PALMER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING

FEBRUARY 7, 2005

 

A regular meeting of the Palmer Township Board of Supervisors was held on Monday, February 7, 2005, at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Room of the Palmer Library with four supervisors present.  Robert Lammi was absent.  Also present were the Public Services Director, and Solicitor.  The Township Manager was absent.  Joe Nixon from the Morning Call represented the news media.  Chairman Colver convened the meeting and led those present in the Pledge to the Flag.

 

2.   APPROVAL OF DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS – FEBRUARY 7, 2005

 

      INFORMATION

 

      The reports will be provided at the meeting.

 

      DISCUSSION

 

      On motion by Panella, seconded by Mitchell, and agreed by all, the Board approved the disbursement of funds for February 7, 2005.

 

3.   APPROVAL OF MINUTES – JANUARY 25, 2005

 

      DISCUSSION

 

      Bruno added to the last paragraph on page one, “that the applicant establish a $3,000 escrow fund.”

 

      On motion by Mitchell, seconded by Panella, and agreed by all, the Board approved the minutes of January 25, 2005, with the above change.

 

4.   CHRIN COMMERCE CENTER SANITARY SEWER EXTENTION PROJECT / INTERMUNICIPAL AGREEMENT

 

      INFORMATION       

     

      The Board needs to approve/disapprove the sanitary sewer extension project/intermunicipal agreement.

 

     DISCUSSION

 

      Paul Hosking, Public Utilities Director, said the intermunicipal agreement is for transportation of sanitary sewage flows from Tatamy via the Palmer Township Municipal Sewer Authority Bushkill Interceptor for the Chrin Commerce Center.

 

      On motion by Panella, seconded by Mitchell, and agreed by all, the Board authorized the Chairman to sign the intermunicipal agreement for the Chrin Commerce Center Sanitary Sewer Extension Project.

5.   EAJSA REQUEST FOR SALE OF EXCESS CAPACITY TO WILLIAMS TOWNSHIP

 

      INFORMATION       

     

      The Board needs to approve/disapprove the sale of excess sewer capacity to Williams Township.

 

     DISCUSSION

 

Colver referred to the recommendation from the Public Utilities Director stating since Palmer Township recently spent $3,115,000 to purchase excess capacity, it would not be in our best interest to sell capacity at this time.

 

On motion by Smith, seconded by Panella, and agreed by all, the Board agreed they were not willing to entertain the request from William Township to sell excess sewer capacity.

 

6.   CABLE OPERATOR FRANCHISE ORDINANCE CONSIDERATION

 

      INFORMATION       

     

      The Board needs to discuss whether they’re interested in pursuing a township ordinance allowing residents the option of cable companies.

 

     DISCUSSION

 

Bruno said cable providers would like to stop developers from making exclusive arrangements for cable services.  Bruno said right now developers enter into an agreement with a cable company and the people who buy in their development don’t find out until after they purchase a home that they only have one choice in cable providers.

 

Colver suggested the Township Manager request copies from other municipalities who have passed ordinances and to have the Solicitor review the ordinances.

 

7.   PACC RESOLUTION

 

INFORMATION       

           

The Board needs to approve/disapprove the PACC resolution allowing the township to participate in a cooperative purchasing agreement for the procurement of goods.  The Township Manager recommends approving the resolution.

 

      DISCUSSION

 

      Colver said he discussed this resolution with the Township Manager earlier in the day.  Colver said this will allow the township the ability to purchase vehicles with amenities through a cooperative purchasing agreement.  Colver said the township can get vehicles through state contract but it doesn’t allow options on the vehicle.

 

      On motion by Smith, seconded by Panella, and agreed by all, the Board approved the PACC resolution entering into a cooperative purchasing agreement.

 

8.   RESOLUTION FOR 100% PURSES INC.

 

INFORMATION       

           

Solicitor Bruno will bring the final resolution to the meeting.  The Board needs to approve/disapprove the resolution.

 

      DISCUSSION

 

      Bruno said the resolution is still in the same form it was at the last meeting.  Bruno said he is waiting to hear back from their attorney regarding a possible change in wording.  Colver said at the last meeting we discussed that they agreed to a six month time frame for pursuing land development approval with the township from the time they receive approval of its license.  Colver said he felt it was in a manner to be signed.  Colver said he also spoke to Bob Lammi earlier in the day and Lammi said he would support it too.  Panella asked Bruno to read the paragraph in question again.

 

      On motion by Smith, seconded by Mitchell, and agreed by all, the Board authorized the Chairman to sign the 100% Purses resolution.

 

      Charles Fuller, 16 Lord Court, asked if this resolution was the same one that was approved at the February 6th Board of Supervisors meeting.  Bruno said this resolution was drafted from that meeting.  Fuller said according to the meeting minutes of February 6 the resolution was approved.  Fuller asked why you are approving it again.  Smith said he thought at that meeting when the residents made comments there wasn’t a resolution drafted yet.  Smith said he thought the Board decided to draft a resolution indicating their support of the project.  Fuller said the motion notes the changes that were to be made to the resolution.  Bruno said he thought the resolution was conditioned upon it being agreed upon by the applicant and now it is in the format to be signed.  Bruno added a resolution hasn’t been signed yet.  Bruno said this is the final resolution with the changes made that were stated at the December 6 meeting.

 

9.   PUBLIC COMMENT

 

      Charles Fuller, 16 Lord Court, said he had to address the slot thing.  Fuller said he was disappointed the Board approved the concept of slots and casino before an actual plan is before the Board.  Fuller said the whole concept is morally wrong and that he was disappointed the Board is passing judgment before it comes before the Board.

 

10. REPORTS

 

Solicitor

·        Bruno had an extension agreement from Sal Lapio Inc. requesting an extension until December 4, 2005.  Bruno said they were secured with a letter of credit and the Township Engineer recommended the extension.  On motion by Mitchell, seconded by Panella, and agreed by all, the Board approved the extension agreement.

 

·        Bruno had a subdivision improvement agreement for Hay Terrace South.  Bruno said security was provided.  On motion by Panella, seconded by Mitchell, and agreed by all, the Board authorized the Chairman to sign the subdivision improvement agreement.

 

            Public Services Director

§         Adams said there is a need for an alternate to be named to the Zoning Hearing Board and asked the Board to consider candidates.

 

·        Adams said Giant will be applying for their temporary certificate of occupancy permit soon.  Colver said the last time they were before the Board, Penndot had approved the traffic improvements to date.  Colver said it’s up to Code Enforcement to insure they meet everything necessary prior to issuing the certificate of occupancy permit.

 

      Supervisors

§         Panella said the Shade Tree Commission will be celebrating Arbor Day on April 29 and they plan to plant a tree at the Palmer and Tracy Elementary Schools.  Panella said they intend to make this an annual event.

 

      On motion by Panella, seconded by Mitchell, and agreed by all, the meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m. with no executive session.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Robert G. Anckaitis

Township Manager