MINUTES

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS	LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING	June 24, 2024
The following were in ATTENDANCE:
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS	TOWNSHIP PERSONNEL
Dean W. Villone, President	Thomas G. Vernau, Township Manager
Jennifer M. Caron, Vice President	Rebecca Davis, Assistant Township Manager
Joshua Nagy	Steven P. Miner, Township Solicitor
Charles Brown	David Holl, Public Safety Director
Joseph Swartz	Alycia Knoll, Finance Director
	Isaac Sweeney, CED Director
	Nate Sterling, Administrative Secretary
	Renee’ Greenawalt, Recording Secretary

President Villone called the June 24, 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.

PRESENTATION
The Honorable Representative Sheryl Delozier presented on behalf of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives a Citation to the Board of Commissioners, in recognition of the Township being honored with a 2024 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence. She expressed congratulations and gratitude to the Board for their efforts in seeking funding opportunities, and commitment to conservation of fossil fuels.

President Villone thanked Representative Delozier for her support and leadership in the District.

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.

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 May 2024 from Community and Economic Development, Facility Maintenance, Fleet Maintenance, Public Works, and Public Safety.

b. Tax Collector’s Report for May 2024.

c. Check Register of June 14, 2024, in the amount of $54,755.16.

d. Check Register of June 21, 2024, in the amount of $80,590.73.

Commissioner NAGY moved to approve the items on the Consent Agenda. Vice President CARON seconded. With no further discussion the consent agenda was approved by a vote of 5-0.

PRESIDENT
President Villone noted there was  no business to address under his report.

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

MANAGER
Cumberland County Yard Waste Equipment Program
Manager Vernau presented an update on the program. Cumberland County Commissioners have made the decision to end the program due to liability issues. Their insurance company would no longer cover the equipment. He reported that Lower Allen Township’s insurance company would cover the equipment when in the possession of the Township. Staff are evaluating alternative options, including renting equipment ourselves or joining a consortium. He also presented a letter drafted by Commissioner Silcox of Hampden Township, petitioning Cumberland County to extend the program for one year to allow sufficient time to find alternate solutions.

Mr. Vernau explained that yard waste recycling is required by law. This program was started to assist municipalities to participate in the recycling since the necessary equipment is cost prohibitive. He presented potential costs to the Township for renting and purchasing, and noted it would be in the best interest of the Township to advocate for a continuance of the county program or to consider a smaller co-op.

President Villone expressed support to have the Township Manager write a letter of support on behalf of the Township in support of continuing the program.

COMMISSIONERS REPORTS
President Villone noted that the Board would adjourn to Executive Session following Commissioner’s Reports to discuss the conclusion of an employee grievance.

Commissioner Nagy commended the police department, sharing an incident that had been reported to him where the department staff promptly responded to a situation, potentially preventing a child endangerment issue.

Commissioner Swartz  reported on agenda items discussed at the June 18 Planning Commission meeting, primarily focused on Arcona Phase 8.3. He thanked Manager Vernau for his letter of support to Lemoyne Borough related to their funding application for a West Shore gateway trail feasibility study, for potential use of the route as a bike-pedestrian path. He also highlighted career center resources available at the Frederickson Library to include mock interviews and how to create a LinkedIn Profile.

Commissioner Brown thanked each of the Directors for their thorough departmental reports.

Vice President Caron expressed well wishes to all for a Happy July 4^th holiday.

President Villone thanked staff for their hard work, professionalism, and culture of excellence. He noted his attendance at the PSATC Executive Committee meeting, and highlighted branding changes, updated website, and ongoing efforts to ensure effective advocacy in representing First Class Townships. He reported his presence for the discussion about Arcona at the Planning Commission meeting and expressed appreciation for Director Sweeney’s efforts to have clean plans submitted for review. Lastly, he shared gratitude for the Township’s natural resource of the Yellow Breeches and the respectful use of such by residents.

ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned to Executive Session at 6:25 PM.