Board of Commissioners
8-8-16 Minutes
MINUTES
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 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 Trone, Assistant Township Manager |
| Richard F. Schin | David Holl, Director of Public Safety |
| Jack R. Simpson, Jr. | Daniel Flint, Community Development |
| Carolyn E. Holtzman | 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 August 8, 2016 Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners to order at 7:00 pm. He followed with a prayer and 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 July 25, 2016 meeting of the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner HOLTZMAN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
WEST SHORE RECREATION COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT
Ms. Stacy Gromlich thanked the Board for the opportunity to discuss the West Shore Recreation Commission. She stated that they are doing well for the year so far. She stated that they are moving toward not having an increase in fees for next year. She stated that they are utilizing a van that is 22 years old which may be a large expense in the future. The Board thanked her for coming and for the hard work they do providing recreation to the Township.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: ANY ITEM ON THE AGENDA
Mr. Bonneville asked to speak about Ordinance 2016-03.
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 a request. There was no response.
Commissioner SCHIN moved to approve the following Consent Agenda items:
- Drainage Plan 2016-02 for Marzoni’s Restaurant, 4925 Ritter Road.
- Renewal of Improvement Security for SLD Docket No. 2000-11, Final Subdivision Plan for The Heights of Beacon Hill, Phase 2, establishing a new amount of $8,406.86 and a new expiration date of August 8, 2017, and authorizing Staff to act on the existing improvement security if updated security is not provided by the expiration date, August 10, 2016.
- Waiver from the requirement in Section 192-57.C(1)(c) that requires an approach to an intersection to have a maximum grade of 4% for a minimum distance of 60 feet, to allow a grade of 6.7% on Rocky Way from Station 5+39 to Station 8+33, for SLD Docket No. 2016-04, Final Subdivision and Land Development Plan for Highpoint, Phase 1.3.
- SLD Docket No. 2016-04: Final Subdivision and Land Development Plan for Highpoint, Phase 1.3: Final Plan for 18 Single Family Detached hone parcels.
- Tax Collector’s Monthly Reports for July 2016.
Vice President YOUNG seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
PRESIDENT BLACK
Approval of Check Register
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to approve Check Register of August 5, 2016 in the amount of $180,233.71. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Resolution 2016-R-24 – Honoring Richard Joseph Lavery-Eagle Scout
Vice President YOUNG made a motion to approve Resolution 2016-R-24, a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of Lower Allen Township, Cumberland County Pennsylvania, recognizing, commending and honoring Richard Joseph Lavery for the attainment of the rank of Eagle Scout. Commissioner SCHIN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Ordinance 2016-03, Amending The Code for Snow and Ice Removal
The Board discussed the letter of concerns from Mr. Bonneville regarding proposed Ordinance 2016-03. The ordinance would amend the code of the Township requiring residents to shovel/clear any fire hydrants on their property after a snow. The Board asked if the ordinance change was from a complaint or problem. Mr. Vernau stated that when there is heavy snow the fire fighters are slowed down by trying to find and shovel out the fire hydrants. The Board asked the Solicitor about liability if a hydrant isn’t shoveled and there is a fire – would the homeowner be at risk. Solicitor Miner discussed how there can be issues with the fire hydrants now and isn’t sure about culpability in this situation. He stated that he hasn’t read any cases about it and knows other municipalities are passing these types of measures.
Mr. Bonneville spoke about his property and his concerns with taking care of the fire hydrant on his property. He spoke about the situation with sidewalks and hydrants and plowing of snow. He stated that EMS picks up residents for having a heart attack from shoveling and doesn’t want to see this added as a requirement. He believes if the Township legislates it then the resident is liable. He stated that he has to have someone shovel his snow and it would add costs to him for shoveling the hydrant. He will pay the costs while his neighbors benefit. He spoke about a hydrant tax which could allow the Township to take care of the hydrants for snow. Discussion ensued.
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to refer this back to staff for further research. Commissioner SIMPSON seconded the motion. Vice President Young asked if it needed to be tabled. Commissioner Schin and Simpson withdrew their motions.
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to table action on Ordinance 2016-03 until staff is able to look at the issues discussed at tonight’s meeting. Commissioner SIMPSON seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
ANY BUSINESS PERTINENT TO THE TOWNSHIP
There was no response.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Resolution 2016-R-25
Mr. Flint discussed the modifications needed for the traffic signal at Gettysburg Road and Hartzdale Drive. He stated that PennDOT requires a new signal permit for the sidewalk modifications, even though the signals aren’t being altered.
Commissioner SCHIN made a motion to approve Resolution 2016-R-25, authorizing the Manager to sign the Application for Traffic Signal Approval for the traffic signal at Gettysburg Road and Hartzdale Road. Vice President YOUNG seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Zoning Hearing Board
Mr. Eby discussed Docket #2016-01, an application of MKPH Holdings, LLC, requesting a special exception which was continued on July 21, 2016. The request was continued to verify that both owners of the property understood the hardship with building on lot 161. He stated that the applicant was able to provide credible evidence that a new home could be developed on lot 161. He stated that there wouldn’t be a Zoning Hearing Board in August
MANAGER
Newspaper Advertising
Mr. Vernau discussed his memo outlining the statistics with the Patriot News and the Carlisle Sentinel for advertising for the Township. He stated that the Sentinel doesn’t offer home delivery in the zip code 17011 but is available online. They are less expensive by an estimated 30% compared to the Patriot News. However, the circulation for the Patriot News for Cumberland County is 78,116 versus the Sentinel of 9,000. Discussion ensued. The Board agreed to keep the advertising in the Patriot News for now.
COMMISSIONERS REPORTS
Mrs. Trone reminded the Board of the upcoming Public Works tour. She spoke about the successful Yappy Hour held last week.
Director Holl thanked everyone for the great National Night out last week. He stated that they will be doing it again and expanding it next year. He reminded everyone about the Lisburn Festival this week. The Board thanked staff for their work on National Night Out and Yappy Hour.
Commissioner Simpson spoke about meeting Mrs. Conway and discussing the abandoned building. He spoke about the mail being stacked up and the yard being overgrown. Mr. Eby stated that Mrs. Conway is aware of the legal process the Township is going through for the property. He stated that there is an agreement for purchase but there was a hiccup in the legal process for the sale. Commissioner Schin asked if there could be random checks to ensure no one has gained access to the house. Mr. Eby stated that they would schedule a review.
Commissioner Simpson asked about a property on Gettysburg Road where there was a concern that car parts are being sold. Mr. Eby stated that they conducted an investigation and stated that the owner goes to auction and purchases the cars and they are then transported to his dealership. He stated that they are working with him about other property issues and Mrs. Conway is aware.
Mr. Flint spoke about the resignation of the current MS4 Coordinator and they will be advertising for his replacement.
ADJOURNMENT TO EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners adjourned to executive session at 8:11 pm to discuss the following items:
- 155 Creekwood Dr. property.
- Police step P1 issue.