MINUTES

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS	LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING	November 14, 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, Director of Community & Economic Development
Jennifer Caron	David Holl, Public Safety Director
Joshua Nagy	Rebecca Davis, Public Works Director
	Richard Grove, Township Finance Director
	John M. Eby, Building and Zoning Coordinator
	Steven P. Miner, Township Solicitor
	Leon G. Crone, Police Captain
	Anthony Deaven, EMS Captain
	Renee’ Greenawalt, Recording Secretary

President Villone called the November 14, 2022 Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners to order at 6:00 PM. He announced that Proof of Publication for the meeting was available for review. This was followed by a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

President Villone noted that Commissioner Kutz was absent with excuse and offered congratulations to Commissioner Kutz on his recent election to the PA House of Representatives.

MEETING MINUTES:
President Villone requested motions to approve the minutes of the October 3, 2022 and October 17, 2022 Budget Meetings, as well as the October 24, 2022 Regular Meeting.

Solicitor Miner noted a correction to the 10/3/22 and 10/17/22 Budget Meeting minutes to remove his name from the list of attendees.

Commissioner NAGY moved to approve the minutes of the October 3, 2022 Budget meeting, as corrected, striking Solicitor Miner from the list of attendees. Vice President BLACK seconded. The motion carried 4-0.

Commissioner NAGY moved to approve the minutes of the October 17, 2022 Budget meeting, as corrected. Vice President BLACK seconded. The motion carried 4-0.

Commissioner NAGY moved to approve the minutes of the October 24, 2022 Regular meeting. Vice President BLACK seconded. The motion carried 4-0.

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION:  Any item on the agenda.
President Villone advised the audience that if there was any item on that evening’s agenda that they wished to comment on, to please indicate as such. There were none.

PRESIDENT VILLONE:
Check Register of November 4, 2022
President Villone requested a motion to approve the Check Register of November 4, 2022, in the amount of $243,201.93. Commissioner CARON made the motion. Commissioner NAGY seconded. The motion carried 4-0.

Payment to Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott
President Villone requested a motion to approve a manual check for payment in the amount of $3,800.00 to Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott. Commissioner NAGY made the motion. Vice President BLACK seconded. The motion carried 3-0 with Commissioner CARON abstaining due to her position with the firm.

Retirement of Marshall F. Quartmon
President Villone requested a motion to accept the retirement of Marshall F. Quartmon, Maintenance Specialist with the Public Works Department, effective January 31, 2023.  Commissioner NAGY made the motion. Vice President BLACK seconded, noting his regrets. Commissioners expressed their congratulations and well wishes to Mr. Quartmon in his retirement. The motion carried 4-0.

Retirement of John M. Eby
President Villone requested a motion to accept the retirement of John M. Eby, Building & Zoning Coordinator with the Community & Economic Development Department, effective January 13, 2023.  Vice President BLACK offered the motion, with regrets. He noted Mr. Eby had served the Township very well and wished him the best. Commissioner NAGY seconded. President Villone noted gratitude for Mr. Eby’s service and wealth of knowledge for the Township. The motion carried 4-0.

Ordinance 2022-06
President Villone requested a motion to advertise Ordinance 2022-06, Manager’s salary for calendar year 2023.  Vice President BLACK made the motion to approve the advertising of Ordinance 2022-06. Commissioner NAGY seconded. The motion carried 4-0.

Resolution 2022-R-37
President Villone requested a motion to adopt Resolution 2022-R-37, appointing Robert Griffin, Jr. to the position of Public Safety Officer, effective November 28, 2022.  Vice President BLACK 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 on any matter, there would be 10 minutes allotted per person to speak at the podium. There were none.

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
Columbia Excavating payment application No. 1
Director Davis introduced the item for discussion and possible action, explaining the payment was for the Sheepford Basin Retrofit Project, in the amount of $70,991.45. She noted the project is 95% completed.  Vice President BLACK moved to approve the payment. Commissioner CARON seconded. The motion carried 4-0.

Arcona Financial Security Reduction Arcona Highpoint Phases 1.1, 1.2, and 1.4
Director Davis introduced the item for discussion and possible action, explaining the reduction was for the Highpoint Phases 1.1, 1.2, and 1.4, to a new amount of $135,871.71 and a new expiration date of November 14, 2023. She noted that staff had received and inspected an itemized reduction request with all the remaining items and recommended for approval.  Commissioner NAGY made the motion. Vice President BLACK seconded. The motion carried 4-0.

Arcona Financial Security Reduction Arcona Highpoint Phases 1.3
Director Davis introduced the item for discussion and possible action, explaining the reduction was for the Highpoint Phase 1.3 to a new amount of $10,478.16 and a new expiration date of November 14, 2023. She noted that staff had received and inspected an itemized reduction request with all the remaining items and recommended for approval.  Commissioner NAGY made the motion. Commissioner CARON seconded. The motion carried 4-0.

Arcona Financial Security Reduction Arcona Highpoint Phases 1.5
Director Davis introduced the item for discussion and possible action, explaining the reduction was for the Highpoint Phase 1.5 to a new amount of $302,411.00 and a new expiration date of November 14, 2023. She noted again that staff had inspected the request prior to recommending for approval.  Commissioner NAGY made the motion. Vice-President BLACK seconded. The motion carried 4-0.

FINANCE DIRECTOR
Ordinance 2023-05, 2023 Budget
Director Grove introduced the item for discussion and possible action, noting that if the Board was so inclined, the 2023 Budget was ready to be on the table for public view, and staff was requesting to advertise Ordinance 2023-05, 2023 Budget. He reported two notable changes since the presentations made at the budget meetings, including increased health insurance premiums and decreased workers compensation rates. The budget remains in line with what was presented and no changes to the tax rates or street light assessments were necessary. There will be an increase to the refuse fees, due solely to terms of the contract with Penn Waste.

President Villone requested a motion to place the 2023 budget on the table for public view and permission to advertise Ordinance 2023-05. Commissioner CARON made the motion. Commissioner NAGY seconded. President Villone thanked the staff for the comprehensive information presented to the Board throughout budget presentations, as well as their responsiveness to inquiries from Board members. He noted his appreciation to have a budget that does not call for a tax increase as well as for the guidelines established to provide departments direction on spending. With no further discussion, the motion carried 4-0.

COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Municipal Engineering Services Contract – Rettew
Director Trone presented the item for discussion and possible action, to approve a contract with Rettew & Associates for municipal engineering services. She reviewed the process of selection, whereby the Township received five proposals which were reviewed by a selection committee. The committee narrowed the list to three proposals for interviews and Rettew was selected unanimously. Board members were provided a copy of the contract.

Solicitor Miner offered comments on the Agreement, noting one recommended change regarding the limiting liability to the cost of the contract, which should be stricken from the agreement. He noted that the firm has adequate insurance.

Commissioner Villone clarified that contracts for professional services are not required undergoing a formal RFP process, however staff were asked to seek proposals. Vice President Black served on the selection committee. Vice President Black affirmed the unanimous agreement to select Rettew upon review of all the proposals submitted.

Commissioner Villone requested a motion to support the action contingent upon approval of the contract by Director Trone and Solicitor Miner.  Commissioner NAGY made the motion, seconded by Vice President BLACK. The motion carried 4-0.

PUBLIC SAFETY
Civil Service Eligibility List
Director Holl presented the item for discussion and possible action, to accept the Civil Service Eligibility List submitted by the Civil Service Commission. He explained the Commission had met on October 26, 2022 and presented a series of candidates.  Commissioner NAGY made a motion to accept the Civil Service Eligibility List submitted by the Civil Service Commission. Commissioner CARON seconded. The motion carried 4-0.

Conditional Offer of Employment
Director Holl presented the item for discussion and possible action, to approve a conditional offer of employment as a Police Officer to Justin Hartzel, effective January 2, 2023. He explained the need to back fill a position for the School Resource Officer. The position requires training, and he will need to attend the academy beginning in January. This is conditioned on the passage of the budget and that the candidate passes the required testing to be accepted into the academy.  Commissioner CARON made the motion to approve the conditional offer of employment to Justin Hartzel, effective January 2, 2023. Commissioner NAGY seconded. The motion carried 4-0.

Resolution 2022-R-38, Civil Service Rules update
Director Holl presented the item for discussion, an update to the Civil Service Rules, effective November 28, 2022. It is a restatement of current policy and will be presented for approval at the next meeting.

MANAGER
Amending Code Section 23, Intergovernmental Cooperation
Mr. Vernau introduced the item for discussion and possible action, to approve the advertising of an ordinance to amend Code Section 23, Intergovernmental Cooperation, by allowing new agreements for intermunicipal services to be adopted by resolution. He explained that upon consultation with Solicitor Miner, it is recommended to add new agreements by passing a resolution, rather than adopting a new ordinance. Ordinances require the expenditure of funds for advertising and is a longer process. The origin for consideration of this change was the purchasing cooperative. Incorporating these types of agreements by resolution would streamline operations. Solicitor Miner expressed support for permitting such agreements by resolution.

Commissioner NAGY moved to approve advertising the amendment of Code Section 23, Intergovernmental Cooperation by removing Articles V and XIII and allowing for new agreements for intermunicipal services to be adopted by resolution. Commissioner CARON seconded. The motion carried 4-0.

Yard Waste Agreement with Borough of Lemoyne
Mr. Vernau explained that the agreement would allow residents of Lemoyne to bring yard waste to the Township facility at a cost of $10 per trip. Lemoyne Borough has agreed to pay a commensurate share of the grinder costs, which have recently increased. This agreement would offset those costs somewhat. This agreement would be adopted by resolution once the new ordinance is adopted.

3T Security Invoice
Mr. Vernau presented the item for discussion and possible action to approve the expenditure to upgrade the system for the door locks in the Municipal Services Center, at a cost of $28,446.41. He reminded Board members that the door lock panels, and hardware are failing. The Board previously directed staff to seek quotes to replace the components, including the door readers.

Commissioner CARON offered a motion to approve payment of the 3T Security invoice in the amount of $28,446.41. Vice President BLACK seconded. The motion carried 4-0.

COMMISSIONERS REPORTS
President Villone announced that the Board would adjourn to executive session following reports to discuss a parcel acquisition and employee health insurance copays. No action would be taken.

Mr. Eby acknowledged his upcoming retirement and noted he would continue to offer his services and knowledge for future volunteer commitments.

Director Trone reported on the closing schedule for unit 3 of Lower Allen Commons and noted that all units were sold.

Director Holl reported that the West Shore School District had hired three security officers who each have previous law enforcement experience and will be outfitted in security attire. Meetings regarding communication procedures will be scheduled with the school district soon, as well as future introductory meetings with the SRO for the program that will be launched at the beginning of the 2023-24 school year.

Solicitor Miner offered his congratulations to the retirees.

Commissioner Caron reported on attendance at the Lisburn Community Fire Company’s inaugural Community Day event and thanked all the volunteers for their efforts.

Commissioner Nagy thanked the retirees for their years of service.

President Villone expressed his regrets regarding the retirements, sharing sentiments of appreciation and memories of long dedication and service to the township. He also thanked Mr. Eby for his continuing commitment with the Development Authority. He also noted his participation in the Lisburn Community Day, expressing appreciation to Lower Allen for sending emergency apparatus and to Public Works for displaying equipment. Next, he mentioned the opening reception for the SpringHill Suites and the enthusiasm of the staff and management of the hotel.

EXECUTIVE SESSION and ADJOURNMENT
President Villone adjourned the meeting to executive session at 7:05 PM.