Salisbury Township officials are looking into the possibility of an ordinance to help the township police and public works departments and township volunteer fire companies recoup emergency services costs.

The measure could save the township hundreds and possibly thousands of dollars.

The proposed ordinance has quickly gained the backing of several township commissioners and two key township department heads.

Township Commissioner James Seagreaves, an Eastern Salisbury Fire Department volunteer fireman, made the proposal at the June 26 township meeting.

Seagreaves, during the commissioners' comment portion of the meeting, said while there's a township ordinance to recoup the cost to clean up oil spills, "there's no clause for the fire department to charge for other things."

Eastern and Western fire departments utilize third-party billing. However, while the township ordinance covers oil spills, it doesn't cover the cost of fires, vehicular accidents and search and rescue.

"Any type of calls, we'll bill. But the authority to charge, that's what you want to see," Seagreaves said, who provided examples of other municipalities' ordinances covering recouping emergency services costs.

"So, you're losing revenue?" Commissioner Joanne Ackerman asked Seagreaves concerning Eastern Salisbury Fire Company.

"Potentially," answered Seagreaves, adding, "And this [a new ordinance] doesn't guarantee we'll receive it."

"You should have the right to do that," Commissioner Vice President Debra Brinton said to Seagreaves concerning Eastern Salisbury Fire Company.

Salisbury Township Police Chief Allen W. Stiles strongly backed Seagreaves' proposal.

"We, at the police department, get involved in crashes when there are hazmat materials," Stiles said.

"I think we should look into having a resolution to make sure the township is reimbursed," Stiles continued. "We are responsible as a township to pay initial costs for a hazmat cleanup. However, it takes months sometimes [for reimbursements]," Stiles said.

Stiles said a resolution or ordinance would ensure "the township wouldn't be responsible for costs that would fall back upon township taxpayers."

Stiles recommended the township adopt an ordinance rather than a resolution.

Seagreaves also had examples of other municipalities' ordinances concerning cost reimbursements.

Township Manager Randy Soriano referred to a 1988 township oil spill ordinance covering petroleum and chemical spills that cause fires.

"I think we should include all three departments," Brinton said, referring to fire, police and public works.

Salisbury Township Director of Public Works John Andreas said he agreed public works should be included in the cost recouping ordinance.

Soriano noted, "We do have an ordinance" for spills.

"It has no teeth," Stiles said of the ordinance.

Seagreaves also noted some municipalities bill businesses for repeated false alarms.

"You take a $500,000 piece of equipment out at 2 in the morning," Seagreaves said, indicating the challenges in responding to a false alarm.

In other business at the June 26 meeting:

Commissioner Robert Martucci, Jr. thanked Andreas for handling several complaints.

"It looks like our playground program is a big success. It looks like there's more kids than ever," Ackerman said.

Stiles presented commissioners with the township police department report for the first six months of 2014.

At the June 12 township meeting, commissioners voted 5-0 to approve a motion:

To allow the Boy Scouts, Trexler District, Minsi Trails Council, to hold its annual Klondike Derby, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 24, 2015, in Franko Farm Park. Approximately 175 are expected to attend. The Scouts will provide proof of insurance, a waiver of liability and pay for three portable toilets.

To accept the financial audit for the township ending Dec. 31, 2013, prepared by Todd J. Bushta, CPA, Bushta & Company, LLC.

Also, at the June 12 meeting:

Soriano said the township received a $188,000 check from Allentown in the settlement of a dispute between the city and the signatories of the 1981 sewer agreement regarding billing charges from 2008 to the present.

Soriano said a new part-time employee was hired at the township drop-off centers which means public works employees no longer must work weekends at the sites.

Soriano said the fire inspection program is fully staffed and inspectors are putting the program into operation.

Soriano said Waste Management, Inc. has accepted a request from the township to lengthen its contract by three months. Soriano is working with Atty. John W. Ashley, township solicitor, on a request for bid proposals. Three or four bids are expected.

Seagreaves expressed concern about cars not stopping for school students using a crosswalk on South Ellsworth Street. Stiles said signs might be able to be placed and education undertaken at the beginning of the fall 2014-2015 school year.

Commissioner President James A. Brown expressed concern about the condition of 33rd Street Southwest under the railroad bridge. Andreas said a contractor has provided an estimate for milling work and the street is being repaired.

Stiles said the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation recognized the Salisbury Township Police Department for its Aggressive Enforcement Education Program.