TOWNSHIP OF SALISBURY
LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

MINUTES FROM THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING – 7:30 PM
April 9, 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
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.

APPROVAL OF BILLS PAYABLE
On motion of Commissioner Cusick, seconded by Commissioner Martucci, the Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the Bills Payable for the period 3/21/2009 through 04/03/2009.

MINUTES
March 26, 2009
Commissioner Unger declared the March 26, 2009 Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes approved as presented.

NEW BUSINESS

ORDINANCES
None

PROCLAMATION
Proclaiming the Month of April 2009 “Volunteer Month”

Mr. Soriano brought forth the Proclamation as set forth:

“WHEREAS, the Township of Salisbury is blessed to have a capable core of volunteers that are committed and dedicated to serve our community; and

WHEREAS, the Township of Salisbury Board of Commissioners recognize the value and the benefits of the volunteers’ efforts and contributions; and

WHEREAS, the Township of Salisbury residents are the direct beneficiaries of all volunteer efforts.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Salisbury Township Board of Commissioners hereby proclaims the month of April 2009 to be Salisbury Township Volunteer Month, to recognize all volunteers for their unheralded volunteer work and their unmatched level of unselfish sacrifice to serve their community.”

Commissioner Martucci praised Commissioner Unger for initiating this program and acknowledged the longstanding value of the volunteers to the community.

Commissioner Cusick thanked Commissioner Unger for commencing the recognition program for volunteers.

Commissioner Brown agreed with Commissioner Martucci, and thanked Commissioner Unger for initiating the program.

Commissioner Yoder agreed with all the members’ comments.

Motion by Commissioner Cusick to approve the Proclamation as presented and honor the volunteers as noted. Motion seconded by Commissioner Brown. Motion passed by unanimous voice vote.

RESOLUTIONS
Consideration of resolutions to recognize volunteer nominees.

Mr. Soriano introduced the list of volunteers and their respective Resolutions that the Board will recognize at the annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner that will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2009. The dinner is by invitation only. The volunteers that will be recognized are as follows:

• James Litzenberger-1550 Herbert Street-Allentown, PA 18103-Longstanding Director/Fundraiser of the SYA wrestling Booster Club program. Nominated by Commissioner Unger.
• Barbara Litzenberger-1550 Herbert Street-Allentown, PA 18103-Longstanding Director/Fundraiser of the SYA wrestling Booster Club program. Nominated by Commissioner Unger
• William Norton-1421 Garden Avenue-Allentown, PA 18103-Former Member of the Salisbury Township Civil Service Commission, Kiwanis Club volunteer and former Police Chief, Sergeant and Patrolman. Nominated by Commissioner Unger.
• Larry Schaffer-1612 Hillcrest Avenue, Bethlehem, PA 18015-Director of the SYA Football program, involved in coaching and various fundraising activities for youth football league. Nominated by Commissioner Unger.
• Richard Kalady-2567 Green Acres Drive, Allentown, PA 18015-Volunteer for the Hamilton Park Athletic Association, coaching biddy leagues and junior level teams. Also served on the Board of Directors of HPAA. Sponsored by Frank McCullough.
• Gregory Cichocki-2845 Fairfield Drive North, Allentown, PA 18103 -Director and baseball coach for the HPAA. Designed first HPAA sweatshirt. Sponsored by Frank McCullough.
• Janet Keim-11 W. Pine Street, Emmaus, PA 18049. Nominated by Commissioner Brown.
• Connie Kelly, 3007 Meadowbrook Circle North, Allentown, PA 18103.-Handled bookkeeping for the Western Salisbury Fire Department annual fundraiser from 1978 until 2008. Sponsored by Steven Schneider, Fire Chief, Western Salisbury Fire Department.
• Dan Bellesfield was with the Fire and Ambulance Corp since 1988. He served as Captain – Assistant Chief - VP - and President. He was instrumental in the design phase of the building. He designed the Fire Company logo, and was involved with the purchase of the fire truck. Nominated by Commissioner Martucci.
• Wendy Bellesfield started with the Fire and Ambulance Corp in 1991. Wendy ran with both the Fire Company and the Ambulance Corp. She served as the Safety Officer - Assistant Ambulance Chief and as the Ambulance Corp Secretary. Nominated by Commissioner Martucci Motion by Commissioner Cusick to approve the Resolutions as presented and honor the volunteers as noted. Motion seconded by Commissioner Martucci. Motion passed by unanimous voice vote.

Consideration of a resolution of appreciation of Mrs. Nancy Miklus for her years of service to the Township and its citizens.

Mr. Soriano brought forth the resolution of appreciation of the Police Administrative Assistant Nancy Miklus who is retiring after 34 years of service.

“BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF SALISBURY, LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION OF THE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS TO NANCY MIKLUS FOR HER YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE TOWNSHIP AND ITS CITIZENS.

WHEREAS, Nancy Miklus has been employed with the Township as an Administrative Assistant in the Police Department of the Township of Salisbury for thirtyfour (34) years; and

WHEREAS, during her employment with the Township, said Nancy Miklus has been a dedicated and conscientious employee who has rendered valuable and capable services to this Board and the citizens of the Township of Salisbury; and

WHEREAS, this Board deems it appropriate to acknowledge the dedicated services of Nancy Miklus during her employment with Salisbury Township.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Salisbury Township Board of Commissioners and it is hereby resolved by same that the appreciation of its members, staff and all of the citizens of the Township of Salisbury be extended to Nancy Miklus for the many years of capable and dedicated service she has rendered to the Township; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the best wishes of the members of this Board and staff be extended to Nancy Miklus.”

The Board as a whole thanked Mrs. Miklus for her longstanding public service and wished her luck.

Chief Stiles presented Mrs. Miklus with a Certificate of Appreciation, praised her work ethics, her professionalism with the public, and thanked her for all she has done for the Police Department.

Motion by Commissioner Cusick to approve the Resolution honoring Mrs. Miklus for her years of service to the Township upon her retirement. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Martucci. Motion passed by unanimous voice vote.

MOTIONS
Consideration of a Motion to enter into a revised Improvements and Maintenance Agreement regarding the Center Square Associates Development

Mr. Soriano brought forth the new Developer’s Improvement and Maintenance Agreement for Center Square Associates Development.

Mr. Soriano noted that a new Land Development Improvement Agreement will be needed with the new developer who has taken over the defunct Center Square development project at the intersection of South Cedar Crest Boulevard and Lincoln Avenue. The former developer filed for bankruptcy and did not complete the work for both the proposed gasoline station and bank. The Solicitor has drafted a new Agreement that includes finishing up the Lincoln Avenue improvements, underground storage, landscaping and utilities. The estimated cost of improvements is $175,736.77. The Solicitor, Engineer and the Director of Planning and Zoning noted their appropriate review of the Agreement and recommended the approval by the Board.

Motion by Commissioner Cusick and seconded by Commissioner Brown to approve the revised Land Development Improvement Agreement with Polaris Cedar Crest, LLC, 7652 Penn Drive, Allentown, PA 18106. Motion passed by unanimous voice vote.

Consideration of a Motion to authorize the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding Addendum to the Agreement to participate in the Lehigh County COBRA Initiative.

Mr. Soriano brought forth a revised Addendum to the Lehigh County COBRA Initiative (LCCI) and CODY that was signed last year. The revisions are necessary because two (2) additional municipalities have joined the LCCI. Chief Stiles explained that the Lehigh County District Attorney is requesting that all participating Agencies sign the new revised Memorandum of Understanding.

Commissioner Cusick made a motion to approve the revised Memorandum of Understanding between the participating agencies in the COBRA Initiative. Motion seconded by Mr. Martucci. Motion passed by unanimous voice vote.

PUBLIC COMMENT
Bruce Burchard of 2025 Church Road, Bethlehem posed questions concerning the Southbury Park Subdivision plans he reviewed. He expressed his concern and interest with the dates of approval for the soil and erosion plan, and the modular plan.

Mr. Tettemer advised that they have eight (8) sets of plans that the commissioners did approve. Each set of plans have individual revision dates. Any prior revision to a set of plans has no legal value, only historical value. When it comes time to build, the Township goes by the date of the approved plan.

Mr. Burchard commented he would like to see the approved plans with respect to Basin #4.

Mr. Tettemer advised Basin #4 is a temporary sedimentation basin which they will refill and build a home on top of. Mr. Burchard inquired the requirements for soils when building foundations.

Mr. Burchard inquired about plan revisions for Basin #4 and its proximity to Basin #1 and underground water table elevations. Mr. Tettemer explained that in instances of a high water table, one may either not have a full basement, a partial or split-level basement, or install a sump-pump.

Mr. Burchard asked a number of questions regarding the soil and erosions plan, drilling for wells, and matters relating to EPA, Army Corp of Engineers and DEP. He noted his observations of #2 sediment basin appearing full of water due to a build-up of silt and requested that the Township issue a cease and desist as provided in the SALDO.

Mr. Tettemer commented that he would not recommend the Commissioners issue a stop work until the violations became such an issue with the Conservation District. The Conservation District knows to contact him if it is a serious concern. He would then recommend work to be stopped on the project until corrected. He noted that he has not received any indications from LCCD that this is an issue.

Ms. Sopka asked Mr. Burchard to contact her to schedule an appointment and they can review the plans together. She would make note of all his concerns.

Mr. Burchard questioned Mr. Tettemer whether blasting had been occurring, as they are feeling rumbling in their home, along with their neighbors. Mr. Tettemer stated he is not aware of any blasting. Ms. Sopka advised there is a possibility this may be occurring because approximately two (2) weeks ago they advised that they hit bedrock.

Jane Benning thanked the Board for her appointment to the EAC.

OTHER BUSINESS

EXECUTIVE SESSION-Commissioners recessed into Executive Session to discuss legal matter concerning land acquisition.

ADJOURNMENT
As no other business was presented, the meeting was adjourned. The Board of Commissioners recessed into a Workshop. The time was 8:30 PM.