TOWNSHIP OF SALISBURY
LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

MINUTES FROM THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING – 7:30 PM
November 25, 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 (EXCUSED)
James Brown, Vice-President (PRESIDING)
Robert Martucci, Jr.
Norma Cusick (EXCUSED)
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 Brown 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 also announced that all speakers should come to the podium, sign (print) their names and limit their remarks to 3 minutes. Mr. Soriano introduced Ms. Cynthia Sopka, the new Director of Planning and Zoning. Mr. Soriano noted that the Township is now operating at full staff.

ACCEPTANCE OF THE FINANCIAL REPORT-PERIOD ENDING 10/31/2008 AND PAYMENT OF THE BILLS
On motion of Commissioner Yoder, seconded by Commissioner Martucci, the Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to accept the Financial Report and authorize payment of the bills.

MINUTES
November 13, 2008
Commissioner Brown declared the November 13, 2008 Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes approved as presented.

ORDINANCES
None

RESOLUTIONS
Consideration of a resolution supporting the submission of a grant application for hiring a community police officer pursuant to the Lehigh County Safe Streets Program.

Mr. Soriano introduced a resolution for consideration supporting the submission of a Grant application for hiring a community police officer pursuant to the Lehigh County Safe Streets Program. Mr. Soriano noted that the Board of Commissioners discussed at the last workshop authorizing the Chief of Police to submit the Grant Application to the County with the understanding that the decision to hire a police officer will be done in concert with the financial position of the Township. Mr. Soriano noted that the 2009 Proposed Budget does not include the officer because it is uncertain whether the Grant will be approved. Chief Stiles reviewed the Grant Application. Commissioner Brown commented that the application needs to be submitted by the end of December which is the reason for the Board’s action.

Commissioner Yoder moved to approve the Resolution supporting the submission of a grant application for hiring a community police officer pursuant to the Lehigh County Safe Streets Program. The Motion was seconded by Commissioner Martucci. The Motion carried by unanimous vote.

MOTIONS
Motion to hold first reading of the proposed 2009 Budget and to authorize the advertisement of same for formal adoption at the December 23, 2008 meeting.

Mr. Soriano introduced a Motion to hold first reading on the Proposed 2009 Budget. Mr. Soriano noted that this starts a process required by Article XVII of the First Class Township Code that requires that the Board publish the Proposed Budget at least 20 days prior to the date set forth for its adoption. The Board will formally adopt the Budget on December 23, 2008. Mr. Soriano noted that the total budget for all funds is about $10,220,300 for Operating Expenses and approximately $3,649,700 for Capital Expenses, for a total of $14,685,400.

Without going into many details, Mr. Soriano explained that the Budget calls for a 5% increase from 2008 end of the year projections and maintains essential services that our residents are accustomed to without the need to increase taxes. The Township’s financial posture continues to be strong and through years of fiscal conservatism, has led to healthy fund balances that are utilized for capital needs. It is anticipated that the Township will utilize approximately $99,400 from the prior year’s reserves to balance next year’s budget.

The Commissioners and the public will have more opportunity to discuss the Budget in greater details in upcoming meetings.

Commissioner Yoder moved the first reading of the 2009 Proposed Budget and to authorize the advertisement of a Public Notice in accordance with Article XVII of the First Class Township Code. The Motion was seconded by Commissioner Martucci. Motion passed by unanimous voice vote.

Motion to authorize Payment No. 1 to Sikora Brothers Paving, Inc. in the amount of $141,787.50 for the South Dauphin Street Water Main Extension.

Mr. Soriano brought forth a Motion to authorize Payment No. 1 to Sikora Brothers Paving, Inc. in the amount of $141,787.50 for the South Dauphin Street Water Main Extension.

Commissioner Martucci noted that the Township is still retaining approximately $7,000. Mr. Tettemer noted that this is a standard practice until the work is completed.

Commissioner Yoder moved to authorize and approve Payment No. 1 to Sikora Brothers Paving, Inc. in the amount of $141,787.50 for the South Dauphin Street Water Main Extension. Motion seconded by Commissioner Martucci. Motion passed by unanimous voice vote.

Motion to authorize Payment No. 5 (Final) to Muschlitz Excavating, Inc. in the amount of $42,813.87 for the South Gilmore Street Storm Installation and Road Reconstruction.

Mr. Soriano brought forth a Motion to authorize Payment No. 5 (Final) to Muschlitz Excavating, Inc. in the amount of $42,813.87 for the South Gilmore Street Storm Installation and Road Reconstruction.

Mr. Soriano inquired on whether the Township had received the Maintenance Bond. Mr. Tettemer responded that prior to starting work, the Contractor submitted a performance Bond in the amount of 100% of the Bid. A Maintenance Bond of 10% of the total cost will run for a one-year period from the date of completion. Mr. Andreas noted that the work was satisfactorily completed and went very smoothly. Mr. Andreas noted that this will help many residents in the area and thanked the Commissioners for their support.

Commissioner Yoder moved to authorize and approve Payment No. 5 (Final) to Muschlitz Excavating, Inc. in the amount of $42,813.87 for the South Gilmore Street Storm Installation and Road Reconstruction. Motion seconded by Commissioner Martucci. Motion passed by unanimous voice vote.

PUBLIC COMMENT
Bruce Burchard of 2025 Church Road asked the Township Engineer questions regarding an apartment complex at 1930 Church Road undergoing construction and whether they had building permits and permits for the on-lot sewage systems. He inquired if the apartment property would be considered abandoned since no one has resided there for a number of years.

Attorney Ashley reviewed the definition of an Abandoned Use in the Zoning Ordinance and noted that “intent” is considered in its determination.

Mr. Burchard asked Mr. Tettemer a number of questions relating to the Southbury Park development.

Commissioner Martucci inquired about whether there was a site visit at the property at 1930 Church Road and requested getting follow-up reports related to the on-lot septic systems. He noted a concern with multiple units all utilizing one septic system and they are applying for just one more system.

Mr. Tettemer noted the Sewage Enforcement Officer and DEP would determine whether the on-lot septic permit application should be approved. Commissioner Martucci noted that there is a stream close to the property.

Jane Benning informed the Board of Commissioners that there is an article in a newsletter recommending the preservation of land on South Mountain and noted that there is an appeal pending relating to the Southbury Park development.

OTHER BUSINESS
None

Mr. Randy Soriano noted that there would not be an Executive Session.

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