Present: ---- Councilwoman Hayden, Councilmen Atkinson, Dreisbach, Kovacs, Paulus; J. Jackson Eaton, III, Esquire; ----------------------- Frederick W. Haye, P. E.; Sandra A. Pudliner; Vicky Roth

It should be noted for the record that Councilwoman Hayden attended the meeting via telephone conference as a result of a disability, which does not permit her attendance in person.

Absent: ---- 0

Attendance:

Approval of Minutes: ------ May 21, 2008, Regular Meeting

Motion: --- I move we waive the reading of the Minutes of the May 21, 2008 Regular Council Meeting and accept same as presented.

Paulus, Kovacs: Moved and Seconded
Atkinson, Dreisbach, Hayden, Kovacs, Paulus: ------- Aye ---------- Unan

Reports:

1. Sandra A. Pudliner
Township Manager

The Township Manager offered no oral report at this time.

Councilman Dreisbach requested that the Township Manager determine if additional citations are being issued against the violation of garbage accumulation at Valley Plaza Shopping Center and advise him what action has been taken in that regard

2. Frederick W. Hay, P.E
Township Engineer

1.) The Township Engineer advised the Board that he would like to provide them with an update regarding the Airport Centers Shopping Mall project. Mr. Hay advised that the Target pad is just getting on grade. He noted that they are still working on the detention pond. He advised the Board that the Developer has a new superintendent out there for about eight weeks and things are moving smoothly along. Mr. Hay indicated that they are still blasting to get the Sam’s Club pad on grade. He also advised the Board that as-built plans have been provided for his review by Target, Sam’s Club and Wachovia Bank.

3. J. Jackson Eaton, III, Esquire
Township Attorney

1.) The Township Attorney provided the Board with an update with respect to the Race St./Willowbrook Rd. signal light project. The Township Attorney noted that after the last Council meeting he had been contacted by Benchmark Engineering with respect to a problem involving the granting of an easement to the Township. Attorney Eaton advised that his office had done some research to see if the property owner in question would have the authority to grant the easements to the Township. The determination we made earlier this week was that they did have that authority. Benchmark will redraw the drawings they have. The other thing, however, is that Penn DOT will require a Certificate of Title which will necessitate a title search to discover if there are any liens, easements, mortgages, etc. and if there has to be a release of mortgage interest. Attorney Eaton noted that he will have to do the title searches and return a certificate of record title. Attorney Eaton advised that he has ordered title searches for all the properties involved. Councilman Atkinson questioned whether or not Penn DOT is picking up any of the expenses involved and Attorney Eaton indicated they are not. The Township Engineer commented that it appeared to him that the Township is having more difficulties than Developers. Councilman Dreisbach questioned the time frame involved in this process. Attorney Eaton noted that the process should move very quickly and that the title searches should not take that long unless something is discovered and needs to be resolved. Councilman Atkinson questioned whether or not the project could moved forward while this is going on and the Township Engineer indicated that we must straighten this out before we can get started. He noted that the Township does have a conditional permit. Chairman Paulus commented that it appears the Township has no alternative but to continue with this process as required by Penn DOT. Councilman Dreisbach questioned the moving of the poles along Race St. and the Township Engineer noted that the Township had spoken to PP&L already but he did not feel that they would do anything until everything has been straightened out.

Unfinished Business:

Councilman Kovacs advised that he had read an article in the current PSATS Magazine regarding grant monies available for code enforcement officers funding. He indicated the bill passed the House and is before the Senate.

New Business:

1.) Resolution No. 2008-28, A Resolution Granting Preliminary/Final Subdivision Approval, Centres, Inc., 1751 Airport Road, Allentown, PA 18109 (Vote)

2.) Resolution No. 2008-29, A Resolution Granting Preliminary/Final Land Development Approval, Centres, Inc., 1751 Airport Road, Allentown, PA 18109 (Vote)

John Martinez, P.E., of Kendarian Solinski appeared before the Board on behalf of Centres, Inc. Mr. Martinez advised the Board that they are before Council for a minor subdivision and a land development. At this point in the meeting, Council reviewed renderings of a project as provided by the Developer. Mr. Martinez noted that this project had previously been approved by the Board for a restaurant and retail facility. Councilman Kovacs commented that the prior approval was for two restaurants. The Township Engineer noted that Mr. Kovacs was correct that originally there had been two restaurants proposed and after that time there had been a request for only one restaurant and another facility on the remainder of the tract. Mr. Martinez advised that Centres, Inc. is looking to develop one-half of the property, mainly the southern portion. A Bridgestone Fire Store is proposed. Said facility would be a 7,650 square foot building with 10 service bays, five facing Airport Road and five facing the rear of the facility toward Lloyd Street. There would be an office in the facility as well as a customer waiting area and the rest of the building would be for storage of parts. Mr. Martinez further advised that the function of the facility would be for changing tires, brakes, changing oil, etc. There would be no gasoline on site. As previously noted, there would be inside storage only. Mr. Martinez advised that there would be 49 parking spaces provided which is in excess of the Zoning Ordinance requirements. Mr. Martinez further noted that it would be similar to the previous facilities approved for the tract as far as access. This development would utilize the same Penn DOT permit. Councilman Atkinson questioned whether or not the other undeveloped portion would use the same driveway and Mr. Martinez indicated that it was a shared driveway.

With respect to the subdivision, Mr. Martinez noted that the subdivision would consist of a 1.3 acre tract which is the Fire Stone tract and an additional 1.33 acre tract on the northern portion of the site. Mr. Martinez further stated that his client had been before the Zoning Hearing Board of the Township and that variances have been approved. With respect to the land development, Mr. Martinez advised that the matter has been reviewed by the Township’s Planning Commission. Councilman Kovacs questioned the hours of operation. Mr. Martinez indicated that the hours of operation would be Monday through Friday from 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. and Saturday 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. Chairman Paulus questioned the storage of old tires. Mr. Martinez indicated they would be stored inside. Mr. Martinez further noted that they have deliveries twice a week and that they take away the old tires at that time. Chairman Paulus questioned whether or not they would be doing any air conditioning work. Representatives in attendance from Centres, Inc. did not know for sure. However, it was stated that there were no Freon tanks outside. In resolution of this matter, the Board made the following motions:

Motion: --- I move that Resolution No. 2008-28, A Resolution Granting Preliminary/Final Subdivision Approval, Centres, Inc., 1751 Airport Road, Allentown, PA 18109, be adopted as presented.

Atkinson, Kovacs: Moved and Seconded
Atkinson, Dreisbach, Hayden, Kovacs, Paulus: ------- Aye ---------- Unan

Councilman Atkinson questioned the Developer on the time frame for a development. Mr. Martinez noted that they are looking at an August, September beginning time frame and completion by the end of 2008.

Courtesy of the Floor:

Ms. Josette DeLeon of 719 Cedar Hill Drive appeared before the Board. Ms. DeLeon advised Council that she is planning a wedding reception in August at Canal Park. She is here to request an extension beyond the sunset deadline of 7:37 P.M. on that date. She indicated that it was her hope that the Board would allow the wedding to continue until 9:00 P.M. on that date. Ms. DeLeon indicated that she had noted on both the Township’s website and on the posted Park Regulations that Council could grant an exception with respect to the time frame issue. It was noted that alcohol would be permitted. Ms. DeLeon commented that it would be a small wedding of approximately 50 people and some of the people are from out-of-state. Ms. DeLeon also noted that her fiancée is a New York City police officer. Chairman Paulus indicated that given the fact that there are only 50 people he had no problem with granting the extension of time. Councilman Kovacs noted that he did not object but he recalls that a prior individual had come before the Board for an extension and Council had rejected that request. In any event, the Board made the following motion:

I move to grant the request of Josette DeLeon to extend the time frame for her wedding reception on August 30 at Canal Park to 9:00 P.M.

Atkinson, Dreisbach: Moved and Seconded
Atkinson, Dreisbach, Hayden, Kovacs, Paulus: ------- Aye ---------- Unan

Adjournment:

The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Sandra A. Pudliner
Township Manager

 

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