PALMER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

GENERAL BUSINESS MEETING

JUNE 19, 2006

A general business meeting of the Palmer Township Board of Supervisors was held on Monday, June 19, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Room of the Palmer Library with three Supervisors in attendance. Dave Colver and Ann-Marie Panella were absent. Also in attendance were the Township Manager, Township Solicitor, Police Chief, and Fire Administrator. Sara Mausolf from the Express Times represented the news media. Due to a power outage, and not being able to meet in the regular meeting room, Vice-chair Lammi waived the Pledge to the Flag since there was not flag in the meeting area.

Lammi stated the Board held an executive session on Monday, June 12, 2006 to discuss a personnel issue and action will be discussed during the Township Manager’s report later in the meeting.

2. APPROVAL OF DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS – JUNE 19, 2006

INFORMATION

The report will be provided at the meeting.

DISCUSSION

On motion by Smith, seconded by Mitchell, and agreed by all, the Board approved the disbursement of funds for June 19, 2006.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – JUNE 5, 2006

DISCUSSION

On motion by Mitchell, seconded by Smith, and agreed by all, the Board approved the minutes of June 5, 2006.

4. STORM WATER PIPE BID AWARD

INFORMATION

The Board needs to approve/disapprove the Public Service Directors storm water pipe bid recommendation.

DISCUSSION

On motion by Smith, seconded by Mitchell, and agreed by all, the Board approved the storm water pipe bid award to low bidder Ferguson Water Pipe, Whitehall, PA, in the amount of $24.40 per linear foot for a total bid of $14,640, as recommended by the Public Services Director.

5. FIRE TRUCK BID AWARD

INFORMATION

The Fire Administrator will bring his bid recommendation to the meeting. The Board needs to approve/disapprove the fire truck bid recommendation.

DISCUSSION

On motion by Smith, seconded by Mitchell, and agreed by all, the Board approved the bid for the 2007 triple combination pumper fire truck to Pierce Manufacturing in the amount of $454,838, as recommended by the Fire Administrator.

6. DISCUSSION REGARDING GRANDVIEW APARTMENT TAX ASSESSMENT

INFORMATION

The Board needs to approve/disapprove the new tax assessment.

DISCUSSION

Anckaitis said Grandview asked for a reduction in their assessment from $1,963,600 to $1,313,600, a difference of $650,000. Anckaitis said since this is such a large reduction Attorney Bruno is asking if the Board wishes to oppose the reassessment. Anckaitis said with the new assessed value the township taxes would equal $3,412. Bruno said since it is a tax assessment appeal you have a right to discuss litigation during an executive session. Bruno said to partake in an appeal would require an assessment of the property. Lammi asked if the school district and county have agreed with the concept, how far then would we get in the process. Lammi said the school district has a larger stake in this than the township. Bruno said the reassessment reduction has to do with several apartments that are subsidized for public housing. Smith said he would like to discuss this matter further in executive session.

On motion by Smith, seconded by Mitchell, and agreed by all, the Board tabled the item for executive session at the June 27 meeting.

7. PUBLIC COMMENT

None

8. REPORTS

Solicitor

· Bruno had an extension agreement for Remaley Industrial Park requesting an extension until September 30, 2006 to enter into an improvements agreement. On motion by Smith, seconded by Mitchell, and agreed by all, the Board authorized the Vice-chair to sign the extension agreement.

· Bruno had an extension agreement for Bethlehem Memorial Baptist Church requesting an extension until June 30, 2007. On motion by Mitchell, seconded by Smith, and agreed by all, the Board authorized the Vice-chair to sign the extension agreement.

· Bruno had an extension agreement for Zawarski & Sons for the Charlotte Avenue land development plan requesting an extension for 90 days beyond June 27, 2006. On motion by Smith, seconded by Mitchell, and agreed by all, the Board authorized the Vice-chair to sign the extension agreement.

· Bruno gave the Township Manager a $5,000 check for counsel fees resulting in a settlement related to the Genstar litigation matter.

Township Manager

· Anckaitis said the evening of June 30, from pool closure time and into July 1 until noon, the Palmer swim team will be holding a swim-a-thon at the pool. Anckaitis said we communicated with the neighbors of the pool so they are aware of the event. The event is being held to generate revenue for the swim team.

· Anckaitis said he received a PSATS alert regarding House Bill 248 for an increase in annual maintenance payment for turnback roads. Anckaitis said Governor Rendell is recommending the turnback program rates be increased from $2,500 a year to $4,000 a year. Anckaitis said he drafted a letter for Vice-chair Lammi’s signature to be sent to Representative Grucela and Senator Wonderling supporting the bill. Anckaitis said Palmer Township doesn’t have any turnback roads but he feels we should support fellow townships that it does affect. On motion by Smith, seconded by Mitchell, and agreed by all, the Board authorized the Vice-chair to sign the letters.

· Anckaitis said this action is as discussed at the executive session that was held on Monday, June 12, 2006. Anckaitis said he would like the Board to approve a salary adjustment for the remainder of this year for Jim Raudenbush, Code Officer, in the amount of $4,549 effective July 1, 2006. Lammi said this increase is due to all the certifications Jim has received over the past several years. Anckaitis said Jim will have every certification required, except electrical. The township uses third party contractors for electrical inspections. On motion by Mitchell, seconded by Smith, and agreed by all, the Board approved the salary adjustment for Jim Raudenbush.

Supervisors

· Lammi said the Environmental Steering Committee is working on the proposal for bids for the next garbage contract. Lammi said a time line has been set up and the committee would like to make a presentation to the Board at the June 27 meeting.

On motion by Smith, seconded by Mitchell, and agreed by all, the meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m. with no items for executive session.

Respectfully submitted,

Robert G. Anckaitis

Township Manager