MINUTES

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

President Villone called the November 28, 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.

MEETING MINUTES:
President Villone requested motions to approve the minutes of the November 14, 2022 Regular Meeting.

Commissioner NAGY made the motion. Vice-President BLACK seconded. The motion carried 4-0 with 1 abstention by Commissioner Kutz, who noted his absence at the prior meeting.

PRESENTATION:
Police and EMS Awards
An awards ceremony was held honoring Police, Fire, and EMS personnel for notable actions. Captain Crone presented the awards, joined by Director Holl and Vice President Black. Captain Crone noted that the selection process for the program is peer initiated, whereby staff make recommendations to a review committee to consider and select award recipients.

Life Saving Awards were presented to Officer Shiley, Officer Rennie, Officer Boldosser, Cpl. Read, Cpl. Curtis, Officer Lewis, Lieutenant Foltz, Officer Milletics, Officer Fitzkee, and Officer Kell. 

Captain Deaven presented Cardiac Arrest SAVE Awards to EMT Curtis and Paramedic Quenzer,

Unit Citations were awarded to Officer Fitzkee, Officer Stirling, and Officer Cramer.

President Villone congratulated all award recipients and thanked members of the public safety leadership for setting the example of excellent service for Lower Allen Township.

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 were 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 October for Community Development, Fleet Maintenance, Facility Maintenance, Public Works, and Public Safety.

b) Tax Collector’s Monthly Report for October 2022.

c) Accept a motion to approve the Check Register of in the amount of $384,690.28

President Villone requested a motion to approve the items on the Consent Agenda.

Commissioner KUTZ moved to approve the items on the Consent Agenda. Commissioner NAGY seconded. The motion carried 5-0.

PRESIDENT VILLONE:
Retirement of Matthew B. Claeys
President Villone requested a motion to accept the retirement of Matthew B. Claeys, a Corporal with the Police Department, effective December 5, 2022.

Vice President BLACK offered the motion, with regret. Commissioner NAGY seconded, also with regret. The motion carried 5-0.

Resolution 2022-R-39
Next, President Villone requested a motion to adopt Resolution 2022-R-39, A Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of Lower Allen Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, recognizing, commending, and honoring Matthew B. Claeys for his years of service for Lower Allen Township.

Vice President BLACK made the motion to adopt Resolution 2022-R-39. Commissioner NAGY seconded. The motion carried 5-0.  A copy of the resolution was presented to Matthew B. Claeys.

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 were none.

FINANCE DIRECTOR
Resolution 2022-R-40
Director Grove introduced the item for discussion and possible action, the adoption of Resolution 2022-R-40, releasing the Development Authority from its loan obligation to the Township in the amount of $948,399.39. The Authority is proposing to close the loan provided in 2018 that was used as the deposit to purchase the Bon-Ton Property. The Authority would like to make a payment of $948,399.39 on November 29, 2022 and be released of its loan obligation upon payment in full. The resolution recognizes the repayment and release of the loan obligation.

Commissioner Kutz commended the Development Authority as well as Director of Economic and Community Development, Erin Trone for their success in overseeing the project, noting the benefits of the new additions to the site for the township and residents.

Commissioner KUTZ moved to adopt Resolution 2022-R-40. Commissioner NAGY seconded. The motion carried 5-0.

Ordinance 2022-08
Director Grove introduced the item for discussion and possible action, to authorize the advertisement of proposed Ordinance 2022-08, appointing a law firm to collect delinquent refuse and stormwater accounts. Director Grove explained that recent staffing changes necessitated the consideration of this action, to save labor hours and accomplish the necessary task of collecting delinquent accounts. With the part-time replacement of a of transferred full-time employee serving Finance, Human Resources and Stormwater, the goal is now to maintain current customer service levels with fewer labor hours.  This can be done by moving assistance with the delinquent refuse and stormwater process from Caldwell Kearns to unqualified collection by Portnoff Law Associates, LTD.  This transition must be by ordinance; therefore, staff is requesting permission to advertise the attached Ordinance 2022-08.  Contingent upon this authorization, the Stormwater Authority is expected to follow suit at their December meeting by amending their fee schedule.

Public Works Director, Rebecca Davis, presented further details regarding utility collections for refuse and stormwater fees, including an overview of the fee assessment, definition of delinquency and enforcement options, including property liens. She also reviewed the current process for collections and described the challenges facing staff in handling the process. She noted that outsourcing collections would shift all the delinquent costs to the property owner and allow for collection and remittance of 100% of the delinquent claims. It would minimize staff time spent on pursuing collection of the delinquent accounts. Some of the benefits of outsourcing the collections would include the reduction of phone call and correspondence time in negotiating payment plans, more timely collections, and a better level of customer service.

Director Grove noted that the steps for collections would remain the same but with greater efficiency by outsourcing to Portnoff Law Associates. He also described all costs and total legal fees. Approximately 240 or more labor hours are saved by outsourcing versus the need to hire back another full-time position. Portnoff would also offer a higher level of service for residents. Director Grove noted the goal for implementation was January 1, 2023.

Following brief discussion regarding the comparison of associated costs, Commissioner CARON made a motion to authorize the advertisement of Ordinance 2022-08. Commissioner KUTZ seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.

MANAGER
2023 Fee Schedule, proposed Resolution 2022-R-41
Township Manager Vernau introduced the item for discussion and review, the proposed Fee Schedule for 2023. He noted it would be set on the agenda for action at the 12/27/22 meeting.

President Villone encouraged Commissioners to review the fee schedule and contact Mr. Vernau with any questions.

Commissioner Nagy raised concerns regarding two fees. First, the charges for copies of the EMS patient chart, and suggested to specify that a patient can request one copy of their chart at no fee when they have paid for EMS services. Second, he requested clarification on the Fire Company billing fees. When and what are they billing for that is not already funded by the enacted fire tax.

Discussion ensued regarding the Fire Company billing and the related reporting for such. The consensus was to seek additional detail and clarification from the Fire Companies.

Mr. Vernau noted that updated draft fee schedules would be circulated as changes were made.

COMMISSIONERS REPORTS
President Villone announced that the Board would adjourn to executive session following reports to discuss a parcel acquisition and appointment to the Recreation Board. He noted that no action would be taken.

Mr. Eby expressed gratitude on behalf of the Development Authority for the support of the Board of Commissioners over the years.

Director Holl congratulated all the Captains for their leadership and the daily efforts and accomplishments by the Township’s Public Safety personnel.

Mr. Miner offered comment on the utility collection issue, acknowledging an understanding of the internal staff hours required and noted the positive and cooperative relationship with staff on conducting collections.

Commissioner Nagy thanked all Public Safety employees and award recipients for their dedication to the Township, as well as to the Public Works personnel for their anticipated extra hours with the coming winter season. Finally, he offered congratulations to Commissioner Kutz for his contributions to the Township while serving his term.

Commissioner Kutz announced that it was his last meeting, with his resignation effective November 30, 2022 to begin serving as newly elected legislator in the PA House of Representatives. He expressed pride in the accomplishments of passing budgets with no tax increases, the efforts to oppose the I-83 bridge tolling, an updated Comprehensive Plan to move the Township forward, and investments in Public Safety personnel and technology. He noted satisfaction in the efforts to keep kids safe at school, with the successful implementation of adding a School Resource Officer for the West Shore School District. In closing, he stated it has been an honor to serve.

President Villone thanked Commissioner Kutz for his dedication and hard work, and said he looked forward to working together going forward in his new role. Next, he thanked the staff for their efforts and patience with the Board in understanding the details of issues presented. He wished everyone a belated happy Thanksgiving.

EXECUTIVE SESSION and ADJOURNMENT
President Villone adjourned the meeting to executive session at 7:28 PM.