Board of Commissioners
5-23-16 Minutes
MINUTES
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING MAY 23, 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 | David Holl, Director of Public Safety |
| Carolyn E. Holtzman | John Eby, Building and Zoning Coordinator |
| Jack R. Simpson Jr. | Steven P. Miner, Solicitor |
| Julie Echterling, Recording Secretary |
President Black called the May 23, 2016 Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners to order at 7:00 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 May 9, 2016 meeting of the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner SIMPSON seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: ANY ITEM ON THE AGENDA
There were no comments.
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
Vice-President YOUNG moved to approve the following Consent Agenda items:
a. Department Reports for the month of April for Township Engineer, Public Works, Fleet Maintenance, Public Safety, and Assistant Manager.
b. Motion to adopt Resolution 2016-R-20, a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of Lower Allen Township in support of a Citizens’ Commission for Legislative Redistricting and Congressional Reapportionment.
c. Motion to adopt Resolution 2016-R-21, a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of Lower Allen Township requesting that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania install protection barriers in grassy medians along Pennsylvania highways.
Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
PRESIDENT BLACK
Approval of Check Register
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to approve the Check Register of May 13, 2016 in the amount of $256,085.70. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Resolution 2016-R-19 – Eagle Scout Recognition
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to adopt Resolution 2016-R-19, a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of Lower Allen Township, Cumberland County Pennsylvania, recognizing, commending and honoring Corey Bernard for the attainment of the rank of Eagle Scout. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
ANY BUSINESS PERTINENT TO THE TOWNSHIP
There was no response.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Purchase 2017 Ford F350 Super Cab Pickup Truck
Mr. Eby discussed the purchase of a budgeted item, a 2017 Ford F350 Super Cab pickup truck to replace the 2001 Dodge F2500 pickup truck. He stated that the best price was through McCafferty Ford for $33,777. He stated that there were two additional charges for the vehicle, a $5,700 snow plow attachment and $3,134 lift gate. The total for the vehicle and attachments would be $42,611. The budget for this vehicle was $40,000. Discussion ensued.
Vice President YOUNG made a motion authorizing the purchase of a 2017 Ford F350 Super Cab Pickup Truck from McCafferty Ford through the COSTARS program for a cost of $42,611, including a snowplow and lift gate. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Yellow Breeches Water Trail
Mr. Eby discussed his memo to the Board. He provided the background and update on the progress of the Committee. He provided the Board a copy of the rack card produced by the Committee. The card would be handed out starting Memorial Day weekend by volunteers. He stated that if the Board agreed, the card and additional information would be posted to the website. Discussion ensued. The consensus of the Board was to move forward with the rack card.
Wireless Communication Facilities Ordinance Update
Mr. Eby discussed his memo providing the history of the ordinance. He stated that after reviewing the Cohen group proposal and the proposed changes from the Cumberland County Planning Department, a revised document has been prepared. He stated that there is one issue the Board needs to decide on to finish the ordinance. He stated that the Board could have a conditional use hearing for each application, or the ordinance could enumerate specific objective criteria to make determinations. Mr. Vernau stated that the new towers being proposed are 40 to 60 feet and would be in the right of way. He said this ordinance would legislate where they can put these towers but won’t stop them from being installed. Discussion ensued. The consensus of the Board was for the ordinance to have conditional usage hearings for the Board to see what and where these small towers will be installed.
MANAGER:
HB 340-2015 regarding Executive Sessions.
Mr. Vernau discussed the letter they received from Solicitor Miner outlining the proposed changes to executive sessions. Solicitor Miner stated that the proposed bill would limit executive sessions dealing with personnel issues to specific employees, with Zoning and Planning Commission appointees being discussed in open session. Also, an audio or video recording of all executive sessions would need to kept for a year. He stated that the penalties increased for conducting unauthorized Executive sessions. He is concerned that recordings of executive sessions could stifle discussions and cause nuisance lawsuits for access to the recordings. Discussion ensued.
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion directing the Township Manager to write a letter opposing HB 340-2015 bill. Vice President YOUNG seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
COMMISSIONERS REPORTS
Commissioner Simpson attended the Capital COG meeting. He met with Mike Regan. He was at a Cumberland Valley presentation where they discussed redesigning the traffic on Route 81 and the Carlisle Pike. He attended the Allen Middle School graduation. He is going to the Eagle Scout ceremony.
Commissioner Schin asked about the CALEA conference in Baltimore. Director Holl spoke about the conference. Mr. Vernau explained that the Township could cover transportation and the banquet ticket, but not lodging. Commissioner Holtzman offered to drive.
Commissioner Holtzman asked if there is an ordinance about blowing grass into the street. She has had some residents complain about it. Mr. Vernau asked her to let him know where it is occurring and he can send out a codes enforcement officer.
Director Holl spoke about the flyer he provided to the Board for the Police Captain search. He provided an update on the bills for the local use of radar use.
Mrs. Trone stated that UGI is installing gas in Allendale and she asked if the Board could attend an event on June 7th around noon. Discussion ensued. The Board agreed to the June 7th date.
RECESS TO EXECUTIVE SESSION
The regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners recessed at 8:23pm to discuss the following item:
a. Real Estate – 1993 Hummel Ave
RECONVENING OF MEETING
The regular Board of Commissioner meeting reconvened at 8:45pm
Commissioner HOLTZMAN made a motion that the Township agrees to defer its share of the proceeds until the Development Authority receives their balloon payment in 60 months after the sale and closing of 1993 Hummel Avenue. Commissioner SIMPSON seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
President Black thanked Mrs. Trone for an outstanding job she did with the building.
AJOURNMENT
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners adjourned at 8:46 pm.