PALMER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

GENERAL BUSINESS MEETING

DECEMBER 26, 2006

 

A general business meeting of the Palmer Township Board of Supervisors was held on Tuesday, December 26, 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, Public Services Director, Police Lieutenant, and Township Solicitor.  Courtney Lomax from the Express Times and Jan Schott from Easton News represented the news media.  Colver convened the meeting and led those present in the Pledge to the Flag.  

     

2.   APPROVAL OF DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS – DECEMBER 26, 2006

 

      INFORMATION

 

      The report will be provided at the meeting.

 

      DISCUSSION

 

      On motion by Mitchell, seconded by Smith, and agreed by all, the Board approved the disbursement of funds for December 26, 2006.

 

3.      APPROVAL OF MINUTES – DECEMBER 18, 2006

 

      DISCUSSION

 

      On motion by Panella, seconded by Smith, and agreed by all, the Board approved the minutes of December 18, 2006.

     

4.      DISCUSSION OF THE PALMER TOWNSHIP POLICE PENSION FUND

 

      INFORMATION

 

      The Board will receive a recommendation from the Palmer Township Police Pension Board regarding whether or not to give a cost of living increase to the retirees in the Palmer Township Police Pension Plan.  The Board will then discuss the recommendation and make a decision.

 

      DISCUSSION

 

      Panella said prior to this meeting there was a pension board meeting.  Panella said the pension board committee is recommending a 1.5% COLA increase to retirees for 2007.  Panella said the township used to do a 3% increase every other year but we are now doing 1.5% annually.  Panella said the committee is also interested in hearing presentations for new money managers for the pension funds.  Panella said the committee is recommending the Board of Supervisors hear presentations by Ryan Beck, Smith Barney and the township’s current fund manager, Fulton Financial.  The Board agreed to have the Township Manager set up a special meeting and contact the providers for the second Monday in March.

 

      On motion by Panella, seconded by Mitchell, and agreed by all, the Board authorized a 1.5% cost of living increase for the police retirees effective January 1, 2007.

 

5.      RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A TAX LEVY

 

      INFORMATION

 

      The Board needs to approve/disapprove a resolution fixing the tax rate for the year 2007.

 

      DICUSSION

 

      On motion by Lammi, seconded by Smith, and agreed by all, the Board approved keeping the tax rate for 2007 at 5.25 mills.

 

6.   RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 2007 BUDGET

 

      INFORMATION

 

      The Board needs to approve/disapprove a resolution adopting the 2007 budget.

 

      DISCUSSION

 

On motion by Mitchell, seconded by Panella, and agreed by all, the Board approved the 2007 budget in the amount of $13,915,818.00.

 

Lammi complemented the Township Manager and his staff for the job well done with this year’s budget.

 

7.   AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE WASTE HAULING BID SPECS

 

      INFORMATION

 

      Documents were previously distributed to the Board.  The Board needs to approve/disapprove advertising of the bid specs. 

 

      DISCUSSION

 

      Colver said Cindy Oatis, Tom Ganssle, Tom Ditmar, who were all in attendance, as well as the whole Environmental Steering Committee, put a lot of time into preparing these documents.  Bruno said we feel they are in final draft form and presented an updated version to the Board.  Lammi questioned why the yard waste and grass clippings were not separated in the options.  Oatis said that has been corrected.  Lammi asked about the timing on the bond as far as when it is due once bids are accepted.  Bruno said within 20 days after notification of award the contractor shall enter into contract with township and provide performance bond.  Oatis said a bid schedule should be included in the Board’s new packet outlining the time frame.  Oatis said the urgency is in the timeframe.  Oatis said we ask that the Board make the decision on the options as soon as possible after the bids come in. 

 

      Lammi made a motion that the Board authorized the Solicitor to advertise the waste hauling bid specs.  Colver asked if a meeting should be held prior to bids being opened to review options.  The Board agreed to have a meeting right after the bids are received.  The motion was seconded by Smith, and agreed by all.  Colver said the ESC has spent a ton of time preparing this information and we appreciate all that has been done.  Colver said we will be looking to the ESC heavily in the future to make the correct decisions.  Lammi acknowledged all the work done by the committee also.  Anckaitis acknowledged appreciation for all the ESC has done to put this together and he also thanked Christie from Attorney Bruno’s office for all the work she has put into the documents.

 

8.   PUGLIESE STORM WATER DISCUSSION

 

      INFORMATION

 

      The Board will make a determination regarding outstanding storm water engineering bills for the Pugliese development on Northwood Avenue.

 

      DISCUSSION

 

      Colver said Mr. Pugliese was at a meeting a few weeks ago asking for confirmation regarding storm water road work related to his Northwood Avenue project.  Colver said the Township Manager pulled meeting minutes and confirmed that Mr. Pugliese was correct.

 

      On motion by Lammi, seconded by Mitchell, and agreed by all, the board agreed the township would pay for the township engineering review fees. 

 

9.   2007 SALARY SCHEDULE

 

      INFORMATION

 

      The Board needs to approve/disapprove the 2007 salary schedule for non-uniform employees.

 

      DISCUSSION

 

      On motion by Mitchell, seconded by Smith, and agreed by all, the Board approved the 2007 salary schedule.

 

10.  2007 POLICE SERVICE RATES

 

      INFORMATION

 

      The Board needs to approve/disapprove the 2007 police service rates. 

 

      DISCUSSION

 

On motion by Smith, seconded by Panella, and agreed by all, the Board approved the 2007 police rates as outlined in Chief Fretz’s letter dated December 20, 2006.

 

11.  AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE EASTON AREA JOINT SEWER AUTHORITY ACT 537 SPECIAL STUDY ORDINANCE

 

      INFORMATION

 

      The Board needs to approve/disapprove advertising the ordinance. 

 

      DISCUSSION

 

On motion by Lammi, seconded by Smith, and agreed by all, the Board approved advertising the Easton Area Joint Sewer Authority Act 537 special study ordinance.

 

12.  ANNOUNCEMENT OF REORGANIZATION MEETINGS

 

      INFORMATION

 

      The Palmer Township Board of Supervisors annual reorganization meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 2, 2007, at 7:00 pm, in the Community Room of the Palmer Library.

 

      The Board of Auditors will meet on Wednesday, January 3, 2007, at 7:00 pm in the Small Conference Room of the Palmer Library.

 

      The Palmer Planning Commission reorganization meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 9, 2007, at 7:00 pm and all regular meetings will be held the second Tuesday of each month in the Community Room of the Palmer Library at 7:00 pm.

 

      The Recreation Board meetings will be held the third Tuesday of each month in the Community Room of the Palmer Library at 7:30 pm except for the months of July and December.

     

      The Shade Tree Commission meetings will be held the last Monday of each month in the Community Room of the Palmer Library at 6:30 pm.

 

      The Environmental Steering Committee reorganization meeting will be held on Thursday, January 18, 2007, at 7:00 pm and all meetings thereafter will be held on the third Thursday of the month, excluding December, in the Conference Room of the Palmer Municipal Building. 

 

      The Palmer Library is located at 1 Weller Place, Palmer, PA.

 

13.  ANNOUNCEMENT OF CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING DATES

 

      INFORMATION

 

      Christmas tree recycling will take place January 2nd through January 19th.  Trees are to be placed curbside on regular trash days.

 

14.  PUBLIC COMMENT

 

      None

 

15. REPORTS

     

Solicitor

·        Bruno had an extension agreement regarding the Kunkle Tract at the high school and said they need an extension of time until June 30, 2007 to complete public improvements. On motion by Mitchell, seconded by Panella, and agreed by all, the Board authorized the Chairman to sign the extension agreement.

·        Bruno had lot line adjustment plan for Mr. Laslo’s property along Nicholas Street.  Bruno said they are requesting a 90 day extension of time from December 31, 2006.  On motion by Smith, seconded by Mitchell, and agreed by all, the Board approved the extension request.

·        Bruno read a letter to the Board regarding George V. Seiple & Sons, Remaly Industrial Park, requesting an extension of time until June 30, 2007 to allow for completion of environmental studies.  On motion by Mitchell, seconded by Panella, and agreed by all, the Board approved the extension request.

·        Bruno said there was a zoning hearing matter regarding the Moussa property where they filed an appeal related to the denial from the township Zoning Hearing Board.  Bruno said the Zoning Hearing Board denied their request for a retaining wall.  Lammi said the suit that was filed misrepresented what this Board agreed to.  Bruno recommended the Board file a petition to intervene on behalf of the Township.  On motion by Lammi, seconded by Smith, and agreed by all, the Board authorized the Solicitor to file a petition to intervene.

·        Bruno reported that a request that went to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania regarding the Gillen matter related to the bike path improvements on the north end of the township has concluded.  Bruno said it is doubtful any further action will be taken and the township can now proceed with the improvements.

·        Bruno had one litigation item for executive session.

 

      Township Manager

·        Anckaitis wished everyone a Happy New Year and thanked the Board for allowing him to serve the township over the last year and said he enjoys working for a great Board of Supervisors.

·        Anckaitis said the community center has an opportunity to bring a circus to the center.  Anckaitis said the circus will bring all their equipment, floor covering, and stands.  Anckaitis said we would get a percentage of advanced tickets sales and a percentage of tickets sold at the door.  Anckaitis said they will bring no wild animals.  Anckaitis said it was held a few years ago in Forks Township and was well received.  Anckaitis said we’re looking for a day in March and they would hold two shows in the same day.  Anckaitis said they sent us a contract which he forwarded to the Solicitor to review.  Anckaitis said it was a very simple one page contract.  Anckaitis said the circus will provide one million dollars in liability insurance.  Bruno said as long as they list the township as an additional insured in addition to the million dollar liability insurance it should be fine.  Bruno said he sent the contact at the circus a letter today with some minor issues to resolve and he said he believes the terms can be worked out by early in January.  Panella asked if anyone else in the area is doing a circus.  Colver asked if there would be any conflicts with township sports.  Anckaitis said they will need to talk to the basketball representative about one day, but there are no conflicts with wrestling.  Bruno reviewed some of the highlights of the contract with the Board.  Colver said the contract says the circus will clean up but will they be taking the trash away.  Smith said he would want to make sure we have manpower there to make sure the center is in good shape after the event.  Panella asked if our parking lot accommodates the amount that would be attending.  Anckaitis said we could also use the school parking area if needed.  On motion by Mitchell, seconded by Smith, and agreed by all, the Board agreed with the circus concept subject to approval of contracts to the township Solicitor’s satisfaction.

 

      Public Services Director

·        Adams said the roofer for the library has dropped off another set of insurance documents that he will be forwarding to our insurance company for review.

     

      Supervisors

·        Smith said a wrestling tournament was held at the community center this weekend and everything went very well. 

·        Smith said there was a proposal made to the Recreation Board to have Lacrosse added to our township sports programs.  Smith said the Recreation Board recommended approval as well as the Athletic Association.  Smith said the total cost to get two teams up and running is $19,665.  Smith said some money was included in the budget since the concept was already being discussed and the Athletic Association gave $8,000 to get them underway.  Colver asked what the age groups would be.  Todd Doerner, the coach, said one team would be U11 and one would be U13.  Doerner said they would start at age eight and they are co-ed teams.  Doerner said the season would start the first Saturday in March.  Colver asked who they would play.  Doerner said they would be in the Penn Valley Lacrosse League and he reviewed the teams they would be playing.  Smith said there were 25 Palmer township kids that played in the Forks league last year that had to pay an additional fee since they were not township residents.  On motion by Smith, seconded by Lammi, and agreed by all, the Board approved adding the costs to the township budget and adding the Lacrosse program as a 2007 Palmer Township sport.

·        Colver said on behalf of the Board he would like to thank all the employees, committees, volunteers, coaches, everyone who makes Palmer Township what it is.  Colver said it’s hard to thank everyone because there are so many great people that make things work.  Colver said in addition to these people he would like to thank our professional staff, the Township Solicitor’s office and the Township Engineer’s office.  Colver said he is looking forward to a great 2007.

 

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

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Robert G. Anckaitis

Township Manager