TOWNSHIP OF SALISBURY
LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

MINUTES FROM THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING – 7:30 PM
February 26, 2009

The Public Meeting of the Salisbury Township Board of Commissioners was held on the above date at the Township Municipal Building located at 2900 South Pike Avenue, Allentown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania.

Members attending:
Larry Unger, President
James Brown, Vice-President
Robert Martucci, Jr.,
Norma Cusick
Mary Yoder

Staff attending:
Randy Soriano, Township Manager
Cathy Bonaskiewich, Assistant Township Manager, Finance Director
John Andreas, Director of Public Works
Allen Stiles, Chief of Police
Cynthia Sopka, Director of Planning and Zoning-(EXCUSED)
John Ashley, Township Solicitor
David Tettemer, representative of the Township Engineer.

CALL TO ORDER
Commissioner Unger called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

NOTIFICATION
Mr. Soriano informed the attendees that all sessions of the Salisbury Township Board of Commissioners regular meetings are electronically recorded for the purpose of taking the Minutes. All public comments on agenda items would be taken at the time of the vote. All public comments related to non-agenda items will be taken after the agenda has been satisfied. Mr. Soriano announced that the Township does archive its tapes and are available

pursuant the Right to Know Law. Mr. Soriano reported that the tape of the February 12, 2009 meeting failed to record and therefore is not available.

APPROVAL OF FINANCIAL REPORT AND BILLS PAYABLE
On motion of Commissioner Cusick, seconded by Commissioner Martucci, the Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the Financial Report for the period ending January 31, 2009 and Bills Payable for the period 2/09/2009 to 2/20/2009.

MINUTES
February 12, 2009
Commissioner Unger declared the February 12, 2009 Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes approved as presented.

PRESENTATION OF STATE REPRESENTATIVE KAREN BEYER
The Honorable State Representative Karen Beyer was in attendance. Representative Beyer touched upon several legislative issues pending at the State level and provided a very grim outlook on the proposed State Budget presented by Governor Rendell. Representative Beyer announced that the Pennsylvania will be receiving a very substantial amount from the President Obama Stimulus Bill and that both Senator Wonderling and Representative Beyer would need a list of potential projects from municipalities by March 17, 2009 so that projects could be incorporated into a Bill in April. Representative Beyer touched upon the proposed State Budget, emphasizing that she would like to know what the Township would like to see in the near future.

Representative Beyer expressed that she would not be supporting video poker licensing and explained where the Governor wants the profits to benefit. She stated that it is going to be a tough year for the Commonwealth, but she hopes we get through and the public will be proud again.

Commissioner Unger inquired on whether the Stimulus package would also be able to incorporate projects such as the proposed renovations of the Township Police Department.

Representative Beyer noted that the project could have been proposed under the State Capital Budget that projects over a million dollars can go into the Capital Budget. She noted that there is an analysis by a group of legal scholars in the Commonwealth that suggest there are problems with the Stimulus money and the constitutionality of it in the Commonwealth which is being worked out. The Republican and Democrat House Caucuses coordinated and are currently funding approximately $7.5 million worth of projects around the Lehigh Valley this year.

ORDINANCES
None

RESOLUTIONS
Consideration of a Resolution authorizing the execution of documents relating to the PA DOT Electronic Access Licensing Agreement

Mr. Soriano explained that this resolution is required in order to allow the Township to submit electronic reports through the PA DOT website and the Township needs to designate two officers to execute and provide all information necessary for the completing the Agreement and all documents necessary to effect the Agreement.

Motion by Commissioner Cusick to adopt Resolution authorizing the execution of documents relating to the PA DOT Electronic Access Licensing Agreement as read. Seconded by Commissioner Brown. Motion passed by unanimous voice vote.

MOTIONS
Consideration of a Resolution authorizing the execution of documents relating to the PA DOT Electronic Access Licensing Agreement

Mr. Soriano brought forth a Motion to adopt the newly revised Park Pavilion Policy. Mr. Soriano noted that the new policy simplifies the rental of Pavilions by charging a two-tier level of rates for residents and non-residents for the use of the Township pavilions. Mr. Soriano noted that the rate for residents will be $25 dollars along with a refundable security deposit of $50 and $100 for non-residents with a $100 refundable security deposit. Mr. Soriano noted that the policy sets forth a cancellation policy for refunds and allows the Board of Commissioners to waive fees for non-profits and charitable organizations. Mr. Soriano noted that a new comprehensive application will be used stating all of the rules governing the use of the Park and it will also require that the applicants agree to hold harmless and indemnify the Township for the use of the Park.

Commissioner Cusick inquired about the restrictions concerning sound amplification devices since many people rent the Gazebo for weddings. Mr. Soriano noted that singing and other forms of music could be permitted as long as amplification devices are not used.

Commissioner Martucci stated that he has seen people with inflatable toys that you can jump around in and questioned if they would be excluded as an amusement structure, as he sees that as an issue.

Motion by Commissioner Cusick to adopt the revised Policy for reserving the Township Pavilions and Application form. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Martucci. The Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

PUBLIC COMMENT
Bruce Burchard of 2025 Church Road commented about a rumor that Myron Haydt has been issued a permit to build on one of the lots at Southbury Park. Mr. Burchard noted that he observed today that a lot of the open ground on the property has been covered, but noticed there is an area of land in the back that is not covered and wondered why. Mr. Burchard inquired about the status of the issues with some of the detention basins and the citations issued by the Conservation District that were to be addressed.

Mr. Tettemer explained that land can be disturbed, but if nothing is done within (20) twenty days, then it must be stabilized. He noted that Mr. Haydt is in the process of constructing in the area and is constantly disturbing it and therefore the area doesn’t have to be immediately stabilized although Mr. Haydt still must make sure that there is no accelerated runoff. He noted that DEP is still in the process of reviewing the issues and has not issued their decision.

Jane Benning of 3111 Douglas Road asked about whether a driveway conflict matter that she had brought up several meetings ago was being pursued.

Ms. Benning was asked to contact Cynthia Sopka about the matter.

OTHER BUSINESS
Commissioner Unger inquired about the viability of purchasing the Township’s street lights and the possibility of a General Obligation Bond.

Mr. Soriano noted that they will closely research funding options for the police station renovation particularly after more information is obtained on the cost estimates.

There was a brief discussion on looking at possible projects for the Township to have included in the State Capital Budget.

ADJOURNMENT
As no other business was presented, the meeting was adjourned. The Board of Commissioners recessed into a Workshop.