PALMER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

GENERAL BUSINESS MEETING

JANUARY 24, 2006

A general business meeting of the Palmer Township Board of Supervisors was held on Tuesday, January 24, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Room of the Palmer Library with all Supervisors in attendance. Also in attendance were the Township Manager, Director of Public Services, Police Chief, Township Engineer and Township Solicitor. Sara Satullo from the Express Times represented the news media. Colver convened the meeting and led those present in the Pledge to the Flag.

Colver welcomed members of Boy Scout Group 29 from the Minsi Trail Council that were in attendance.

2. APPROVAL OF DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS – JANUARY 24, 2006

INFORMATION

The report will be provided at the meeting.

DISCUSSION

On motion by Mitchell, seconded by Panella, and agreed by all, the Board voted to approve the disbursement of funds for January 24, 2006.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – JANUARY 16, 2006

DISCUSSION

On motion by Panella, seconded by Mitchell, and agreed by all, the Board voted to approve the minutes of January 16, 2006.

4. FULTON FINANCIAL POLICE PENSION UPDATE

INFORMATION

Bill Barrett and Kevin Kayser from Fulton Financial Advisors will review performance of the police pension fund for calendar year 2005.

DISCUSSION

Elizabeth Peris said she replaced Kevin Kayser who elected to move back west to his home town. Peris reviewed the police pension fund investment portfolio with the Board. Peris said they expect a slower rate of growth than in the past year.

Colver confirmed their recommendation is to stay with the breakdown of investments that currently exist. Peris said yes with some modification. Panella asked if they are planning on changing diversification from the current investment strategy. Peris said no.

On motion by Lammi, seconded by Smith, and agreed by all, the Board authorized Fulton Financial to invest in 50% equity and 50% income funds during 2006.

5. REQUEST TO ADVERTISE ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 2004-345

INFORMATION

The Board needs to approve/disapprove advertising the ordinance.

DISCUSSION

Bruno said this is a request to advertise a necessary amendment that the township was requested to look at regarding rezoning the Palmer North property and how it would affect the adjoining property owners, in this case Stowaway Self Storage. Lammi said the setback will go from 150 feet to 15 feet.

On motion by Lammi, seconded by Mitchell, and agreed by all, the Board voted to authorize the Solicitor to advertise the ordinance for public hearing.

6. REMALY INDUSTRIAL PARK DISCUSSION

INFORMATION

The Board needs to appoint an environmental consultant for review of the Remaly Industrial Park. The Remaly developer hired the township environmental consultant, therefore, requiring us to seek a new consultant for this project.

The Board needs to approve/disapprove an extension of time to enter into a subdivision improvements agreement.

DISCUSSION

Bruno said the developer has requested an extension of time to enter into a subdivision improvements agreement until June 30, 2006.

On motion by Mitchell, seconded by Panella, and agreed by all, the Board authorized the extension of time until June 30, 2006 for George V. Seiple & Son Co., Inc. to enter into a subdivision improvements agreement.

Amanda Jensen, Township Planner, said the developer for the Remaly Industrial Park has hired the township environmental consultant so we now need to hire a new consultant for this project. Jensen recommended HRP Associates, Inc. and reviewed their fees as outlined in their January 11, 2006 letter.

Lammi made a motion to approve hiring HRP Associates, Inc. at the rates outlined in their January 11, 2006 letter as recommended by the township planning director for the Remaly Industrial Park project. There was some discussion regarding the amounts being charged and if this is the group that we should consider. Mitchell asked if it should be bid. Lammi made a motion, seconded by Panella, and agreed by all, to table this item for further review by the township solicitor and township staff.

7. PUBLIC WORKS TRUCK BID AWARD

INFORMATION

The Board needs to approve/disapprove awarding the bid. Bids were received on Thursday, January 19, 2006 and are being reviewed. A recommendation will be provided to the Board at the meeting.

DISCUSSION

Tom Adams, Public Services Director, said the new public works truck was bid and there was one sole bidder. Adams recommended the bid be awarded to sole bidder, Horwith Trucks, Inc., in the amount of $109,812, which is less than a 2% increase from the cost of last years new truck. Adams said it is my recommendation the township purchase the truck. Adams said we budgeted $115,000.

On motion by Smith, seconded by Panella, and agreed by all, the Board awarded the bid for the new public works truck to Horwith Trucks Inc. for $109,812.

8. ANNUAL LIQUID FUELS ACTUAL USE REPORT

INFORMATION

The report shows the accounting of Liquid Fuels income and expenditures for 2005. The report which shows the balanced account needs to be reviewed and signed by the Chairman.

DISCUSSION

Adams said he supplied a draft to Penndot for review and they said it was okay.

On motion by Smith, seconded by Mitchell, and agreed by all, the Board authorized the Chairman to sign the Liquid Fuels Actual Use report for 2005.

9. FOX RUN ESTATES ESCROW RELEASE #3

INFORMATION

The Board needs to approve/disapprove escrow release #3 for Fox Run Estates.

DISCUSSION

On motion by Lammi, seconded by Smith, and agreed by all, the Board approved Escrow Release #3 for Fox Run Estates in the amount of $445,825.00.

10. DESTRUCTION OF OLD TOWNSHIP RECORDS RESOLUTION

INFORMATION

The Board needs to approve/disapprove the resolution to destroy old township records. The destruction is in accordance with the schedules and procedures set forth in the Municipal Records Manual approved July 16, 1993.

DISCUSSION

On motion by Mitchell, seconded by Panella, and agreed by all, the Board approved the resolution to destroy old township records as in accordance with the Pennsylvania Municipal Records Act.

11. COMMERCE BANK PLANNING MODULE POSTCARD EXEMPTION

INFORMATION

The Board needs to approve/disapprove the planning module postcard exemption for Commerce Bank.

DISCUSSION

On motion by Smith, seconded by Panella, and agreed by all, the Board approved the planning module postcard exemption for Commerce Bank.

12. TOWNSHIP ENGINEER CAPITAL PROJECTS STATUS REPORT

INFORMATION

The Township Engineer will update the Board on the status of all capital projects.

DISCUSSION

Dillman said this weekend is the dedication event for the Community Center. Dillman said the building has come together nicely and looks great. Colver said the public dedication ceremony will be held at 1:00 p.m. this Saturday at the center at 4100 Green Pond Road. Colver said this has been talked about for 20 years in Palmer Township and we are looking forward to opening.

Dillman said he and Adams met with six property owners last week regarding the Highland Park storm water project. Dillman said there is a meeting scheduled for tomorrow night with five or six property owners. Dillman said on Monday afternoon another session is scheduled.

Dillman said there was some heavy erosion that took place at the Hobson Street detention basin. Dillman said they will be working on the re-stabilization that needs to take place.

Lammi asked about the light at Milford and William Penn Highway. Dillman said the last discussion was about the temporary markings that needed to be completed and who is paying for them. Dillman said the school district engineer went to the contractor and the contractor went to the subcontractor and the information hasn’t made it back to the contractor as yet. Dillman said Jensen is keeping in contact with them on the status.

13. PUBLIC COMMENT

Chris Briglia, 4009 Freemansburg Avenue, said he has been in contact with the township, going back to April 2005, regarding being missed on recyclable pickup at his residence. Briglia said he spoke to Mr. Anckaitis before and he was always helpful and scheduled pickup for him. Briglia said it continues to be a problem for myself and two other neighbors. Briglia said garbage is always picked up, it’s only recyclables. Panella suggested we put the problem in writing to Waste Management so we have documentation. Briglia said he would appreciate that.

Sal Pugliese, 2225 Hackett Avenue, said he’s been a resident of the township for almost 20 years. Pugliese said he never needed the township police department until recently and he feels the Easton Police department and the Palmer Police department jeopardized the well being of his son. Pugliese handed documentation to the Board members. Pugliese said he was always assured that his family would be protected against terrorists yet when we were in jeopardy we weren’t protected, we were denied protection. Pugliese said if any of you were threatened to be killed you would expect the police to help. Pugliese said he went to jail for nine days due to this incident and he shouldn’t have; it should have been handled by the police department. Colver said the Board will review the report and get back to him.

14. REPORTS

Solicitor

· Bruno had an extension agreement for The Highlands of Glenmore requesting an extension until August 16, 2006 for public improvements. On motion by Lammi, seconded by Smith, and agreed by all, the Board approved the extension request.

· Bruno had one litigation item for executive session.

Township Manager

· Anckaitis had one personnel item for executive session.

Public Services Director

· Adams had two real estate items for executive session.

· Adams thanked CC Inc., The Pidcock Company, and Dave Colver for the great job everyone has done on the Community Center.

Planning Director

· Jensen referred to a memo dated January 11, 2006 she sent to the Board regarding zoning hearing fees for applicants who extend from one hearing to another. Lammi said what is being proposed here will help out when someone wants a continuance for further study. Colver said he’s fine with the way this is proposed and said we will need to have the Zoning Administrator track the continuations. Bruno said no matter what the circumstance for the continuance the applicant should pay the costs. On motion by Lammi, seconded by Smith, and agreed by all, the Board agreed to amend Resolution 2002-15 to establish new fees regarding hearing continuance.

· Jensen referred to her letter dated January 18, 2006 regarding Belgian block curbing. Jensen said the largest concern from the Road Superintendent is the reaction of the curbing from chemicals used on maintaining the roadway. Colver said he is in favor of it as long as the Road Superintendent is okay with it. Jensen said the granite is stronger than concrete but the substance between the granite is weaker. Lammi said he agrees with Dave and feels it is something we should continue to pursue. The Board agreed.

· Jensen asked if there were any questions or concerns regarding the Zoning Hearing Board agenda. Lammi said the first item is in the overlay district and may affect future decisions.

· Jensen told the Board to contact her if they had any questions or concerns regarding her monthly planning report.

· Jensen said she is putting together a group of participants that would like to work on a committee to research the possible race track rezoning. Lammi agreed he would participate. Lammi said he feels it is good to look at this ahead of time and be prepared rather than wait and be caught off guard.

Police Chief

· Fretz said on January 18, 2006, we held another Northampton County tobacco compliance check at 15 locations in Palmer Township. Fretz said all fifteen locations were in compliance and no citations were issued.

Supervisors

· Smith said they are on the third meeting of the special committee regarding the Athletic Association and Recreation Board. Smith said after the sixth meeting they will have a report for this Board.

· Lammi said last night the first committee meeting was held for the Citizen’s Advisory Committee. Lammi said there were about 25 to 30 people in attendance and Amanda Jensen was the speaker. Lammi said they will most likely continue to meet every other month.

· Colver said at the last meeting we discussed the new stop signs that the traffic committee recommended, and this Board approved, on Scotty Lane. Colver said this decision was made after the township reviewed a request for the signs from a resident and it included signed petitions from other residents in the neighborhood. Colver said he went out and Bob Lammi also went out to look at the signs. Colver said he feels it was a good decision to place the signs as recommended, especially with the bend in the road. Colver said the only problem he had was the stop sign was posted on the street light and he felt it needed to be placed on its own pole. Lammi said he already spoke with John Morello and informed him that he felt the signs should also remain. John Morello said reasonable people disagree, and I disagree. Morello said he wished he would have had the original petition last week when it was initially discussed. Lammi said Morello made a recommendation that properties in the area of where a sign may be considered get posted prior to the decision. Morello said he feels this is only necessary when a request is generated from another private citizen.

· Colver had one personnel item for executive session.

· Panella asked when we would see grids on disability insurance. Anckaitis said he received information from Bill Lehr at the end of the year and he will be presenting the Board with the information and recommending the township elect it.

On motion by Mitchell, seconded by Panella, and agreed by all, the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m. with two personnel, one litigation, and two real estate items for executive session.

Respectfully submitted,

Robert G. Anckaitis

Township Manager