Board of Commissioners
8-9-2021 Minutes
MINUTES
| BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS | LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP |
| REGULAR MEETING | AUGUST 9, 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 | Richard A. Grove, Finance Director |
| Richard F. Schin | David Holl, Public Safety Director |
| Carolyn E. Holtzman | Brad McCullough, Public Works Director |
| Steven Miner, Township Solicitor | |
| Leon Crone, Police Captain | |
| Tony Deaven, EMS Captain | |
| Michelle Kilgore, Recording Secretary | |
President Villone called the August 9, 2021 Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners to order at 6:00 PM. He announced that Proof of Publication for this meeting was available for review. This was followed by a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. President Villone also noted that Commissioner Kutz was absent, with excuse.
MEETING MINUTES
Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the minutes from the July 26, 2021 Regular Meeting, with an amendment that would officially note Commissioner Holtzman’s recommendation of a whiffle ball field prior to Commissioner Kutz discussing his ideas on the topic. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. The motion carried 4-0.
INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEE
President Villone introduced and welcomed Officer Ethan Kell as Lower Allen Township’s newly hired employee.
SHEEPFORD CROSSING: GET GAS PROGRAM
President Villone introduced UGI Project Engineer Doug Vene and welcomed him to the podium to explain what the Get Gas Program entails. Mr. Vene stated that the program, developed eight years ago, was developed and approved by the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to allow UGI to go into neighborhoods and extend their natural gas facilities without tariff. He explained that when residents call a number at UGI to express interest, their tax parcels are added to a mapping program. If there is an area on the map that shows enough interested residents, UGI will research the location to determine if it qualifies for the program. He added that this program would then allow UGI to install the gas mains without commitment by the residents. Within the Sheepford Crossing community, he stated that UGI is investing close to one million dollars. Mr. Vene also noted that based on UGI’s research, about 55% of the community will convert to the installed gas lines within a 12-year period. He said that letters are sent out to all residents prior to commencement of the construction to detail a timeline, the construction process, PA One-Call, the restoration process, and his contact information should questions arise. Commissioner Holtzman asked if natural gas is not already in Sheepford Crossing. Mr. Vene said no. President Villone asked for clarification on the cost to the homeowners. Mr. Vene explained that the mains are placed on the public rights-of-way on all streets, and then the homeowner would need to call UGI’s sales department to arrange for hook-up which costs approximately $1,800. At that point, UGI would run a line from the main to where the resident’s meter set would be placed. Commissioner Holtzman asked who is responsible for the line that runs to the home. Mr. Vene explained UGI is responsible for the line, and that the meters are read electronically from the street using a wireless technology. Vice President Black asked that since the main line will be restricted to one side of the street, will the line be pushed under or “open cut” to residents on the far side of the main. Mr. Vene stated that it depends on the permitting process, but that UGI has the capability to do either. Commissioner Schin explained that every two years the Township does street paving, and he expressed concern over the condition that the streets would be left in, before or after a Township paving project. Mr. Vene explained that the restoration phase of their construction follows PennDOT regulations, which he stated is of high standards. Mr. Vernau stated that the Township will require directional boring where possible, and that whenever there is a street cut, they require curb to curb resurfacing. He added that in cases where UGI states directional boring will not be possible, they will be required to explain why. President Villone asked that if there were an open cut, what would be the timeframe required to seal it back up. Mr. McCullough felt the restoration would be done right away, and that the hook-ups would span over an 8-10 year period; therefore it should not be a challenge for UGI to restore the cuts immediately.
Chris Briel of 217 Ewe Rd, Mechanicsburg came to the podium. He said he has lived in Sheepford Crossing for 23 years, and in speaking with several neighbors, he only found one instance where a resident was interested in the program. He said he moved into that neighborhood specifically because there were no gas lines, after having lived in Baltimore and witnessing the loss of a city block due to gas. Mr. Briel stated that the letter he received came after the work was already started. He added that he doesn’t feel the company coming in to do the work understands the law, stating that they are loading up the dirt into trailers and driving the trailers out without being covered. He said that nothing has been marked in front of his house, even though there is an electrical box hidden in the bushes across the street. Mr. Briel said he spoke with one of the workers who stated that they are only currently doing exploratory drilling, but Mr. Briel felt that everything still needs marked, and that they are breaking the “call before you dig” law.
President Villone said that he had been following the email communications between UGI and Mr. Briel. He asked Mr. Vene to speak on whether probing the area was completed prior to commencing the digging. Mr. Vene stated that the PA One Call law states that once a project exceeds 1,000 feet, a complex ticket must be submitted. From there, a site meeting takes place with all the utilities to go over the entire process and come up with a plan. Mr. Vene then shared with the Board and audience copies of the three-phase plan, in addition to the One Call plans. He said that there is no exploratory drilling, and that once the PA One Call is placed, the utilities come out and mark their lines. Then, in the path that the main is set to be placed, the utility must be found using a non-mechanical means (soft-dig truck or hand digging). The hole must stay open so that when they run a line past the hole, they can ensure the work is not conflicting. He added that UGI works with the Township when locating the sewer, whereas a robot is placed within the sewer main to capture video images. Commissioner Holtzman asked Mr. Vene if a meeting was held with the community prior to construction to ensure the project was something the residents wanted. Mr. Vene stated that UGI must justify the investment first, and that the justification is based on the concentration of the residents that call in. Commissioner Holtzman asked how many residents of Sheepford were interested. Mr. Vene stated that as the UGI engineer, he could not answer that question but would find out. President Villone agreed that information would be helpful, and to please forward it to Mr. Vernau. Commissioner Schin asked Mr. Vene if Sheepford Crossing solicited UGI or did UGI solicit Sheepford. Mr. Vene reiterated that the residents would have needed to call UGI for their tax parcels to populate on their computer system. President Villone asked Mr. Vene to explain why public meetings are not generally held prior to these projects taking place. Mr. Vene replied that he was unable to answer the question, and he would take a suggestion back to UGI to hold future Township and community meetings to discuss them.
John Neyhard of 104 Ewe Road, Mechanicsburg came to the podium. He expressed concern that because of the three holes that are in front of his home, the sidewalks are beginning to bow inward. He asked who is responsible at the restoration phase. Mr. Vene advised that UGI is responsible. He added that pipes go where the site conditions permit them to go, and that the preference is to place them in the public right-of-way behind the curb. He said the ideal place is the grass strip, but that Verizon and Comcast are often placed there. The next best location would be under the sidewalk, and that they will target those that are already in need of restoration. Mr. Neyhard also mentioned that property marking pins were removed from his yard. Mr. Vene stated he would have a surveyor replace the pins. He also noted that directional drilling is an extremely precise and accurate process.
President Villone asked Mr. McCullough if this type of work gets inspected by the Township, and how regularly. Mr. McCullough replied that the Public Works inspector goes out daily. President Villone asked why the choice was made to not go in the street. Mr. Vene stated that UGI will typically choose the side of the street opposite the electric, but in this case the electrical lines cross over multiple times in both sides of the street. He added that the water main is also behind the curb.
Kerry Biggs of 2 Lonk Lane, Mechanicsburg came to the podium. He expressed concern over the aged curbs and sidewalks around his property, particularly near a handicapped area where the curb is broken off. Mr. Vene said that the Township has the authority to decide how it would be fixed, but that he does not prefer the patch method. He indicated he would review the condition of the curb, and that generally they will fully restore any areas that touch a handicap zone.
Elizabeth Haldeman of 7 Sna Lane, Mechanicsburg came to the podium. She brought up a new development going in across the street in Meridian and anticipates they will be meeting with the Township on the matter. She asked how the process will work around construction of the development and installation of the utilities. President Villone explained the process on how the plans are submitted and filtered through the Township. Mr. Vernau explained that the PUC has jurisdiction on how the utilities are installed, and that although the Township is made privy to the utility plans, they are not in a position to approve or deny the plans. Ms. Haldeman agreed with the consensus that residents should be notified and offered a venue to speak once Township is made aware of such a project.
Cindy Briel of 217 Ewe Rd, Mechanicsburg came to the podium. She expressed concern over construction equipment that is being left in the road after hours, creating an inability for two cars to simultaneously pass. Mr. Vene agreed that is a safety concern and made a note.
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.
Jeff Logan of 3212 Emerson Way came to the podium to discuss items b, c, and d on the Consent Agenda.
Item b from Consent Agenda
Approve a reduction in Financial Security for SLD Docket No. 2014-01, Highpoint Phases 1.1, 1.2 & 1.4, establishing a new amount of $158,378.57 and a new expiration date of August 9, 2022.
Mr. Logan asked what the current amount of the financial security was. Mr. McCullough replied $456,878.35. Mr. Logan then asked what the basis was for the reduction of the bond. Mr. McCullough stated that a reduction was requested due to the work that was done since the bond was put in place, and that the work included wearing courses for the roads, sidewalk work, replacement of missing curb, pavement of parking lots, amended soils, and seeding and mulching. Mr. Logan asked if this work was done in the upper-level portion of Highpoint. Mr. McCullough said yes.
Item c from Consent Agenda
Approve a reduction in Financial Security for SLD Docket No. 2016-04, Highpoint Phase 1.3, establishing a new amount of $75,369.80 and a new expiration date of August 9, 2022.
Mr. Logan asked the location of 1.3. Mr. McCullough replied that it is Rocky Way.
Item d from Consent Agenda
Approve a reduction in Financial Security for SLD Docket No. 2018-03, Arcona Phase 2.3, establishing a new amount of $235,352.97 and a new expiration date of August 9, 2022.
Mr. Logan asked what the current amount of the financial security was, and what work was done to justify the reduction. Mr. McCullough replied that the current amount is $346,965.99, and that the work included putting a wearing course on a parking lot, adding sidewalk and walking trails, replacing topsoil, seeding and mulching, installing five signs and a dumpster enclosure. Mr. Logan asked if the Township is comfortable that the remaining $235,000 is sufficient to provide the paving for that entire area. Mr. McCullough advised yes.
Vice President Black asked Mr. McCullough if inspections were completed before these recommendations were made. Mr. McCullough advised yes.
Hearing no further discussion, President Villone added all three items back into the Consent Agenda outlined below and asked for a motion to approve. Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the Consent Agenda, and Vice President BLACK seconded. The motion carried 4-0.
CONSENT AGENDA
Items from the Consent Agenda:
a. Approve the Check Register of July 30, 2021 in the amount of $595,213.36.
b. Approve a reduction in Financial Security for SLD Docket No. 2014-01, Highpoint Phases 1.1, 1.2 & 1.4, establishing a new amount of $158,378.57 and a new expiration date of August 9, 2022.
c. Approve a reduction in Financial Security for SLD Docket No. 2016-04, Highpoint Phase 1.3, establishing a new amount of $75,369.80 and a new expiration date of August 9, 2022.
d. Approve a reduction in Financial Security for SLD Docket No. 2018-03, Arcona Phase 2.3, establishing a new amount of $235,352.97 and a new expiration date of August 9, 2022.
PRESIDENT VILLONE
Probation satisfaction for EMT Jacob Meyer
President Villone asked for a motion to move EMT Meyers off probation. Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve, and Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded. The motion carried 4-0.
Moreland Basin Construction update and Partial Payment
Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the partial payment of $109,014.54 for the Moreland Basin project. Vice President BLACK seconded the motion.
Vice President Black asked Ms. Davis if there were inspections done by the consultant. Ms. Davis replied that inspections were completed by both her and Mr. Flint, and she confirmed for Vice President Black that they had criteria for inspection.
The motion carried 4-0.
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.
Joseph Swartz of 1706 Letchworth Road, Camp Hill came to the podium. He spoke of Senate Bill (472) that would allow for community solar projects throughout the Commonwealth. He said that back in March, Republican State Senator Mario Scavello introduced the bill, and that it would allow for offsite energy-producing solar panels to be utilized via subscription by community members who may not have the resources to install their own solar solutions. He felt this would empower residents to save on energy bills, at the same time benefitting the environment. Mr. Swartz asked the board to enact a resolution in support of the bill, and to bring it to the attention of both Senator Regan and Representative Delozier.
President Villone asked how many other Senators have co-sponsored. Mr. Swartz stated 20, back in March. Commissioner Holtzman asked if the bill passed, would residents of a certain area be required to utilize the service. Mr. Swartz said no, that it would only afford residents the option to use it. President Villone asked Mr. Swartz to send him the information for review.
John Neyhard of 104 Ewe Road, Mechanicsburg came to the podium. He asked if there are any plans on record to pave Sheepford Crossing. Mr. McCullough stated that pavement inspections are conducted every other year, and that Sheepford Crossing is most likely 4-6 years out. President Villone explained how the Liquid Fuels money funds the street paving projects.
TOWNSHIP ENGINEER
Dedication of Market House Lane and Ruth Way to the Township
Mr. McCullough explained that Charter has indicated that due to scheduling challenges, they intend to offer Market House Lane and Ruth Way to the Township for dedication as public streets later this year, which is outside the Township’s normal practice of accepting street dedications prior to September 1 (PennDOT’s deadline to ensure the Township receives the additional Liquid Fuels revenue necessary to maintain the additional roadway mileage). If approved by the Board, the developer would reimburse the Township for any foregone Liquid Fuels revenue for Market House Lane and Ruth Way. Mr. McCullough estimated the reimbursement amount to be about $600.
Vice President Black expressed opposition to the accommodation. He said that it would cost the Township more than $600 to maintain the roads during the winter snow events, and that the Township would therefore lose money. Commissioner Schin asked the total distance for each road, to which Mr. McCullough replied .198 miles. President Villone reminded the Board that it would benefit the residents to allow for this proposal, as their roads would be well maintained. Mr. Vernau stated that the money the Township would be getting from the developer in this proposal is the same amount of money the Commonwealth would provide if the developer met the September 1st deadline. Commissioner Schin expressed concern that the Township road crews might be confused on where the plowing would end. Vice President Black responded that the streets would still get plowed, but that the developer would be responsible. President Villone asked when the Township would accept the dedication. Mr. McCullough said it would not be until the Spring. The consensus of the Board was to not accept Charter’s proposal.
Jeff Logan of 3212 Emerson Way came to the podium. He stated that Charter has not yet put on the final wearing coarse on the roads. He asked if it is the general understanding that the roads must be fully completed before the roads are dedicated. Mr. McCullough said yes. Mr. Logan then asked Mr. McCullough if Strong Road is currently dedicated, to which Mr. McCullough replied no.
FINANCE
Resolution 2021-R-28, Collection fees and costs
Mr. Grove reminded the Board that a change in the law allows the Township to apply property liens versus judgements against the delinquent individuals. He said that Resolution 2021-R-28 would allow the Township to collect on the legal fees that they incur.
Commissioner Schin asked Mr. Grove if the effective date of the Resolution was intentionally listed as January 1, 2021. Mr. Grove said yes that the Resolution is meant to be retroactive.
Commissioner SCHIN moved to adopt Resolution 2021-R-28, with Vice President BLACK seconding. The motion carried 4-0.
MANAGER
Update on Blasting Notification Procedures
Mr. Vernau summarized a discussion from the previous meeting where resident Beth Weller enlisted help from the Township so that she and her neighbors could be provided adequate blasting schedules from the construction companies. He said that after having researched the matter, he found no indication that the liability would fall on the Township should DEP suspend its enforcement practices. With that, he added that the Township will be including a question on their sub-division applications that will ask if blasting will be taking place, and if yes, a note will be included on the plan that the Township must be notified within ten days of the blasting taking place. He said that this way, the Township will be able to use whatever means at our disposal to alert residents. Mr. Miner added that after some investigation, he learned that although the State had suspended various regulations throughout COVID, the suspension of DEP’s enforcement in this matter was not one of them. Commissioner Schin asked Mr. Vernau to contact Ms. Weller with information on what the Township will be doing to help resolve the concern. Mr. Vernau agreed.
COMMISSIONER REPORTS
Ms. Trone reminded the Board of an email she sent the week prior inviting them to walk the Lower Allen Commons site just before the next meeting on August 23rd at 5pm.
Mr. Holl asked the Board to send well wishes to Captain Crone, whose mother-in-law passed the day prior.
Mr. McCullough said that the ribbon cutting for the Fun Fort is slated for Friday, August 13th at 11am.
Commissioner Holtzman asked Mr. Holl to assist with speed enforcement in her neighborhood.
Vice President Black explained why he made no comments during the UGI presentation. He indicated he has a relative that does paving for UGI, therefore he is biased.
Commissioner Schin asked Mr. McCullough about why the project on Locust Street had come to a halt. Mr. McCullough replied that the contractor had pulled out of the job the week prior. He said he did not know the reason, but that he was informed that day that the contractor has resumed work at the location.
President Villone reminded the Board of the Lisburn Festival coming up for the weekend, starting Wednesday evening.
ADJOURNMENT
The regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners adjourned at 7:43PM.