LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIP of LEHIGH COUNTY

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Monday, January 3, 2005

MINUTES

Chairman Richard Harris called the meeting to order at approximately 8:00 p.m.  Present were Supervisors Arland Schantz, Joan Dreibelbis.  Also present were Manager/Secretary Ellen Koplin, Solicitor Richard Stevens and approximately 25 others. 

Regular Business:

Harris announced an Executive Session held December 28, 2004.

The Minutes of  the December 16, 2004 Board of Supervisor=s Meeting were accepted as read.

Treasurer’s Report as of December 31, 2004 (excluding interest) was accepted as read.

·        State Liquid Fuels Tax Account                        $  97,031.86   

·        General Fund                                                      550,583.40

·         Road Projects Fund                                              29,651.00 (excluding interest)

MOTION was made by Schantz to pay the January 2005 bills.  Dreibelbis seconded the motion.                                                                                   Unanimous

Road Business:

Road reports were accepted as submitted.

Police Business:

Police report for December 2004 was not available due to time constraints.

Zoning Business:

Zoning Report was accepted as submitted.

No new Subdivisions/Land Developments.

No Action on Subdivisions/Land Developments

Other Business:

MOTION was made by Schantz to authorize all Supervisors to attend the Lehigh County Association of Township Officials Mini-Convention on January 14, 2004. Dreibelbis seconded the motion.                                                Unanimous

Harris made a motion to adopt Resolutions 2005-1 through 2005-13:

            2005-1             Building/Zoning Permit and Inspection Fees

            2005-2             Erosion Control and Final Grading Plot Plan

            2005-3             Driveway Permit Fees

            2005-4             Zoning Hearing Appeal Fees

            2005-5             Police Report Fee

            2005-6             Subdivision and Land Development Fees

            2005-7             Sign Permit Fees

            2005-8             Sewage Fee Schedule

            2005-9             Open Records Policy

            2005-10           Floodplain Ordinance Administration

            2005-11           Wireless Communications Fee Schedule

            2005-12           Engineering Fees

            2005-13           Agricultural Security Area Advisory Committee

Schantz added that the members of the Agricultural Security Area Advisory Committee will remain the same as 2004, they are:

·        Paul Wisser

·        William Hildebeitel       

·        Willard Roth

·        Douglas Aten

·        Arland Schantz

Schantz seconded the motion.                                                   Unanimous

Citizen Comments:

Ted Zapach mentioned that Base Engineering had served Lower Milford Township in the past.

Donna Wright asked why the township changed engineers.  Chairman Harris replied that part of the problem was the Planning Commission not receiving material in a timely manor.

Ed Matulevicius asked if the Board would explain their decision on the library.  Chairman Harris explained that a decision had not yet been reached.  Mr. Matulevicius expressed that the $1,000. budgeted for 2005 was an insult to both the Southern Lehigh Public Library and the local endeavor amounting to 25¢ per capita.  Mr. Harris responded that the $1,000. was a token until such time as the figures presented to start up a local library can be reviewed and digested.  We have also requested to meet with the Southern Lehigh Library representatives.  We in no way intended to insult either group.

Mrs. Yost added that an article appeared in the Morning Call concerning the Southern Lehigh Library and it stated what amount they would like to see from Lower Milford.

Anne Frey asked who is serving on the Agricultural Security Area Advisory Committee and the names were given.  She also quested what experience Mr. Schilling has to be the Director of Public Works.  Mr. Harris responded that the position entails the administrative portion of the Roadmaster and according to the Union, the Roadmaster cannot perform administrative functions.

Jean Schoch questioned why item #23 of the agenda did not address an individual to serve as Earned Income Tax Collector.  Mr. Harris stated that the individual is hired by the school district, we simply authorize whoever holds the position to also collect our portion of the tax.  She also questioned the appointment of Emil Kantra as attorney for the Planning Commission.

Anne Frey questioned if Mr. Schilling would continue the union negotiations as a consultant or if it would become part of his newly appointed job.  The Board of Supervisors will review this issue.

Howard Shelly asked what the status is for repair of the Schultz Bridge Road Bridge.  The Chairman asked Koplin to respond with an update.  The permit is pending with DEP and work cannot begin until summer due to the designation of the stream.  A memo was read at the December meeting from the engineer outlining the review of the project and what options were available to the township including price and time frame.  The memo addressed comments and questions previously raised.

            Chairman Harris added the term limits for the new appointments being:

            Planning Commission member – four year term expiring December 31, 2008

            Zoning Hearing Board member – five year term expiring December 31, 2009.

            The meeting was adjourned by Chairman Harris at 8:38 pm