PALMER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

GENERAL BUSINESS MEETING

OCTOBER 24, 2006

A general business meeting of the Palmer Township Board of Supervisors was held on Tuesday, October 24, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. in the community room of the Palmer Library with three supervisors in attendance. Dave Colver and Robert Lammi were absent. Also in attendance were the Public Services Director, Planning Director, Police Chief, and Township Solicitor. The Township Manager was absent. Joe Nixon from the Morning Call and Courtney Lomax from the Express Times represented the news media. Mitchell convened the meeting and led those present in the Pledge to the Flag.

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

INFORMATION

The report will be provided at the meeting.

DISCUSSION

On motion by Smith, seconded by Panella, and agreed by all, the Board approved the disbursement of funds for October 24, 2006.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – OCTOBER 16, 2006

DISCUSSION

Bruno changed under his report, first bulleted item, TNS to T&S, and in the first and second bulleted items added “the extensions were in order to complete public improvements.” Bruno replaced “authorized the Chairman to sign” in the third and fourth bulleted items to “the Board granted the extension request.

On motion by Panella, seconded by Smith, and agreed by all, the Board approved the minutes of October 16, 2006 with the above changes.

4. EASD BONFIRE REQUEST

INFORMATION

Jamie Compton from Easton High School will be in attendance to request approval to hold the annual Thanksgiving Eve bonfire. The Board needs to approve/disapprove the request.

DISCUSSION

Jamie Compton and Nicholas Manento asked for the Board’s cooperation with the annual bonfire as has been granted in the past. Manento asked if they could have a DJ perform at the sleep out on November 21 from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. The Board authorized the annual bonfire but said the DJ could only perform until 11 p.m. due to the township noise ordinance.

5. CROSSROADS OF NAZARETH ROUTE 248 MEDICAL OFFICE BUILDING – PRELIMINARY/FINAL LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN REVIEW

INFORMATION

The Board needs to approve/disapprove the preliminary/final land development plan.

DISCUSSION

Hayman Salib, M.D. - Applicant, Vaughn Terrinoni – Attorney, Clyde Odom - Principal of Buckl Architects, and Jeffrey Ott - Engineer, were in attendance. Ott said the plan proposes a single 19,800 square foot building and construction of parking area on 1.4 acres located on the east side of Route 248, south of Kingston Road.

Mitchell asked for comments from the township engineer. Dillman said the planning commission recommended approval contingent upon the applicant getting access to use Nightingale Drive. Dillman said we are proposing right in and right out only at the Route 248 intersection. Ott said they agree with the Nightingale Drive access. Jensen said Penndot also agrees with this request. Smith said he would like to see the Nightingale Drive access shown on the plan. Panella asked about the deferral for widening on Nazareth Road. Dillman said there are several projects that will impact that area of Route 248 in the near future. Dillman said it would not benefit the township for this applicant to make limited widening in the area with future development and work coming. Smith questioned if the applicant was offering a voluntary traffic contribution. Terrinoni said they are willing to offer a $10,000 voluntary traffic contribution. Dillman said for residential units it is typically $1,000 per unit. Dillman said equating to office use the guidelines used are per p.m. peak hour trip. Dillman said in this case the use would generate 88 peak hour trips based on the gross square footage of the building and use. Dillman said when you do the math a typical contribution would be $88,000. Dr. Salib said that is much too high for him to meet based on the business. Panella said there is a big difference between $10,000 and $88,000. Bruno asked if the applicant evaluated the costs for the deferrals that they were requesting. Ott said they did not because it didn’t seem to be an issue in the planning stage. Bruno said the township ordinance requires widening of the road, installation of curb and sidewalk. Bruno said you should take the cost of those improvements into account. Smith said most developments have been gracious enough to give us the $1,000 per peak hour trip. Smith said the deferrals are significant. Dr. Salib said he would be willing to revisit this when the traffic light is ready to be constructed. Panella said other applicants made their contribution before their plans were approved. Smith said he would like to stay consistent with past practice. Terrinoni asked if the $88,000 has been the average donation. Bruno said that’s been the norm, $1,000 per peak p.m. trip. Terrinoni said Dr. Salib will make the $88,000 traffic contribution.

Smith made a motion that the Board approve the preliminary/final land development plan provided the applicant satisfy requirements outlined in the township engineer letter dated October 6, 2006, the developer satisfy the township departmental comment sheet requirements dated October 6, 2006, recreation fees be paid in the amount of $3,000 per acre, the applicant obtain access off of Nightingale Drive in the event the township acquires ownership of Nightingale and it be noted on the plan as a driveway access if and when it becomes available, a voluntary traffic contribution in the amount of $88,000 is offered and is acceptable to the Board based on 88 peak hour trips at $1,000 per trip, the Board approved the following: deferral for 165-59.C(2) as it relates to the widening along Nazareth Road-Route 248, deferral 165-75 as it relates to installation of curb along Nazareth Road-Route 248, deferral 165-69 as it relates to installing sidewalk along Nazareth Road-Route 248, the applicant prepare a subdivision improvements agreement to the satisfaction of the township solicitor, and the applicant provide financial security in a form acceptable to the township solicitor.

Bruno recommended amending the motion to enter into a land development improvements agreement prepared by the solicitor rather than a subdivision improvements agreement and noted the peak trips are based on p.m. trips.

Smith amended his motion to include the land development improvements agreement and noting p.m. peak hour trips. The motion was seconded by Panella, and agreed by all.

6. DISCUSSION REGARDING REFINANCING 2002 BOND AND FUNDING OPTIONS FOR REMAINING CAPITAL PROJECTS

INFORMATION

Gary Pulcini will present financial information at the meeting.

DISCUSSION

Gary Pulcini presented a packet to the Board and reviewed the information with them. Pulcini reviewed different funding options and repayment options of the 2002 bond. Pulcini said he previously met with the township manager and chairman to review this information. Pulcini said at that time it was determined that $4,000,000 is needed for additional capital projects. Pulcini said at this time he wouldn’t recommend refunding. Pulcini said for the township to come up with $4,000,000 in bond money it would require additional annual revenue of $178,000. Pulcini said the repayment goes out four years further than the 2002 bond series did. Pulcini said he recommends the township simply proceed with obtaining the $4,000,000 in new money and he will continue to review the situation.

Mitchell thanked Pulcini for the review and said there is no action to be taken this evening.

7. INDIVIDUAL LOT GRADING PLAN ORDINANCE UPDATES

INFORMATION

The Board needs to approve/disapprove proposed changes to the ordinance.

DISCUSSION

Dillman said with any subdivision or land development submission they are required to submit a grading plan. Dillman said we are running into drainage problems in yards. Dillman said a number of municipalities in the area have gone to individual lot grading plans in order to better monitor these problems. Dillman reviewed a plan with the Board. Dillman said tonight he is looking to get the Boards endorsement for him to review this issue on behalf of the township. Dillman said this would be paid for by the developers and land owners so there would be no cost to the township. Dillman said he would work with the solicitor to draft an ordinance. Smith said it adds an additional step for developers to go through but he said when he was on the planning commission it would have been helpful and he feels it would be a good thing to do. Jensen said members of the township spend a lot of time with developers regarding this information. Jensen said with these changes it would eliminate a lot of that time. Mitchell said this could eliminate some of the retaining walls that are constructed after houses are being built too. Jensen said it should. Panella asked if this would apply to the developments already being constructed. Bruno said it would apply to any building permits pulled after the ordinance enactment.

On motion by Smith, seconded by Panella, and agreed by all, the Board authorized the solicitor and township engineer to continue with this process and drafting of an ordinance with changes regarding individual lot grading.

8. NORTHAMPTON COUNTY LETTER REGARDING ACT 4 OF 2006

INFORMATION

The Board needs to approve/disapprove participating in Act 4 of 2006.

DISCUSSION

Mitchell suggested this item be tabled to a future meeting when there is a full board.

9. PENNSYLVANIA UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION RELIEF FROM CHARGES AND NOTICE OF SOLVENCY FEE ELECTION

INFORMATION

The Board needs to approve/disapprove paying the Pennsylvania unemployment solvency fee for 2007. Last year the Board approved not paying the solvency fee.

DISCUSSION

Bruno said the township currently uses the reimbursable method to finance unemployment compensation. Bruno said by paying the solvency fee it allows the township to request relief from charges for certain claims. Bruno said if you don’t pay this you will not have the right to challenge. Bruno said the 2007 fee calculates out to $4,395.66.

On motion by Panella, seconded by Smith, and agreed by all, the Board authorized the township manager to sign the solvency form and pay the 2007 solvency fee.

10. TOWNSHIP ENGINEER CAPITAL PROJECTS UPDATE

INFORMATION

The township engineer will update the Board on the status of all capital projects.

DISCUSSION

Dillman said bids will be opened on Thursday for the Highland Park project. Dillman reviewed plans with the Board on the project. Dillman reviewed what sections are covered in the three bid process. Dillman said Easton Suburban Water Authority requested we coordinate with them for installation of a new water main along Berks and Moore Streets and we’re bidding that portion as the third bid. Dillman said the other change is related to the sanitary sewer replacement. Dillman said the sewer authority will identify problem areas so we can replace the sewer lines as the work proceeds. Dillman said UGI is also out in the neighborhood now taking care of their issues. Smith said we need to make sure we look at where traffic on Berks Street is going to go during construction. Dillman said right now the contractor is required to have through traffic maintained at all times. Dillman said there will come a time when they will need to detour in the area.

11. PUBLIC COMMENT

Robert Gumlock, 109 Berks Street, asked about homeowners financial responsibilities as far as the trees and sidewalks. Dillman said that is all included in the project the township is doing. Gumlock asked if the trees are going to be taken down soon. Dillman said he would expect it will happen early on in the project, but we haven’t received the bids yet or signed the contracts with the contractors.

12. REPORTS

Solicitor

· Bruno had a request from Jason Kocsis requesting a 60-day extension to enter into a subdivision improvements agreement. On motion by Smith, seconded by Panella, and agreed by all, the Board granted the extension request.

Planning Director

· Jensen said she distributed the Zoning Hearing Board agenda to the Board and asked if there were any questions or concerns. There were none.

Police Chief

· Fretz said every year the Board authorizes the Officer Phil program. Fretz distributed sample programs to the Board members.

Supervisors

· Smith said the palmer rival football games were held with Forks and all Palmer teams won.

· Smith said the top coat has been put down at the community center and the grass is growing.

On motion by Panella, seconded by Smith, and agreed by all, the meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m. with no items for executive session.

Respectfully submitted,

Robert G. Anckaitis

Township Manager