MINUTES

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS	LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING	February 26, 2024
The following were in ATTENDANCE:
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS	TOWNSHIP PERSONNEL
Dean W. Villone, President	Thomas G. Vernau, Township Manager
Jennifer Caron, Vice President	Steven P. Miner, Township Solicitor
Joshua Nagy	Rebecca L. Davis, Public Works Director
Charles Brown	Richard A. Grove, Finance Director
Joseph Swartz	David Holl, Public Safety Director
	Leon G. Crone, Police Captain
	Michael Knouse, P.E., Township Engineer
	Nate Sterling, Administrative Secretary
	Renee’ Greenawalt, Recording Secretary

President Villone called the February 26, 2024 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 a motion to approve the minutes of the February 12, 2024 Regular Meeting.  Commissioner BROWN moved to approve the minutes. Commissioner NAGY seconded. The motion passed 5-0.

BID OPENING
Prior to initiating the opening of bids, President Villone explained that many bid packets had been received for the various projects and that he and Vice President Caron would first organize the packets into separate piles by project. Next, President Villone opened and announced the bids received for the project:

Bid Opening: 2024 BMP Basin Retrofit Project: Bethany Village Basin

Company Name	Company Address	Bid Bond Enclosed	Bid Amount
AquaResource Restoration	350 Hill St. York, PA	X	$332,690.00
Kinsley Construction	1110 E. Princess St. PO Box 2886, York, PA	X	$223,230.20
EK Services	260 Old York Rd. New Cumberland, PA	X	$342,268.00
Stormwater Maintenance, LLC	913 Ridgebrook Rd. Suite 302, Sparks, MD.	X	$437,297.35
Columbia Excavating, LLC	7398 Columbia Blvd. Berwick, PA	X	$227,000.00

Bid Opening: 2024 BMP Basin Retrofit Project: BJ’s Basin

Company Name	Company Address	Bid Bond Enclosed	Bid Amount
AquaResource Restoration	350 Hill St. York, PA	X	$104,356.50
Kinsley Construction	1110 E. Princess St. PO Box 2886, York, PA	X	$72,310.20
EK Services	260 Old York Rd. New Cumberland, PA	X	$178,591.06
Stormwater Maintenance, LLC	913 Ridgebrook Rd. Suite 302, Sparks, MD.	X	$172,442.00
Columbia Excavating, LLC	7398 Columbia Blvd. Berwick, PA	X	$127,138.00

Bid Opening: 2024 BMP Basin Retrofit Project: Weis/UMHC Basin

Company Name	Company Address	Bid Bond Enclosed	Bid Amount
AquaResource Restoration	350 Hill St. York, PA	X	$763,002.00
Kinsley Construction	1110 E. Princess St. PO Box 2886, York, PA	X	$650,135.00
Iron Eagle Excavating, LLC	110 Brittany Lane, Lititz, PA	X	$694,428.00
EK Services	260 Old York Rd. New Cumberland, PA	X	$939,652.90
Stormwater Maintenance, LLC	913 Ridgebrook Rd. Suite 302, Sparks, MD.	X	$1,049,895

Bid Opening: 2024/2025 BMP Basin Maintenance Project

Company Name	Company Address	Bid Bond Enclosed	Bid Amount
Landstudies Inc.	315 North St. Lititz, PA	X	Costs quoted per section – see below.
Project Area	Description		Cost
Area 1	MSC Rain Gardens		$10,580
Area 2	MSC Cedar Run Park Rain Garden		$3,180
Area 3	Public Works bioretention facility		$3,900
Area 4	Sheepford West bioretention facility		$4,920
Area 5	Moorland bioretention		$5,880
Area 6	Sheepford East bioretention facility		$3,3140
Area 7	Beacon Hill bioretention		$3,300
Areas 8-10	Basins under construction		n/a

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. Mr. Edward Curtis noted his attendance in addressing questions on Agenda Item 16.

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

Items on the Consent Agenda:

a. Department Reports for the month of January for Community Development, Fleet Maintenance, Facility Maintenance, Public Works, and Public Safety; and Lower Allen Township EMS Annual Report for 2023.

b. Check Register of February 8, 2024 in the amount of $153,607.21 (for 2023 payments).

c. Check Register of February 9, 2024 in the amount of $401,648.18 (for 2024 payments).

d. Check Register of February 23, 2024 in the amount of $611,067.35 (for 2024 payments).

Commissioner BROWN moved to approve the items on the Consent Agenda. Commissioner SWARTZ seconded.

Vice President Caron expressed appreciation for the department reports, specifically highlighting the February 2024 Public Safety report and recognition of Captain Deaven by the UPMC Emergency Department. She also noted the 2023 EMS Annual Report, highlighting staff attendance and upcoming completion of paramedic school. She commended them for their enthusiasm and professional development.

With no further discussion the consent agenda was approved by a vote of 5-0.

PRESIDENT VILLONE
President Villone requested a motion to approve a manual Check Register of February 7, 2024 in the amount of $325.00 to Eckert, Seamans, Cherin & Mellott.

Commissioner BROWN made the motion, seconded by Commissioner NAGY. The motion passed 4-0 with one abstention by Vice President CARON.

ANY BUSINESS PERTINENT TO THE TOWNSHIP:
President Villone noted that if anyone wished to speak at that time on any subject of interest to the Township, there would be 10 minutes allotted per person to speak at the podium. There were none.

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
Pennsylvania Organization for Waters and Rivers (POWR) Grant Application
Director Davis presented the item for discussion and possible action, to consider approval for a commitment of funds for the Pennsylvania Organization for Waters and Rivers (POWR) Grant Application for design fees associated with construction of a boat launch and associated improvements at Creekwood Park. Referring to the meeting materials, she noted the commitment of funds for the project was a 50% match in the amount of $22,500 and that another grant would be sought for the construction portion of the project.

President Villone thanked Director Davis for the effort and time that is required for seeking grant opportunities. He also noted appreciation for the letters of support from local legislators to accompany the grant application.

Commissioner Brown asked if the ramp was to support the utility by kayaks and canoes. Director Davis replied it was and would also include ADA improvements. Commissioner Brown noted the launch would make it much safer to enter and exit the waterway and would also help to reduce erosion of the creek bank.

Commissioner Nagy asked if the project would move forward with or without funding and noted the need to expand the parking in that area. Director Davis confirmed that the project would only be done if funding was awarded, and agreed the parking area needs to be expanded and paved. President Villone added that future planning efforts should consider the investment of resources needed to address infrastructure and public safety needs to best support the recreational usage of the creek.

Director Grove also noted that recreation funds are set aside in the budget annually and that the Recreation and Parks Board has recommended this project for several years in their list of priorities.

Commissioner NAGY moved to authorize a commitment of funds for the Pennsylvania Organization for Waters and Rivers (POWR) Grant Application for design fees associated with construction of a boat launch and associated improvements at Creekwood Park. Commissioner BROWN seconded. The motion passed 5-0.

PUBLIC SAFETY
Early Purchase of Replacement Ambulance
Director Holl introduced the item for discussion and possible action, to authorize the early purchase of a replacement ambulance budgeted for 2025. The reason for the request is to avoid anticipated manufacturing and delivery delays. The payment would be due in 2025 and the order may be canceled without penalty. He explained that the status of ordering these vehicles currently requires orders to be placed two years prior to delivery. Ordering early ensures timely delivery. It also locks the price and avoids increases. The ambulance is included in the 2025 capital budget in the amount of $350,000. The proposed cost is $348,000.

Director Grove confirmed that the purchase is anticipated, and funds will be available to pay for the equipment without having to borrow money or raise taxes.

Commissioner Swartz expressed support for the early purchase but also asked for clarification in the agreement so that it is clear no payment is due until 2025. Director Holl indicated he would seek clarification from the company.

Commissioner NAGY moved to approve and authorize the early purchase of the ambulance as proposed in the Pfund Superior Sales proposal/purchase agreement dated February 12, 2024, with no payment due until 2025. Commissioner SWARTZ seconded and the motion passed 5-0.

COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
SALDO #2023-06 – Preliminary/Final Subdivision and Land Development Plan for Ford Truck Center
Mr. Michael Knouse, Township Engineer, presented the plan for discussion and possible action. The purpose of the plan submitted by Smith Land and Improvement Corp. is to consolidate a series of existing lots located at 1010-1048 State Road, into one property, reducing from multiple access points to and to construct a 31,750 square foot Ford Truck Center, which will supplement the current operation of L.B. Smith Ford located in Lemoyne. The property will encompass three acres and one existing building will remain. In January 2024, the Planning Commission provided a favorable recommendation on the waivers and the plan. He referenced the Township comment letter dated February 21, 2024, which sets forth the conditions for approval which are recommended by staff.

President Villone noted his attendance during the presentations before the Planning Commission, stating the plan has been advanced with a lot of confidence.

Mr. John Snyder with SLD Planning and Consulting presented a rendering of the plan, noting the proposal was for a new program by Ford that is focused on maintenance and repair of the larger F-series trucks. Operating hours would be like those of the L.B. Smith Ford in Lemoyne. He also said that sidewalk and curbing would be replaced under the Highway Occupancy Permit which is currently under review by PennDOT.

Director Davis noted significant improvement to the stormwater infrastructure included in the proposed plan.

Mr. Richard Jordan, III, President and CEO, L.B. Smith Ford addressed the proposed agreement related to the parking area for the Brewhouse Grill. He noted a positive working relationship with the Brewhouse and an existing lease agreement for parking which will need to be revised due to the changing area. Responding to a question about the remaining building on the property, Mr. Jordan noted there is an existing lease for office space.

Commissioner Brown expressed appreciation for the efforts being made through the project in mitigating the stormwater issues in the area.

Hearing no further discussion, Vice President CARON moved to approve a waiver of Section 192-30.A requiring submission of a preliminary plan. The motion was seconded by Commissioner BROWN and passed 5-0.

Vice President CARON moved to approve a waiver of Section 192-57.B.2. h.2 requiring road widening and additional right-of-way along State Road. The motion was seconded by Commissioner BROWN and passed 5-0.

Vice President CARON moved to approve SALDO #2023-06 – Preliminary/Final Subdivision and Land Development Plan for Ford Truck Center with the following conditions:

a) Shared parking maintenance agreement is provided.
b) Highway Occupancy Permit from PENNDOT.
c) PA DEP Sewer Planning Module approval.
d) All certificates need to be completed prior to recording the plan.
e) Financial security and agreement are provided.
f) Water and sewer capacity and design approval is provided.
g) Access, use and maintenance agreement is provided.
h) Agreement or easement needs to be provided for all off-site improvements.
i) All remaining comments listed on Rettew’s letter dated February 21, 2024.

The motion was seconded by Commissioner BROWN and passed 5-0.

COMMISSIONERS REPORTS
President Villone announced that commissioners would recess to Executive Session following reports to address two items.

Mr. Miner confirmed that no action was currently needed on the bids opened earlier in the meeting.

Commissioner Nagy echoed the earlier comments on the 2023 EMS Report and highlighted the community service activities such as educational and paramedicine programs, allowing patients to remain in their homes. He also noted having heard the praise for the township program by UPMC’s Medical Director. He thanked the public safety staff for all that they did, above and beyond the service calls.

Commissioner Brown announced the upcoming electronics recycling event scheduled for March 23, 2024. He also noted his attendance at the recent Lisburn Community Fire Company banquet, highlighting the reported ninety-nine calls responded to in January by the fire companies. He suggested to Captain Deaven to offer a presentation on the 4-Minute City. He congratulated the officer of the month and thanked Mr. Sterling for his efforts in providing timely information to the Board.

Commissioner Swartz echoed sentiments related to Captain Deaven and the EMS staff, expressing his gratitude for their efforts. He announced the Egg Hunt scheduled for March 23, 2024 at Lower Allen Community Park. He noted his attendance at the West Shore Recreation Board meeting and announced their need for part-time summer lifeguards. He also noted that WSSD is considering renovations to the natatorium soon which will impact West Shore Rec programming. They are seeking an alternate venue for aquatic classes.

Vice President Caron announced the upcoming musicals at Red Land and Cedar Cliff High Schools and encouraged the public to attend.

President Villone expressed his appreciation to Captain Daven for sharing what is happening in the community with respect to EMS. He also thanked representatives of all public safety disciplines. He noted attendance at the Lisburn Community Fire Company banquet and the strong connections among the members there. He reiterated his praise for Township staff, adding that public works and building maintenance efforts sometimes go unnoticed and are appreciated.

EXECUTIVE SESSION
The meeting recessed to executive session at 7:21 PM. to discuss disciplinary action and the promotion of a staff member.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:18 PM.

The Manager read a motion directing him to issue a demotion letter to Officer Edward Curtis pursuant to the Last Chance Agreement of July 10, 2023, paragraph two.  Commissioner BROWN moved to approve the motion, seconded by Commissioner SWARTZ. The motion passed 5-0.

ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 PM.