Board of Commissioners
6-13-16 Minutes
MINUTES
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING JUNE 13, 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 | Daniel Flint, Community Development |
| Richard Grove, Director of Finance | |
| Leon Crone, Lieutenant, Police Department | |
| John Eby, Building and Zoning Coordinator | |
| Steven P. Miner, Solicitor | |
| Julie Echterling, Recording Secretary |
President Black called the June 13, 2016 Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners to order at 7:00 pm. He called for a moment of silence for the victims in Orlando Florida. He followed with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. He announced Proof of Publication was available for review. Commissioner Simpson was absent with excuse.
MEETING MINUTES
Commissioner HOLTZMAN made a motion to approve the minutes from the May 23, 2016 meeting of the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
PRESENTATION: RECOGNITION OF EXTRAORDINARY EFFORTS DURING WINTER STORM JONAS
Cumberland County Commissioner Vincent DiFilippo spoke about Winter Storm Jonas, which put many residents in harm’s way and posed a danger for the County. He spoke about the outstanding effort made by first responders. He honored David Murdoch, who he described as the go-to guy during the storm. He worked with Public Safety, Public Works, EMS and the Fire Companies. He honored Bob Nailor for his work with the Public Works Department during the storm. He adjusted their schedules so they worked from 3pm on Friday until Sunday 5:30am. He spoke about how all the Township’s roads were open with at least one lane open in each direction. He read the certificates for each man and congratulated them on their service. Mr. Nailor stated that he was proud of the team effort his department and Fleet Maintenance was able to provide during the storm. Mr. Murdoch thanked all the volunteers who helped during the storm.
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.
Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the following Consent Agenda items:
a. Reduction in Improvement Security for SLD Docket No. 2014-01, Final Subdivision and Land Development Plan for Highpoint, Phase 1.1, 1.2, and 1.4, establishing a new amount of $1,868,647.00 and a new expiration date of June 13, 2017.
b. Tax Collector’s Monthly Reports for May 2016.
Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
PRESIDENT BLACK
Approval of Check Register
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to approve the Check Register of May 27, 2016 in the amount of $150,731.71. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to approve the Check Register of June 10, 2016 in the amount of $520,148.94. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
Civil Service Commission- Eligible Candidate
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to accept the certified list of eligible candidates, as presented by the Lower Allen Township Civil Service Commission. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
VICE PRESIDENT YOUNG
Conditional Job Offer
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to make a conditional job offer to Alex Milletics in order to begin physical, psychological and polygraph testing, and to sponsor him in the July police academy, with the provision that he passes the above referenced testing. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
ANY BUSINESS PERTINENT TO THE TOWNSHIP
There was no response.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Renewal of Security- SLD Docket No. 2011-06 – Meridian
Mr. Flint stated that the deadline for the renewal of the security for SLD Docket No. 2011-06, Final Subdivision and Land Development Plan for Meridian on the West Shore. The new security will be $117,737.91 and a new expiration date of June 13, 2017.
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to approve the renewal of Improvement Security for SLD Docket No. 2011-06, Final Subdivision and Land Development Plan for Meridian on the West Shore, establishing a new amount of $117,737.91 and a new expiration date of June 13, 2017. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
Renewal of Security- SLD Docket No. 2015-04 – 4530 Lena Drive
Mr. Flint stated that it is time for the annual renewal on SLD Docket No. 2015-04 – 4530 Lena Drive. This should be ready for action at the next meeting.
Renewal of Security- SLD Docket No. 2005-24 – Liberty Point
Mr. Flint stated that it is time for the annual renewal on SLD Docket No. 2005-24, Final Subdivision Plan for Liberty Point. This should be ready for action at the next meeting.
Request for Release of Security- SLD Docket No. 2013-07 – Brooks Edge
Mr. Flint stated that an inspection is required for the release of improvement security for SLD Docket No. 2013-07, Final Land Development Plan for Brooks Edge. This should be ready for action at the next meeting.
Zoning Hearing Board
Mr. Eby discussed Docket #2016-01, an application of MKPH Holding, LLC, requesting a special exception. The applicant wants to construct a single family dwelling on an existing lot on Massachusetts Avenue. The owner of the lot doesn’t meet the current requirements for minimum lot width and/or area. He showed the Board the location of the lot. He stated that they have a site plan with a garage and driveway that takes into account stormwater. He stated that there was an exception similar to this one in the neighborhood granted in 2013. The corner lot is not buildable based on the setbacks and he will go on the record during the hearing to ensure the owners are aware of this fact. He doesn’t believe the Solicitor needs to attend the hearing. Discussion ensued. Mr. Eby will suggest the Zoning Hearing Board demand proof to ensure the owner understands the corner lot can’t be built on.
ASSISTANT MANAGER:
FEMA Mitigation Grant Submission – 3529 Lisburn Road
Mrs. Trone discussed the grant submitted to purchase a home, demolish it and use the land for open space for the Township. The owners asked the Township to apply for the grant with FEMA. The property owners have had four losses in the last eight years because of flooding. The property is surrounded by Yellow Breech on two sides. She showed the Board the location of the house on the map. She spoke about how the program works with homes in the flood area. Discussion ensued. She discussed how the grant works with the Township having no expenses in the transaction. Mr. Flint discussed the history of the house and the contact with the property owners in the fall about raising the house, which wasn’t feasible due to the home being in the floodway. Mr. Vernau stated that the property would have value as a boat launch or fishing area for the Township.
Yappy Hour -Dog Park – LACP
Mrs. Trone discussed her memo about holding a “Yappy Hour” at the LACP Dog Park over the summer. The event would be from 5:30-7:00PM and would be BYOB. The cost of the event to the Township would be the cost of a CSO at $15/hr. She would like to work with a shelter or volunteer animal rescue group to be on hand at the event. Discussion ensued. The consensus of the Board was to move forward with planning the event.
Ordinance Amendment-Property Owners Clear Snow Around Fire Hydrants
Mr. Vernau discussed the problem they have with snow storms and accessing fire hydrants which has a direct impact on our volunteer firefighters. He spoke about the requirement for cleaning snow off the sidewalks and he would like to have an ordinance for requiring fire hydrants be cleaned off. Commissioner Schin stated that he is for it as long as it is enforced. He spoke about some concerns about those who don’t shovel their sidewalks or move their cars in the required time. Commissioner Holtzman agreed. Mr. Vernau stated that if they are notified they will do something about it. Discussion ensued. President Black stated that it is a good ordinance and thought is should be put on the website and phone calls to remind folks about them.
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to authorize the Solicitor to draft an ordinance to include the requiring property owners to clear snow from around fire hydrants. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
Employee Years of Service Awards:
Mr. Vernau discussed the memo outlining the employees who will be honored at the next meeting for their years of service.
COMMISSIONERS REPORTS
Mrs. Trone stated that the certificate of occupancy has been issued for the Public Safety Storage Building.
Director Holl spoke about the awards presented by Cumberland County tonight. He stated that former Police Chief Williamson nominated the individuals. He stated that they have received six applications for Police Captain of which five are eligible. He will be speaking to the manager this week about moving forward and will inform the Board as they make progress.
Solicitor Miner reminded the Board Vicky Trimmer will be here at the next meeting.
Commissioner Schin asked Staff about the email he sent about the sidewalks in Rossmoyne. Mr. Flint stated that they checked out the situation and 140 letters were sent to the residents about sidewalk issues. Commissioner Schin asked to be updated as action is taken on his emails.
Mr. Vernau discussed the Boy Scout projects at LACP including replacing tables and benches and building trails. He discussed upcoming projects. He spoke about the transfer from the general fund to the pension fund. He spoke about how Mr. Grove was able to move the money and receive an additional five months of interest for the Township. The Board thanked Mr. Grove.
Mr. Eby spoke about the watershed event at Hampton Pool on Tuesday night. He spoke about the July 17th cleanup of the Yellow Breeches planned and looking for volunteers.
Mr. Flint spoke about the paving projects in Rossmoyne Business Park and on Brandton Rd. and Indian Lane starting next week. He spoke about the Cedar Run Spring project and a field meeting next Thursday.
Lieutenant Crone thanked the Board for approving the job offer for the new officer. He spoke highly of him and the high expectations they have for him.
President Black asked about electronic recycling. Mr. Vernau discussed the schedule and stated that the next one should be in 2017 depending on who is willing to take the recycling. Mr. Flint stated that the County is working on this issue. He stated that he and Vice President Young will be at Jubilee day representing Lower Allen Township.
AJOURNMENT
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners adjourned at 8:32 pm.