TOWNSHIP OF SALISBURY
LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

MINUTES FROM THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
SPECIAL MEETING – 7:00 PM
November 29, 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:
James Brown, Vice-President
Kent Herman
Robert Martucci, Jr.
Norma Cusick

Staff attending:
Gabriel Khalife, Township Manager

CALL TO ORDER
Commissioner Brown called the meeting to order at 7:00 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.

FINANCIAL REPORT AND PAYMENT OF THE BILLS
On motion of Commissioner Herman, seconded by Commissioner Cusick, the Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to accept the Financial Report and authorize payment of the bills.

MINUTES
November 8, 2007
Commissioner Brown declared the November 8, 2007 Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes approved as submitted.

ORDINANCES
Consideration of a proposed ordinance to adopt a $52 Local Services Tax (formerly Emergency Municipal Services Tax).

Mr. Khalife noted that the Board would look to reduce the property taxes by 0.25 mils.

Commissioner Herman inquired about discussions with respect to the school district.

Mr. Khalife explained that they intend to meet with the School District to discuss the school resource officer and some other ideas.

On motion of Commissioner Cusick, seconded by Commissioner Martucci, the Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt the $52 Local Services Tax Ordinance (formerly Emergency Municipal Services Tax).

RESOLUTIONS
None.

MOTIONS
Additional Item
Consideration of a motion to enter into an Amendment to the Lease Agreement with Verizon for the cell tower at Franko Farm.

Mr. Khalife updated the Board members that the Solicitor was able to work with Verizon who agreed to absorb the tax fee that would have to be paid on the cell tower. Verizon would reimburse the Township for property taxes assessed on the cell tower.

On motion of Commissioner Cusick, seconded by Commissioner Martucci, the Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to authorize entering into an Amendment to the Lease Agreement with Verizon for the cell tower at Franko Farm.

PRESENTATION – by State Representative Karen Beyer
State Representative Karen Beyer provided the Board members with a legislative update of the past year. Highlights of her presentation included: the State budget was passed with no tax increase, the transportation budget was passed, Allentown School District’s funding levels were increased, and a bill being proposed to distribute funds from the 18% Johnstown tax levy on all wine and liquor in the State of Pennsylvania to municipalities with a large share of tax exempt properties. She noted that those properties cannot be owned by the municipality. She anticipates Salisbury Township being eligible to receive the funds as well as the City of Allentown. Other updates were regarding grants, proposed reforms to EIT collection such as the elimination of tax collectors and establishing tax collection county-wide offices. She announced her plans to introduce a resolution related to the energy caps coming off by establishing a task force. She spoke at length on concerns regarding expected energy rate increases.

Mr. Khalife noted that the Township has been satisfied with its current EIT collection procedure.

Representative Beyer also spoke about funding of school districts and responded to Commissioner Martucci’s questions on prevailing wages. She noted that the no bid level has been raised to $25,000 for municipalities. She informed the Board of a bill being proposed by Representative Bob Freeman to allow municipalities to participate in a moratorium on development to allow revisions to comprehensive plans.

PUBLIC COMMENT
No comments were presented.

OTHER BUSINESS
None.

ADJOURNMENT
As no other business was presented, the meeting was adjourned.