MINUTES

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS	LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING	APRIL 25, 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
Jennifer Caron	Steven P. Miner, Township Solicitor
Thomas Kutz	David Holl, Public Safety Director
Joshua Nagy	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 25, 2022 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.

MEETING MINUTES:

Mr. Miner requested to amend the minutes of the April 11, 2022 Regular Meeting, by updating his statement on page 4 to say, “preliminary injunction hearing.” rather than “preliminary hearing”.  Commissioner KUTZ moved to approve the minutes from the April 11, 2022 Regular Meeting, as amended. Commissioner NAGY seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.

PRESENTATION

Mr. John Eby introduced a presentation on the Building Code Effectiveness Grading System ratings and Building Safety Month. The information presented focused on raising awareness about safety in building and construction.

Mr. Craig Doll presented a comprehensive overview with detailed information on the roles and responsibilities of construction codes officials in ensuring compliance with building code requirements and their commitment to the safety of property and the occupants within a building. Construction codes officials classify levels of risk within the building code based on a structure’s type, occupancy, and use, and ensure the design and construction in proper code compliance to improve the safety of buildings for occupants and for emergency officials.

Mr. Bill Yeagley presented information on fire code administration. He explained that after a certificate of occupancy is issued, the buildings in Lower Allen Township are inspected for compliance with the fire code and issued permits on an annual basis. He summarized the volume of inspections and violations for the past several years and illustrated common fire code violations with examples.

President Villone expressed his gratitude for the presentations and the work of the codes officials in keeping the township residents safe.

Vice President Black asked whether business owners or residents ever requested inspections. Mr. Yeagley replied that businesses sometimes request an inspection for the purpose of insurance requirements.

President Villone asked Mr. Yeagley to provide some information on the rules regarding the use of fire rings and open fires within the township. It was suggested that the information be posted to the township website.

In closing, Mr. Eby requested the passage of the resolution to recognize May as Building Safety Month, which would be presented with the consent agenda.

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. There was none.

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, he could do so at that time. There were none.

Items on the Consent Agenda:

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

b.  Tax Collectors March Monthly Report.

c.  Resolution 2022-R-20, a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of Lower Allen Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, proclaiming May 2022 as Building Safety Month.

d.  Resolution 2022-R-21, 2022 Records Disposition.

e.  Check Register of April 22, 2022 in the amount of $520,905.00.

Vice President Black expressed his appreciation and praise to the EMS crews who recently responded to a pediatric coronary arrest case and noted the complimentary letters received from Harrisburg Hospital regarding their outstanding ability and efforts. Vice President BLACK moved to have Captain Deaven to express, on behalf of the Board of Commissioners, praise to the crew who exhibited exemplary ability and care in the case. Commissioner NAGY seconded. The motion carried 5-0.

President Villone requested a motion to approve the items on the Consent Agenda. Vice President BLACK made the motion, seconded by Commissioner KUTZ. The motion carried 5-0.

PRESIDENT VILLONE:

President Villone requested a motion to move Rebecca L. Davis, Public Works Director, from probationary status effective April 27, 2022.

Commissioner NAGY made the motion. Commissioner KUTZ seconded. The motion carried 5-0.

President Villone requested a motion to award the Landscape Maintenance BMP Bid. Commissioner KUTZ moved to award the bid in the amount of $41,325 to Land Studies LLC. Vice President BLACK seconded. He asked if there were any other bids to which Ms. Davis replied there were none. 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 10 minutes allotted per person to speak at the podium. There was none.

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

Reduction of Financial Security for Charter Homes and Neighborhood

Ms. Rebecca Davis presented the item for discussion and possible action, requesting the Board to consider approving the reduction of financial security for Charter Homes to the new amount of $1,126,337.00 and a new expiration date of April 25, 2023, for the completion of work to date consisting of paving, stormwater infrastructure, landscaping, and trail construction. The completed work has been inspected by staff and meets township requirements. The remaining security is being withheld for additional paving, stormwater infrastructure, sidewalks, landscaping, and signs.

Commissioner KUTZ moved to approve the reduction. Vice President BLACK seconded. The motion carried 5-0.

COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Lower Allen Township Development Authority request

Ms. Trone introduced the item for discussion and possible action. The Lower Allen Township Development Authority requests $250,000 in ARPA funding to recover some of the cost for constructing a gravity sewer line as part of the Lower Allen Commons redevelopment project. Ms. Trone explained that public sewer was added to the site due to both the age and the required ongoing maintenance of the pre-existing system. Mr. Vernau also clarified that funds for this expenditure were earmarked during budgeting.

Commissioner KUTZ made a motion to approve the appropriation of $250,000 in ARPA funds to the Lower Allen Development Authority for the public sewer at Lower Allen Commons. Commissioner NAGY seconded. The motion carried 5-0.

SLD-2022-01 Tommy Car Wash

Ms. Trone presented the item for discussion and possible action to accept a 60-day extension from Christianson Companies to permit the Board of Commissioners extended time to recommend action on SLD-2022-01, Tommy Car Wash, per Lower Allen Township’s Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance Section 192-035 (F).

Ms. Trone explained that the Planning Commission had rejected the proposal submitted by Tommy Car Wash due to concerns about traffic, safety, and access. The developer has requested additional time to adjust the plan. Commissioner Villone complimented the vetting done by the Planning Commission and noted it was preferred that a revised plan go back to that body before coming before the Board of Commissioners for action.

Commissioner KUTZ moved to accept the 60-day extension. Commissioner NAGY seconded. The motion carried 5-0.

TOWNSHIP MANAGER

Mr. Vernau reported attendance by staff at an awards ceremony at the PA State Museum, where the Township received an award for Excellence in Government in the area of Intergovernmental Cooperation from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for the Lower Allen Commons redevelopment project. The Township was honored with a plaque, certificate, and a citation by the PA House of Representatives, sponsored by Representative Sheryl Delozier.

I-83 South Bridge Tolling Litigation.

Mr. Vernau noted his and the Solicitor’s attendance at the preliminary injunction hearing for the I-83 bridge tolling project and deferred to Mr. Miner to present a brief update. The Board of Commissioners will be kept updated on the progress.

COMMISSIONERS REPORTS

Director Holl recognized Lisburn Community Fire Company firefighter Christian Seymour, who recently completed a 3K walk wearing full bunker gear in honor of his mother. Director Holl also summarized the discussion from a recent West Shore School District security workshop on enhancing school safety and security. The school district is considering several options for the implementation of public safety or school resource officers.

Commissioner Nagy expressed his gratitude to the public safety personnel, and to the codes department staff. He also announced the upcoming Gardner’s Gathering to be held at the Lower Allen Community Park on Saturday, April 30^th.

President Villone noted his appreciation to the public safety department, and to the township management and staff. He mentioned his attendance at both the DCED awards ceremony and the PA Association of Township Commissioners Statewide Committee, and the session lobby day at the state capitol, where he met with legislators to discuss the 2022 priorities for the PSATC.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Commissioners adjourned to executive session at 7:22 p.m. to discuss a personnel matter. President Villone noted there would be no action taken following the Executive Session.