Attendance: ---------- 1

Courtesy of the Floor: NONE

New Business:

1. Public Hearing – Five Year Capital Program 2009-2013 (Review and Discussion).

Chairman Paulus opened the Public Hearing relative to the proposed Five Year Capital Program for the years 2009 through 2013. The Township Manager opened the discussions by providing the Board with an overview of the Program indicating that the major appropriation is in the Program for Municipal Building Construction/Renovation which shows an appropriation of $850,000 for the year 2009 and a total appropriation over the five year period of $2,850,000. The next major appropriation occurs in the Program titled Future Road Construction which shows a total five year appropriation of $2,250,000.

With respect to the Program titled Traffic Congestion Improvements, the Township Manager advised that hopefully the Race Street/Willowbrook Road intersection signalization will be completed this year. However, for the year 2009, the Township Manager noted that she has appropriated an additional $50,000 to this Program. She indicated that as Council will recall the Township is still pursuing lighting with respect to the intersection of Airport Road and Schoenersville Rd. and is currently awaiting FAA approval for such lighting. Since this would most likely occur in the year 2009, the Township Manager advised that she has appropriated additional funds for same in 2009. There was some discussion regarding looking at the lighting situation at the Race St./Willowbrook Rd. intersection to determine if it is sufficiently lit. In summary, the Board felt that the Program as set forth for Traffic Congestion Improvements was acceptable to them.

With respect to the Program titled Future Road Construction Projects, the Township Manager advised that this Program sets forth an appropriation of $250,000 in the year 2009 and an appropriation of $500,000 each year for the years 2010 through 2013. Council felt that the Program as stated was acceptable to them.

With respect to the Program titled Catastrophe Fund, the Township Manager advised that this Program sets forth an appropriation of $25,000 each year for the years 2009 through 2013. Mrs. Pudliner also noted that as Council may recall with respect to the discussions involving the purchase of a major piece of equipment for the Fire Company being taken from this fund, the Township Attorney has completed his review of the Home Rule Charter and has determined that payment for that equipment may come out of the Catastrophe Fund. Council felt that the Program as presented was acceptable to them.

With respect to the Program titled Canal Project, the Township Manager advised that this Program shows no appropriation in the year 2009 and a $50,000 each year appropriation for the years 2010 through 2013. It was noted that currently this Program has a balance in excess of $400,000. However, there was some discussion with respect to the dredging of Catasauqua Lake and the work associated therewith. The Township Manager noted that the cost for same could be in the area of $300,000 to $400,000. Council Atkinson noted that he felt that those cost figures were too high. In any event, it was determined that the Township Manager should check with the Township Engineer and Public Works for a determination as to the cost of the lake project in the event that some modification to this Program funding is necessary.

With respect to the Program titled Pump Station Upgrades and Sewer Line Upgrades, the Township Manager advised that this Program shows a $150,000 appropriation each year for the years 2009 through 2013. Council found the Program as presented acceptable to them.

With respect to the Program titled Water System Improvements/Allendale Area, the Township Manager noted that this Program shows an appropriation of $50,000 in the year 2009 and no appropriation for the period thereafter. There was a discussion with respect to the title of this Program and it was determined that the Program title should be changed to Allentown Water System Improvements. With respect to the $50,000 appropriation in the year 2009, Council had no problem with the appropriation or the Program as presented.

With respect to the Program titled Municipal Building Renovations/ Construction, the Township Manager advised that this Program shows an $850,000 appropriation in the year 2009 and then an appropriation of $500,000 each year for the years 2010 through 2013. Council found the Program as set forth acceptable to them.

At this point in the meeting, there was a discussion initiated by Chairman Paulus with respect to the Township’s Local Services Tax. It was noted that the Township has never increased this tax from the $10 per person figure to the $52 per person figure as allowed by law. It was noted that this tax is a tax upon individuals working within Hanover Township, Lehigh County. Chairman Paulus felt that the Township should enact by ordinance an increase in the tax to the maximum figure of $52 per individual. He was of the opinion that this would help defray extra costs as same relate to the Township’s Fire Company and other items for which these funds can be utilized. Council as a whole felt that the increase should occur and directed the Township Manager to have the Township Attorney draft the necessary ordinance for the increase in taxation.

At this point in the meeting, the Township Clerk advised the Board that the U.S. Naval Reserve has been paying their sewer bill within the 15% penalty period and they have requested a 60 day period for the turnaround without interest since the Federal Government has four signatories that need to be secured before the funds can be allocated. Council considered the request and determined that they would not increase the penalty deferment period.

Adjournment:

The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 P.M.