Courtesy of the Floor:

Mr. Robin Yoder, Fire Chief of Han-Le-Co Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 appeared before the Board and advised Council that the Township’s aerial pumper will be 20 years old in 2011. Mr. Yoder indicated that NFPA suggests replacement of equipment every 15 years. He advised that some paid fire companies replace equipment every 5 to 10 years. Councilman Kovacs questioned the cost for the replacement and Mr. Yoder indicated that a new one would cost between $850,000 to $1,200,000. Councilman Atkinson questioned the value of the current aerial pumper and Mr. Yoder indicated that it would be between $116,000 and $120,000. Mr. Yoder also indicated that a lot of fire companies have received grants for equipment. Councilman Atkinson questioned Mr. Yoder whether it was the Pierce of which they were speaking and the Fire Chief indicated it was. Councilman Dreisbach questioned whether or not there have been major monies invested in equipment for repairs and Mr. Yoder indicated that there have not been a lot of problems. Mr. Yoder did note that this equipment pumps 2,000 gallons per minute of water which is something ISO looks at in terms of rating fire companies. Mr. Yoder also noted that in the near future the pumper rescue will be 20 years old as of 2014. Councilman Dreisbach questioned how much it would cost to replace that equipment and Mr. Yoder indicated that the cost would be somewhere in the area of $750,000. Mr. Yoder also noted that with respect to replacement of the aerial pumper he is considering a bucket truck. In response to Councilman Dreisbach questioning as to the cost of the bucket truck, Mr. Yoder indicated that the cost would be $1,200,000. The Fire Chief finalized discussions by thanking Council for allowing him to appear before them and Council indicated that they appreciated the information provided by the Fire Chief.

New Business:

1.) Public Hearing – Five Year Capital Program 2010-2014 (Review and Discussion).

Chairman Paulus opened the Public Hearing relative to the Proposed Five Year Capital Program for the Years 2010-2014. The Township Manager began with a review of the programs set forth. With respect to the Program for Sinkholes/Miscellaneous Storm water Projects, the Township Manager advised that this Program is showing an appropriation of $25,000 across the board. Council agreed with the appropriation figures set forth in the proposed Capital Program.

With respect to the Program for Traffic Congestion Improvements, the Township Manager advised that she is showing an appropriation of $25,000 across the Board for the years 2010-2014. There was a discussion that potentially in the future there may be the need for signalization on Irving Street as a result of the shopping center development and also potential proposed development in the area which would also include a portion of the City of Allentown. Accordingly, Council felt the $25,000 across the board appropriation was acceptable.

With respect to the Program for Future Road Construction Projects, a discussion ensued with respect to the paving work on Pennsylvania Avenue. The Township Manager noted that the Board should check with the Township Engineer with respect to the potential of that project moving forward in the year 2010. In any event, it was noted the monies in escrow is approximately $1,300,000 which would appear to be sufficient for future needs. There was a discussion regarding the scope of the casino money as a result of the new Sands Casino. Council discussed whether or not the Township should have been included within the scope of those communities benefitting from those revenues. Councilman Kovacs suggested that the Township Manager contact Senator Boscola regarding same. There was also a discussion with respect to the fire company’s need for equipment replacement. Chairman Paulus noted that he was of the opinion that being 20 years old does not, in his mind, justify replacement and that he was thinking more like 25 years old. In any event, it was determined that a new category would be created titled, Fire Apparatus Replacement, and that a portion of the funding for same would come from reducing the appropriation in the Program for Future Road Construction Projects from $200,000 in the year 2010 to $100,000 and in the years 2011 through 2014, reducing the appropriation from $250,000 to $100,000.

There was a discussion with respect to the Township Manager checking with the Township Engineer to determine the status of the 2009 Road Program which involved storm sewer work on Pennsylvania Avenue.

With respect to the Program titled Catastrophe Fund, Council determined to reduce the appropriations set forth as $25,000 per year across the board to zero and to utilize those monies toward the Program titled Fire Apparatus Replacement.

With respect to the Program titled Canal Project, there was a discussion with respect to restoration of the lock initiated by Councilman Atkinson. A discussion ensued regarding the cost for the lock restoration which could be in excess of $500,000. The Township Manager noted that Council may have to look at prioritizing our projects. For example, this Program is geared towards providing as much revenue as possible towards the construction of a new Township Municipal Building. The Board needs to determine the priority of projects. It appeared to be the consensus of the Board that the new Municipal Building construction would have top priority and that the Board would continue to appropriate money over the years for Fire Apparatus Replacement and look into setting aside funds for the restoration of the lock at Canal Park. Possibly there were grant monies available for that lock restoration project. There was some discussion regarding design issues relative to the new Municipal Building.

With respect to the Program titled Pump Station Upgrades and Sewer Upgrades, the Township Manager advised that this Program shows an appropriation of $150,000 per year across the board. Council felt the appropriations as set forth were acceptable.

With respect to the Program titled Allentown Water System Improvements, the Township Manager noted that the Township Engineer is proceeding with the line replacements in the Allendale Apartment area. This Program shows an appropriation of $50,000 in the year 2010, but nothing is showing for the years 2011 through 2014. Council found the appropriation set forth acceptable. There was discussion with respect to looking at a reduction in water rates in the future.

There was some general discussion by Councilman Kovacs with respect to grants which may be available and he provided information regarding a company that deals specifically with grant applications to the Chairman. Councilwoman Hayden raised an issue regarding sinkhole insurance and Councilman Atkinson indicated that sinkhole insurance will not cover land only buildings.

At this point in the meeting, Chairman Paulus closed the Public Hearing relative to the proposed Five Year Capital Program. The Township Manager was directed to make the necessary revisions to same.

Courtesy of the Floor: None

Adjournment:

The meeting was adjourned at 5:05P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Sandra A. Pudliner
Township Manager