PALMER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

GENERAL BUSINESS MEETING

SEPTEMBER 25, 2007

 

      A general business meeting of the Palmer Township Board of Supervisors was held on Tuesday, September 25, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Room of the Palmer Library with four Supervisors in attendance.  Ann Marie Panella was absent.  Also in attendance were the Township Manager, Director of Public Services, Planning Director, Police Chief, and Township Solicitor.  Colin McEvoy from the Express-Times 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 – SEPTEMBER 17, 2007 AND SEPTEMBER 25, 2007

 

      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 September 17, 2007 and September 25, 2007. 

 

3.      APPROVAL OF MINUTES – SEPTEMBER 4, 2007

 

      DISCUSSION

 

Lammi noted several weeks ago Jeff Young commented at a meeting about the EMS participating in community weekend and it was not reflected in the minutes.  Lammi wanted it noted in minutes.

 

      On motion by Lammi, seconded by Smith, and agreed by all, the Board approved the minutes for September 4, 2007. 

     

4.   MAPLE SHADE ESTATES FINAL PLAN APPROVAL

 

      INFORMATION       

     

      The Board needs to approve/disapprove the final plan.

           

      DISCUSSION

     

      Attorney Margle, Engineer John McRoberts, and Developer Michael Tuskes were present.  Planning Director Jensen said this item was before this Board before.  Jensen said points that need to be discussed are the possibility of traffic calming devices and the transformation of Laubach Lane into a bike path.  Jensen said the developer is looking for a credit toward the $63,000 recreation fee since they will be reducing the size of the bike path and also be installing an eight foot sidewalk, more suited for bike path use, along Nulton Avenue.

 

      Attorney Margle said they received the recommendation for approval from the township Planning Commission and they agreed with closing Laubach Lane and reducing the width to a 12-foot bike path.  Margle said Mr. Tuskes is willing to make those improvements and we are asking for a credit on the recreation fees since it will cost some money to do that.  Margle said last night they were placed in administrative review with Bethlehem Township which means we have satisfied their planning review process and now it goes into their staff review process.  Margle said they told Bethlehem Township last night that the developer would like to meet the request of the Palmer Township Planning Commission and make the bike path 12 feet wide. 

 

      Colver asked how they are going to reduce the width of the bike path.  McRoberts said they will cut eight feet from the north side along Route 22 and put trees in.  Colver asked about the cost estimate to do the work.  Margle said they do not know the cost yet but anticipate working with the township engineer on it.  Lammi said he agrees some of the recreation fees could be reduced since they are completing the work on the bike path.  Colver agreed.  Colver asked if bollards are still going to be placed at the end of the path.  Margle said absolutely.

 

      Margle said the second item to discuss is the suggestion of the Planning Commission to expand the sidewalk on the west side of Nulton Avenue opposite the church.  The Board reviewed a plan.  Dillman said there are some special regulations to follow related to a wider path to keep the path smooth. 

 

      McRoberts said another item to discuss that was mentioned during the planning process is the use of some traffic calming devices.  Dillman said the humps are used because they are easier for plowing snow yet if someone goes over it too fast they will know it.  Lammi said there are two stop sign requests on the agenda tonight too, and maybe this is another alternative to slow traffic.  Lammi said maybe it would be worth trying to see how they work.  Mitchell asked how close together they would be.  Dillman said there are guidelines that need to be followed.  Margle said the Planning Commission was a bit reluctant because they did not know if it would generate other resident’s interest in the township to have them added in other neighborhoods.  Chief Fretz said to also remember that emergency vehicles will need to go over these humps.  The Board agreed they did not like the idea. 

 

      Dillman said the developer still does not have their sanitary sewer underground.  Margle said Bethlehem Township does not have capacity so we went to Wilson Borough for capacity.  Margle said Forks Township exercised their right to buy it and we lost it.  Margle said Wilson Borough has now offered it to Bethlehem Township and the deadline for other municipalities to purchase is October 16th.  Margle said to date, we have not heard of anyone opposing the purchase.

 

      Lammi made a motion to grant conditional approval of the Maple Shade Estates final plan conditioned upon the applicant fulfilling comments outlined in the Township Engineer letter dated September 10, 2007; the bike path be reduced in size to 12-feet wide with landscaping placed on the north side of the path along Route 22.  Bruno recommended an amendment to the motion to include the developer will be eligible for a credit in their recreation fee and that all conditions under the preliminary plan approval also be met.  Lammi amended his motion to include the Solicitor’s recommendation, it was seconded by Mitchell.

 

      Frank Ferraina, 1 Brentwood Avenue, asked since the developer offered to shrink the roadway why should the township not get all the money.  Colver said the developer is going to make us a nice bike path for use by township residents.   Colver said when a developer does the work we take that into consideration.

 

      The motion was voted on and agreed by all.

 

5.      CORRIERE LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT – FINAL PLAN APPROVAL

 

      INFORMATION

 

      The Board needs to approve/disapprove the final plan.

 

      DISCUSSION

 

      Jensen said they would like to put a garage on lot two.  The Corriere’s have asked to take a sliver of property from one lot to another which will create a minor lot line adjustment.

 

      Kim Moore on behalf of Bruce Pysher, registered surveyor was in attendance.  Moore reviewed the plan and said it is basically a cleanup plan and we will create an easement plan. 

 

      Colver asked if there were any outstanding issues.  Jensen said there are a number of deferrals related to street widening and curb and sidewalk.

 

      Lammi made a motion to grant conditional approval of the Corriere Lot Line Adjustment final plan conditioned upon the applicant fulfilling comments outlined in the Township Engineer letter dated September 10, 2007; the Board granted deferrals related to Sections 165-59.C(2), 165-59.F, 165-59.L, 165-61.B and 165-69.A, regarding street right of way, street widening, street frontage improvements, curbing and sidewalks.  Bruno recommended adding to the motion that the township waived the recreation fee requirement.  Lammi amended his motion to include the Solicitor’s recommendation, the motion was seconded by Mitchell, and agreed by all.

 

6.      FIRE TRUCK BID AWARD

 

      INFORMATION       

     

      The Board needs to approve/disapprove awarding the bid to high bidder Jon’s Mid America Fire Apparatus in the amount of $5,300.

 

      DISCUSSION

 

      Colver said bids were opened on Wednesday and we received two bids, Kober’s Truck Parts for $3,000 and Jon’s Mid America Fire Apparatus in the amount of $5,300.

 

      On motion by Smith, seconded by Mitchell, and agreed by all, the Board approved awarding the fire truck bid to the highest bidder, Jon’s Mid America Fire Apparatus in the amount of $5,300.

 

7.      POLICE OFFICER DISABILITY PENSION DECISION

 

      INFORMATION       

     

      The Board needs to approve/disapprove awarding a disability pension to Officer Jill Siegfried. 

 

      DISCUSSION

 

      Anckaitis said we finally reached a point where we are able to do this.  Anckaitis said he has a letter that will require the Chairman’s signature that will inform the officer that her next step is to apply for her township disability pension.  Anckaitis said it has all been coordinated with Officer Siegfried’s attorney.

 

      On motion by Mitchell, seconded by Lammi, and agreed by all, the Board approved granting Jill Siegfried an honorable discharge from her employment as a Palmer Township police officer under Section 812(1) of the Police Tenure Act. 

 

8.      CREST BOULEVARD STOP SIGN REQUEST

 

      INFORMATION       

     

      The traffic committee will bring their recommendation to the meeting.  The Board needs to approve/disapprove the stop sign request.

 

      DISCUSSION

 

       Colver said we received an email from Mr. Leitinger, 44 Crest Blvd., expressing concern about excessive speed on Crest Blvd. ever since it has been opened to Tatamy Road.  Colver said our traffic committee reviewed the request and the committee stated they are not in favor of adding stop signs.  Lammi said he would be concerned about people having to stop on the slope in the winter.  Colver said it is a bus stop where twenty some kids get on the bus.  Fretz said it is also a divided roadway and traffic coming in the other direction does not have to stop for a bus stop.  Mr. Leitinger said they see people going 60 – 70 – 80 miles per hour on the roadway and there is no way they will stop if a child is in the street.  Lammi said he knows the traffic committee says we should not use a sign to slow traffic but he feels it does work in making people slow down.   Dillman said if school buses are picking up students on Crest maybe you should contact the school district to request the stop be moved.  Anckaitis said he knows some school districts only allow the stops on the major roadways in a development. 

 

      On motion by Lammi, seconded by Smith, and agreed by all, the Board approved placing a three way stop sign at the intersection of Crest Boulevard and Central Drive. 

 

9.      GREENHILL AVENUE AND MAYWOOD STREET STOP SIGN REQUEST

 

      INFORMATION       

     

      The traffic committee will bring their recommendation to the meeting.  The Board needs to approve/disapprove the stop sign request.

 

      DISCUSSION

 

      Lammi said he noticed going down the hill there is a stop sign at Edgewood and asked why there is no sign coming up the hill.  Chief Fretz said the placement of the sign is at a “Y” in the roadway and the sign would have to be way off to the side and not as visible.  Adams said there is a yield sign there now and the request is to make it a three way stop.  Fretz said many years ago Penndot came through and there were only six or seven homes on that street.  Fretz said when intersections were at an arterial road they would place a yield sign to allow traffic to flow faster.  Fretz said since population has increased we see stop signs replacing the yield signs.  Lammi said he feels the yield sign needs to be replaced with a stop sign but he isn’t in favor of having two signs back to back.   The Board agreed to replace the yield sign with a stop sign but not add an additional stop sign.

 

      On motion by Lammi, seconded by Smith, and agreed by all, the Board approved replacing the yield sign at Maywood Street and Greenhill Avenue. 

 

10.  APPROVAL OF THE MINIMUM MUNICIPAL OBLIGATION FOR THE POLICE AND NON-UNIFORM PENSION PLANS

 

      INFORMATION       

           

      The Board needs to approve the 2008 minimum municipal obligation for the police pension plan at $407,553 and for the non-uniform pension plan at $288,359.

 

      DISCUSSION

 

      On motion by Smith, seconded by Mitchell, and agreed by all, the Board approved the 2008 minimum municipal obligation for the police pension plan at $407,553 and for the non-uniform pension plan at $288,359.

 

11.  TOYS FOR TOTS REQUEST

 

      INFORMATION       

     

      The Board needs to approve/disapprove the request from the Marine Corps League regarding placing a banner on township property for the Toys for Tots campaign.  

 

      DISCUSSION

 

      Colver said we received a letter from Joe Pokojni, Chairman of the Toys for Tots campaign, seeking permission to place a banner at the corner of Route 248 and Newburg Road for about one month.  Lammi said it will open it up for all organizations to put their signs out.  Lammi said he supports the program but not placement of the sign.  Colver said we can let him know that next year we will have an electronic sign they can advertise on.  Mitchell also suggested he contact the Lions Club to have information placed on their sign at five points. 

 

      On motion by Smith, seconded by Lammi, and agreed by all, the Board denied the request.

 

12.  PERMISSION TO ADVERTISE CODE ADOPTION ORDINANCE

 

      INFORMATION       

     

      The Board needs to approve/disapprove advertising the ordinance.

 

      DISCUSSION

     

      On motion by Smith, seconded by Mitchell, and agreed by all, the Board authorized the solicitor to advertise the Township Code Adoption ordinance subject to his satisfactory review.

 

13.  HIGHLAND PARK ROAD AND DRAINAGE SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS – CONTRACT CHANGE NO. 1

 

                  INFORMATION       

           

      Additional work was done on the Palmer Township Municipal Sewer Authority sewerage system within the project area.  The work was approved by the PTMSA and they are currently sending a reimbursement check to Palmer.  The Board of Supervisors needs to review the contract change for approval.

 

                  DISCUSSION

 

      Colver said the change is an addition of $80,734 that is being reimbursed by the Palmer Township Municipal Sewer Authority. 

     

      On motion by Mitchell, seconded by Smith, and agreed by all, the Board approved the Highland Park Road and Drainage System improvements contract change number one.

 

14.  STREET LIGHT RESOLUTION

 

      INFORMATION       

     

      The Board needs to approve/disapprove the street light resolution.

 

      DISCUSSION

 

      On motion by Mitchell, seconded by Smith, and agreed by all, the Board approved the street light resolution for pole 68912-49434 at the intersection of Old Orchard Drive and Kendon Drive.

 

15. TOWNSHIP ENGINEER CAPITAL PROJECTS UPDATE

 

      INFORMATION

 

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

 

      DISCUSSION

 

      Dillman said the Highland Park project is winding down with paving scheduled for next week and then final inspections.  Dillman said the project went well with minimal issues with citizens.  Dillman said there will be one more closure on Berks Street during the final paving project with a possible one day lag. 

 

      Dillman said the next project is the Greenwood Avenue Extension project.  Dillman said they will be going to Penndot with their revisions and noted that all properties have been acquired.  Dillman said they will need to provide title reports to Penndot for all the properties.  Dillman said they are looking to have the HOP in the next 30 to 60 days and bidding the project in early 2008 with the intent to have the project start in spring.  Dillman said they met with utility companies to move them along in their pole relocation process early in the project.  Dillman said the utility companies are doing the pole relocation at no expense to the township. 

 

      Dillman said the VanBuren Road/Route 248 intersection plans will be going back to Penndot in October.  Colver said Dillman also had plans for the Palmer School tract with him tonight.  Bruno said we need to record the plan before we can have settlement and suggested expediting the plans as soon as possible.  Dillman will send the plan to the school district for their review.  Colver said he will deliver a copy to Joe Kish tomorrow morning.

 

16. PUBLIC COMMENT

 

      Frank Ferraina, 1 Newburg Road, thanked the Board and Mr. Bruno for the excellent job related to the IDI project in Lower Nazareth Township.  Ferraina said he will not be able to attend tomorrow nights meeting and hopes Mr. Bruno will continue to represent Palmer.  Ferraina asked to please continue to do anything to help us with this development. 

     

17. REPORTS

     

Solicitor

·        Bruno had an extension request from Hay Terrace South for an extension until December 31, 2007 to complete public improvements.  Bruno said they extended their letter of credit and responded to our correspondence favorably.  On motion by Mitchell, seconded by Smith, and agreed by all, the Board authorized the Chairman to sign the extension request.

·        Bruno said previously we had a subdivision plan approved for the Kocsis Minor Subdivision.  Bruno said the developer is Ruby Real Estate Development LLC.  Bruno said they are prepared to enter into their 18-month maintenance period and security is posted.  On motion by Smith, seconded by Mitchell, and agreed by all, the Board approved entering into the maintenance period for the Kocsis Minor Subdivision.

·        Bruno had an extension agreement for Commerce Bank requesting an extension until December 31, 2007 to complete improvements for land development approval.  Lammi asked what work remains.  Jensen said the parking.  Dillman said there are also some curb islands to construct.  On motion by Lammi, seconded by Mitchell, and agreed by all, the Board authorized the Chairman to sign the extension request.

·        Bruno had a request from George V. Seiple & Sons Co. Inc. related to the Remaly Industrial Park  requesting an extension until June 30, 2008.  Bruno read a letter from Mr. Stitt stating that by that date they should have DEP’s approval.   On motion by Mitchell, seconded by Lammi, and agreed by all, the Board approved the extension request.  Jensen said they still have not submitted their DEP report to the township.  Jensen said she saw a review letter of the report but not the actual report.  Colver suggested the solicitor request the DEP environmental phase two report in his correspondence back to Mr. Stitt.

·        Bruno said the appeal that was filed related to Michael Moussa’s Zoning Hearing Board decision was rendered September 13 confirming the decision of the Zoning Hearing Board and denying the request of the Moussa’s.

·        Bruno said the Alvin vs. Calabrese decision was also in favor of the township.  Bruno noted the time for appeal has passed with no appeal filed.

·        Bruno had one real estate and one litigation item for executive session.

 

      Manager

·        Anckaitis had one personnel item for executive session.

 

      Planning Director

·        Jensen said the Keystone Nazareth Bank and Trust conditional approval expires the end of this month and they are requesting a one-year extension.  On motion by Lammi, seconded by Smith, and agreed by all, the Board approved the extension request.

·        Jensen said Lafayette College sent her an invitation for a regional planning seminar with the Two Rivers COG.  Lammi said he will discuss this in his report. 

·        Jensen gave a draft letter addressed to Mr. Dilsaver, Chairman of the Lower Nazareth Board of Supervisors, to the Board to review.  Jensen said it is a wish list of performance based impacts to Palmer Township and it requested an after study of critical issues should the development be completed.  Jensen said she would like authorization to have the Chairman sign the letter.  Bruno clarified some points made in the letter.  Dillman said Lower Nazareth approaches things different than here and said they go through the conditional use process and then go back for the land development process.  Lammi said he would like to see the vehicles parked or moved between the buildings and the township line minimized.  Lammi said he would like to see it noted that we do not want to see tractor trailers parked on the Palmer side of the project.  Bruno noted when asking for Palmer to have a review process to also ask for approval of the noise analysis.  Bruno also noted to copy the letter to the applicants attorney as well as Attorney Asteak and Attorney Ferretti.  Anckaitis said after tomorrow nights meeting their next scheduled meeting will be October 10th.  Anckaitis said this letter needs to be ready by the October 10th meeting.  Bruno asked to what extent did this Board want the township engineer and himself to participate in  tomorrow nights meeting.  Colver said to monitor the testimony since you most likely will not have a chance to participate tomorrow night.  On motion by Lammi, seconded by Smith, and agreed by all, the Board authorized the Chairman to sign the letter with amendments as discussed tonight.

·        Jensen said there is no Zoning Hearing Board meeting agenda for October because there were no agenda items.

·        Jensen had one real estate item for executive session.

 

      Public Services Director

·        Adams had one temporary construction easement agreement from the Greenwood Avenue Extension project that needed the Chairman’s signature. 

 

      Police Chief

·        Fretz said yesterday they did the hardware transfer for their new computer system.  Fretz said the department will now begin training on the new system.  Each officer will have their own email address with the new system.

 

Supervisors

·        Lammi said legislation was being bounced around about raising the minimum bidding requirements.  Lammi said it passed by the House and was vetoed by the Governor.  Lammi said now there is a new senate bill to increase it from $10,000 to $25,000 – and phone bids from $4,000 to $7,000.  Lammi said Senator Wonderling is one of the sponsors of the bill.  Lammi recommended the township send a letter of support to Senator Wonderling stating we agree the limits need to be raised.  Colver said to take it one step further stating the $25,000 prevailing wage level also needs to be raised.

·        Lammi said the thought of doing a regional comprehensive plan has been kicked around for several years.  Lammi said he feels we either need to do something or stop bringing it up and wasting everyone’s time.  Lammi said he asked to have it on the October 17th COG meeting agenda and requested elected officials attend the meeting.  Lammi said he will put together a summary for this Board’s review.  Lammi asked other Board members to attend the meeting.

 

      On motion by Lammi, seconded by Smith, and agreed by all, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m. with two real estate, one litigation, and one personnel item for executive session.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Robert G. Anckaitis

Township Manager