TOWNSHIP OF SALISBURY
LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

MINUTES FROM THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING – 7:30 PM
December 11, 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.
Norma Cusick
Mary Yoder

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

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.

APPROVAL OF THE BILLS
On motion of Commissioner Cusick, seconded by Commissioner Brown, the Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the payment of the bills for the period 11/25/2008 to 12/05/2008.

MINUTES
November 25, 2008
Commissioner Unger declared the November 25, 2008 Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes approved as presented.

ORDINANCES
None

RESOLUTIONS
Consideration of a resolution to approve the Salisbury Township High School Preliminary/Final Land Development Plan.

Mr. Soriano introduced the resolution approving the Salisbury High School Preliminary/Final Land Development Plan. Mr. Soriano noted that the Planning Commission, at their November 12, 2008 meeting, made a motion to recommend conditional approval of the Salisbury Township High School Preliminary/Final Land Development Plan, conditioned upon the developer addressing the Township Engineer’s review letter, with specific emphasis on obtaining a resolution to the traffic study issues to the satisfaction of the Township Engineer and a resolution of the data between the 2004 traffic study and the traffic study presented by the School District; and any Federal, State, and/or local requirement applicable to the site, and any conditions and/or requirements of the Township Solicitor.

Additionally, Mr. Soriano noted that a representative of the School District made a presentation during the November 25, 2008 Workshop to three members of the Board of Commissioners who were present. A synopsis of the meeting was transmitted by both the Manager’s Notes and a December letter from Mr. Arif Fazil, P.E., of D’Huy Engineering, representing the School. Other members of the School District were present to add to the discussion.

The School District was represented by Mr. Fazil and Dr. MaryAnne Wright, Superintendent, and other School Board members. Mr. Soriano turned over the floor for their presentation. Commissioner Unger and other Board members believed that another presentation would not be warranted since the Board of Commissioners is familiar with the issue at hand. Commissioner Unger asked a question concerning how the water run-off for the new addition will be handled. Mr. Fazil discussed the various techniques used in accordance with the Township’s Stormwater Ordinance noting that all of the requirements had been approved.

Commissioner Cusick discussed the applicability of the December 1, 2008 letter sent by the School District with regards to the Traffic Light. Mr. Fazil asked for clarification concerning the Resolution and how the matter of the Traffic Light would be addressed.

Attorney Ashley noted that the Resolution treats the traffic issue as a deferral.

Discussion ensued on setting the parameters that both the Township and School District would be able to address this issue in the future. Commissioner Brown suggested that some language could be inserted to require that a specific Traffic Study be performed after a number of years from the completion of the addition.

Attorney Ashley tried to formulate the appropriate language that both parties could agree on how the Traffic Light issue at the intersection of East Emmaus Avenue and South Dauphin Street would be addressed in the future. Ms. Sopka suggested that the language should also specify the intersection for the traffic light. Mr. Tettemer suggested that the traffic light issue become a waiver two years after the school’s occupancy if it is determined that the signal is not warranted.

Commissioner Cusick moved to approve the resolution approving the Salisbury Township High School Preliminary/Final Land Development Plan as amended by the additional language proposed by the Township Solicitor. The Motion was seconded by Commissioner Martucci. The Motion carried by unanimous vote.

MOTIONS
Consideration of a motion to authorize the revision of a delinquent tax amount to be collected by the Lehigh County Tax Claim Bureau for 1403 Seidersville Road.

Mr. Soriano introduced a Motion to authorize the revision of a delinquent tax amount to be collected by the Lehigh County Tax Claim Bureau for the 2007 year for a property located at 1403 Seidersville Road. Mrs. Bonaskiewich explained that the total amount to be collected is now $316.15 instead of $592.02.

Commissioner Cusick moved to approve the revision of the delinquent tax amount for 1403 Seidersville Road. The Motion was seconded by Commissioner Brown. Motion passed by unanimous voice vote.

Consideration of a motion to authorize Escrow Release #3 for the Southbury Park development in the amount of $138,147.48.

Mr. Soriano brought forth a Motion to authorize the Escrow Release No. 3 for the Southbury Park Development in the amount of $138,147.48. Mr. Soriano noted that the request was reviewed and approved by the Township Engineer. Mr. Soriano noted that the balance is $726,305.83, including a 15% retainage. Commissioner Unger asked a question concerning seeding the area. Mr. Soriano noted that the Township will still retain about 75% for permanent seeding.

Commissioner Cusick moved to authorize and approve the Escrow Release No. 3 for the Southbury Park Development in the amount of $138,147.48. Motion seconded by Commissioner Martucci. Motion passed by unanimous voice vote.

PUBLIC COMMENT
No audience members were present.

OTHER BUSINESS
Commissioner Cusick noted that a letter was received from the Lehigh County Senior Center requesting the Township contribute $500. Commissioner Cusick made a motion to contribute $500 to the Lehigh County Senior Center.

Mrs. Bonaskiewich explained that the Township had already budgeted for the contribution for 2009. Commissioner Cusick subsequently rescinded her motion.

Commissioner Unger noted that there would be an Executive Session on personnel issues. Mr. Soriano noted that a vote would not be needed.

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