PALMER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

REORGANIZATION/GENERAL BUSINESS MEETING

JANUARY 5, 2009

 

      A reorganization/general business meeting of the Palmer Township Board of Supervisors was held on Monday, January 5, 2009 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 Lieutenant Trinchere and Attorney Christy Schlottman.  The Township Solicitor was absent. Colver convened the meeting and led those present in the Pledge to the Flag. 

 

2.      MEETING TURNED OVER TO TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN WHO WILL CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR CHAIRMAN

 

Colver turned the meeting over to Temporary Chairman Robert Lammi who called for nominations for Chairman for the year 2009.  On motion by Panella, seconded by Mitchell, David E. Colver was nominated as Chairman for 2009.  On motion by Panella, seconded by Mitchell, and agreed by all, nominations for Chairman were closed and David E. Colver was voted in as Chairman for 2009.

 

3.   NEWLY-ELECTED CHAIRMAN WILL CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR VICE-CHAIRMAN

 

Temporary Chairman Lammi then turned the meeting over to re-elected Chairman David E. Colver.  Colver then called for nominations for Vice Chairman.  On motion by Mitchell, seconded by Panella, Robert A. Lammi was nominated as Vice Chairman for 2009.  On motion by Smith, seconded by Panella, and agreed by all, nominations for Vice Chairman were closed and Robert A. Lammi was voted in as Vice Chairman for 2009.

 

4.   APPOINT SECRETARY AND TREASURER

 

      INFORMATION

 

      The Township Manager recommends he be appointed as secretary/treasurer.

 

      DISCUSSION

 

      On motion by Lammi, seconded by Panella, and agreed by all, the Board appointed Robert Anckaitis, Township Manager, as Secretary/Treasurer for 2009.

 

5.      APPOINT PUBLIC RECORDS OFFICER

 

      INFORMATION

 

      The Township Manager recommends he be appointed as the public records officer.

 

      DISCUSSION

 

      On motion by Mitchell, seconded by Smith, and agreed by all, the Board appointed Robert Anckaitis, Township Manager, as the township public records officer for 2009.

 

6.      ESTABLISH AMOUNT OF TREASURER’S BOND

 

      INFORMATION

 

      The Board needs to establish the amount of the treasurer’s bond for 2009.  The current amount is $3 million.

 

      DISCUSSION

 

On motion by Lammi, seconded by Mitchell, and agreed by all, the Board voted to establish the treasurer bond at $3 million for 2009.

 

7.   APPROVAL OF DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS – JANUARY 5, 2009

 

      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 5, 2009.

 

8.   APPROVAL OF MINUTES – DECEMBER 23, 2008

 

      DISCUSSION

 

      On motion by Panella, seconded by Smith, and agreed by all, the Board voted to approve the minutes of December 23, 2008. 

 

9.   DISCUSSION OF 2009 ASSIGNMENTS

 

      INFORMATION       

     

      The Board needs to approve/disapprove the following assignments:

 

Planning Liaison – Robert A. Lammi

Recreation Board Liaison – Robert Smith

Suburban EMS Liaison – Mike Mitchell

Palmer Municipal Fire Department LiaisonDavid E. Colver

Shade Tree Commission Liaison – Ann- Marie Panella

Environmental Steering Committee Liaison – Robert Lammi

Township Engineer – to appoint J. Scott Pidcock as Township Engineer

Sewage Enforcement Officer – to appoint Ronald Gawlik, Jeffrey Matyus and Scott Beiber

Township Solicitor – to appoint Charles Bruno as Township Solicitor

Zoning Hearing Board Solicitor – will be appointed by Zoning Hearing Board at a fee of $120.00 per hour.

Earned Income Tax Collectors – to reappoint Brenda DeLong as Earned Income Tax Collector and Diane DeYoung, Sheri Young, and Nancy Mendres as her assistants for the year 2009.

Vacancy Board – to appoint Virginia Rickert to the Vacancy Board, said Board exists and is used to break a tie if one exists due to a vacancy on the Board of Supervisors.

Township Physician – Coordinated Health Systems, 400 S. Greenwood Avenue, Palmer, PA

 

      DISCUSSION

 

On motion by Panella, seconded by Smith, and agreed by all, the Board approved the 2009 assignments as listed above.

 

10. DISCUSSION TO APPROVE LAFAYETTE AMBASSADOR BANK TO HANDLE ALL TOWNSHIP FUNDS

 

      INFORMATION       

     

      The Board needs to approve/disapprove Lafayette Ambassador Bank to handle all Township funds.

 

      DISCUSSION

 

On motion by Mitchell, seconded by Panella, and agreed by all, the Board voted to approve Lafayette Ambassador Bank to handle all township funds for 2009.

 

11. DISCUSSION TO APPOINT ALL SUPERVISORS AS ROAD MASTERS AND SUPERINTENDENTS AT A RATE TO BE DETERMINED BY THE AUDITORS

 

INFORMATION       

     

      The Board must approve/disapprove the appointment of all supervisors as road masters and superintendents at a rate to be determined by the auditors.

 

      DISCUSSION

 

On motion by Lammi, seconded by Smith, and agreed by all, the Board voted to appoint all supervisors as road masters and superintendents.

 

12. DISCUSSION OF REAPPOINTMENTS TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION

 

      INFORMATION       

     

      The Board needs to approve/disapprove the reappointment of Jo-Ann Stoneback and Richard Wilkens to four-year terms on the Planning Commission, terms to expire 12/31/12. 

 

      DISCUSSION

 

On motion by Lammi, seconded by Smith, and agreed by all, the Board voted to reappoint Jo-Ann Stoneback to a four-year term on the Planning Commission, term to expire 12/31/12.   

 

On motion by Lammi, seconded by Smith, and agreed by all, the Board voted to reappoint Richard Wilkens to a four-year term on the Planning Commission, term to expire 12/31/12.  

 

13. DISCUSSION OF REAPPOINTMENT TO THE ZONING HEARING BOARD

 

      INFORMATION       

     

      The Board needs to approve/disapprove the reappointment of Daniel Caravetta to a three-year term on the Zoning Hearing Board, term to expire 12/31/11.

 

      DISCUSSION

 

On motion by Mitchell, seconded by Panella, and agreed by all, the Board voted to reappoint Daniel Caravetta to a three-year term on the Zoning Hearing Board, term to expire 12/31/11.

 

14. DISCUSSION OF REAPPOINTMENT TO THE RECREATION BOARD

 

INFORMATION       

     

      The Board needs to approve/disapprove the reappointments of Mark Knox and Jeff Young to five-year terms on the Recreation Board.  Terms expire 12/31/13.

 

      DISCUSSION

     

      On motion by Smith, seconded by Mitchell, and agreed by all, the Board voted to appoint Mark Knox to a five-year term on the Recreation Board, term to expire 12/31/13.

 

      On motion by Smith, seconded by Mitchell, and agreed by all, the Board voted to appoint Jeff Young to a five-year term on the Recreation Board, term to expire 12/31/13.

 

15. DISCUSSION OF REAPPOINTMENT TO THE PALMER MUNICIPAL SEWER AUTHORITY

 

INFORMATION       

     

      The Board needs to approve/disapprove the reappointment of William Smolow to a five-year term on the Palmer Municipal Sewer Authority, term to expire 12/31/13.

 

      DISCUSSION

 

On motion by Panella, seconded by Smith, and agreed by all, the Board voted to reappoint William Smolow to a five-year term on the Palmer Municipal Sewer Authority, term to expire 12/31/13.

 

16.  DISCUSSION OF REAPPOINTMENT TO THE SHADE TREE COMMISSION

 

INFORMATION       

     

      Steve Shadle does not want to be reappointed to the Shade Tree Commission.  The Board needs to appoint a new member to a five year term on the Shade Tree Commission, term to expire 12/31/13.

 

      DISCUSSION

 

      Colver said we need to find a new member for the Shade Tree Commission.  Colver said it is a three person commission with Gordon Santee and Robert Rizzolino as current members.  Colver said Steve Shadle is not interested in reappointment.  Colver said we do not have anyone to appoint tonight so if anyone is interested in the position they should submit a letter of interest to the township manager.

 

17. DISCUSSION OF APPOINTMENT OF THE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR

 

INFORMATION       

     

      The Board needs to approve/disapprove the reappointment of Delmar Grube as Emergency Management Director for 2009.

 

      DISCUSSION

 

On motion by Lammi, seconded by Smith, and agreed by all, the Board reappointed Delmar Grube as the Emergency Management Director for 2009.

 

18. DISCUSSION OF THE MEETING DATES AND TIMES FOR THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETINGS FOR 2009

 

INFORMATION

 

The Board needs to approve/disapprove the meeting dates for 2009 as follows:  regular meetings of the Palmer Township Board of Supervisors will be held the first and third Mondays of each month at 7:00 p.m. prevailing time and also on the fourth Tuesday following the first Monday at 7:00 p.m. prevailing time. Exceptions will be made if a legal holiday observed by the township falls on the same date, the scheduled meeting will be held the next day at the same time. Any special meetings will be duly advertised as required by law. Meetings will be held in the Community Room, Palmer Branch of the Easton Area Public Library, 1 Weller Place, Palmer, PA.

 

      On motion by Mitchell, seconded by Panella, and agreed by all, the Board approved the 2009 meeting dates as noted above.

 

19. DISCUSSION OF APPOINTMENT OF VOTING DELEGATE AT 2009 STATE ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONVENTION

 

INFORMATION

 

The Board needs to appoint a voting delegate for the 2009 State Association Annual Convention.

 

      DISCUSSION

 

On motion by Smith, seconded by Mitchell, and agreed by all, the Board voted to appoint Robert Lammi as the voting delegate at the 2009 State Association Annual Convention.

 

20. APPOINTMENT OF THE 2009 TOWNSHIP COG DELEGATE AND ALTERNATE

 

      INFORMATION

 

      The Board needs to appoint members of the Board as the 2009 COG delegate and alternate.

 

      DISCUSSION

 

      On motion by Mitchell, seconded by Smith, and agreed by all, the Board appointed Robert Lammi as the 2009 COG delegate and Ann-Marie Panella as the COG alternate.

 

21. DISCUSSION OF HOLIDAYS

 

INFORMATION

 

The Board needs to approve/disapprove the following holidays for 2009:

New Year’s Day –Thursday, January 1, 2009

Good Friday – Friday, April 10

Memorial Day – Monday, May 25

4th of July – Observed Friday, July 3

Labor Day – Monday, September 7

Veteran’s Day – Wednesday, November 11

Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 26

Day after Thanksgiving Day – Friday, November 27

Christmas Day – Friday, December 25

 

      DISCUSSION

 

On motion by Panella, seconded by Mitchell, and agreed by all, the Board voted to approve the holidays as listed for the year 2009.

 

22. DISCUSSION REGARDING GRAY CONNECTIVE PROPOSAL

 

      INFORMATION

 

The Board needs to approve/disapprove partnering with Gray Connective to install a four panel ground mounted 1 kilowatt solar array at the Charles Chrin Community Center. 

 

      DISCUSSION

 

      Colver said this was presented to us at our last meeting and since then we received a proposal from Kevin Gray asking for some financial backing toward the project.  Lammi asked from an educational prospective what are you proposing and how do you see the township using this.  Gray said it depends on how technical you want to be.  You can show the information on your website indicating what it is producing or you could make literature available at the community center explaining the methodology behind it.  Gray said it will get people to think about other ways of conserving energy.  Gray said it is a whole process and he feels it would be good for the township to promote it to its residents.  Colver said people will definitely start asking questions once they see it.  Panella asked if there is something we can do to show how it works.  Gray said an interface could be setup on a website showing how many kilowatts are used each day, etc.  Gray said an inverter shows how much energy is being generated from it.  Gray said you can take it to any level on how you want it demonstrated.  Gray said it would be a four or six panel solar array.  The Board reviewed his proposal and photo.  Lammi asked the township manager and public services director if there could be grant money available for us to do this.  Gray said some colleges in the area have received grants.  Anckaitis said he would have to research it. 

 

      On motion by Smith, seconded by Lammi, and agreed by all, the Board agreed to approve the concept of the project to partner with Gray Connective Inc. to install a four or six panel ground mounted 1 kilowatt solar array at the Charles Chrin Community Center with two Board members working with Kevin Gray on the appropriate location and size of the solar array and the township staff looking into grants that may be available to cover the $3,500 cost to the township.  

 

23. THE CENTER FOR ANIMAL HEALTH AND WELFARE ANIMAL SERVICES AGREEMENT

      INFORMATION

 

The Board needs to approve/disapprove entering into a contract with The Animal Health and Welfare Shelter for 2009.

 

                  DISCUSSION

 

      On motion by Mitchell, seconded by Smith, and agreed by all, the Board authorized the Chairman to sign The Animal Health and Welfare Shelter agreement for 2009.

 

24. FUEL AND TREE REMOVAL BID AWARDS

 

      INFORMATION

 

      The Public Services Director will be opening bids on Monday, January 5, 2009 at 10 a.m. and will bring his recommendations to the meeting for the Boards decision.

 

      DISCUSSION

 

      Adams said the tree removal bid is under review and he will make a recommendation at the next meeting.

 

      Adams distributed the fuel bids to the Board.  After a discussion regarding bids received Adams recommended we take the firm price on diesel fuel from Farm & Home at $2.0690/gallon.  Adams said he did not really have a recommendation on the gasoline bid which included fluctuating and firm quotes.  Anckaitis said he would recommend we do not do a fluctuating bid.  Anckaitis said he does not think we should gamble with tax payer’s money and we cannot budget for the unknown.

 

On motion by Smith, seconded by Lammi, and agreed by all, the Board voted to award the diesel bid to Farm and Home, Telford, PA at a firm price of $2.0690/gallon for 43,000 gallons, conditioned upon the satisfactory review and approval of the performance bonds by the township solicitors office.

 

      On motion by Lammi, seconded by Smith, and agreed by all, the Board approved awarding the unleaded gasoline bid to Isobunkers LLC, Aston, PA at a firm price of $1.94/gallon for 56,000 gallons, conditioned upon the satisfactory review and approval of the performance bonds by the township solicitor’s office.

 

25.  PERMISSION TO ADVERTISE POLICE PENSION ORDINANCE

 

      INFORMATION

 

      The Board needs to approve/disapprove advertising the Police Pension Ordinance.

 

      DISCUSSION

 

      Anckaitis said the packet of information you received is from our actuary, Conrad Siegel, and it states we need to adopt a plan document by ordinance.

 

      On motion by Mitchell, seconded by Panella, and agreed by all, the Board authorized the solicitor to advertise the police pension ordinance for future adoption.

 

      On motion by Smith, seconded by Panella, and agreed by all, the Board authorized the Chairman to sign the police pension plan trust agreement.

 

26. PUBLIC COMMENT

 

      None   

 

27. REPORTS

 

Manager

·        Anckaitis wished everyone a happy new year and he had one personnel item for executive session.

 

Solicitor

·        Attorney Schlottman had a maintenance agreement for the Highlands of Glenmoor accepting right-of-way on Corriere Road and VanBuren Road.  On motion by Panella, seconded by Lammi, and agreed by all, the Board authorized the Chairman to sign the maintenance agreement accepting the right-of-way.

·        Schlottman said a memo was distributed to the Board from Strausser Enterprises related to their Life Care Center proposal.  Schlottman said their letter explains that they need a special exception from the Zoning Hearing Board as well as a conditional use from the Planning Commission.  Schlottman said they are requesting that the Board of Supervisors consider recommending to the Zoning Hearing Board that they hear their request as though the conditional use has been granted so they can be put on next months zoning agenda.  Lammi said we tried to establish a process for this to move forward to the Planning Commission and Zoning Hearing Board, and then to us.  Lammi said the Zoning Hearing Board refused to look at it until the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors look at the conditional use request first.  Lammi said after talking to the township’s interim planning director and discussing the parking impact he feels it needs to go to the Zoning Hearing Board first and then we can base our decision on the advice of the Zoning Hearing Board.  Lammi said he feels then the solicitor’s office can follow up with the Zoning Hearing Board solicitor regarding their feelings on the variance request.  Anckaitis will inform the zoning administrator of the Boards request.

  

      Supervisors

·        Lammi said regarding federal projects being discussed in Washington to get the country going again he asked the township manager if the township could get any federal funds for the Greenwood Avenue project through some of the new funding.  Anckaitis said he cannot answer that until the bill is passed and then we can see what all is included in the bill.  Anckaitis said it is something he will definitely look into when it gets to that point.

 

      On motion by Mitchell, seconded by Panella, and agreed by all, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m. with one personnel item for executive session.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Robert G. Anckaitis

Township Manager