LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIP

LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS - WORKSHOP MEETING

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2006

MINUTES

PRESENT:       Richard D. Harris, Chairman; Arland H. Schantz, Vice-Chairman; Donna L. Wright, Supervisor; Maureen Kinney, Treasurer; Ellen L. Koplin, Twp. Manager/Sec.; and 18 members of the audience.

-The meeting was called to order by Chairman Harris at 7:33 pm.

-Comments were accepted throughout the meeting.

-Chairman Harris stated that he wanted to welcome new Board member Donna Wright.  He also announced that there would be several items of business and no regular Board meeting would be taking place until February.

-Sorenson Subdivision-Sewage Planning Modules

Richard Harris called for a motion to approve the Sorenson Sewage Planning Modules.  Donna Wright made a motion to approve.  Jean Schock stated that the Planning Commission approved the modules conditioned upon the Board of Supervisors signing.  Arland Schantz said he didn’t know what they were and Donna Wright explained.  Approved unanimously.

-2006 Budget

Richard Harris stated that the 2006 Budget was reopened at the January 3, 2006 meeting.  Chairman Harris made a motion to change:  1. The manager’s salary to $50,000.  2. The Zoning/Public Works Director salary to $42,000.  3.  The Police Chief to $42,000.  4. A Performance review system will be instituted by the Manager.  5. A practice review will occur in May.  6. Final review in October to be shared by the Board.  7. Manager, Zoning/Public Works Director and Police Chief would receive all of increase except $2,000.  8. Final $2,000 would be given in January 2007 upon good review.  Motion seconded by Donna Wright. 

Discussion:  Lloyd Ohl wanted to know why some are getting a raise and not others such as Road Dept.  Chairman Harris reminded him that the Road Dept. contract is not yet final.  Lloyd wanted to know why it was not brought up before and he was reminded that these figures were proposed in December.

Ed Matulevicius asked if the wages were to be set in line with other townships.  Chairman Harris responded that the increase was modest compared to other townships.  Mr. Matulevicius stated that a performance review system when only one person is in a particular job is difficult, what would the comparison be.

A member of the audience questioned why the Police wage was raised when we don’t have one, and why the police budget is so high compared to the Fire Dept.  Richard Harris responded that we are setting wages for the positions and not persons.

A discussion took place concerning the debate for local police versus continued use of State Police, problems in other local departments, and the potential to eventually increase taxes to pay for local police.

Lance Tittle commented that we are seeing government growing and wages growing, becoming bigger government.

Chairman Harris said if he could put the Manager’s salary where it should be, it would be $60,000 and the Board should work with the employees to see that they meet their goals.

Lowell Linde suggested we pay the employees what they deserve.  Should consider the cost to replace them. 

Ed Matulevicius suggested we pay comparable salaries to keep our people.

Arland Schantz wanted the motion amended to reflect the $2,000 per position be deducted from the 2006 budget and reflected in 2007.

Ed Matulevicius reminded the Supervisors that it would reflect a high increase by waiting for 2007 budget, Bonus v. Adjustment.

Motion to amend the previous motion to reflect 2006 Budget for salaried positions at $48,000 for Manager, $40,000 for Zoning/Public Works Director, and $40,000 for Police Chief.

            2 Ayes,  1 Nay-Richard Harris

            Motion Carried

Amended Motion        

            2 Ayes            

            Motion Carried

-Remainder of 2006 Budget

Motion to adjust:

Treasurer/Bookkeeper wage to increase to $17.00 per hour adjusting budget to $23,000

Administrative Assistant wage to increase to $14.00 per hour adjusting budget to $18,500

                                                                                    Unanimous

Arland Schantz makes a motion to reduce the budget for health insurance benefits down to $80,000.     Donna Wright Seconds

Discussion:  Maureen Kinney, Treasurer, felt the number should not be reduced until the union contract is final and the numbers are known.

            2 Ayes,            1 Nay-Richard Harris

            Motion Carried

The Supervisors authorized advertising the budget changes as voted upon.

Arland Schantz questioned what the period was for making changes.

Ed Matulevicius asked if we could have the actual 2005 figures by the February workshop.

-Planning Commission Update

Eileen Howatt will Chair the Commission for 2006.  The Vice-Chair position is tabled until February.  None of the Planning Commission members wish to serve as Secretary and they are asking that a township employee serve as Secretary.

The suggestion was made that a commission member take notes and tape the meeting and an employee will prepare and type the minutes.

Richard Harris suggested that Mr. Kinsey make sure the meeting is taped and Gina could type the minutes.

After some discussion, it was agreed that Gina should attend a Planning Commission meeting to familiarize herself and after that, could type minutes from the tape and notes provided by a Planning Commission member.

Lois Gadek noted that she served as Planning Commission Secretary for 30 years.  After about five years, she was able to have her minutes handwritten and ready for staff to type by the end of the meeting.

Donna Wright noted that in other Planning Commission business, three subdivision proposals were reviewed and delegates from the Planning Commission to serve on the Regional committee were discussed.

-Recreation Commission

Ordinance No. 32 of 1972 which established a Recreation Commission was discussed.  Items to be changed in a revised ordinance included changing the number of members, renaming to “Board” and including an open space plan.  This item will be further reviewed at the February Board Workshop.

-Mr. Calhoun asked the Board if we are moving forward with the road studies.  Richard Harris said we have changed engineers and will be moving forward as soon as possible.

-Announcements:

            Don Weinberger announced that a meeting with DEP has been arranged by Rep. Karen Beyer for Thursday, January 26, 2006 at 6 pm in the Southern Lehigh Middle School.  A mailing will be sent to everyone in her district.

The meeting adjourned at 9:54 pm.