TOWNSHIP OF SALISBURY
LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

MINUTES FROM THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING – 7:30 PM
November 8, 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
John Ashley, Township Solicitor

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
October 25, 2007
Commissioner Unger declared the October 25, 2007 Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes approved as submitted.

PRESENTATION – by State Representative Karen Beyer
Mr. Khalife announced that Representative Beyer was unable to attend the meeting as planned and noted that she may be at the next meeting.

ORDINANCES
None.

RESOLUTIONS
None.

MOTIONS
Consideration of a motion to adopt an employee seat belt policy.

Mr. Khalife noted that the policy informs employees of the requirement for wearing seatbelts while operating a Township vehicle.

On motion of Commissioner Cusick, seconded by Commissioner Martucci, the Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt the employee seat belt policy.

Consideration of a motion to enter into an agreement with Spillman Farmer Architects to perform a feasibility study on the redesign of the Police Building, not to exceed $5,500.

Mr. Khalife noted that the feasibility study would look into the redesign of the police station and include the magistrate’s offices. He noted that Commissioner Herman submitted a conflict of interest notification with respect to Spillman Farmer.

Commissioner Cusick noted that she toured the police building.

Chief Stiles commented that he would like to have the building redesigned not only for the present needs, but for the future as well.

On motion of Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Cusick, the Board of Commissioners voted 4-0-1 to authorize entering into an agreement with Spillman Farmer Architects to perform a feasibility study on the redesign of the Police Building, not to exceed $5,500. Commissioner Herman abstained.

First reading of the proposed 2008 Budget and authorization to advertise for vote on December 13, 2007.

Commissioner Brown commended the work of the staff for preparing the budget and for maintaining the Township in good shape.

Commissioner Herman thanked the administration for quickly responding to the Board’s suggestion to consider a slight decrease in the millage rate. He noted that the reduction would not impair any programs or services that the Township currently provides.

Ms. Jane Benning, resident, commended the services of the Township.

On motion of Commissioner Cusick, seconded by Commissioner Martucci, the Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to advertise that the budget will be voted on at the December 13, 2007 meeting.

Consideration of a street tree removal request for 853 E. Tioga Street.

Mr. Best explained that he visited the site which is a corner lot and observed four large street trees on the property. He noted that one of the trees is ¾ diseased or dead and he recommend that the tree be removed without replacement.

There was a brief discussion that the applicant requested two trees to be removed. Mr. Best noted that he only observed one tree as visually needing to be removed. He will discuss with the resident about the second tree.

Ms. Benning made suggestions for preserving trees when appropriate.

On motion of Commissioner Herman, seconded by Commissioner Cusick, the Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to allow the removal of one street tree only at 853 E. Tioga Street as recommended by the Planning & Zoning Director.

Additional Items
Consideration of a motion to schedule a special meeting on November 29, 2007 to vote on the proposed Local Services Tax ordinance.

On motion of Commissioner Martucci, seconded by Commissioner Cusick, the Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve scheduling a special meeting on November 29, 2007 to vote on the proposed Local Services Tax ordinance.

Consideration of a motion to award the bid for the Gilmore Street Drainage and Reconstruction Project.

Mr. Andreas outlined the proposed project, noting that it would primarily address the ice build-up along Gilmore Street.

Ms. Benning thanked Mr. Andreas for measures taken to clear a detention pond and to address problems with icy conditions on Ironwood Lane. She raised concerns with respect to damage to plants at the edge of the roads, and a property that appears to have placed blocks in a stream. She inquired about code of ethics for Township personnel.

Commissioner Herman briefly explained that there are state ethics which affect public officials. He noted that he has not been able to be involved with School District matters and he would not be able to represent clients in front of Salisbury Township for a one year period after his term ends.

On motion of Commissioner Cusick, seconded by Commissioner Brown, the Board voted unanimously to award the bid for the South Gilmore Street Storm Installation and Road Reconstruction project to Muschlitz Excavating, Inc. in the amount of $377,156.00.

PUBLIC COMMENT
No comments were presented.

OTHER BUSINESS
Commissioner Cusick inquired about the vacuum leaf collection. Mr. Andreas briefly explained the process and commented that it began at the end of October and should continue to the end of December. He noted that this year it began at the west end of the Township and they are working eastward.

Commissioner Brown commended Mr. Andreas for the work that was done on 33rd Street requested that some of the loose stone be addressed.

Chief Stiles updated the Board on incidents that occurred on Trick or Treat Night and provided a response letter to complaints that were received about the rain on Trick or Treat Night. He explained the improvements that were made to a fenced-in area at Franko Park for dog training. He also noted measures to address speeding in the Township.

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