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Home»Board of Commissioners Minutes»Board of Commissioners
5-9-2022 Minutes

Board of Commissioners
5-9-2022 Minutes

MINUTES

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP
   
REGULAR MEETING MAY 9, 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 M. Caron Steven P. Miner, Township Solicitor
Thomas Kutz David Holl, Public Safety Director
Joshua Nagy Rebecca Davis, Public Works Director

Leon G. Crone, Police Captain

Richard Grove, Township Finance Director

  John M. Eby, Building and Zoning Coordinator

Ryan Rhoades, P.E., Township Engineer

  Anthony Deaven, EMS Captain
  Renee’ Greenawalt, Recording Secretary
   
   

President Villone called the May 9, 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.

MEETING MINUTES:

Vice President Black requested to amend the minutes of the April 25, 2022 Regular Meeting by modifying the last sentence under the Commissioners Reports to, “where he, Commissioner Black, and Commissioner Ginny Anderson of Upper Allen Township met with legislators to discuss the 2022 priorities of the PA State Association of Township Commissioners.”

Commissioner KUTZ moved to approve the minutes of the April 25, 2022 Regular Meeting, as amended. Vice President BLACK seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION:  Any item on the agenda.

President Villone advised the audience that if there were any items on that evening’s agenda that they wish to comment on, to please indicate as such. There were none.

PRESIDENT VILLONE:

President Villone requested a motion to approve the Check Register of May 6, 2022 in the amount of $164,265.24. Commissioner KUTZ made the motion. Commissioner NAGY seconded. The motion carried 5-0.

President Villone requested a motion to adopt Resolution 2022-R-22, recognizing the Proclamation of the week containing May 15th, 2022 as National Police Week. Commissioner KUTZ made the motion. Vice President BLACK seconded. The motion carried 5-0.

President Villone requested a motion to adopt Resolution 2022-R-23, a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of Lower Allen Township, Cumberland County Pennsylvania, Proclaiming May 16-22 Emergency Medical Services Week, with the EMS Theme “EMS: Rising to the Challenge.” Vice President BLACK made the motion. Commissioner NAGY seconded. The motion carried 5-0.

ANY BUSINESS PERTINENT TO THE TOWNSHIP:

President Villone noted that if anyone wished to speak on any topic at that time, there would be 15 minutes allotted per person to speak at the podium.

Ms. Janice Lynx, Executive Director of the West Shore Historical Society addressed the Board to express her thanks for their support in having achieved a successful outcome for the project to save the Sheepford Road Bridge. The bridge was awarded 1.4 million in PennDOT TASA funding to restore the bridge for pedestrian and bicycle use and will reconnect Lower Allen and Fairview Townships. Ms. Lynx reported that as the new owners of the bridge the West Shore Historical Society would be advocating for the restoration and engage in fundraising for ongoing maintenance and insurance expenses.

President Villone thanked Ms. Lynx for her efforts and commitment to the project. Commissioner Kutz also thanked Ms. Lynx and noted the important advocacy on behalf of Representative Delozier, Senator Regan, and Congressman Perry.

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

Award bid of Packaged Rooftop Unit/Outdoor Air Handling Unite No. 1 and Unit No. 3

Ms. Rebecca Davis presented the item for discussion and possible action, requesting the Board to consider awarding of the bid. She explained that bids were opened on April 29, 2022 in Gorgas Hall for the above-referenced project. Two bids were received and reviewed by the township staff and solicitor. Bids were received from W.C. Eshenaur and Son Inc. in the amount of $262,880.00 and Sheet Metal Specialists, Inc. in the amount of $284,300.00. $300,000 was budgeted. It is recommended that the contract be awarded to. W.C. Eshenaur and Son Inc., in the amount of $262,880.00.

Vice President Black asked if the current roof unit had malfunctioned. Ms. Davis explained it had and was due for replacement. In addition, the new units would add ionization to the system for the purpose of removing virus and bacteria particles.

Commissioner KUTZ made a motion to award the contract to W.C. Eshenaur and Son Inc. in the amount of $262,880.00. Vice President BLACK seconded. The motion carried 5-0.

2005 Mack Dump Truck Repair

Ms. Davis, assisted by Mr. Charlie Reynolds, Fleet Maintenance Manager, presented the item for discussion and possible action, requesting the Board to consider approving an expenditure of $80,000 to make repairs to a 2005 Mack Dump Truck. She explained the dump truck is the largest vehicle in the department and used to plow all state roads. It can haul up to 66,000 pounds and has 33,000 miles on it. It requires repairs to the hydraulic system, the frame, which has rust due to the salt and weathering, as well as an upgrade for the salts spreader. A new vehicle would cost $350,000. When repaired, it can last another 10-15 years.

Vice President Black asked if the hydraulic repair would bring it into a contemporary system. Mr. Reynolds replied that it would. He also noted the rust is in an early stage and can be repaired with welding and a protective coating. Vice President Black noted the repairs would be a significant savings to taxpayers in comparison to a new truck.

President Villone asked Mr. Richard Grove if the Township had funding to cover the repairs. Mr. Grove indicated there was money available through savings realized in other areas of the budget. He noted their financial position was strong.

Commissioner KUTZ made a motion to approve the expenditure of $80,000 for repairs to the dump truck. Vice President BLACK seconded. The motion carried 5-0.

JCB Mini Excavator Purchase

Ms. Rebecca Davis presented the item for discussion and possible action, requesting the Board to consider the purchase of a JCB Mini Excavator and enter into a reimbursement agreement with the Lower Allen Township Stormwater Authority for a portion of the purchase cost. She provided information regarding the justification of the purchase. The equipment is needed for stormwater infrastructure repairs.

President Villone asked whether the stormwater authority budget anticipated the purchase. Ms. Davis said it did not. The proposal is to enter into a reimbursement agreement to use ARPA funds from the 2023 budget. Mr. Vernau noted there was a mini excavator in the capital plan for 2026.

Commissioner NAGY made the motion to approve the purchase and enter into a reimbursement agreement with the Lower Allen Stormwater Authority. Commissioner CARON seconded. The motion carried 5-0.

Ms. Davis thanked Mr. Reynolds for attending the meeting to lend his expertise and assistance.

COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Minor Land Development Plan LD-2022-03 Lower Allen Commons Unit 2 

Mr. Ryan Rhoades, P.E. introduced the item for discussion and possible action. He reviewed the plans and waivers for the Chick-Fil-A site (Unit #2). The plans and waivers were recommended for approval by the Planning Commission on March 15, 2022 with the condition that outside agency approvals be completed, and a traffic comparison be provided. Other comments from the Planning Commission included a request for crosswalk connections and signage for the drive-thru lane entrance. Mr. Rhoades noted that nearly all comments have been addressed. Outstanding comments include the inclusion of stormwater calculations. He also noted that the submitted traffic study was found to comply. There are two waivers related to parking, which are without issue and have been granted at most sites.

Commissioner KUTZ moved to waive Ordinance Section 192-58. E(10) requiring parking lot planting islands be designed to collect stormwater. Commissioner NAGY seconded. The motion carried 5-0.

Commissioner KUTZ moved to waive Ordinance Section 192-59.C (2) requiring that parking spaces adjacent to end islands be an additional two feet wide. Vice President BLACK seconded. The motion carried 5-0.

Commissioner KUTZ moved to approve LD-2022-03 Lower Allen Commons Unit 2 with the following conditions:

  1. DEP approves the planning module/exemption
  2. The Authority accepts the sewer design
  3. PA American can provide water
  4. County Conservation District approves E&S Plan
  5. Appropriate improvement guarantee is provided
  6. Stormwater design and narrative are provided
  7. Directional Traffic Sign

Commissioner NAGY seconded. The motion carried 5-0.

President Villone congratulated representatives from Chick-Fil-A and welcomed them to Lower Allen Township.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Body Worn Cameras and Mobile Vehicle Recorder Fee

Director Holl presented the item for discussion. He referred to the fee schedule. The proposal is to add a $100 fee for recordings from dashboard and body-worn cameras, as permitted by Act 22. The fee would be to compensate for the resources and time used by staff to process the requests. Redaction software is used.
President Villone asked whether the $100 fee was commensurate with those charged by similar entities. Director Holl replied that the PA State Police fee is also $100, and the fee would be reassessed after one year.

Vice President Black asked if there are many requests made for the recordings. Director Holl said there are not. Recordings are limited to Act 22 requests. Requests from the District Attorney are provided at no fee.

Commissioner Kutz asked why the fee was assessed per video. Captain Crone said the requests require significant staff time for review and proper redaction. The fee also covers the purchase of thumb drives to copy the video. President Villone stated his support for the added fee and the desire to express consensus to direct staff to draft a resolution for an amendment to the fee schedule to add the request for video.

Vice President BLACK moved to direct staff to draft a resolution for possible action at a subsequent meeting. Commissioner CARON seconded. The motion carried 5-0.

TOWNSHIP MANAGER

Mr. Vernau reported on the Cumberland County Transportation Funding survey which sought feedback on the $5 local use fee on vehicles that was originally assessed in 2015 to fund bridge improvements. The survey asks for suggestions on what the fee should be used for going forward. Mr. Vernau noted that surveys had been provided to staff and to the Commissioners and requested they be returned by the next meeting. He expressed support for funding road improvements and pedestrian safety. Feedback collected will be compiled for a response.

COMMISSIONERS REPORTS

Director Holl reported that Captain Deaven would be providing 4-Minute City pamphlets and would be soliciting business owners starting in July to obtain funding.

Commissioner Nagy expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the Public Safety and EMS personnel, and congratulations to the Recreation and Parks Board for the successful Gardeners Gathering event. He also announced the Yappy Hour to be held at the Lower Allen Community Park on September 14, 2022.

President Villone echoed the praise for the turnout at the Gardeners Gathering. He also thanked the Public Works department staff for their presentations.

ADJOURN

The meeting was adjourned at 7:04 p.m.