Board Of Commissioners Minutes January 11, 2016
MINUTES
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 11, 2016
The following were in ATTENDANCE:
| BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS | TOWNSHIP STAFF |
| H. Edward Black, President | Thomas G. Vernau Jr., Township Manager |
| Peddrick M. Young, Sr, Vice President | Erin Trone, Assistant Township Manager |
| Richard F. Schin | Frank Williamson, Director of Public Safety |
| Carolyn E. Holtzman | Daniel Flint, Community Development |
| Jack R. Simpson Jr. | John Eby, Building and Zoning Coordinator |
| Richard Grove, Director of Finance | |
| Steven P. Miner, Solicitor | |
| Lt. Leon Crone, Lieutenant in Charge | |
| Christopher Yohn, EMS | |
| Julie Echterling, Recording Secretary |
President Black called the January 11, 2016 Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners to order at 7:04 pm with a prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. He announced that Proof of Publication was available for review.
MEETING MINUTES
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to approve the minutes from the December 28, 2015 regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0-2 as Commissioners Simpson and Holtzman abstained.
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to approve the minutes from the January 4, 2016 reorganization meeting of the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
EMPLOYEE RECOGNITIONS
President Black read a commendation letter for Scot Emerson for his work on the new Public Safety Building. He presented Mr. Emerson with a letter at the meeting. Mr. Black spoke about the two employees who were being honored for the years of service but were unable to attend. They are Robert Hamsher for 5 years of service in Facilities Maintenance and Officer Katie Justh for 10 years of service as a Police Officer.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: ANY ITEM ON THE AGENDA
There was no response.
PRESIDENT BLACK
Approval of Check Register
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to approve Check Register of January 8, 2016, in the amount of $320,195.47. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to approve a manual check to Black Landscape dated December 12, 2015, in the amount of $47.92. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0-1. President Black abstained as he is related to the owner.
ANY BUSINESS PERTINENT TO THE TOWNSHIP
There was no response.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Capital Purchase – New Ambulance
Mr. Williamson spoke about the decision during the budget process to purchase a third ambulance. He spoke about the 25% increased call volume and the advantages of the new ambulance. He stated that there were three vendors through COSTARS that met the specifications. He recommended Glick Fire Equipment. While not the lowest bid, they offered closer service and guaranteed a replacement ambulance in 90 minutes if necessary. He stated that they would stay within the budgeted amount of $236,000 for the ambulance and for the equipping of it. Discussion ensued.
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to approve the purchase of a third ambulance from Glick Fire Equipment (Braun Ambulance) for $175,066.00. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Activation of the Civil Service Commission
Mr. Williamson discussed the new police officer budgeted for the last half of 2016. He spoke about the process and testing involved. He asked if the Civil Service Commission could be activated. He stated that the goal would to have a candidate selected, well in advance, for the July 2016 Academy.
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to authorize the activation of the Civil Service Commission. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Qualifications for Police Captain in Civil Service Regulations
Mr. Williamson spoke about considering changes to the testing procedures for the rank of Captain. He spoke about Act 120 and how it is required for an officer in the Commonwealth of PA. He stated that outside candidates may not have Act 120. The question was asked if the Board would like to make it a prerequisite for applying for the position or before they are appointed to the position. Mr. Williamson’s opinion is it should be obtained before application. Commissioner Schin expressed concern about this position being a stepping stone to a Police Chief position elsewhere. The Board agreed it should be required at the time of application. Mr. Williamson asked if there were any other education/training requirements they would like to add to the position. Discussion ensued. The Board agreed to allow the new Public Safety Director to make those decisions.
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to require the Police Captain to have Act 120 certification at the time of application. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
COMMUNITY DEVELPOMENT
MS4 Coordinator Job Description
Mr. Flint discussed the MS4 Coordinator job, which would be part-time position of approximately 20 hours a week. He spoke about the need for the position as the requirements for the MS4 permitting have increased.
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to approve the job description for the MS4 Coordinator. Vice President YOUNG seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to approve the advertising for the MS4 Coordinator position. Commissioner SIMPSON seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Awarding contract – Gettysburg Road-Hartzdale Drive Sidewalk Project
Mr. Flint discussed the grant awarded through PennDOT for the Gettysburg Road-Hartzdale Drive Sidewalk Project. He showed the Board on the map the location of the sidewalk extension. He stated that three proposals were received and Century Engineering, Inc. came in the lowest bid.
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to approve a design contract with Century Engineering, Inc. for $28,540 for the Gettysburg Road-Hartzdale Drive Sidewalk Project. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Capital Purchase – Boom Mower
Mr. Flint discussed the need for a boom mower. He stated that Mr. Rocuskie, Fleet Manager, has researched them and is recommending the John Deere Cab Plus for $139,559.68. This item is a budgeted purchase.
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to approve the purchase through PA COSTARS of a John Deere Cab Plus MFWD 16×16 Power Quad Tractor, 18’ Mid Mount Boom Mower with 50” rotary head and 55” snow blower. Commissioner SIMPSON seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Drainage Plan – 1131 Primrose Avenue
Mr. Flint discussed the drainage plan for the ambulance company located at 1131 Primrose Avenue. He stated that they would be adding parking and a drainage plan is required. He stated that it is in compliance with the ordinance.
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to approve the Drainage Plan DP 2015-03 for 1131 Primrose Avenue. Commissioner SIMPSON seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
MANAGER
Amending Chapter 151 – Parks and Playgrounds
Mr. Vernau discussed the proposed changes to Chapter 151, Parks and Playgrounds. They would include amending the hours of operation in all parks and playgrounds to dawn to dusk and prohibit swimming where posted. He discussed the Yellow Breeches issue and recommended the changes. Solicitor Miner asked about coin operated lighted tennis courts. Mr. Vernau stated that the language could be changed to allow those courts to be used after dusk. Discussion ensued. The Board agreed with the proposed changes and would like to see the changed language before acting on it.
Township-wide Employee meeting
Mr. Vernau stated that there would be a Township-wide Employee meeting on February 9th at 2pm in Gorgas Hall. He stated that the Board is welcome to attend.
COMMISSIONERS REPORTS
Mr. Flint stated that the Gettysburg Road plans will be displayed at the next meeting from 6pm – 7pm. He stated that there is no need to convene the Board for a meeting but it is for public display.
Capt. Yohn thanked the Board for the third ambulance.
ADJOURNMENT
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners adjourned at 8:28 pm.