TOWNSHIP OF SALISBURY
LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

MINUTES FROM THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING – 7:30 PM
December 27, 2007

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
Kent Herman
Robert Martucci, Jr.
Norma Cusick

Staff attending:
Gabriel Khalife, Township Manager
John Andreas, Director of Public Works
Carl Best, Director of Planning & Zoning
Cathy Bonaskiewich, Finance Director
Allen Stiles, Chief of Police
Frank Procyk, representative of the 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. Khalife informed the attendees that all sessions of the Salisbury Township Board of Commissioners regular meetings are being electronically recorded for the purpose of taking the Minutes. All public comments on agenda items will 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.

PAYMENT OF THE BILLS
On motion of Commissioner Cusick, seconded by Commissioner Martucci, the Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to authorize payment of the bills.

MINUTES
November 29, 2007
Commissioner Unger declared the November 29, 2007 Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes approved as submitted.

ORDINANCES
None.

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

Mr. Khalife explained that the police contribution rate historically had been set at zero percent, although the Board does have the opportunity to establish the rate between 5 – 8 % to supplement the pension fund.

Commissioner Herman commented that part of the justification for maintaining the rate at zero percent is due to the solvency of the pension plan and the other available sources that help fund the pension fund.

Mr. Khalife further explained that the MMO is established to ensure that the pension fund maintains its solvency. He noted that the Township receives aid from the State to supplement the fund. He noted that the Board has opted to not require the police contribution for the past 12 or 13 years.

On motion of Commissioner Cusick, seconded by Commissioner Herman, the Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to reduce the police contribution to the pension fund to zero (0%) percent.

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

Several members of the Board acknowledged the good work of the Township staff.

On motion of Commissioner Cusick, seconded by Commissioner Brown, the Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to increase the salary rate of administrative employees.

Consideration of a resolution to recognize Commissioner Kent Herman for his years of service to the citizens of Salisbury.

Commissioner Cusick commented that the Township of Salisbury and the Board of Commissioners will be saddened when Commissioner Herman is no longer on the Board. She stated that he has been a valuable commissioner who has worked diligently and that he will be missed.

Commissioner Martucci commented that Commissioner Herman has done a fantastic job and he believes that his legal knowledge was an asset to the Board and he will be missed.

Commissioner Brown commented that he has known Commissioner Herman for a number of years and he will be surely missed. Commissioner Unger stated that it has been a pleasure serving with Commissioner Herman and that the extra help he provided helped save taxpayer dollars.

On motion of Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Martucci, the Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to recognize Commissioner Kent Herman for his years of service to the citizens of Salisbury.

Commissioner Herman addressed the Board members and staff, expressing his appreciation of their work for the Township and he expressed his pleasure working with them. He announced his appointment to the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission.

MOTIONS
Consideration of a motion to enter into an agreement with Signal Service for traffic light maintenance.

Mr. Khalife noted that there is a slight increase this year to the maintenance cost due to additional signals and technological enhancements. He commented that Signal Service responds quickly when signals are out and when poles need to be replaced.

On motion of Commissioner Cusick, seconded by Commissioner Brown, the Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to authorize entering into an agreement with Signal Service for traffic light maintenance.

Consideration of a street tree removal request for 2863 Edgemont Drive.

Mr. Best stated that he visited the property and the tree appeared to be a healthy mature maple. He acknowledged that during this time of year it is more difficult to determine a tree’s health with all of the leaves off. He commented that he observed two branches high up that were cracked or broken. He stated that he notified the property owner that he would not recommend the tree be removed.

Commissioner Cusick inquired if residents, in general, understand that there are ordinances regarding tree removal.

Mr. Best explained that there is information on the website, but there are times where residents are unaware of the ordinance and remove trees without notifying the Township. He recalled two incidents of illegal tree removal.

On motion of Commissioner Cusick, seconded by Commissioner Herman, the Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to deny the street tree removal request for 2863 Edgemont Drive.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS
Consideration of a motion to award the Sanitary Sewer System Rehabilitation bids as follows: Contract A - excavation work to Wexcon, Inc. ($180,018.50) and Contract B -Trenchless Technology rehabilitation to Video Pipe Services, Inc. ($24,650). Total construction cost = $204,668.50

Mr. Andreas explained that the rehabilitation work is based on the TV inspection performed on the sanitary sewer lines. He noted that there will be two kinds of work performed due to what was identified. He explained that there will be excavation work and trenchless technology rehabilitation. He noted that there are two different bidders recommended for approval. Mr. Andreas explained that the two sets of work are to be performed independent of one another in two separate areas of the system.

Commissioner Herman asked several questions with respect to bypassing the flows.

Commissioner Martucci inquired about whether the Township had worked with either company in the past and is comfortable with their services.

On motion of Commissioner Cusick, seconded by Commissioner Martucci, the Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to award the Sanitary Sewer System Rehabilitation bids as follows: Contract A - excavation work to Wexcon, Inc. ($180,018.50) and Contract B -Trenchless Technology Rehabilitation to Video Pipe Services, Inc. ($24,650). Total construction cost to be $204,668.50.

Consideration of a motion to authorize Payments #3 and #4 to Burkholder’s Heating and Air Conditioning for work performed on the Township’s HVAC. Total ($9,740.25).

Mr. Tettemer noted that $11,167.50 would be retained until the final work on the system is completed.

On motion of Commissioner Herman, seconded by Commissioner Cusick, the Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to authorize Payments #3 and #4 totaling $9,740.25 to Burkholder’s Heating and Air Conditioning for work performed on the Township’s HVAC.

PUBLIC COMMENT
No comments were presented.

OTHER BUSINESS
Commissioner Cusick informed the Board that she recently spoke with Mr. Freund from the School District about the possibility of having the Township make an offer on the School District property for sale on East Emmaus Avenue.

Commissioner Brown recommended that the Township have the property appraised prior to making an offer.

Commissioner Cusick explained that the School District is looking to raise money towards the cost of putting in turf at the High School. She noted that the property could be preserved for passive recreation and would allow the School District to put in turf at the High School.

Commissioner Unger noted that some discussions with respect to land purchases may be held in executive session. He commented that that the Township should not pursue land that is primed for development, but should look to preserve open space, particularly in the steep slope areas. If we are able to purchase the property and utilize grant funds, we should not limit ourselves to the use of the land as just open space, because we might need it for public purposes.

Commissioner Cusick noted that the property is mostly steep sloped and wooded with only 10 acres having the potential to be built upon. She commented that it would behoove the Township to get an appraisal and present a proposal to the School District.

On motion of Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Cusick, the Board of Commissioners vote 4-0-1 to authorize an appraisal on the School District parcel of land on East Emmaus Avenue. Commissioner Herman abstained from the discussion and vote.

Mr. Andreas informed the Board of a sewer backup problem that occurred at a property on College Lane in which a resident would be reimbursed approximately $1,400 for damages. He briefly explained other types of blockages that can occur in a sanitary sewer system.

Chief Stiles cited several grants that were received for the Police Department.

Commissioner Martucci inquired about a letter from FEMA regarding a property on South Albert Street in which the floodplain map was revised.

Mr. Best explained that the map revision considerably reduced the floodplain area back to its previous state before the revision in 2005.

Commissioner Brown noted that he received a call regarding leaf collection which was handled by Public Works in a timely manner. He noted that Mr. Dan Moyer resigned from the Zoning Hearing Board due to other obligations.

Commissioner Cusick suggested placing a list of board vacancies on the website.

There was a brief discussion about advertising board vacancies on the website to broaden the pool of candidates. Mr. Khalife explained other methods that have been used to find candidates. He noted that based upon the rotation schedule, Board members generally attempt to locate candidates, either on their own or if having difficulty locating someone, by advertising.

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