MINUTES

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS	LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING	APRIL 11, 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
Thomas H. Kutz	Steven P. Miner, Township Solicitor
Joshua Nagy	David Holl, Public Safety Director
Jennifer M. Caron	Rebecca Davis, Public Works DirectorLeon G. Crone, Police Captain
	John M. Eby, Building and Zoning Coordinator
	Anthony Deaven, EMS Captain
	Renee’ Greenawalt, Recording Secretary

President Villone called the April 11, 2022 Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners to order at 6:01 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 requested a motion to adopt RESOLUTION 2022-R-17, a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of Lower Allen Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania on behalf of the Commissioners, staff, and volunteers of Lower Allen Township, recognizing the contributions and dedication to Lower Allen Township of Carolyn E. Holtzman.

Vice President BLACK offered the motion. Commissioner NAGY seconded. The motion carried 5-0.

Vice President Black noted his need to depart for another meeting and was excused at 6:05 pm.

MEETING MINUTES:

Commissioner NAGY moved to approve the minutes from the March 28, 2022 Regular Meeting. Commissioner CARON seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0, with Commissioner Kutz abstaining due to his absence from the March 28^th meeting.

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. One member of the audience, Katie Hall, indicated her intent to address Agenda Item 12A.

PRESIDENT VILLONE:

President Villone requested a motion to move Daniel Bartosic, a Maintenance Specialist in the Public Works Department, from probationary status effective April 12, 2022.

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

President Villone requested a motion to approve the Check Register of April 8, 2022 in the amount of $601,088.18.

Commissioner KUTZ made the motion. Commissioner NAGY 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.

Mr. John Neyhard, resident at 104 Ewe Road, asked for an update on the UGI gas project, noting the work has been done but there are unresolved issues such as unpaved roads, damaged curbs and sidewalk repairs needed. Responding to the inquiry, Mr. Vernau explained that UGI was waiting for cooperative weather to start work on the concrete structures, and that they are performing the work in accordance with the plan. He confirmed that UGI had committed to paving streets that had been damaged, and that other streets are part of the township’s paving schedule, which is dependent on available funding.

Mr. Vernau explained the Township’s administration of the paving program, which is assessed every two years. Engineers grade all the streets in the Township, prioritizing the worst to be paved first. Funds from the liquid fuel tax appropriated by the state are used to fund the paving program.

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

Adoption of the Preparedness, Prevention, and Contingency (PPC) Plan for the Public Works Facility.

Ms. Rebecca Davis presented the item for discussion and possible action, requesting the Board to consider adopting the plan, reviewed annually, to ensure that no non-stormwater discharge leaves the facility and that there are contingency plans to manage discharges.

Commissioner KUTZ made the motion to adopt the plan. Commissioner CARON seconded. The motion carried 4-0.

Stormwater Agreement with the Lower Allen Stormwater Authority

Ms. Davis presented the item for discussion and possible action. She noted the agreement was established annually, regarding competitive bidding and the awarding of contracts to determine projects for the Stormwater Authority. Commissioner Caron requested that the agreement be amended to add the word “stormwater” to Item #1 of the agreement.

Commissioner KUTZ made the motion to adopt the agreement as amended.  Commissioner NAGY seconded. The motion carried 4-0.

COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Transportation Engineer

Mr. Trone introduced the item for discussion and possible action to approve Resolution 2022-R-18, naming McMahon Associates, Inc. as Township Transportation Engineer. She explained that due to PennDOT requirements related to grant funding, the Township engaged in a competitive selection process for the position of Transportation Engineer. Seven proposals were received, and the firm of McMahon Associate, Inc was selected.

President Villone inquired as to the scope of the work performed by the transportation engineer. Ms. Trone noted that it varies annually depending on the projects and funding. They are involved with traffic studies and land development plans.

Commissioner Kutz requested a description of the selection process and criteria. Ms. Trone explained that PennDOT defines the criteria and process, which includes details such as the firm’s size and experience. The Board of Commissioners authorized the solicitation of the RFP in the fall.

Commissioner KUTZ made the motion to approve RESOLUTION 2022-R-18. Commissioner CARON seconded. The motion carried 4-0.

Traffic Signal Maintenance Agreement

Mr. Trone presented the item for discussion and possible action to approve Resolution 2022-R-19 authorizing McMahon Associates, Inc. to submit the Traffic Signal Maintenance Agreement on behalf of Lower Allen Township. She noted that PennDOT requires the Township to maintain traffic signals to their standards to receive grant funding.

Commissioner NAGY made the motion to approve RESOLUTION 2022-R-19. Commissioner CARON seconded. The motion carried 4-0.

Commonwealth and Municipal Traffic Signal Maintenance Agreement

Ms. Trone noted the item was requesting approval of the actual agreement related to the previous item.

Commissioner KUTZ made the motion to approve the Commonwealth and Municipal Traffic Signal Maintenance Agreement. Commissioner NAGY seconded. The motion carried 4-0.

Overall Master Plan – 2021-14 Revised Arcona Master Plan

Ms. Trone introduced the item and stated that the Revised Overall Master Plan for Arcona, the overarching guidance for the plan, was first presented by Charter Homes in December 2021. The Board of Commissioners has 90 days to approve the plan, however, was granted a 30-day extension. The approval is due 4/21/22.

Mr. Anthony Faranda-Dietrich, along with Kelly Parson from Charter Homes, presented the revised plan. They reviewed the changes previously proposed and presented updates that had been made in response to the concerns voiced by residents. The first update was a refreshed façade of the mixed-use commercial space. A rendering was shown on the projection screen. The building would appear as a traditional home, so as not to give the appearance of a commercial space. The first floor will be small scale office space to initially be used as a home store office, and the second floor will be two, 1-bedroom apartments. The attached two-car garage will provide parking for Charter Homes employees, and later, the apartment tenants.

Next, Mr. Faranda-Dietrich illustrated how specific parking spaces would be set aside for the non-residential users. Three spaces are located behind the building. Three are on-street and three are off-street. Combined with the two integrated garage spaces, there are a total of eleven spaces to serve the 500 square foot space. While the space is used for Charter Homes’ sales purposes, notes on the plan will direct those employees use the garage spaces and that the apartments will not be rented until sales efforts are complete. Additionally, fifteen on-street parking spaces will be designated for residential use only.

Finally, a speed table is proposed to facilitate crossings and to minimize speeding, which will address the concerns raised by residents about traffic on Wayland Road.

Commissioner Kutz thanked Mr. Faranda-Dietrich for the information and noted he was encouraged by the changes made in response to the concerns of residents.

President Villone asked for clarification that apartment use was already a permitted use. Mr. Eby confirmed that mixed dwelling types were permitted. President Villone asked whether the home store space could be converted to residential later. Mr. Faranda-Dietrich indicated it was possible but would require refurbishing. Ms. Trone noted it would be helpful to have the restricted use noted in the plan. She also stated the proposed speed table would require some additional discussion with the public works department.

Ms. Lauren Shartle, 3110 Wayland Road, thanked Charter Homes for listening to the concerns expressed by residents and noted she was satisfied with the with the provision of restricted use.

Mr. Joe Swartz, 1706 Letchworth Road, asked for clarification on the change to the boundary of the core neighborhood.

Mr. Faranda-Dietrich demonstrated the change to the core neighborhood line via the exhibit projected on the screen.

President Villone encouraged the Commissioners to act on the plan.

Commissioner KUTZ offered the motion to approve OMP-2021-14 Revised Arcona Master Plan, conditioned on the following: construction and a final plan substantially similar to the rendering presented to the BOC on 4/11/22; plan notes restricting use, following a period of commercial use, limited to what Charter has set forth, regarding restrictions to community and/or residential  use in the future; further discussion with Township staff upon feasibility of traffic safety devices (for example speed tables); parking plan to include designated spots for employee and non-residential and reservation of parking for residents along Wayland Road. Commissioner NAGY seconded. The motion carried 4-0.

President Villone thanked the residents for their engagement and participation, noting it was the Board of Commissioners’ job to make decisions that are in the overall best interest of the Township. He also expressed appreciation to Charter Homes for their efforts, responsiveness, and outreach to the residents.

TOWNSHIP MANAGER

Job Description for Maintenance Specialist II. 

Mr. Vernau presented the item for discussion and possible action. He said that the position had been created as part of the reorganization of the Public Works department. The individuals in this position will function as a crew leaders.

Commissioner KUTZ moved to approve the job description for Maintenance Specialist II. Commissioner NAGY seconded. The motion carried 4-0.

Additional $.53 per hour to Public Works staff designated as Maintenance Specialist II. 

Mr. Vernau stated his recommendation to increase the pay rate for the three individuals promoted to the new position. Commissioner Caron inquired as to whether the pay increase would reflect back to any other positions. Mr. Vernau confirmed it would not impact other positions.

Commissioner KUTZ moved to approve the pay rate to $29.00 per hour. Commissioner CARON seconded. The motion carried 4-0.

COMMISSIONERS REPORTS

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

Director Holl reported that the PCCD grant for the law enforcement exchange grant application was submitted along with fourteen endorsement letters. He also announced that the Facilities Study would be presented to the Lisburn Community Fire Company in the social hall on April 21, 2022 at 7 PM. Also, he noted that the Police Department had been provided the CALEA accreditation and that an award presentation would be held in the future.

Mr. Miner referred to the group of solicitors working on the I-83 bridge tolling case, noting the current process of selecting one witness per municipality. He extended an invitation to observe the preliminary injunction hearing to be held on April 21, 2022.

Mr. Eby announced that May is Building Safety Month and that a presentation was being planned for the next meeting.

Commissioner Nagy recognized Director Holl, Captain Crone, and Lieutenant Sentman for their outstanding professionalism displayed at the CALEA event. He remarked on the significance of the accomplishment and extended kudos to the entire police department.

Commissioner Kutz extended his welcome to Commissioner Caron. He also noted his attendance at the Grand Opening of Trader Joe’s and commended Ms. Trone and the Development Authority on the accomplishment. He reflected on the

Gettysburg Road Corridor study and emphasized the importance of development for the Township’s identity and branding.

Commissioner Caron noted her attendance at the Township Easter Egg hunt and expressed compliments to the staff of the Public Works Department the members of the Recreation and Parks Board and the volunteers. She noted it was well planned, organized and executed, providing a fun time for residents and their families.

President Villone echoed the compliments on the Easter Egg Hunt and gave a shout out to Heather Douden. He also noted his attendance at the Trader Joe’s grand opening and thanked Ms. Trone and the Development Authority. Finally, he said he attended the construction walk-through for the new hotel and was pleased to see its progress.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Ms. Katie Hall, 1403 Letchworth Road, introduced herself as having applied to be considered for the position on the Zoning Hearing Board.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

President Villone noted there would be no action taken following the Executive Session and the meeting would be adjourned.  The Board adjourned to Executive Session at 7:38 p.m. to discuss three items:

1. Zoning Hearing Board candidates
2. Personnel Issue
3. Potential litigation

ADJOURN

The meeting was adjourned at 7:38 p.m.