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: 3

Courtesy of the Floor:

Robin Yoder, Fire Chief with Han-Le-Co Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1, appeared before the Board at this time. Mr. Yoder indicated he was in attendance to bring the Board up to par with respect to expenditures made by the fire company. Mr. Yoder advised Council that some things just simply wear out and that the fire company was aware that the hose had to be replaced at a cost of $8,000 and that the fire company had planned for that expenditure. He indicated that the fire company did not plan on replacing 16 air cylinders but that cost of $10,000 was paid out of Fireman’s Relief monies. He noted that they kept the cost down to $10,000 by going directly to the manufacture for the purchase. Mr. Yoder also noted that with respect to the Hurst equipment, three hoses needed to be replaced at a cost of $2,600. He indicated that the fire company had purchased jumpsuits at a cost of $5,500 and paid for same out of the relief funds. With respect to the purchase of gear, he advised that the fire company would pay for same out of the relief monies. With respect to the purchase of cameras, Mr. Yoder noted that is part of their normal budget with the Township. He indicated to Council, however, that about a month ago there was a problem with the compressor system used to fill the air filters and they paid a $1,200 bill. Two weeks later, the unit stopped working at all and they had it rebuilt but it still did not work. The company advised that the cylinder heads are probably cracked. Replacement of this equipment will cost approximately $30,400. He advised Council that the original purchase about 20 years ago had cost $20,000. Over the years, the fire company added two cylinders onto it. Mr. Yoder advised that it is essential that the fire company have the air packs. This is required by law. Chairman Paulus questioned how much is left in the fire company’s Relief Fund budget. Mr. Yoder indicated that there is $4,000 to $5,000 left in Relief funds. He also advised Council that next year’s Relief check would be coming out at the end of September and the fire company could utilize those funds to purchase the necessary air compressor but that they would be without Relief funds for all of next year. The Township Manager advised Council that as part of their Capital Program there is a program for emergency expenditures and that it was her feeling that the Township could purchase the air compressor from those funds. The Township Attorney advised that he would need to look at the Home Rule Charter to make sure that such a purchase would be allowable and that he would get back to the Township Manager regarding that matter. If feasible, it was the opinion of Council that the Township purchase the compressor system for the fire company from Capital Reserve funds.

Approval of Minutes: ------ July 2, 2008, Regular Meeting

Motion: --- I move we waive the reading of the Minutes of the July 2, 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

1.) The Township Manager advised Council that she has provided them with literature regarding the problem the Township is experiencing along the towpath at Canal Park as same relates to goose droppings. Mrs. Pudliner noted that the Public Works Director would appreciate if Council would review the literature and call him with respect to their feelings on how to handle this matter.

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

1.) With respect to the Race Street/Willowbrook Road signal light project, the Township Engineer advised that PPL wants them to stake out future edge of paving in order that they can begin to move the poles necessary for the road work. Mr. Hay noted that we are finishing the right-of-way issues and that the specs are almost complete. The project will be bid shortly thereafter.

2.) With respect to the Airport Road Shopping Center project, the Township Engineer advised that the Developer is now operating 24 hours a day. Next week there will be two crews at night and three during the day. He indicated the Developer is under the gun to get the pads done. Mr. Feskanin, a resident of the Township, questioned the Township Engineer as to the status of the project as same relates to the construction of the box culvert. The Township Engineer noted that as Council will recall, the Township had agreed to contribute $100,000 toward the box culvert. He noted, however, that the Developer has not gotten into the design stage yet with respect to same. Mr. Feskanin questioned where the water would go once the detention pond is finished and water is being discharged downstream. The Township Engineer indicated that since the pond will be operational before the culvert, essentially the discharge of water will be into the open field. The Township Engineer commented that he felt the commencement of work on the culvert would not be until the dry season.

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

1.) 1. With respect to the Race Street/Willowbrook Road signal light project, the Township Attorney advised that with respect to the Krapf property and the CTS property, those easements have been received and the deeds received and recorded. With respect to Qualex, the Township Attorney noted that their real estate attorney in New York just wants some more detail and that he had spoken to the Township Engineer and that information was turned around very quickly. The Township Attorney also noted that the Township Engineer has provided him with the first of the Engineer’s Certifications so that the title work can be completed.

Councilman Atkinson questioned whether everything has been cleared up for conveyances necessary for the Airport Road Shopping Center. The Township Attorney advised that with respect to the traffic work, there was some trouble recently, but that appears to have been cleared up. However, he noted that negotiations are still moving forward with respect to the property of Witko, which the Township had condemned per the Developer’s request. The issue of value is still being negotiated, but the Township does have the necessary title to the property.

Councilman Kovacs brought up an issue regarding an individual possibly a vagrant who has been seen in the Chestnut Grove Park area. With respect to the church on Grove Road, Councilman Kovacs noted that a police officer had stopped by and provided them with his address and phone number. Apparently, this individual has a parole violation.

4. Maintenance Report (Written)

5. Fire Company Report (Written)

6. Code Enforcement Officer's Report (Written)

7. Building Inspector's Report (Written)

Chairman Paulus acknowledged receipt of a written Maintenance Report, written Fire Company Report, written Code Enforcement Officers’ Reports and written Building Inspector’s Report and same were noted for the record.

There was discussion with respect to a notation in the Code Enforcement Officers’ Reports concerning the overflow of the dumpster at Canal Park. The Township Manager indicated that she did not feel this was the norm. In any event, there was a discussion with respect to the concept of locking the dumpster at Canal Park. The Township Manager advised she would discuss same with Public Works. Councilman Atkinson suggested a certain lock system which was available at A&B Lock Company. Councilman Kovacs questioned an item in the Code Enforcement Officers’ Report with respect to a pond area at a towne house in Chestnut Grove and the Township Manager advised that issue has been resolved and that the pond is gone. There was also some discussion with respect to the dumpster at the Japanese Restaurant in Valley Plaza. The Township Manager noted that they have been provided with a recent picture of said dumpster which shows that the violation no longer exists and that the dumpster is leveled with the ground and not up on blocks. With respect to the Building Inspector’s Report, Councilman Atkinson questioned an item relating to a new tenant know as Infineon. The Township Manager advised that Infineon is a tenant of LSI, formerly Agere.

8. Treasure's Report (Written)

Motion: --- I move we accept the computer printouts dated July 16, 2008, for the General Fund Account, Capital Reserve Account, Escrow Account, Liquid Fuels Account, Sewer Account and Water Account subject to audit.

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

Unfinished Business: NONE

New Business:

1.) Resolution No. 2008-31, A Resolution Granting the Requirement of the Reduction of the Letter of Credit, Airport Centers, L.P. (Vote)

The Township Engineer commented that this would be the second reduction of the Letter of Credit requested and that his office has reviewed the proposed reduction and would recommend the reduction. In resolution of this matter, the Board made the following motion:

Motion: --- I move that Resolution No. 2008-31, A Resolution Granting the Requirement of the Reduction of the Letter of Credit, Airport Centers, L.P. be adopted as presented.

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

Payment of the Bills

Motion: --- I move Council authorize payment of Payroll (06/27/2008); Payroll (07/11/2008); Voucher Nos. 15873-15885 (Prepaids), Voucher Nos. 15886-15935, from the General Fund Account in the amount of $544,922.58; Voucher Nos. 44 from the Liquid Fuels Account in the amount of $6,066.16; Voucher Nos. 3475-3477 from Capital Reserve in the amount of $17,019.04; Voucher Nos. 606 (Prepaid) from Distribution Account in the amount of $905.70; Voucher Nos. 3248-3274 (Prepaids), Voucher Nos. 3275-3279 from Escrow Account in the amount of $72,463.06; Voucher Nos. 3429 (Prepaid) Voucher Nos. 3430-3439 from the Water Account in the amount of $5,198.64; Voucher Nos. 4319 (Prepaids), Voucher Nos. 4320-4327 from the Sewer Account in the amount of $61554.82 for a Grand Total Expenditure of $708,130.00.

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

Courtesy of the Floor:

Councilman Kovacs questioned the Township Attorney regarding the opinion he had provided the Township Manager relative to Senate Bill 1063 which provides changes to the collection of Earned Income Tax and provides for the collection to be on the County level. Councilman Kovacs questioned what percentage will be paid to the EIT collector. The Township Attorney noted that a committee will be formed and of course the committee will attempt to secure the lowest percentage for collection across the state. Councilman Atkinson questioned the Township Engineer as to whether or not there would be a Road Program this year. The Township Engineer noted that there would be nothing this year but that in early fall he will write another letter to the City of Bethlehem with respect to the paving of Pennsylvania Avenue in the year 2009. Councilman Kovacs questioned what cost would be associated with the Township’s portion of Pennsylvania Avenue and the Township Engineer indicated that he would rather not comment on same at this time since the prices are fluctuating so inconsistently.

Adjournment:

The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Sandra A. Pudliner
Township Manager

Return to Top