Board of Commissioners
5-10-2021 Minutes
MINUTES
| BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS | LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP |
| REGULAR MEETING | MAY 10, 2021 |
| The following were in ATTENDANCE: | |
| BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS | TOWNSHIP PERSONNEL |
| Dean W. Villone, President | Thomas G. Vernau, Jr., Township Manager |
| H. Edward Black, Vice President | Erin G. Trone, Assistant Township Manager |
| Richard F. Schin | Richard A. Grove, Finance Director |
| Carolyn Holtzman | David Holl, Public Safety Director |
| Thomas H. Kutz | Brad McCullough, Public Works DirectorSteven Miner, Township SolicitorLeon Crone, Police Captain |
| Tony Deaven, EMS Captain | |
| Rebecca Davis, Stormwater Program Manager | |
| John Eby, Building & Zoning Coordinator | |
| Michelle Kilgore, Recording Secretary | |
President Villone called the May 10, 2021 Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners to order at 6:04 pm. He announced that Proof of Publication for this meeting is available for review. This was followed by a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.
MEETING MINUTES
Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the minutes from the April 12, 2021 Regular Meeting, and Vice President BLACK seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
Presentation by the VFW Post 6704 to Lt. Douglas Foltz and PSO Bryce Landis
President Villone gave the floor to a member of the Mechanicsburg Memorial VFW Post 6704 and the Ladies Auxiliary. For his work and dedication within the Township, Lt. Foltz’s name was submitted through the Mechanicsburg district’s VFW counsel, and was awarded at the national VFW level.
Also presented by Mechanicsburg Memorial Post 6704 and the Ladies Auxiliary, was an award to PSO Bryce Landis. This included a Certificate of Foreign Wars from the VFW National level as a distinguished firefighter, and an EMT appreciation award.
Resolution 2021-R17and Presentation to Brian Kline
President Villone presented a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of Lower Allen Township (LAT) to recognize Brian Kline for his 35 years of leading the Olde Time Festival and his Life Membership with the Lisburn Community Fire Company.
Commissioner SCHIN moved to pass the resolution, and Vice President BLACK seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
President Villone presented, read, and signed the resolution to Mr. Kline.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Any item on the agenda.
President Villone advised the audience that if there were any item on that evening’s agenda that they wish to comment on, to please come to the podium. There were none.
PRESIDENT VILLONE
Check Register
Vice President BLACK moved to approve the check register of May 7, 2021 in the amount of $186,138.39. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
Resolution 2021-R-18, Eagle Scout Recognition:
Commissioner SCHIN moved to adopt Resolution 2021-R-18, a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of Lower Allen Township, Cumberland County Pennsylvania, recognizing, commending, and honoring Alexander James McQuade for the attainment of the rank of Eagle Scout. Commissioner KUTZ seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
President Villone presented, read, and signed the resolution for Alex McQuade.
Resolution 2021-R-19, PSO Hire:
Commissioner SCHIN moved to adopt Resolution 2021-R-19, a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of Lower Allen Township, Cumberland County Pennsylvania, hiring Justin R. Lenker as a Public Safety Officer for the Public Safety Department effective May 24, 2021. Vice President BLACK seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
Resolution 2021-R-20, MS4 Inspector Hire:
Commissioner SCHIN moved to adopt Resolution 2021-R-20, a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of Lower Allen Township, Cumberland County Pennsylvania, hiring Bryce P. Thompson as MS4 Inspector for the Public Works Department Effective June 14, 2021. Commissioner KUTZ seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
ANY BUSINESS PERTINENT TO THE TOWNSHIP:
President Villone noted that if anyone wished to speak at that time, there would be 15 minutes allotted per person to speak at the podium. There were no items for discussion.
TOWNSHIP ENGINEER
Hiring of Maintenance Specialist
Mr. McCullough asked for a motion to advertise for a Maintenance Specialist for the Public Works Department to replace Bryce Thompson. Commissioner KUTZ moved to approve advertisement of the position. Commissioner SCHIN seconded. The motion carried 5-0.
Payment of Invoice #2 to Kinsley Construction
Mr. McCullough requested a motion to approve payment of Invoice No. 2, in the amount of $98,432.12, to Kinsley Construction, Inc. for construction progress on the 2021 Fun Fort Reconstruction Project. Commissioner KUTZ moved to approve the payment. Commissioner BLACK seconded. The motion carried 5-0.
President Villone then asked Mr. McCullough what the status is on the “No Parking” signs in the Arcona development. He indicated he had been receiving several phone calls on the matter. Mr. McCullough replied that some of the redundant signs were creating confusion, therefore were removed. He went on to say that the engineers are assessing the placement of the signs so that they can decide which signs will remain permanent. President Villone asked Mr. McCullough to give the Board a summary of the sign situation so that Board members would be prepared should a resident ask why these signs are being placed. Mr. McCullough explained that the signs are intended for Highpoint 1.1 and Highpoint 1.2. Charter placed these signs, which are required for emergency vehicle access throughout the neighborhood. Originally, the design had the wrong truck dimensions, and residents grew accustomed to parking a certain way. Now that this has been rectified, the residents have been shocked by all the “no parking signs”. With all the complaints coming in, Charter is working to remove some of the signs while keeping compliant with the emergency vehicle access requirements, in preparation for dedication of the streets to the Township. Mr. McCullough stated that re-placement of the removed signs is not certain at this time, and that it will depend on the engineers’ findings. President Villone asked for an update during the next meeting.
FINANCE
Financial Software Upgrade
Mr. Grove explained that Edmunds GovTech software has been utilized by LAT for several years. Although not historically a big player in the government financial software industry, it has become more competitive over the past five years with enhanced functionality. Within LAT, departments are looking for online solutions for time reporting and procurement. Within the Finance Department, the payroll clerk has been working to capacity and Mr. Grove has been concerned that additional staff would be required. He felt that an upgrade to the GovTech software would resolve for not just Finance’s needs, but other LAT departments as well. He then presented the quote document to the Board, explaining that the RPF process for the software was extremely thorough. In summary, the options were either to upgrade the existing system at a cost of $28,740.00 or deploy new software that would require a full migration of data, at a price tag of $217,775.00. Mr. Grove stated that both software’s functionalities are similar regarding what LAT would like the system to do, therefore for the cost savings, he proposed the upgrade with Edmunds GovTech.
President Villone recalled a budget approval of over $300,000 a few years prior that would cover computer services and software for the Township. He asked Mr. Grove if this expenditure would pull from that funding. Mr. Grove confirmed, stating $180,000 is remaining, and $72,225 is currently allocated for Codes, leaving a substantial amount to cover this cost.
Commissioner SCHIN motioned to approve the upgrade of the Edmunds GovTech software in the amount of $28,740.00. Commissioner KUTZ seconded. The motion carried 5-0.
COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Zoning Hearing Board Report
Mr. Eby discussed Docket #2021-02 for the application of Linda Milletics at 10 Argali Lane, Mechanicsburg. The resident wished to erect a 6’ high PVC privacy fence that does not comply with front yard requirements. Based on the hearing testimony, the Zoning Hearing Board (ZHB) granted the request. Commissioner Schin asked what the potential impact for erecting a 6’ fence verses the rule of 3 ½. Mr. Eby stated that it impacts sight distance, and based on photographic evidence from the road, a higher fence will not impair sight distance in this case. No further questions were asked.
Mr. Eby advised of two dockets for discussion in the ZHB’s upcoming meeting. The first is docket #2021-03, an application from Ronald M. Lucas with Stevens & Lee, 17 N Second Street, 16th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101, requesting a variance from Sections 220-102.A(3) to reduce required rear yard setback, 220-242(L)(2)(a) to allow reduction in parking setback, 220-200.A-B to deviate from required parking lot landscaping and is requesting a special exception in accordance with Section 220-241 of the Codified Ordinances of Lower Allen Township (LAT) to reduce the number of required off-street parking spaces to facilitate property redevelopment at 1600 Hummel Avenue, Camp Hill, PA 17011.
He stated the applicant is requesting the additional buildings he is constructing have no set-back, which would then be aligned with the existing adjacent buildings, which also have no set-back to the property lines. They are also asking for a variance from the set-back of parking to the building. There are zero parking spaces now, and they are proposing to keep it at zero.
Regarding the parking landscaping, they are asking for a variance to plant shrubs in lieu of trees along the planting strip on Hummel Ave. to resolve any potential digging issues or invasive tree root issues due to the current UGI gas line buried beneath the planting strip. Commissioner Schin asked if the shrubs will screen the parking lot. Mr. Eby advised it will provide more than there is now, which is nothing. He added there is no screening requirement. President Villone inquired as to what the purpose is for tree requirements on planting strips. Mr. Eby explained that it is an environment issue in that the shade trees cool the blacktop. He added that it also adds to aesthetics and improves air quality. Vice President Black asked if this would give them full access to Hummel Ave. Mr. Eby stated that the two existing driveways will remain unchanged.
Last, the applicant is requesting 33 spaces in lieu of 51 spaces due to minimal parking needs. No further questions on this docket.
The second docket #2021-04 – The application of Christopher Kunes et al., 2695 Carolean Industrial Drive, State College, PA 16801, is requesting a special exception in accordance with Section 220-241 of the Codified Ordinances of LAT to reduce the number of required off-street parking spaces and stacking requirements to facilitate a change of building use at 1120 Carlisle Road, Camp Hill, PA 17011.
The applicant is looking to turn the former Metro Bank into a fast-food restaurant with limited seating, catering to pick-up orders. The zoning code requires 90+ spaces. Mr. Eby gave some examples of other existing fast-food restaurants that were granted variances based on their limited seating. He explained there is no order board, that customers will call or order online. Mr. Eby said that the requirement for being granted the variance is dependent on the applicant’s ability to demonstrate that their business model would not burden public streets or neighbors.
Readvertising of Construction Code Official
Mr. Eby requested permission to readvertise for a Construction Code Official, but with a pay rate of up to $75K, a change from the 2020 ad which budgeted for $65K and did not result in a hire. He felt that with his impending retirement, it is important to find a replacement as soon as possible to accommodate the needs of the Township. He added that the current job market in construction shows a high demand and a low supply of workers, and the $65K salary that was advertised the previous year is at least $10K below the current going rate for a job of this scope. He said that neighboring townships are advertising low to mid $70K salaries and still having issues finding good help.
Commissioner Schin asked if the topic could be tabled in the Regular Session, and approached in their impending Executive Session, with a potential action immediately after. President Villone agreed to discuss in detail in Executive Session but opened it up for general questions immediately.
President Villone asked about the possibility of contracting the work out to a 3rd party agency, suggesting maybe that is where the market is headed. My Eby stated (and Mr. Grove agreed) that overall that it would cost more to outsource the work than to keep it in house. Ms. Trone agreed that employing a codes inspector allows the resident to receive a full holistic service, verses what a third party could offer. Commissioner Kutz asked about the purpose of fees required to build on one’s own property. Mr. Eby responded that it costs money to have rules in place, and they will either need to be paid for through taxes, fees, or a combination of both. It was agreed that any further discussion would move to Executive Session as a personnel matter.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Resolution 2021-R-21: May 16-22 Emergency Medical Services Week
Director Holl asked that the Board adopt a resolution proclaiming May 16-22 Emergency Medical Services Week with the EMS Strong Theme, “This is EMS: Caring for Our Communities.”
Commissioner KUTZ moved to adopt Resolution 2021-R-21, seconded by Commissioner SCHIN. Motion carried 5-0.
MANAGER
Adopt-A-Park Program
Mr. Vernau reported that the Township received its first applicant since 2008 for the Adopt-A-Park Program. The applicant is Barton & Loguidice, an engineering firm located within the Township. They will be conducting cleanups seasonally and after special events, removing downed tree limbs, raking leaves, and reporting any maintenance or vandalism issues. He indicated no vote is necessary, but that he felt it the Board should be aware.
A representative from Barton & Loguidice was in the audience and let the Board know she was in attendance.
COMMISSIONER REPORTS
Captain Crone reported that the week of May 9th is National Police Week, and he expressed his gratitude to Lower Allen Township Police Department for their dedication to the Township.
Commissioner SCHIN moved to recognize the week of May 9, 2021 as Police Week in the Township. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded. The motion carried 5-0. President Villone asked that an official resolution be drafted for the next Board meeting support the impromptu motion.
Mr. Holl stated that Lower Allen Community Park will be hosting a Crisis Intervention Program this week, whereby two of LAT’s officers are joining other officers from around the county for this training. The program is taking place in response to a national movement to tackle the mental health component of the job. He stated there should be another program held in Autumn, and more thereafter.
Ms. Davis reported that LAT was awarded an environmental grant for $5,000 by Pennsylvania American Water. In an upcoming BOC meeting, they will be onsite to present a cardboard check.
Commissioner Kutz felt that the proposed tolling of the South Bridge would disproportionately affect LAT commuters to Harrisburg, causing congestion on alternate routes to the city. He is proposing the Board write a letter on the topic to one of the Commonwealth elected officials, encouraging the Commonwealth to enlist funding from elsewhere.
President Villone stated that he attended the Lisburn Community Fire Company’s awards ceremony (in lieu of their annual banquet). There he recognized Brian Kline for his work with the Fire Company.
RECESS TO EXECUTIVE SESSION
The regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners recessed to Executive Session at 7:57 pm.
RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION
Patrolman Zachary Walters resignation
Commissioner SCHIN moved to officially accept the resignation of patrolman Zachary Walters. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded. The motion carried 5-0.
President Villone asked Captain Crone the status of the police force now that Zachary Walters has resigned. Mr. Crone advised two more officers are set to retire shortly, therefore they expect to be short by a total of three. The police academy starts in September. He is working to fill the vacancies as quickly as possible, to get ahead of the retirements, and may be asking the Board for approval should he find viable candidates. With the current list of candidates, the top person is not Act-120, but the next two are. Overall, there is a gain in the budget due to the attrition, therefore the LAT can afford to solicit for officers now. Capt. Crone states he would like to start the process now, to prepare to bring their final selections to the Board in a mid-June meeting.
Commissioner BLACK moved to authorize staff to develop a civil service list for potential hiring of three officers as soon as academy schedules and background investigations will allow. Commissioner SCHIN seconded. Motion carried 5-0.
Litigation for Sewer Connection
Commissioner BLACK moved to authorize the solicitor to issue a 60-day sewer connection notice pursuant to Lower Allen Township code section 175-2. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. The motion carried 4-1, with Commissioner KUTZ in opposition.
UGI Pipeline Case
Commissioner BLACK moved to authorize the solicitor to make an appearance on behalf of LAT in the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and to object to the application of UGI utilities docketed to A-2021-3024547 requesting approval to install a gas main over a sewer right-of-way maintained and used by LAT Authority and Upper Allen Township. LAT Authority will pay all the legal fees associated with this action. The solicitor is enforcing Township code section 175-26(A)(4a) requiring at least 10 feet of separation between utilities. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded. The motion carried 5-0.
Readvertising of Construction Code Official
Commissioner BLACK moved to re-advertise the Construction Code Official position for up to a salary of $75K based on training and experience. Commissioner KUTZ seconded. Motion carried 5-0.
ADJOURNMENT
The regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners adjourned at 9:09 pm.