The coordination of traffic signals at two intersections to expedite fire, rescue and police vehicles responding to emergencies has been approved by the Salisbury Township Board of Commissioners.

Township commissioners voted 5-0 to approve a preemption system for traffic lights at the intersections of Lehigh Street and Regent Way and Lehigh and 31st streets.

"It means police and fire have a way to preempt the light," Salisbury Township Manager Randy Soriano explained to commissioners prior to the vote at the Jan. 23 township meeting.

Soriano said he and Salisbury Township Police Chief Allen W. Stiles have been working with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation on the matter.

"It's going to give police and emergency crews a green light," Soriano said. "It gives them flexibility in directing traffic.

"Once vehicles go through, it resets," Soriano noted.

The two intersections were said to be the last two in the township to receive the preemption system.

Commissioners voted 5-0 to appoint Commissioner James Seagreaves as president pro tempore of the board of commissioners.

Prior to the vote, Commissioner President James A. Brown nominated Commissioner Robert Martucci, Jr., who declined. Brown then nominated Seagreaves, who accepted. Brown then closed the nominations.

As president pro tempore, Seagreaves would chair board of commissioners meetings in the absence of Brown and Commissioner Vice President Debra Brinton.

Commissioners also voted 5-0 to approve an Act 537 Sewage Facilities Plan Revision for Legacy Place, a 30-bed facility for the elderly just off of Lehigh Street. The approval permits tapping into the municipal sewer system.

The plan will be submitted to the Department of Environmental Protection, Salisbury Township Consulting Engineer David J. Tettemer, of Keystone Consulting Engineers, Inc., told township commissioners.

"Because there's a limitation on the Allentown [sewage treatment] plant, everyone must submit a planning module," Tettemer said.

Also discussed at the Jan. 23 township meeting:

- The publication of a township map has been delayed because of zoning ordinance changes, which are still underway. "That's why we're not out with the publication," Soriano said.

- Disbursement of scrap metal proceeds netted $2,100 last year. "Upgrading of signs was planned larger and more reflective," Salisbury Township Director of Public Works John Andreas said. "The township needed new signs. Everyone appreciated it," Andreas said.

Replacement of the signs was federally-mandated.

Andreas said the proceeds were also from equipment taken out of service, and items such as brake drums, plow edges and exhaust systems.

- Paul Bruchiak, of Emmaus Avenue, complained to commissioners about speeding vehicles and accidents along Emmaus Avenue in the vicinity of Gaskill Avenue. He said vehicles typically travel 50 mph in the 40 mph zone.

Bruchiak said his car was parked in his driveway when it was hit. He said the car was totaled.

"The traffic is too fast on Emmaus Avenue. The traffic has increased," Bruchiak claimed, citing vehicles traveling to the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem.

Officials stated a traffic study could be done. "That's a PennDOT road," Brown said.

- Brinton questioned a $1,445 bill payment approved Jan. 23 to a firm to clean roof gutters on the municipal building, 2900 S. Pike Avenue.

Andreas explained it was "a combination of slope and height," adding, "Access to the building is difficult."

Said Soriano, "We're not in the business of cleaning gutters. You have to weigh the risk."

Soriano said he and Salisbury Township Assistant Manager-Director of Finance Cathy Bonaskiewich had met with the township's insurance agent, citing "risk and liability" for such work.

"You're transferring liability from the township to the contractor," Martucci agreed.