MINUTES

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS	LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING	MARCH 28, 2022
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
Joshua Nagy	Steven P. Miner, Township Solicitor
Jennifer M. Caron	David Holl, Public Safety Director
	Rebecca Davis, Public Works Director Leon G. Crone, Police Captain
	John M. Eby, Building and Zoning Coordinator
	Anthony Deaven, EMS Captain
	Renee’ Greenawalt, Recording Secretary

President Villone called the March 28, 2022 Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners to order at 6:00 PM. He noted that Commissioner Kutz was absent, with excuse. He announced that Proof of Publication for this meeting was available for review. This was followed by a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Vice President BLACK moved to accept the resignation of Jennifer M. Caron as Alternate to the Zoning Hearing Board. Commissioner NAGY seconded. The motion carried 3-0.

Vice President BLACK moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2022-R-13, a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of Lower Allen Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, appointing Jennifer M. Caron to fill the unexpired term of Carolyn E. Holtzman. Commissioner NAGY seconded. President Villone provided context, explaining that due to the vacancy, the law required appointment of a new member to the Board of Commissioners by way of resolution. Ms. Caron was nominated at the previous meeting. The motion carried 3-0.

SWEARING IN OF NEWLY APPOINTED OFFICIAL

District Justice Christopher Delozier performed the swearing-in of Ms. Caron as Commissioner. Following her swearing in, Commissioner Caron took her seat. President Villone noted that she may abstain from voting on some agenda items due to not having material in advance to review.

MEETING MINUTES:

Commissioner NAGY moved to approve the minutes from the March 14, 2022 Regular Meeting. Vice President BLACK seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0-1 with Commissioner Caron abstaining.

PRESENTATIONS:

PA Law Enforcement Accreditation Award to the Lower Allen Township Police Department.

Mr. James Adams, Accreditation Program Coordinator of the PA Chiefs of Police Association recognized the achievement of the Lower Allen Police Department. He presented a history of the accreditation program for law enforcement in PA, explaining that agencies that are accredited adhere to best practices in law enforcement. He referred to the recent publication of a new standards manual. Accreditations covers things that are not mandated by the state. Departments who go above and beyond are recognized in areas such as administration, operations, deadly force, policy standards, risk management and limiting liability. In addition to policy and procedures, police departments undergo an intense assessment and review for accreditation every four years, with reports submitted annually in the interim.

Mr. Adams presented awards for the Police Department for their fifth re-accreditation and new classification as a Premier Agency. He noted that among the state’s 1,100 municipal police departments, 142 are currently accredited. As a Premier Agency, Lower Allen Township is among the top 2% of all law enforcement in PA. He spoke about the caliber of Director Holl and his many years of service in accreditation. He also offered praise to Captain Crone and his involvement with the program. Mr. Adams presented two plaques, one recognizing re-accreditation and the other reflecting the LAPD as a Premier Agency through 2026.

President Villone thanked Mr. Adams for being here and showing support. He noted that the Township has an outstanding police department. Accreditation programs are very important to maintain.

New Hope Ministries Request for ARPA Funds

Mr. Joel Giovenetti from New Hope Ministries presented an overview of the mission of New Hope Ministries, a Christian-based social service agency that helps kids, families, and individuals in times of need. Last year, New Hope helped over 19,000 people, 33% of whom were children. Mr. Giovenetti expressed his thanks to Lower Allen Township, which, through a variety of organizations within the Township, have helped New Hope Ministries. He presented a request for the Board of Commissioners to consider supporting their request for ARPA funds. He distributed informational packets and offered opportunities to volunteer or to share services with those in need.

President Villone asked whether other local municipalities had made a similar commitment of funds. Mr. Giovenetti noted that Hanover Township committed ARPA funding, while Monahan, Upper Allen, and Carroll Townships were considering the request but have not yet officially committed. President Villone noted that the Board would discuss the request with the township manager and solicitor and would take it under advisement.

Length of Service Recognition for Township Employee

President Villone presented, on behalf of the Board, a Letter of Commendation to Community Service Officer Joshua Sheaffer for his 15 years of service to Lower Allen Township.  Accepting the Letter on his behalf was Mr. Sheaffer’s father-in-law, former Commissioner Richard Schin.

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. Several audience members noted their intent to speak. Ms. Lauren Shartle indicated her intent to speak on Agenda Item 16C. Brendon Farius noted his would speak on Agenda Item 16A.

CONSENT AGENDA:

President Villone stated that any Commissioner, staff member, or anyone in attendance who would like to have an item on the Consent Agenda removed for further discussion could do so at that time. There were none.

Items on the Consent Agenda:

a.  Department Reports for the month of February for Community Development, Fleet Maintenance, Facility Maintenance, Public Works, and Public Safety.

b.  Approval of the Check Register March 25, 2022 of in the amount of $754,627.73.

c.  Adoption of Resolution 2022-R-14, proclaiming the month of April 2022 as “Pennsylvania 811 Safe Digging” month.

Commissioner NAGY moved to approve the items on the Consent Agenda. Vice President BLACK seconded. 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. There were none.

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

Resolution 2022-R-15, Gettysburg Road Realignment Project Reimbursement Agreement – Amendment #3.

Ms. Rebecca Davis presented the item for discussion, requesting the Board to consider adopting RESOLUTION 2022-R-15, in which PennDOT will reimburse the Township to cover the additional cost incurred for work performed to de-water the site of the Gettysburg Road Realignment Project.

Commissioner NAGY made the motion to adopt RESOLUTION 2022-R-15. Vice-President BLACK seconded. The motion carried 4-0.

Reduction of Financial Security for 145 S. Locust St.

Ms. Davis presented the item, to reduce the financial security to a new amount of $316,533.67 and a new expiration date of March 28, 2023, as the work on the site is not yet finished.

Vice President BLACK made the motion. The motion was seconded by Commissioner NAGY. The motion carried 4-0.

FINANCE

Resolution 2022-R-16 – Amending the Fixed Asset Policy

Mr. Grove presented the item for discussion and possible action, describing the issue as a housekeeping item. GAAP recommendations include setting a capitalization threshold for a dollar amount above which an acquisition is valued. Currently that threshold is set at $5,000, which was established in 1990, and is overdue for revision and is too low. The change would set it instead at $10,000.

Commissioner Caron asked what the $10,000 figure was based on. Mr. Grove replied that the amount is set to fit the size of the municipality, and while there is some subjectivity to the determination, $10,000 is a conservative figure but falls within the norm. Mr. Vernau agreed and noted that $10,000 is more in alignment with current operational needs.

Commissioner NAGY made a motion to adopt RESOLUTION 2022-R-16, to update the fixed asset policy. Commissioner CARON seconded. The motion carried 4-0.

COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Permit fee waiver request for Eagle Scout Project

Mr. Eby introduced the item for discussion and possible action. The Township has received a request for a permit fee waiver for an Eagle Scout project at the VFW Post 7530 located at 4545 Westport Drive. Mr. Eby noted that typically there is a zoning permit and application fees associated with the property due to its location in a commercial district.

Brendan Farius, of Troop 195 at St. Joseph Church in Mechanicsburg, presented a summary of his Eagle Scout project to the Board. He plans to build a ceremonial fire pit for the purpose of properly retiring old American flags. He noted that he has worked with Mr. Yeagley and Mr. Eby on the project and is requesting that the fees be waived.

Commissioner NAGY moved to waive the permit fees for the project. Vice-President BLACK seconded. The motion carried 4-0.

Arcona Banners

Mr. Eby presented the item. He projected images on screen to demonstrate the locations of banners to be hung over the roadways, previously approved by the Board of Commissioners. He explained that the approved banners are supported by concrete post pedestals and cables, which were within the fifty-foot right-of-way and had to be moved to avoid conflict with the UGI gas main. The request is for approval of the revised exhibit and agreement for placement of the pedestals.

Commissioner BLACK moved to authorize the structures to accommodate the banners in Arcona. Commissioner CARON seconded. The motion carried 4-0.

Amendment to Arcona 8.1. 

Mr. Eby introduced the item and stated that the Arcona 8.1 SLD plan had been approved with conditions at the last meeting. It was on hold pending Overall Master Plan issues. The request for amendment involves a group of four townhomes and is related to the intended minimum building separation distances along alleys. It relates to the revision of a plan note shown on sheet BE-1 of the approved land development plan for Arcona 8.1. The current plan note reads as follows: “No projection from any floor or portion of a building shall extend any closer than five feet to the cartway of an alley.” Charter Homes is requesting that the plan note be revised to: “No projection from any floor or portion of a building shall extend any closer than four feet to the cartway of an alley.”

Mr. Eby presented an exhibit on the screen to illustrate the details of request. Charter Homes would like approval of the change to the note to align it with the recorded plan. Mr. Charlie Courtney, attorney for Charter Homes, explained that the note was written incorrectly. The incorrect note had unintended consequences which prevent the building permit.

President Villone acknowledged the issue as a housekeeping measure and recommended acting on the request.

Ms. Lauren Shartle, resident at 3110 Wayland Road, projected onto the screen the Arcona Neighborhood website. She expressed her concern over the proposed mixed-use commercial space planned for one of the sites, and noted it was not part of what is presented in the marketing materials. President Villone thanked her for expressing her concerns and suggested she may want to attend a future meeting where the Arcona Overall Master Plan is on the agenda.

Vice President BLACK moved to approve the amendment to Arcona 8.1, specifically the note on the building set back sheet BE-1 of the approved land development plan. Commissioner NAGY seconded. The motion carried 4-0.

TOWNSHIP MANAGER

Beacon Hill Radar Park Facilities Study project.

Mr. Vernau explained that the 2022 budget contemplated a study on re-use of existing structures in the Park. To that end, the Township solicited Requests for Proposals for concept plan designs for the Beacon Hill Radar Site Park. Four proposals were received and evaluated for qualifications and cost. The selected proposal, from the firm of YSM Landscape Architects, was preferred for qualification as well as the lowest bid, at a cost of $21,770. The amount budgeted for the project is $50,000. Mr. Vernau noted their proposal was complete, and recommended awarding of a contract to YSM.

Commissioner NAGY moved to accept the proposal and award the contract to YSM to conduct the Beacon Hill Radar Site Park study. Commissioner CARON seconded. Commissioner Black noted this is the analysis part of the project and will not produce an overall master plan. He added that there is no intent for any active recreation at the facility, but instead for a passive recreation area such as pavilion. The motion carried 4-0.

COMMISSIONERS REPORTS

President Villone announced that Commissioners would be going into Executive Session following reports.

Ms. Trone shared a notification that Trader Joe’s would be opening on March 31, 2022 at 8 AM and noted the Board of Commissioners were invited to attend, but without any formal remarks.

Director Holl reported that the testing process for Cumberland County police officers was recently held, which he and Captain Crone proctored. He noted there was limited participation, and the department would be looking at fresh marketing opportunities. He also noted his upcoming trip to Orlando, FL for the CALEA Hearing and Award Program, during which he would be joined by Commissioner Nagy.

Mr. Miner welcomed Ms. Caron to the Board of Commissioners.

Commissioner Nagy also shared words of welcome to Commissioner Caron. He gave an update on activities of the Recreation and Park Board, including the April 9th Easter Egg Hunt and the Gardeners Gathering later in April. He also spoke about following up on a memorial idea for Commissioner Holtzman. President Villone expressed his support for something to be presented privately to the family, respecting their wishes, and honoring her.

Commissioner Caron expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to fill the role of serving the Township.

President Villone reported a summary of the recent Planning Commission meeting. He noted that the agenda was heavy with interest in redevelopment activity. He also noted agreement with having a resolution prepared for the next meeting, in honor of memorializing Commissioner Holtzman.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Commissioners recessed to executive session at 7:23 p.m. to discuss three items:

a.  An employee resignation

b.  High Hotels, Inc. tax assessment appeal for Towne Place Suites by Marriott, 4915 Ritter Road.

c.  Vacancy on the Zoning Hearing Board for an Alternate

RECONVENE

The meeting was reconvened at 8:06 p.m. Commissioner NAGY made a motion to accept the resignation of Mark D’Agostino effective March 21, 2022. Vice President BLACK seconded. The motion carried 4-0.

ADJOURN

The meeting was adjourned at 8:07 p.m.