Board of Commissioners
12-14-15 Minutes
MINUTES
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 14, 2015
The following were in ATTENDANCE:
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS TOWNSHIP PERSONNEL
H. Edward Black, President Thomas G. Vernau Jr., Township Manager
Peddrick M. Young, Sr, Vice President Erin Trone, Assistant Township Manager
Lloyd W. Bucher Frank Williamson, Director of Public Safety
Richard F. Schin Daniel Flint, Community Development
John T. Titzel John Eby, Building and Zoning Coordinator
Richard Grove, Director of Finance
Steven P. Miner, Solicitor
Julie Echterling, Recording Secretary
President Black called the December 14, 2015 Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners to order at 7:00 pm followed by a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. He announced Proof of Publication was available for review.
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the minutes for the November 23, 2015 regular meeting. Commissioner BUCHER seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
LIFE SAVINGS AND UNIT CITATION AWARDS
Chief Williamson awarded the following:
Clinical Save Award -Incident Date 04-19-2015 – Lower Allen EMS and Police responded for a cardiac arrest. The patient has since recovered and walked out of the hospital. Employees: EMT-III Marie Calaman, EMT-II Ashley Krajcsik, Paramedics Doug Kimbell and Tim Mihoreck, Cpl Matt Claeys and Officer Curt Heckler.
Clinical Save Award -Incident Date 05-18-2015 – Lower Allen EMS and Police were dispatched for possible seizures. The patient was found to be in cardiac arrest. The patient had pulses back before they left the scene. Employees: EMT-III Marie Calaman, EMT-IIs Ashley Krajcsik and James Whitall, Paramedic James Grundon, PSO Tom Cook, Cpl. Richard Tamanosky and Officer Michael Scarlato
Clinical Save Award -Incident Date 09-13-2015 – Lower Allen EMS and Police were dispatched fall -victim. Patient crashed. She was shocked twice on the scene and returned to a stable heart rhythm. Employees: EMT-III Marie Calaman, EMT-III Jackie Dougherty and Amy Nye, Paramedic James Grundon, PSO Tom Cook and Officer Curt Heckler.
Clinical Save Award – Incident Date 10-14-2015 – Lower Allen EMS and Police were dispatched for a 75 year old male in cardiac arrest. Patient had pulses back by the time they were ready for transport. Employees: EMT-I Edward Ream and Amy Nye, Holy Spirit Paramedic James Grundon, Jr. and EMT Teresa SvibenKirkpartick, PSO Tom Cook, Firefighter Eric Tomosaitis, Police Officers Donald Coffey, Jeremy Read and Bryan Rennie.
Police Department Unit Citation – June 2015– Officer Coffey was dispatched to contact Mall Security in reference to suspicious persons. Their work, along with other officers netted the recovery of $6,229 01 of stolen property. Employees involved: Officers Donald Coffey and Kevin Crammer, Det Troy McNair and Public Safety Specialist David Ickler.
Police Department Unit Citation – Incident Date: September/October – Lower Allen Police worked with Capital City Mall and Walmart through an investigation, suspects were identified, leading to additional cases and charges. These cases involved the sale of stolen DVDs. A total of six individuals have been arrested, two of them were involved in three different retail thefts at Walmart. The total stolen was $2,968.95 with a total of $1,452.72 being recovered. Employees involved: Officers Stirling, Curtis, Gelnett, Rennie, Coffey, Cramer, Heckler, Read, Scarlato, Cpls. Sentman, Foltz and Claeys, Lieutenants Crone and Thomas and Chief Williamson.
The Board thanked them for their service.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: ANY ITEM ON THE AGENDA
There was no response.
CONSENT AGENDA
President Black advised that any Commissioner, Staff member, or anyone in attendance could request any item on the Consent Agenda be removed for further discussion and asked if there was such request. There was no response.
Commissioner TITZEL moved to approve the following Consent Agenda items:
a. Resolution 2015-R-33, Street Dedication Resolution for a portion of Glenwood Road.
b. Waiver of the requirement in Section 184-11.I, to allow Detention Basin A to completely drain in more than 72 hours following the design storm for SLD Docket No. 2015-07, Revised Preliminary Subdivision and Land Development Plan for Highpoint, Phase 1.5.
c. Waiver of the requirement contained in Section 192-57.C(9) that requires sidewalks along all street frontage, to eliminate sidewalk along the east side of Strong Road, for SLD Docket No. 2015-07, Revised Preliminary Subdivision and Land Development Plan for Highpoint, Phase 1.5.
d. Modification of the requirement contained in Section 192-57.C(9) that requires sidewalks along all street frontage, to permit construction of a bituminous path along the west side of Strong Road, for SLD Docket No. 2015-07, Revised Preliminary Subdivision and Land Development Plan for Highpoint, Phase 1.5.
e. SLD Docket No. 2015-07, Revised Preliminary Subdivision and Land Development Plan for Highpoint, Phase 1.5.
f. Waiver of the requirement in Section 184-11.I that stormwater facilities drain within 72 hours of a storm, to allow the Stormwater Basin to completely drain in more than 72 hours following the design storm, for SLD Docket No. 2015-09, Preliminary Subdivision and Land Development Plan for Arcona, Phase 2A.
g. Modification of the requirement in Section 192-57.C(9) regarding sidewalks, to allow construction of a paved trail along one side of Strong Road in lieu of the required sidewalk on both sides, for SLD Docket No. 2015-09, Preliminary Subdivision and Land Development Plan for Arcona, Phase 2A.
h. Modification of the requirement in Section 192-C(1) that requires a minimum centerline radius of 260 feet for a collector roadway, to allow construction of Strong Road with a centerline radius of 165 feet, for SLD Docket No. 2015-09, Preliminary Subdivision and Land Development Plan for Arcona, Phase 2A.
i. SLD Docket No. 2015-09, Preliminary Subdivision and Land Development Plan for Arcona, Phase 2A.
j. Reduction in Improvement Security for SLD Docket No. 2015-01, 2404 Gettysburg Road Building Addition, establishing a new amount of $550.00 and a new expiration date of December 14, 2016.
k. Payment of Invoice No. 10 in the amount of $58,041.06 to Sponaugle Construction Services for General Construction on the Cedar Spring Run Park Project.
l. Payment of Invoice No. 2 in the amount of $2,180.00 to Electric Power Savers for Electrical Construction on the Cedar Spring Run Park Project.
m. Payment of Invoice No. 4 (Contractor’s Invoice No. 1252) in the amount of $1,606.00 to B & B Pole Building Co. for construction of the MSC Accessory Storage Building.
n. Payment of invoice from Wesco Distribution in the amount of $10,998.00, for lights at Cedar Spring Run Park.
Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
PRESIDENT BLACK
Approval of Check Registers
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to approve the Check Register of November 25, 2015, in the amount of $527,464.63. Commissioner TITZEL seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to approve the Check Register of December 11, 2015, in the amount of $188,944.74. Commissioner TITZEL seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
ORDINANCE 2015-05, ST. JOHN’S ROAD
Vice President YOUNG moved to approve Ordinance 2015-05, an Ordinance of the Board of Commissioners of Lower Allen Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, amending the Official map of Lower Allen Township by vacating a portion of St. Johns Road abutting the property of the Petitioner, Triple Crown Corporation, Inc.
Roll Call Vote: Commissioner Titzel – Aye
Commissioner Schin – Aye
President Black – Aye
Vice President Young – Aye
Commissioner Bucher – Aye
Ordinance 2015-05 was approved by a 5-0 vote.
ANY BUSINESS PERTINENT TO THE TOWNSHIP
There was no response. President Black recognized the Lemoyne Boy Scouts in the audience.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Officer Ken Stirling Probation
Chief Williamson spoke about Officer Ken Stirling and the completion of his probation period. He is being recommended for regular full-time service. This will be on the agenda at the 12/28 meeting.
Changes to the Civil Service Procedures
Chief Williamson discussed proposed changes to the Civil Service Rules and Regulations. Those changes include deleting references to the written examination, allowing for a “directed interview” developed specifically for the position, and/or allow for the use of assessment center, and delete reference to a fitness test for the position of Captain. He discussed each of the proposed changes. Discussion ensued. The Board agreed to the changes and the resolution will be prepared.
Conditional Job Offer for Public Safety Officer (PSO)
Chief Williamson discussed the background for hiring a replacement PSO. He is recommending Mr. Keegan Toot for the position. He discussed Mr. Toot’s background.
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to make a conditional job offer pending further testing. Commissioner BUCHER seconded the motion. Motion passed 5-0.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Arcona Master Plan
Mr. Flint stated that the Arcona Master Plan was reviewed by the Planning Commission with comments. He stated that the outstanding comments were concerning recreation. He stated that the Board received the revised plan.
Mr. Faranda-Diedrich, Charter Homes, showed the Board the map of the Arcona project. He stated that they have revised the recreation plan since the last meeting. The major change in the plan is with the neighborhood parks. He stated that Charter Homes would be dedicating 4 of the 5 parks to the Township. He stated that the one park remaining private would be the ½ acre located in the Village Core and would only be open to the residents and customers. He spoke about the network of trail system for the development. Discussion ensued. Mr. Vernau stated that Staff is satisfied with the changes.
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to approve the Revised Overall Master Plan for the Arcona Traditional neighborhood Development. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Request for Security Release-Bridge Street Parking
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to release an Improvement Security for SLD Docket No. 2014-06, Bridge Street Parking, L.P. Commissioner BUCHER seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Trail Design
Mr. Flint discussed the Transportation Alterative Program (TAPS) grant available through PennDOT. He discussed the proposal which is within the scope and cost of the program. Discussion ensued.
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to approve a contract for professional design services with American Engineers Group, LLC in the amount of $83,810.00 for the Beacon Hill Trail Extension and the Cedar Spring Run Trail Projects. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Gettysburg Road Realignment Project
Mr. Flint discussed scheduling a public plans display for the Gettysburg Road Realignment Project. He stated that he would like to have this here in Gorgas Hall on January 25, 2016 at 6pm. He stated that an additional meeting would take place at Bethany Village.
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to hold a Public Display for the Gettysburg Road Alignment Project on January 25, 2016 at 6pm. Commissioner BUCHER seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Request for Release of Security – Brooks Edge
Mr. Flint stated that there was a request for Release of Security Improvement for SLD Docket No. 2013-07, Brooks Edge. He stated that an inspection will take place and may be ready for action at the next meeting. Vice President Young asked about a light at Milltown and Lisburn Roads. Mr. Flint stated that a traffic light wasn’t warranted based on the traffic study. Discussion ensued.
Zoning Hearing Board Report
Mr. Eby discussed Docket #2015-03, 1603 Carlisle Rd, a continuing non-conforming use, which was approved by the Zoning Hearing Board. He spoke about their request and how they met all the conditions.
Charter Home – Extension on Plans
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to accept a time extension for the following SLD Dockets, and establishing a new expiration date of February 16, 2016: SLD Docket No. 2015-08, Final Subdivision and Land Development Plan for Highpoint, Phase 1.5., SLD Docket No. 2015-10, Final Subdivision and Land Development Plan for Arcona, Phases 2.1 and 2.2., and SLD Docket No. 2015-11, Final Subdivision and Land Development Plan for Arcona, Phases 2.3, 2.4 and 2.5. Commissioner BUCHER seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
FINANCE
Self-funding of Capital Outlays
Mr. Grove discussed the idea of transferring $1,250,000 from the General Fund to a Capital Improvement Fund (CIF) to save money. He stated that loans could be made out of the CIF to meet capital needs. He stated that it could save up to $51,030 a year in interest costs. He stated that the General Fund fund balance is at a high level and is well above the minimum balance. He stated that the one drawback is it could hasten a tax increase or reduction in services in the coming years. Discussion ensued.
Commissioner BUCHER made a motion to move $1,250,000 from the General Fund to a Capital Improvement Fund for 2016. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
ASSISTANT MANAGER
Letter of Support for Yellow Breeches Watershed Association Grant
Mrs. Trone discussed a grant that the Yellow Breeches Watershed Association is applying for. The grant is funded and would host a Chesapeake Bay-friendly landscape design contest to homeowners living within the watershed. Discussion ensued. The Board agreed to send a letter of support.
MANAGER
Advertise Ordinance 2015-07
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to advertise Ordinance 2015-07, amending the Codified Ordinances of Lower Allen Township to replace references to the powers of the Chief of Police to powers of the Chief of Police or Equivalent Official. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Advertise Ordinance 2015-08
Commissioner BUCHER made a motion to advertise Ordinance 2015-08, 2016 Tax Levy, with no tax increase for residents. Vice President YOUNG seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Advertise 2016 Public Meetings
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to approve advertising the 2016 public meeting dates. Commissioner TITZEL seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
2016 Fee Schedule Resolution
Mr. Eby stated that the Community Development fee section has been significantly reformatted and reorganized. He spoke about new fees for industrialized and manufactured homes. He stated that the Lower Allen Township Authority fees should be removed. Commissioner Bucher thought the returned check fee of $20 should be increased to $30. Discussion ensued. The fee schedule resolution will be ready for action at the next meeting.
COMMISSIONERS REPORTS
Chief Williamson spoke about the upcoming Christmas breakfast with Santa at the Lisburn Fire Company.
Commissioner Schin stated that he may be in soon to Community Development to speak about a project.
Mr. Grove spoke about the GFOA award for the Township.
Mr. Eby spoke about the progress on the wireless ordinance and hopes to complete the report and schedule the public hearing soon.
ADJOURNMENT TO EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners adjourned to Executive Session at 8:50 pm to discuss the following item:
a. Acting Chief Appointment