TOWNSHIP OF SALISBURY
LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

MINUTES FROM THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING – 7:30 PM
December 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.
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.

APPROVAL OF THE BILLS
On motion of Commissioner Cusick, seconded by Commissioner Martucci, the Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to accept the Financial Report for the period ending November 30, 2008 and approve the payment of the bills the period 12/10/2008 to 12/19/2008.

MINUTES
December 11, 2008
Commissioner Unger declared the December 11, 2008 Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes approved as presented.

ORDINANCES
Consideration of an Ordinance adopting Act 3 of 2008, the PA Right to Know Law and amending the Salisbury Township Open Records Policy.

Mr. Soriano brought forth an Ordinance which would adopt a new Right To Know Ordinance and policy in accordance with Act 3 of 2008. Mr. Soriano noted that there were several changes required by Act 3 of 2008, the most obvious being that the law presumes that every record is open and has shifted the burden of denying access to public records to the Township under 30 exceptions. Mr. Soriano noted that this will require more administrative time in processing requests within the provision of the Act and new forms must be prepared to administer the Act. The Office of Open Records has samples that the Township can use.

Commissioner Unger posed questions concerning whether the Township should also amend its fee structure. Mr. Soriano noted that he believes the current fee schedule is appropriate.

Motion by Commissioner Cusick to adopt the Ordinance setting forth the requirement for access to public records in accordance with the new PA Right to Know law. Seconded by Commissioner Martucci. Motion passed by unanimous voice vote.

Consideration of an Ordinance to set new refuse rates.

Mr. Soriano brought forth the Ordinance that would set forth new refuse rates for 2009. Mr. Soriano noted that the 2009 Budget includes the new renewal charges for refuse and recycling pursuant to the new three-year contract signed with Waste Management. The new contract for refuse and recycling is $1,428,200, an increase of approximately $365,000 over the previous contract. Therefore, the new rates need to be adjusted to pass on this increase. The new refuse and recycling rates will be $340 per year, an increase of approximately $60 per year. Motion by Commissioner Cusick to adopt the Ordinance to set new refuse rates for 2009.

Motion seconded by Commissioner Martucci. Motion passed by unanimous voice vote.

Consideration of an Ordinance setting and reaffirming the rates of taxation, fixing the tax rate for the year 2009 and appropriating specific sums estimated to be required for the specific purposes of the Township government during the fiscal year.

Mr. Soriano brought forth an Ordinance that would set the Tax rates for 2009 and appropriations for all Funds. Mr. Soriano noted that the only service increases are for the garbage and recycling and all other taxes remain at current levels. The Total appropriations for 2009 is $14,830,000. Commissioner Unger commented that he was pleased to see that the Township is keeping taxes at the same levels while still delivering essential services.

Motion by Commissioner Cusick to adopt the Ordinance setting and reaffirming the year 2009 Tax Rates and appropriating specific sums estimated to be required for the specific purposes of the Township government during the Fiscal Year. The Motion was seconded by Commissioner Martucci. Motion passed by unanimous vote.

RESOLUTIONS
Consideration of a Resolution to reduce the police contribution to the pension fund to zero (0%) percent.

Mr. Soriano brought forth a Resolution which would reduce the police contribution to the pension fund to 0%. Mr. Soriano noted that the MMO for 2009 was prepared with the assumption that the Police would not pay towards the Minimum Municipal Obligation of $129,610. The shortfall is approximately $40,393 when one factors the receipt of State aid. Mr. Soriano noted that next year the Township will scrutinize this for the 2010 MMO and discuss it with the Police Association.

Motion by Commissioner Cusick to adopt the Resolution to reduce the police employee contribution to the pension fund to 0%. Motion seconded by Commissioner Brown. Motion passed by unanimous voice vote.

Consideration of a Resolution to increase the salary rate of administrative employees.

Mr. Soriano noted that the 2009 Budget included a 4% increase in the salary of administrative non-union employees. The Resolution would effectuate this request in line with other union employees. Commissioner Unger stated that this is in line with other increases afforded and negotiated with union employees.

Motion by Commissioner Cusick to adopt Resolution to grant a 4% salary increase for 2009 to administrative non-union employees. Motion seconded by Commissioner Martucci. Motion passed by unanimous vote.

MOTIONS
Consideration of a Motion to provide Financial Assistance in the amount of $30,000 to the Eastern Salisbury Ambulance.

Mr. Soriano brought forth the Motion to provide financial assistance in the amount of $30,000 to the Eastern Salisbury Ambulance. Mr. Soriano noted that for the past two months, both the Eastern Salisbury Ambulance and Fire Department officers have met across the table with the Township administration and the PA EMS Council to discuss the financial problems that both organizations face. Mr. Soriano noted that in attendance tonight are the officers of the respective departments and they would like to address the Commissioners concerning their request for financial assistance for Eastern Salisbury Ambulance.

Mr. Joshua Schalzer, ESA President, reviewed their management structure and the fiscal position noting that with the subsidy from the Township, the ESA can function for at least two more years without going into debt and depleting their savings reserves. He outlined the budget for 2009 in which the payroll for paid staff is the largest expense. He requested the Township to provide financial assistance to fund the difference because of increased payroll and they are not able to raise enough funds in billing because they do not have adequate call volume. He noted that they had reviewed the possibility of covering the western end of Salisbury but found that is was not a feasible option.

There was a brief discussion on the ESA paid staff and volunteer numbers.

Commissioner Martucci inquired about the possibility of Cetronia Ambulance setting up a satellite ambulance in Eastern Salisbury. Mr. Schalzer explained that they had discussed this matter with Cetronia. He explained that they would use the station as a staging area for one of their ambulance trucks. He stated that they run their trucks based on the areas where there is a greater probability of call volumes. A discussion ensued on long term and short term goals for the ambulance and rescue services and the billing structure; also the far reaching ramifications if Eastern Salisbury Ambulance were to cease functioning.

Mr. Soriano noted that the PA EMS Council suggested the possibility of consolidating Salisbury Ambulance with Medic V and Emmaus Ambulance. The commissioners expressed that there should be further discussions to try to come up with solutions to address the situation in order to ensure the Township continues to have adequate EMS service. It was noted that the Eastern Salisbury Ambulance deficit not only affects the ambulance services, but also the fire department as well.

Motion by Commissioner Cusick to approve the $30,000 subsidy to Eastern Salisbury Ambulance, contingent upon their providing the Township Manager access to financial records to monitor the performance of the squad and disbursement of the funds. Seconded by Commissioner Brown. Unanimous voice vote.

Consideration of a Motion to adopt the 2009 Budget.

Mr. Soriano brought forth a motion for consideration to adopt the 2009 Proposed Budget.

Mr. Soriano explained that the Budget maintains the essentials services and contemplates $3,971,300 in several Capital Projects geared to stimulate the local economy. The total Budget for all Funds is $14,830,000. The total ending Fund Balance for all Funds is expected to be approximately $13,401,000. A detail Budget Message is on the website. Commissioner Unger praised the hard work of the staff to get the Budget prepared and this was echoed by the entire Board.

Motion by Commissioner Cusick to adopt the 2009 Proposed Budget. Motion seconded by Commissioner Martucci. Motion passed by unanimous vote.

Consideration of a Motion to set and advertise the Township Board of Commissioner’s meeting and workshop schedule for 2009 (second and fourth Thursdays of each month), Zoning Hearing Board (first Tuesdays of each month) and Planning Commission (second Tuesdays of each month).

Mr. Soriano brought a Motion to set and advertise the Township Board of Commissioner’s meeting and workshop schedule for 2009 (second and fourth Thursdays of each month), Zoning Hearing Board (first Tuesdays of each month) and Planning Commission (second Tuesdays of each month).

Motion by Commissioner Cusick to set and advertise the Township Board of Commissioner’s meeting and workshop schedule for 2009 (second and fourth Thursdays of each month), Zoning Hearing Board (first Tuesdays of each month) and Planning Commission (second Tuesdays of each month). Motion seconded by Commissioner Brown. Motion passed by unanimous vote.

Consideration of a Motion authorizing the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding for participation in the Lehigh County C.O.B.R.A. Initiative (LCCI) for information sharing between law enforcement agencies.

Mr. Soriano brought forth a Motion authorizing the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding for participation in the Lehigh County C.O.B.R.A. Initiative (LCCI) for information sharing between law enforcement agencies.

Chief Stiles explained the C.O.B.R.A. initiative whereby it would give each police department in the Lehigh County instantaneous information and sharing capabilities.

Motion by Commissioner Cusick authorizing the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding for participation in the Lehigh County C.O.B.R.A. Initiative (LCCI) for information sharing between law enforcement agencies. Motion seconded by Commissioner Martucci. Motion passed by unanimous vote.

Consideration of a Motion to issue a property tax refund for 544 E. Emmaus in the amount of $137.59 due to an assessment correction.

Mr. Soriano brought forth a Motion to issue a property tax refund for 544 E. Emmaus in the amount of $137.59 due to an assessment correction. Commissioner Cusick inquired on whether the property would be reassessed after it is sold. Mr. Soriano noted that if it is renovated and a certificate of occupancy is issued, the County Assessment Office will probably reassess the value of the property.

Motion by Commissioner Cusick to issue a property tax refund for 544 E. Emmaus in the amount of $137.59 due to an assessment correction. Motion seconded by Commissioner Brown. Motion passed by unanimous vote.

Consideration of a Motion to issue a property tax refund for 822 E. Lexington Street in the amount of $55.65.

Mr. Soriano brought forth a Motion to issue a property tax refund for 822 E. Lexington Street in the amount of $55.65.

Motion by Commissioner Cusick to issue a property tax refund for 822 E. Lexington Street in the amount of $55.65. Motion seconded by Commissioner Martucci. Motion passed by unanimous vote.

Mr. Soriano noted that here is no requirement in the First Class Township Code that Commissioners must act officially to issue a refund. Starting in 2010, the refunds will be listed in the Bills Payables and the Board of Commissioners will de-facto approve the refunds when the Bills are approved.

PUBLIC COMMENT
No comments were presented.

OTHER BUSINESS
None.

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