Work was approved recently for repairs to the roof of the Salisbury Township Municipal Building.

The Salisbury Township Board of Commissioners voted 5-0 at the July 25 meeting to authorize Alan Kunsman Roofing & Siding, Inc., Freemansburg, to repair the roof of the township building, 2900 S. Pike Ave.

During heavy rains and even when not so significant precipitation occurs water dripped into the building's lobby. Several times this year, the left inside door to the main meeting room was blocked. Water stains on the ceiling and wall tiles were visible.

Township officials expressed frustration that the apparent leak had not been stopped despite several attempts at repairs. There was a sense of urgency to repair the roof, lest additional damage occur.

The cost of the roof repair is $11,725.

The cost of the ceiling tile replacement in the lobby is $1,725.

"This is the ratification of a decision that has already been implemented," Township Manager Randy Soriano noted prior to the board vote which approved the payment for work already completed.

Township commissioner board Vice President Robert Martucci Jr., who operates an independent contractor's firm, inspected the roof, recommended improvements and oversaw the work.

A portion of approximately 703-square-feet of the existing roof was removed, according to Soriano, who had met with Martucci and Assistant Manager-Director of Finance Kathy Bonaskiewich to discuss the roof problem.

"There was a lot of talk about putting a whole roof on," Martucci said. "I don't think a whole roof is necessary.

"There has been no leak since [the roof repairs]," Martucci said.

Repairs were made prior to a July 22 rainfall, to which Martucci referred.

"It's absolutely necessary," commissioner board President James Brown said of the roof repairs.

"Part of the problem is that the water is picking up speed," Martucci said of the roof.

Power washing apparently will be needed on the building exterior where suspected mold has been reported. The stone is porous and may require patching.

There will be a separate cost for the cleaning and patching.

In other business at the July 25 meeting, commissioners voted 5-0 to approve:

- The Sept. 8 Lehigh Valley Hospital Network-VIA marathon, which traverses a portion of the township, mostly in the Lehigh Parkway area. The race is expected to start 7 a.m.

- An extension of time until Sept. 30 for the township Planning Commission consideration of Legacy Place, a home for the elderly, off Lehigh Street in western Salisbury.