TOWNSHIP OF SALISBURY
LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

MINUTES FROM THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING – 7:30 PM
February 28, 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:
Gabriel Khalife, Township Manager
Cathy Bonaskiewich, Finance Director
John Andreas, Director of Public Works
Allen Stiles, Chief of Police
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. Khalife 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 Cusick, seconded by Commissioner Martucci, the Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to accept the Financial Report and authorize payment of the bills.

MINUTES
February 14, 2008
Commissioner Unger declared the February 14, 2008 Board of Commissioners Reorganization Meeting Minutes approved as submitted.

ORDINANCES
None.

RESOLUTIONS
Consideration of a resolution approving the trade-in of old used police firearms and shotguns toward the purchase of new police firearms.

Chief Stiles noted that there are two different licensed guns dealers for the Smith & Wessons.

On motion of Commissioner Cusick, seconded by Commissioner Brown, the Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the trade-in of old used police firearms and shotguns toward the purchase of new police firearms, as recommended by Chief Stiles.

MOTIONS
Consideration of a motion to appoint an Emergency Management Deputy Coordinator.

Mr. Charles Zeppenfeld, Township Emergency Management Coordinator, expressed that Mr. Jeffrey Tapler would be a good addition to the Township’s emergency management program. He stated that he is trained and has been in emergency response for a number of years. He noted that Mr. Tapler he is also part of a vast communications network and involved in radio and television.

On motion of Commissioner Cusick, seconded by Commissioner Martucci, the Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to appoint Mr. Jeffrey Tapler as Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator.

Mr. Khalife noted that there is a second individual that Mr. Zeppenfeld is recommending be appointed as an additional deputy.

ADDITIONAL ITEM
Consideration of a resolution to recognize Mr. Ernest H. Laible, Jr. for his years of service to the Township and its citizens.

Mr. Khalife noted that Mr. Liable had worked in the Public Works Department for over 40 years.

Commissioner Unger read the resolution aloud.

On motion of Commissioner Cusick, seconded by Commissioner Martucci, the Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the resolution to recognize Mr. Ernest H. Laible, Jr. for his years of service to the Township and its citizens.

OTHER BUSINESS
Commissioner Cusick inquired about the status of Lehigh County’s plans to expand the Work Release facilities in the Township and the possible effects on the Township’s police force.

Mr. Khalife explained that no one had submitted formal plans or details on what is being proposed for the site.

Chief Stiles noted that the Township police officers occasionally are called down to the facilities to assist with ambulance calls, in which we stand by.

Commissioner Cusick suggested that the Township be kept abreast of what Lehigh and Northampton Counties are planning to do to the facilities.

Mr. Khalife noted that the County would have to come to the Township when they are ready to proceed in order to get permission from the Township for an expanded use of the facilities.

Commissioner Martucci inquired about the progress on the designs for the police department building renovations.

Chief Stiles explained that he met with the architects today and reviewed the plans as well as shared some ideas.

Mr. Khalife noted that the architect will also be looking at the Magistrate’s office area.

Chief Stiles informed the Board that the police force is ready to respond if the need should arise with respect to any problems at the schools in connection with February 29th.

PUBLIC COMMENT
Jane Benning of 3111 Douglas Road inquired if the Board had discussed the possibility of creating an environmental advisory board. She gave them the name of an individual who works with the State that could provide information to the Board.

The consensus of the Board was to have a discussion at an upcoming workshop meeting and to have the individual give a presentation.

Mrs. Janet Keim of 11 W. Pine Street expressed her support and willing to serve. She provided some additional information on environmental advisory committees and noted that there are people in the community willing to serve.

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