Board of Commissioner Minutes – February 8, 2016
MINUTES
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 8, 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 G. Trone, Assistant Township Manager |
Richard F. Schin | Frank Williamson, Director of Public Safety |
Carolyn E. Holtzman | John Eby, Building and Zoning Coordinator |
Jack R. Simpson Jr. | Richard Grove, Director of Finance |
Leon Crone, Lieutenant in Charge | |
Steven P. Miner, Solicitor | |
Julie Echterling, Recording Secretary | |
President Black called the February 8, 2016 Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners to order at 7:02 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 January 25, 2016 meeting of the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
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 SCHIN moved to approve the following Consent Agenda items:
- Purchase of three light bars for the police department from Mannion Enterprises for $8,400.00
- Purchase of Harris Open Sky radios for EMS at a cost of $9,164.70.
Commissioner SIMPSON seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
PRESIDENT BLACK
Approval of Check Register
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to approve Check Register of February 5, 2016, in the amount of $200,531.18 and Manual Check Register dated January 25, 2016 in the amount of $600.00. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Planning Commission
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to accept the resignation of Patricia A. Hall from the Planning Commission. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to appoint David J. Clovsky, of 206 Asbury Dr. to the Planning Commission to finish the term of Patricia Hall, which expires on 12/31/16. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Resolution 2016-R-03, PLCB noise enforcement within specified zoning classifications
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to adopt Resolution 2016-R-03, petitioning the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board to extend the Township’s current exemption from PLCB noise enforcement within specified zoning classifications within the Township. Commissioner SIMPSON seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Resolution 2016-R-04, appointing a Maintenance Specialist for Public Works
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to adopt Resolution 2016-R-04, appointing Jeffrey A. Brewbaker to the position of Maintenance Specialist for Public Works effective February 9, 2016. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
ANY BUSINESS PERTINENT TO THE TOWNSHIP
There was no response.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Purchase of mobile radios for the Police Department
Mr. Williamson discussed the request to purchase mobile radio for the Police Department. He stated that while researching the radios, he was able to secure pricing for four radios for less than the three budgeted. He recommended purchasing four radios at a cost of $22,998.90 which is under the budgeted amount of $28,800. This will be on the consent agenda at the next meeting.
Cpl. Matthew Claeys successfully completes his probationary period
Mr. Williamson discussed Officer Claeys’ promotion to Corporal and his probation period. Corporal Claeys has successfully completed his probation period. This will be ready for action at the next meeting.
COMMUNITY DEVELPOMENT
John Deere Signature Series X754 4-wheel steer Mowing Tractor
Mr. Eby discussed the request to purchase the budgeted John Deere Signature Series mowing tractor. He stated that the cost for the mower, $11,185.83, is under the budgeted amount of $11,500. This will be on the consent agenda for next meeting.
Drainage Plan No. DP 2016-01, Cedar Cliff High School, Turf Additions at Track Area.
Mr. Eby discussed the drainage plan required for Cedar Cliff High School for their track area. He discussed the storm management plan. This will be ready for action at the next meeting.
Potential turnback of Arcona Road from PennDOT
Mr. Eby introduced the concept of PennDOT turning back Arcona road to the Township. He stated that Arcona Road, less than a mile in length, is in both Upper and Lower Allen Townships. He stated that both Upper and Lower Allen must agree to take the turnback for PennDOT to consider it. Mr. Charlie Courtney, McNees Wallace, showed the Board the plans for Arcona Road and the Crossroads. He discussed the phasing of the project. He stated that they spoke with PennDOT about their plan to add two roads onto Arcona Road accessing the Crossroads. PennDOT stated that Arcona Road doesn’t serve a state purpose and asked if the road could be turned back to the Township. He stated that typically funds are available for improving the road with yearly maintenance to the Township for the turnback. However, part of Arcona Road is in Upper Allen and they would need to agree to take the turnback. Both municipalities needs to agree to it. Mr. Anthony Faranda-Diedrich asked the Board for guidance. He showed the Board Phase Two of their plan. He spoke about the importance of the additional roads for access to the Crossroads. He showed the Board the road design and the location of the proposed access entrances on Arcona Road.
President Black asked if the road would be improved prior to the turnback and asked if the maintenance payments would continue. Mr. Courtney stated that PennDOT would make the improvements to the road or provide the funds for them. He stated that the maintenance payments would continue. Commissioner Simpson expressed concern about the additional development in Upper Allen in years to come that could have an impact on the traffic. He is also concerned about backups on the Arcona Roundabout with the two additional entrances off Arcona Road. Discussion ensued.
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to request Charter Homes to approach Upper Allen for their interest in pursuing a turnback of Arcona Road. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
ASSISTANT MANAGER
Yellow Breeches Resource Management Steering Committee
Mrs. Trone discussed the request to add a representative from the Township to the Yellow Breeches Resource Management Steering Committee. She spoke about the issues facing the Yellow Breeches with overcrowding and improper use of launch sites. Mr. Eby spoke about the process and the parties involved in the meeting. Discussion ensued.
Commissioner HOLTZMAN made a motion to appoint John Eby as the Lower Allen Township representative to the Yellow Breeches Resource Management Steering Committee. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Purchase Choice Security System for the Municipal Services Center
Mrs. Trone discussed the request to purchase the budgeted Choice Security system for the building. She discussed the issues the Township has experienced with the current provider. President Black asked they be required to patch any holes/damage done during the installation.
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to approve the purchase of the Choice Security System for the Municipal Services Center. Vice President YOUNG seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Purchase Microsoft 360 Licenses for 2016
Mrs. Trone discussed the budgeted purchase of the Microsoft 360 licenses. She spoke about the benefit of the licenses with computers, phones, and iPads. She stated that the current licenses expire in February.
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to approve the purchase of Microsoft 360 licenses at a cost of $13,680 for 2016. Commissioner SIMPSON seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
COMMISSIONERS REPORTS
Mr. Williamson spoke about the damage costs and the calculations used to determine the $75,479 Township expenses related to the snow storm. He discussed the process with the County, State and Federal Government for a federal disaster to be declared. He stated that if they declare a federal disaster, additional Township expenses can be included for the storm damage totals.
Commissioner Holtzman spoke about a problem with an oven in the EOC. Mr. Vernau stated that he knows about it now and they are looking into the issue.
Vice President Young and President Black discussed the United Methodist Home’s banquet in honor of Mr. Williamson and congratulated him.
Commissioner Simpson spoke about training he attended which was very informative. He discussed an issue with truck traffic with residents on Manor Road and suggested some signage for informing trucks to use the other road. Mr. Vernau stated that Staff is aware and working to resolve this issue.
Mr. Vernau discussed the opening the Township has for a Fredrickson Library representative. He asked if anyone knows someone who would like to volunteer, let him know.
AJOURNMENT TO EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners adjourned to Executive Session at 8:36 pm to discuss the following item:
- Public Safety Director Interviews