TOWNSHIP OF SALISBURY
LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

MINUTES FROM THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING – 7:30 PM
October 23, 2008

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.
Mary Yoder

Excused: Norma Cusick

Staff attending:
Randy Soriano, Township Manager
Cathy Bonaskiewich, Assistant Township Manager/Finance Director
John Andreas, Director of Public Works
Allen Stiles, Chief of Police
John Ashley, Township Solicitor
David Tettemer, representative of Keystone Consulting Engineers, 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.

FINANCIAL REPORT AND PAYMENT OF THE BILLS
On motion of Commissioner Yoder, seconded by Commissioner Brown, the Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to accept the Financial Report for the period ending September 30, 2008 and authorize payment of the bills.

MINUTES
October 9, 2008
Commissioner Unger declared the October 9, 2008 Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes approved as submitted.

ORDINANCES
None.

RESOLUTIONS
Consideration of a resolution to authorize the execution of an Agreement retaining Berkheimer as the Tax Officer for the collection of the Earned Income Tax levied by the Township of Salisbury.

Mr. Soriano acknowledged that the agreement will be for a three year term in order to collect Act 511 taxes by an appointed Tax Collector. Mr. Soriano noted that he had obtained information on how other municipalities collect this tax, some also use Berkheimer. He recommended that Berkheimer is well qualified to continue performing the earned income tax collection services for the Township.

On motion of Commissioner Yoder, seconded by Commissioner Martucci, the Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to authorize the execution of an Agreement retaining Berkheimer as the Tax Officer for the collection of the Earned Income Tax levied by the Township of Salisbury.

Consideration of a resolution authorizing and empowering Berkheimer to impose and retain costs of collection on delinquent taxes.

On motion of Commissioner Yoder, seconded by Commissioner Brown, the Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the resolution authorizing and empowering Berkheimer to impose and retain costs of collection on delinquent taxes.

Consideration of a resolution to appoint Berkheimer as the Township Tax Hearing Officer.

On motion of Commissioner Yoder, seconded by Commissioner Martucci, the Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the resolution to appoint Berkheimer as the Township Tax Hearing Officer.

Consideration of a resolution to appoint liaisons between the Township and Berkheimer for the express purpose of sharing confidential tax information for official purposes.

Mr. Soriano noted that both he and Mrs. Cathy Bonaskiewich would be the two individuals appointed to be liaisons.

On motion of Commissioner Yoder, seconded by Commissioner Brown, the Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to appoint Mr. Soriano and Mrs. Bonaskiewich as liaisons between the Township and Berkheimer for the express purpose of sharing confidential tax information for official purposes.

Consideration of a resolution appointing members to the Police Pension Committee.

Mr. Soriano noted that the committee has been dormant and requires the new appointments due to staff changes and the police association changes. He noted that he would be appointed as a member as well as Mrs. Bonaskiewich as the Chief Administrative Officer, and two police officers (Ronald Patten and Donald Sabo) to act in regards to pension matters. He stated that in accordance with Act 600 the committee should meet yearly to review the pension’s assets.

On motion of Commissioner Yoder, seconded by Commissioner Martucci, the Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the resolution appointing members to the Police Pension Committee.

Consideration of a resolution to approve the Hope United Church of Christ Land Development Plan.

Present was Mr. David Walasavage of Barry Isett & Associates, engineer. He reviewed the plan, noting that the plan proposes to replace the existing parking lot to allow for better drainage and improve its aesthetics. He acknowledged that they have received the appropriate outside agency approvals.

Mr. Tettemer explained that the Township Planning Commission reviewed the project and recommended conditional approval, subject to his review letter and the Planning & Zoning Director’s letter dated August 7, 2008. He described the waivers that the Planning Commission recommended. He noted that they are making the parking lot more functional.

On motion of Commissioner Yoder, seconded by Commissioner Brown, the Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the resolution approving the Hope United Church of Christ Land Development Plan, including waivers as listed. Consideration of a resolution to appoint a Director of Planning & Zoning and Zoning Officer.

Commissioner Unger noted that Ms. Cynthia Sopka is currently the Zoning Officer for the City of Reading and has extensive experience and education.

Commissioner Brown noted that there were approximately 20 applicants for the position and the best qualified candidate was selected.

On motion of Commissioner Yoder, seconded by Commissioner Martucci, the Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the resolution to appoint Ms. Cynthia Sopka as the Director of Planning & Zoning and Zoning Officer.

MOTIONS
Consideration of a motion to approve and authorize the execution of the 2009-2012 Police Agreement.

Commissioner Unger noted that this is a four-year contract with the police.

Commissioner Brown thanked Mrs. Bonaskiewich for her efforts in the negotiation of the contract.

Mr. Soriano highlighted some of the changes the agreement includes such as the average salary increase percentage of 4.25% for the four year term and additional monetary incentive for uniforms and changes in the health insurance and scheduling. He noted that the modifications would not necessitate a tax increase and have been included with the 2009 budget.

Mr. Edward Tremba of 1076 Newgate Drive inquired about how the Township calculates retirement pension benefits for the police.

Chief Stiles responded that generally township police pensions are relatively low. Mr. Soriano added that the calculations are based on 50% of the final average salary for the last three years of employment.

On motion of Commissioner Yoder, seconded by Commissioner Martucci, the Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve and authorize the execution of the 2009-2012 Police Agreement.

Consideration of a motion to authorize Waste Management of PA, Inc. to include grass collection as a service option for the 2009 contract period.

Commissioner Unger stated that they are continuing the grass collection and have not set the payment plan.

Mr. Soriano noted that the Township would still have to determine in the future how to pass on the costs for the collection of grass.

Ms. Yoder commented that the grass collection should continue.

Mr. Tremba expressed that he would like the grass collection services to continue and commented how he cuts his grass with the mulching mower. He commented that in the Spring, grass needs to be cut at least twice per week during the fast growing season.

The contract with Waste Management contains a clause that allows the Township to decide whether to pick up grass on a yearly basis. Mr. Unger noted that currently the charge to residents does not include the cost for grass collection because the costs have been offset with funds collected from recycling. He stated that by spring, the Township has to determine whether to charge per bag.

Mr. Tremba inquired about the grass collection survey that had been included with the billings. He commented having an alternative if grass collection would be discontinued.

On a motion by Commissioner Yoder, seconded by Commissioner Brown, the Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to authorize Waste Management of PA, Inc. to include grass collection as a service option for the 2009 contract period.

Consideration of a motion to set and authorize advertising the dates for the second Board of Commissioners meetings in November and December due to the holidays. Second meeting dates proposed as follows: November - Tuesday, November 25, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. and December - Tuesday, December 23, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. Mr. Soriano noted that the Commissioners will conduct business for the second meetings of November and December on the Tuesdays prior to the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

On a motion by Commissioner Yoder, seconded by Commissioner Martucci, the Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the motion to set and authorize advertising the dates for the second Board of Commissioners meetings in November and December due to the holidays. Second meeting dates proposed as follows: November -Tuesday, November 25, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. and December - Tuesday, December 23, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.

ADDITIONAL ITEM
Consideration of a motion to approve a Final Payment to Wexcon, Inc. in the amount of $8, 974.89 for the Sanitary Sewer System rehabilitation project.

On motion of Commissioner Yoder, seconded by Commissioner Brown, the Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the Final Payment to Wexcon, Inc. in the amount of $8,974.89 for the Sanitary Sewer System rehabilitation project.

PUBLIC COMMENT
Mr. Tremba inquired about the status of the proposed police department building renovations.

Mr. Soriano noted that they will continue discussions on the renovations project as part of the budget preparations.

Commissioner Unger explained that three options were explored and the Township Commissioners chose the option that made more sense. Commissioner Unger noted that the next step would be to finalize the formal plans.

Mr. Soriano explained that the costs for the project would have to be allocated which will be discussed during the course of preparing the 2009 budget.

Chief Stiles responded to a question relating to the number of police officers in the police department.

OTHER BUSINESS
Mr. Andreas informed the Board about the bid process for the Barnsdale Road Storm Sewer Replacement Project. He anticipates having the results for the Board after they have been reviewed. He also informed the Board of the leaf collection program.

Chief Stiles informed the Board of the Operation Safe Stop program where they follow school buses to make sure drivers stop for the flashing red lights. He noted that there were two citations issued. He noted that the police department has a new crime tip line and signs will be posted at the schools, parks and various areas around the Township.

He noted that there is also an internet connection for crime tips. He explained that the crime tip line is made possible through the generosity of the Lehigh Valley Hospital who maintains the phone. He noted that Officer Donald Sabo will conduct a special internet safety program presentation.

Mr. Andreas responded to questions on whether residents can find out ahead of time when the leaf truck will be coming to their street. Mr. Andreas and Commissioner Unger noted the difficulty of determining in advance where they will be due to weather conditions, leaf volumes and occasional equipment issues.

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