MINUTES

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS	LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING	AUGUST 23, 2021, 6:00 PM EDT
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
Thomas H. Kutz	Brad McCullough, Engineer/Public Works Director
	Steven Miner, Township Solicitor
	Leon Crone, Police Captain
	John M. Eby, Building and Zoning Coordinator
	Michelle Kilgore, Recording Secretary

President Villone called the August 23, 2021, Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners to order at 6:03 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 Holtzman was absent with excuse.

MEETING MINUTES

Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the minutes of the August 9, 2021, Regular Meeting.  Vice President BLACK seconded the motion.  The motion carried 3-0-1, with Commissioner Kutz abstaining due to his absence from the August 9 meeting.

Resolution 2021-R-29

Commissioner SCHIN moved to adopt the Resolution 2021-R-29 recognizing Police Officer Thomas Gelnett on his retirement.  Vice President BLACK seconded.  The motion carried 4-0.

Presentation to Officer Thomas E. Gelnett

President Villone asked Officer Gelnett to join him at the podium for a formal presentation of Resolution 2021-R-29.  Each of the Commissioners took turns expressing their gratitude for Officer Gelnett’s service.  Kerry Trudgeon, a resident of Upper Allen Township also came to the podium to thank Officer Gelnett for being such a great friend and role model.

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 indicate as such.  Members of the audience requested to speak on items 10.a., 10.b., and 10.c.  President Villone advised he would seek audience comments when the Board moved to item 10.

CONSENT AGENDA

President Villone advised any Commissioner, staff member, or anyone in attendance who would like to have an item on the Consent Agenda removed for further discussion, to state his/her request at that time.

Commissioner KUTZ motioned to approve the items on the Consent Agenda.  Commissioner SCHIN seconded.  President Villone fielded questions from the Board on items a. and c. from the Consent Agenda.

a.  Department Reports for the month of July for Community Development, Fleet Maintenance, Facility Maintenance, Township Engineer, and Public Works.

Commissioner Schin referenced the Public Works Report, and asked Mr. Vernau why the Township limits brush and bulk item drop off by residents to four loads per year prior to charging $25 per load, whereas other townships do not limit this.  Mr. Vernau stated that prior to the fee assessments, residents were taking advantage of the township by bringing in loads that did not belong to them (friend or family items).  He added that the township also offers curbside pick-up for the smaller items.

b.  Check Register of August 13, 2021, in the amount of $457,263.48.

c.  Tax Collector’s June Monthly Report

Commissioner Schin noted that on the report, the heading lists July 2021, but the agenda identifies the report as a June document.  Mr. Vernau indicated it was most likely a report produced in July but reporting on June financials, but that he would get confirmation.

President Villone called for a vote on the Consent Agenda.  The motion carried 4-0.

 

PRESIDENT VILLONE

Resolution 2021-R-30

President Villone asked for a motion to adopt Resolution 2021-R-30 hiring Tyler Lewis as a Police Officer for the Police Department, effective August 30, 2021.

Commissioner KUTZ moved to adopt the resolution.  Commissioner SCHIN seconded.  The motion carried 4-0.

Resolution 2021-R-31

President Villone requested a motion to adopt Resolution 2021-R-31, a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of Lower Allen Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, authorizing the Township Manager to submit a grant application for the Keystone Communities Program for Lower Allen Township.

Commissioner KUTZ moved to adopt the resolution.  Commissioner SCHIN seconded.  Commissioner Schin advised President Villone that he wished to speak on the ribbon cutting ceremony’s video that was posted to social media.  He felt that some of the information contained in the video was inaccurate.  Commissioner Kutz objected to the comments, citing that they were not relevant to the proposed resolution.  President Villone asked Commissioner Schin if he would hold his comments on the matter until the Commissioner Reports.  Commissioner Schin agreed.

The motion to adopt the resolution carried 4-0.

Resolution 2021-R-32

President Villone requested a motion to adopt Resolution 2021-R-32 hiring Craig A. Doll as a Construction Code Official for the Community and Economic Development Department, effective September 1, 2021.

Commissioner KUTZ moved to adopt the resolution.  Vice President BLACK seconded.  Vice President Black inquired as to the background of Mr. Doll.  Ms. Trone replied that Mr. Doll comes to the Township from Carlisle Borough as a Master Code Professional.  She added that the Township has been searching for almost a year for someone to replace the most recent construction code official (also a Master Code Professional).  Vice President Black then asked if Mr. Doll has all the same certifications as the previous Township code official.  Ms. Trone replied yes.

The motion to adopt the resolution 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.  There were none.

TOWNSHIP ENGINEER

Approval of SLD Docket No. 2021-05, Final Lot Line Adjustment for 3410 Canyon Creek

Mr. McCullough presented the parcel and surrounding areas on the screen for the Board, and noted that Betsy Davis, one of the applicant’s designers was present to help answer any questions.  He indicated that the property in question is in High Meadows.  He said the purpose of the adjustment is to transfer an open space lot of 5,105 square feet owned by the High Meadow Phase V Homeowners Association to the Baughman residence, 3410 Canyon Creek.  He added that no waivers were requested, no contingencies required, and the adjustment was approved in the August 2021 Planning Commission meeting.

Commissioner KUTZ moved to approve the lot line adjustment.  Commissioner SCHIN seconded.  Commissioner Schin asked what potential impacts would come with the adjustment, and what prompted the adjustment.  Mr. McCullough stated there should not be any impacts, and that the homeowner’s association can still access the area as a pass-through for maintenance purposes.  He added that the resident at 3410 Canyon Creek wishes to complete some impervious improvements on the property, and that obtaining this portion of the lot would allow for those improvements.  President Villone asked Mr. McCullough if the parcel would qualify for the 1,000 square foot exemption in MS4.  Mr. McCullough replied that he is not clear what the proposed improvements will be at this time, that this docket is specifically for the lot line adjustment.  He added that the parcel would not be exempt and clarified that stormwater work would still apply for over 1,000 square feet.

President Villone requested a vote on the approval of the docket.  Vice President BLACK stated that he would abstain from the vote considering the lot adjustment plan was prepared by his firm.  The motion carried 3-0-1.

SLD Docket No. 2021-06, Revised Final Land Development Plan for Springhill Suites, 3535 Gettysburg Road

Mr. McCullough stated the original development plan for the site was SLD Docket No. 2020-04, approved by the Board on April 27, 2020, and recorded August 27, 2020.  Since that time, the designer notified the Township of errors discovered in the unit lines for the subject property which need corrected and re-recorded.  Mr. McCullough explained a new plan needs to be approved by the Board of Commissioners, and that because there are no design changes to the plan, a waiver of the requirement contained in Section 192-39. F – Review by Planning Commission is being requested. 

Mr. McCullough stated that if the waiver is granted, the revised plan will be presented to the Board of Commissioners for approval, contingent upon Cumberland County Planning Department approval.  Vice-President BLACK moved to approve the Final Land Development Plan for Springhill Suites, seconded by Commissioner SCHIN.   Commissioner KUTZ questioned whether the waiver should be approved prior to Plan approval.  Vice-President BLACK withdrew his motion and Commissioner SCHIN withdrew his second. 

Commissioner KUTZ moved to approve the waiver of the requirement contained in Section 192-39. F – Review by Planning Commission.  Commissioner SCHIN seconded.  The motion carried 4-0.

Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the Revised Final Land Development Plan contingent upon Cumberland County Planning Department approval.  Vice President BLACK seconded.  The motion carried 4-0.

SLD Docket No. 2020-11, Preliminary/Final Land Development Plan for 3709 Hartzdale Drive

Mr. McCullough explained the purpose of the plan is to construct a 11,970 square foot warehouse and associated site improvements which include grading, parking, buffers, screening, and stormwater management improvements.  The applicant is requesting a waiver of the requirement contained in Section 192-30 to submit a Preliminary Plan.

Mr. McCullough indicated the Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of the waiver and plans, which will be presented to the BOC for approval, contingent upon the following:

1. Providing an executed Declaration of Parking, Access, and Drainage Easements
2. Lower Allen Township Authority approval
3. Lower Allen Township Public Safety Department approval
4. Providing an executed Stormwater Facilities and Best Management Practices (BMP) Maintenance and Monitoring Agreement

Commissioner Schin asked Mr. McCullough to show the BOC where the parcel is on the map.  Vice President Black expressed concern with a potentially required access easement and asked if both properties belong to the same owner.  Mr. McCullough said yes.  Commissioner Schin asked why the applicant does not wish to submit a preliminary plan.  Mr. McCullough advised that requesting waivers for preliminary plans are fairly common, particularly when the plans are in a final state, as they do not necessitate two submissions.  He added that preliminary plans are usually necessary for large complex developments.  Commissioner Schin asked why the Public Safety Department must approve the plan.  Mr. McCullough advised that Public Safety had comments on an alternative hydrant system to get water over an existing bridge.

President Villone requested a motion to approve the waiver of the requirement contained in Section 192-30 to submit a Preliminary Plan.  Commissioner KUTZ made the motion.  Commissioner SCHIN seconded.  The motion carried 4-0.

President Villone requested a motion to approve SLD Docket No. 2020-11, Preliminary/Final Land Development Plan for 3709 Hartzdale Drive to include the four contingencies bulleted above.  Commissioner KUTZ made the motion.  Commissioner SCHIN seconded.  The motion carried 4-0.

Regional Significance and Impact Letter – Green Lane Meadows (Fairview Township, York County

Mr. McCullough referenced the memo provided to the Board, noting that Green Lane Meadows will have regional significance and impact based on adding more than 1,000 vehicle trips/day and 50 or more lots or units, as the preliminary plan proposes 205 new single-family detached residential dwellings.  The letter was sent by Fairview Township to neighboring municipalities encouraging collaboration with Fairview Township to discuss and/or resolve potential impacts.  Mr. McCullough stated that the Planning Commission summarized their findings for discussion including additional traffic to the existing Green Lane bridge over the Yellow Breeches Creek, additional traffic north along Green Lane Drive including the intersection between Green Lane Drive and Cedar Cliff Drive.  Also, traffic impacts to the pedestrian/bicycle areas, and stormwater impacts to surrounding neighborhoods and the Yellow Breeches Creek.  Mr. McCullough stated that Lower Allen Township will request copies of the preliminary plans, any structural analyses completed on the existing bridge, traffic impact studies, and stormwater management report.

President Villone asked Mr. McCullough if Cumberland County plans to weigh in on the project.  Mr. McCullough replied that he has spoken with Cumberland County, and the focus of the discussion was around the bridge.  He added that they did not comment on any of the other concerns.  President Villone encouraged Mr. McCullough to enlist more feedback from them.  Vice President Black asked Mr. McCullough if he is aware of a traffic impact study already having taken place.  Mr. McCullough was not aware of one.  Commissioner Schin asked if it would be helpful for Lower Allen Township to draft a letter with their concerns.  Mr. McCullough stated that a letter may help.  President Villone suggested the topic first be placed on the next two BOC meeting agendas for further discussion, so that the Board could stay involved.

MANAGER

West Shore Recreation Commission 2022 Budget, Lower Allen Township per capita fee, and early payment of first installment

Mr. Vernau stated that West Shore Recreation Commission has asked LAT to review their 2022 budget and increased per capita fee (to $3.00 per person).  He said they have requested that LAT make the initial installment in December 2021 instead of January 2022 in light of the reduced revenue and participation during the pandemic.  Mr. Vernau invited Vice President Black, a current West Shore Recreation Commission Board member, to speak more on the situation.  Vice President Black indicated the Commission has endured two strenuous years with reduced attendance to their programs, and because they charge to attend the programs, revenue has decreased.  He added they are basing their increase on 2010 census data, and that Lower Allen has the second highest attendance to their programs.  He stated he believes the proposal is financially sound, and he encouraged the BOC to approve the request.  Commissioner Schin agreed, and asked Mr. Grove if the request can be done again this year.  Mr. Grove said yes.  Commissioner Kutz asked why the Commission cannot use the census data from the 2020 assessment, once available, to calculate more accurate financials.  Vice President Black stated he could not speak for the West Shore Board but felt they would consider doing so.  Mr. Vernau stated that the West Shore Recreation Commission intended to use the 2020 census information, but the data for municipalities was not yet available, and that the Commission wanted to get the request to LAT before budget meetings would take place, therefore had no choice but to use 2010 data.

President Villone asked for a motion to approve the 2022 Budget for the West Shore Recreation Commission as outlined in the letter, and the increased Lower Allen Township Per Capita Fee of $3.00

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

President Villone asked for a motion to approve early payment of the first installment to December 2021.

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

COMMISSIONER REPORTS

Mr. Eby, liaison to the Yellow Breeches Watershed Association, announced a public outreach social event on September 16^th at Cold Springs Inn from 6-9pm, with music by The Villones.

Mr. Vernau presented three bids to the BOC for the Township Building’s new AV System.  Vice President Black assisted President Villone with opening the sealed bids.

• Sage Technology Solutions – bid $74,700.00, with bid bond certified check included.
• 3^rd Element Consulting – bid $24,243.99 with bid bond certified check included.
• FCI Low Voltage Systems – bid $90,452.00, bid bond noted but not included with bid packet. (Mr. Vernau stated he would contact FCI regarding the bid bond)

Mr. Vernau stated he planned to go through the bids and review the various designs, and bring the information back to the next meeting, with recommendations.

Ms. Trone advised that the Development Authority closed on the Springhill Hotel property the previous Friday for 2.29 million.  She said that on the upcoming Wednesday, Unit 6 (Bone Fish Grill) will have its closing as well for 1.5 million.

Vice President Black announced the passing of former LAT Commissioner John T. Titzel, who he had once served with on the Board.

Commissioner Schin asked Mr. McCullough about what is happening on Locust Street, as he is not seeing activity.  Mr. McCullough believes that a water line was installed, and that they are waiting for PP&L to relocate their facilities.

Commissioner Schin discussed the ribbon cutting ceremony for the rebuilt Fun Fort, including a video presentation posted to social media, which he explained contained some inaccuracies.  He said that the Fun Fort concept originated with the LAT BOC in 1994.  He said the Leathers Associates of New York went to the elementary schools to have the students offer ideas of what the fort should look like.  He added that fire destroyed 1/3 of the structure in 2010, and 90% of those repairs was covered by insurance and the remaining 10% was paid for out of the Fun Fort escrow account, which was created for the upkeep of the fort.  Commissioner Schin stated that the ribbon cutting ceremony occurred to highlight the replacement of the remaining 2/3 due to the age of the structure.

Commissioner Kutz commended the late John T. Titzel for his dedication to Lower Allen Township. 

Commissioner Kutz felt that the Trader Joe’s site is coming along nicely, along with the other units, and he expressed excitement and appreciation for all the hard work put into Springhill Suites.

Commissioner Kutz stated he recently joined David Peiffer, on behalf of the Township, at Peiffer Memorial Arboretum.  There they awarded the 2021 Path of Leadership Award to Mary Landis, who served on the New Cumberland Borough Council for over 40 years.  He encouraged the BOC to visit the arboretum.

Commissioner Kutz stated that about a month ago before the July 26 BOC meeting, he submitted a proposal to President Villone and staff outlining a whiffle ball field to be constructed at Peter’s Field.  He explained he has continued research and knows it is well within the upcoming budget.  He acknowledged the pickleball craze within the Township and assured the Board that whiffle ball is the next popular trend to attract league play, which would increase facility rentals and revenue.

Commissioner Kutz stated he attended the ribbon cutting for the Fun Fort and expressed appreciation for all those on site.  He wished to thank Senator Regan for securing $250,000 of funding for the Fun Fort.

President Villone acknowledged John T. Titzel’s passing.

President Villone stated he attended the ribbon cutting for the Fun Fort.  He expressed gratitude for Senator Regan’s help for the funding, along with funding that came from grants through DCNR and Cumberland County.

President Villone recapped the recent Lisburn Fire Festival.  He saw great enthusiasm from attendees and volunteers.

RECESS TO EXECUTIVE SESSION

The regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners recessed to Executive Session at 7:43 PM.

RECONVENE FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION

Yetter Court parcel

Commissioner SCHIN moved to authorize staff to advertise an ordinance to purchase the Yetter Court parcel from the Lower Allen Township Development Authority.  Commissioner KUTZ seconded.  The motion carried 4-0.

ADJOURNMENT

The regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners adjourned at 8:06 PM.