Lower Allen Web Log

I'm just getting to do the meeting update this afternoon, but it's better late than never. I hope.

• The consent agenda included action on a resolution supporting releasing state dollars for the Norfolk Southern grade separation in Lemoyne, an issue the BOC had discussed twice before in open meeting. Township resident Walt Lyon brought the issue to the Board in April. The BOC passed the action, Resolution 2008-R-15, unanimously.

• The first BOC meeting at the new municipal service complex (MSC) on June 9 should include promotion ceremonies for soon-to-be Lieutenants Gregory Thomas and Leon Crone. The Board voted unanimously to accept the Civil Service Commission's recommendation to promote both Thomas and Crone after completion of the appropriate testing.

• Much later this year, the Lower Allen Fire Department's apparatus will be formally housed at the new complex on Oct. 11. LAT staff and volunteers will also house an ambulance and a police car in the ceremony. An open house for the MSC is being planned for earlier in the year, but no date has been set.

• After an extensive debate, a majority of the Board voted to fill a full-time EMT position with a public safety officer (PSO). This PSO concept has been one used by LAT for several years, but strategic planning done earlier this year pointed out that we have failed to add to the PSO staff. As a result, the plan called for a PSO to be added in 2009. Current EMT-II Jory Harlan accepted a police officer position with Upper Allen Township, though, so the BOC was faced with either enacting this aspect of the strategic plan a year early or filling the opening with a current part-time EMT. Despite additional costs in the form of a higher hourly salary and a longer hiring process which will result in staff overtime, the BOC approved, and I supported, advertising for and hiring a PSO.

• Dir. Williamson delivered a brief demonstration of the capabilities of the new Connect-CTY community outreach software.

• The BOC agreed to cooperate with the Borough of Shiremanstown for processing of yard waste. Under the plan outlined by Township Manager Tom Vernau, Shiremanstown residents with proper identification will be able to drop off yard waste at LAT's Public Works facility. LAT will process the yard waste, and will drop off a corresponding share of the final compost product to a location in Shiremanstown where Borough residents will be able to receive it. The plan also calls for Shiremanstown Borough to contribute $250 towards LAT's maintenance costs. No word yet if the Shiremanstown council approved the measure.

Please let me know if you have any questions about any of these actions. I'll be happy help.