivers are not contrary to the public interest and maintain the purpose and intent of the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.

Commissioner KUTZ moved to approve SLD Docket No. 2021-01, Final Land Development plan for 2450 Gettysburg Road Warehouse, contingent upon the following:

  • Providing the executed developer’s agreement and improvement security.
  • Providing a copy of the driveway joint use agreement.
  • Lower Allen Township Authority approval.
  • Cumberland County Conservation District approval.

Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. The motion carried 4-0.

 

SLD Docket No. 2021-02: 3424 Simpson Ferry Road Addition

Mr. Flint provided an orientation to the location of this property, Gish’s Furniture, along Simpson Ferry Road. He noted that the current business is about 12,000 square feet and they would like to add 6,800 square feet to the back of the business. He said that since the addition is going onto a paved section, there will be no change in impervious coverage. Mr. Flint noted that the Planning Commission recommended approval of the plan and the waivers. He said that they are requesting not to add street trees due to existing landscaping already there. He added that site engineer Tom Englerth was on the call to answer questions. The Commissioners congratulated Gish’s Furniture on their addition.

 

Waivers and Plan Approval

Commissioner KUTZ moved to approve the waiver of the requirement contained in Section 192-57.C(9) to provide sidewalks along all street frontage, until such time as the installation of same has been deemed necessary by the Township for the health, safety, or welfare of the general public. These improvements shall be made at the owner’s expense. This is a covenant running with the land, which shall bind the owners, their successors, heirs and assigns. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion and the motion carried 4-0.

Commissioner KUTZ moved to approve the waiver of the requirement in Section 192-58.C to provide street trees along street frontage. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion and the motion carried 4-0.

These waivers and modifications are not contrary to the public interest, and they maintain the purpose and intent of the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.

Commissioner KUTZ moved to approve SLD Docket No. 2021-02, Final Land Development Plan for 3424 Simpson Ferry Road contingent upon providing an executed Stormwater Facilities Maintenance Agreement. Vice President BLACK seconded the motion and the motion carried 4-0.

 

COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Ordinance 2021-01 Amendment

Mr. Eby spoke about the public hearing that took place before the BOC meeting regarding Ordinance 2021-01. He said the amendment to the ordinance would allow an additional use in the R-3 Multifamily Residential District  for outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers. He said that that staff is seeking permission to post a Notice of Adopted Ordinance to limit the time of appeal. Commissioner Schin asked Mr. Eby about the effect of adding this use to R-3 and Mr. Eby replied that most areas in the Township that fall under the R-3 zoning are already developed with townhomes and apartments. There is not much vacant land available where a hospital could be built.

Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve Ordinance 2021-01, an Ordinance of the Board of Commissioners of Lower Allen Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, amending the code of the Township of Lower Allen, Chapter 220 (entitled “zoning”), by adding outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers to the list of uses permitted in the R-3 multifamily residential district.

Roll Call Vote:  Commissioner Schin – Aye

                           Commissioner Kutz  – Aye

                           Vice President Black– Aye

                           President Villone – Aye

Motion carried 4-0.

Mr. Eby request permission for staff to publish Notice of Adopted Ordinance 2021-01. Commissioner KUTZ moved to allow staff to publish the Notice and Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.

 

Michael Baker International Contract

Mrs. Trone spoke about a request to award a contract to Michael Baker International for the Gettysburg Road Corridor Study. She said this plan was recommended by both the Comprehensive Plan and Pedestrian/Bicycle Study and that $50,000 in grant money has been received for this. She noted that the Township has worked with Michael Baker International before. Mrs. Trone said the section of Gettysburg Road being evaluated goes from Lemoyne to Shiremanstown. President Villone asked if this was budgeted for including the grant money and Mrs. Trone said that it was.

Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve awarding a contract to Michael Baker International in an amount not to exceed $50,000 for the Gettysburg Road Corridor study. Vice President BLACK seconded the motion and the motion carried 4-0.

 

Request to Waive Fees for Development Authority

Mrs. Trone said that the Development Authority is requesting a waiver of fees in the amount of $18,235.49 related to the development and construction of Unit 3 at Lower Allen Commons. She added that typically the fees are waived for Development Authority projects due to being a component unit of Lower Allen Township. Commissioner Kutz asked if the Township would be receiving proceeds in the future from this project. Mrs. Trone responded that the Development Authority does not receive any fees; any money left over from the project would be put toward other redevelopment projects within the Township. Vice President Black added that the Township will receive taxes from this property. Commissioner Schin said that he does not see a reason to put financial strain on the Development Authority.

Commissioner Kutz expressed that he is not in favor of waiving the fee as it is taking away $18,000 in revenue. He said that he feels the Development Authority has overstepped its purpose by acting as a private builder. He added that if the property had been sold to a private builder by the end of the year, the Township would be getting those fees. Commissioner Kutz noted that Township staff have put a lot of work hours into this plan which will not be reimbursed by the Development Authority which is unfair to taxpayers. He also said that the Township has taken on risk by providing loans for the project. If the building sells at a loss, the cost will fall back on the taxpayers. Commissioner Kutz also expressed his feeling that the Development Authority has not shared information freely with the Board of Commissioners. He urged a no vote on the request to waive fees. Vice President Black explained that the Development Authority was forced to take on the position of developer due to private developers cutting the proposals. Commissioner Schin expressed that he feels that the Development Authority has been responsive to his questions. He asked Mrs. Trone if the Authority has the money to pay the $18,000 and she responded that it is backed by the Township so if the Development Authority could not, it would come back on the Township. President Villone thanked the Commissioners for their input in the discussion and said he appreciates the steps that have been taken to keep everyone informed. He is in favor of this due to the circumstances.

Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the request to waive fees in the amount of $18,235.49 for Lower Allen Township Development Authority, a component unit of the Township, associated with the construction of Unit 3 at Lower Allen Commons. Vice President BLACK seconded the motion. Commissioner Kutz asked the Solicitor if a member of the Development Authority can vote on an item that related to a gain by the Development Authority. Solicitor Miner said that Vice President Black can vote because he is not receiving personal or family gain by the action. Motion carried 3-1 with Commissioner Kutz opposing.

 

Resolution 2021-R-05: Municipal Government Guarantee to Construct Sewer Extension 

Mrs. Trone said that part of the construction of Unit 3 will require a sewer extension which will be deeded to the Lower Allen Sewer Authority. Per their requirements, security or a letter of credit is required that it will be done. Mrs. Trone said that instead of doing a letter of credit, the Development Authority has agreed to a Municipal Government Guarantee giving our word that the sewer extension will be completed. She said the Sewer Authority felt this would be adequate but did not want to waive the security. Therefore, the Development Authority is requesting that the Township provide a guarantee that the sewer extension will be constructed. Commissioner Kutz asked what the amount guaranteed would be and Mrs. Trone responded that it is an action not an amount. She said the cost of the construction would come out of the Development Authority’s project budget. Mr. Vernau said that there is a loan that includes this expense and there is virtually no chance that the sewer extension project would not be completed. He added that this is Sewer Authority protocol.

Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve Resolution 2021-R-05, Municipal Government Guarantee to Construct Sewer Extension as explained by Mrs. Trone. Vice President BLACK seconded the motion and the motion carried 4-0.

 

PUBLIC SAFETY

Body Worn Camera Project Update and Purchase

Director Holl spoke about the ongoing project of purchasing body worn cameras for the officers. He said that a grant for $52,000 was obtained and the total project cost was budgeted as part of the 2021 capital budget for $97,000. The Watchguard quote is $74,125.75. Mr. Holl said that he is seeking authorization to begin ordering the cameras and supporting equipment. He spoke about the cameras providing liability protection for the Township and the officers. Vice President Black asked if the Captain and Director are in favor of this and they are. Commissioner Schin asked if the cameras can be worn in homes and Mr. Holl said that restrictions on the camera usage have been lifted. President Villone asked Captain Crone if there is a CALEA component to the body cameras and he said that there are specific standards that were factored in when the policies were written. These policies have already been certified.

Vice President BLACK moved to approve purchasing the body worn cameras and Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.

 

Civil Service Commission Certification of List for Corporals

Mr. Holl said that he is requesting approval of the Civil Service list for promotion of a Corporal. Following the testing and oral interviews, four applicants were qualified. He noted that the Civil Service Commission certified the list on January 18th, consisting of 1) Michael Scarlato, 2) Troy McNair, 3) Laura Tamanosky, and 4) Bryan Rennie. Commissioner SCHIN moved to certify the Civil Service List of Corporals and Vice President BLACK seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.

 

Request approval of promotion for Michael Scarlato to Corporal

Mr. Holl said that he is requesting permission to choose the candidate from the number one position on the list, Michael Scarlato, for promotion to Corporal, effective February 8, 2021. He said the promotional ceremony would

take place at that evening’s Board of Commissioners meeting. Vice President BLACK moved to approve the promotion of Michael Scarlato to the position of Corporal, effective February 8, 2021. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion and the motion carried 4-0.

 

Purchase of replacement police patrol vehicle

Mr. Holl spoke about the need to replace a marked police car which is included in the 2021 capital budget. Fleet Manager Charlie Reynolds has recommended replacement of the 2017 vehicle. He said they would like to replace this with another hybrid police interceptor. The quoted base price from Fred Beans Ford is $41,081 with an additional $15,146 for lighting and accessories which is just below the $58,000 budgeted amount. Mr. Holl anticipates that the vehicle should last 5-7 years. He noted that there is no bidding because this is a COSTARS purchase.

Vice President BLACK moved to approve the purchase of a police patrol vehicle from Fred Beans Ford as quoted. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion and the motion carried 4-0.

 

MANAGER

Emergency responder tax credit applications for tax year 2020

Mr. Vernau spoke about this being the third year for emergency responder tax credits and said he has received applications from a group of those who are qualified. He is seeking Board approval of the tax credits. Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the emergency responder tax credits and Commissioner KUTZ seconded the motion. Mr. Vernau said those qualifying for the credit will receive a letter as well as the Township Treasurer and Cumberland County Tax Bureau. Motion carried 3-0 with Vice President Black abstaining due to a family member receiving a credit.

 

Resignation of Charles Angelo from the Recreation & Parks Board

Mr. Vernau said that Charles Angelo has announce his resignation from the Recreation and Parks Board due to moving away from Lower Allen Township. Mr. Vernau has supplied the Board with two resumes to fill this position and will leave it up to the Board’s discretion how to handle them. Commissioner Kutz asked if the position could be put on the Township Facebook page for more people to see it. Mr. Vernau said that the two candidates should be considered first since they have already applied, and more candidates sought if needed.

Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the resignation of Charles Angelo from the Recreation and Parks Board and Commissioner KUTZ seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.

 

Retirement of Peddrick M. Young, Sr. from the Development Authority

Mr. Vernau noted that he has received applications from those interested in serving on the Development Authority in the past, but it is up to the Board to determine how to go about replacing Mr. Young. Commissioner KUTZ moved to accept the resignation of Mr. Peddrick Yong regretfully and thanked him for his many years of service. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion and the motion carried 4-0. President Villone also spoke about his gratitude to Mr. Young. Motion carried 4-0. Commissioner Kutz added that he would like to see public advertisement for the Development Authority vacancy.

 

Purchase of replacement digital sign board in the amount of $23,641.00 from Strickler Signs

Mr. Vernau spoke about the budgeted purchase of a digital sign board in front of the Municipal Services Center. He noted that the cost is $23,641.00 from Strickler Signs and is a COSTARS item. President Villone said he is in favor of this item as a tool of communication with the residents. Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the purchase of a digital sign board in the amount of $23,641.00 from Strickler Signs. Vice President BLACK seconded the motion. Commissioner Kutz asked what the budgeted amount was, and Mr. Grove said it was $25,000. Commissioner Kutz asked where the extra money would go, and Mr. Vernau said it stays in the fund balance.

 

Purchase of a 2021 Mack Dump Truck to replace a 2003 GMC Dump Truck

Mr. Vernau requested permission for removal of this item from the agenda as some additional research is being done on dump trucks. The Mack Dump Truck came in well above budget.

 

Purchase of a 2021 John Deere Wheel Loader to replace a 2006 Case Wheel Loader for $171,900.00

Mr. Vernau said this is a budgeted item and COSTARS purchase. Mr. Grove noted that the budgeted amount for this vehicle is $172,000. Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the purchase of the 2021 John Deere Wheel Loader for $171,900.00 and Commissioner KUTZ seconded the motion. President Villone asked if revenue obtained from sale of the 2006 Case Wheel Loader was included and Mr. Vernau said that $20,000 is expected in return which will go towards the purchase cost. Motion carried 4-0.

 

COMMISSIONER REPORTS

President Villone noted that after Commissioner Reports, the Board would be adjourning to Executive Session.

He said that he appreciates the discussions held over Zoom that allow the Board to continue meeting. He would like to look at long term planning with possible Saturday meetings. Commissioner Schin suggested a retreat as an informal time of working together. Mr. Vernau said that recent strategic planning was more project focused, but we need a more comprehensive approach.  He would like to wait until after the Recreation Ad Hoc Committee has met. He suggested something small this year and full strategic planning next year. Commissioner Kutz added that he would like to meet this year to discuss policy and cultural changes as an open discussion with staff and Commissioners. Solicitor Miner said that a workshop type of meeting does not need to be advertised if it is educational in nature and no action is taken.

Mr. Eby expressed his regrets about the resignation of Mr. Young and said he has enjoyed serving on the Development Authority with him. He hopes that the chosen candidate will complement the existing Development Authority well. 

Director Holl said that he will keep the Board updated as the Body Camera project progresses. He plans to provide a demonstration of the system for the Board in the future. He thanked them for their support of Public Safety.

Captain Crone thanked the Board for their approvals this evening and the progress that this makes toward staff organization.

Vice President Black asked Captain Crone if the officers are being affected by what is happening nationally and he said they affect police officers everywhere. Captain Crone also said that Lower Allen officers recognize the environment they work in and take faith in that better environment. Vice President Black asked if the officers are in favor of the body cameras and Captain Crone said most are. He said most officers know they will be recorded, and this lets them control the situation better.

Commissioner Kutz congratulated Commissioner Schin on his upcoming retirement from the Board and for his example as a public servant. He also thanked Mr. Vernau for his support during his first year on the Board.

 

ADJOURNMENT TO EXECUTIVE SESSION

The regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners adjourned to Executive Session at 8:44 pm.