LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIP

LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS - WORKSHOP MEETING

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2006

MINUTES

PRESENT:  Richard D. Harris, Chairman; Arland H. Schantz, Vice-Chairman; Donna L. Wright, Supervisor; Ellen Koplin, Manager; Richard Kinsey, Public Works Director, Zoning/Planning Administrator; Maureen Kinney, Treasurer; John Dondero, Police Chief and approximately 20 members of the audience. 

-         The meeting was called to order by Chairman Harris at 7:45 pm.

-         Harris announced that there was an executive session held prior to this meeting to discuss litigation.

-         Koplin explained that Kinney along with Paul Bauer of the Earned Income Tax Office went over the tax resident base records to identify residents whose Earned Income Tax was not credited to the proper township.  There were 56 who should have been paying in Lower Milford and 19 who paid to Lower Milford but should have been paying elsewhere.  Going back to 2002 Lower Milford was able to recoup $46,000.   Bauer explained that going back farther involved a different system of recordkeeping.  They agreed to find out what recordkeeping was used and if the time spent would be worth the amount of the refund to be attained.   

Bauer asked about the EMST tax.  The Board had not discussed that and did not have a response.

-         Attorney Kantra explained the issue of Public Improvements for New Subdivision and Land Development.  He explained the formula used by Springfield and Haycock.  There needs to be a rational, justifiable uniformity to collect contributions in lieu of improvements.  Either using a per lot formula or a percentage of the cost of improvements. Kantra stated a distinction between minor and major subdivisions should probably not be made.  It was suggested that Attorney Kantra prepare a draft ordinance to establish a standard for contributions in lieu of improvements for the Board of Supervisors to consider at their November Workshop meeting.  Kantra stated he will omit the numbers in that draft.

-         A Determination of Consistency between the Lower Milford Zoning Ordinance and the Southwestern Lehigh County Comprehensive Plan, drawn up by Attorney Kantra, was accepted by the Planning Commission with a few changes that have now been incorporated.  Attorney Kantra will compile a Resolution accepting the Planning Commission’s recommendation, with the Determination of Consistency document attached as an exhibit, to be addressed at the regular October Board of Supervisors meeting.  Kantra stated that Lower Milford hopes to serve as a model to the other municipalities who are also part of the Southwestern Lehigh County Comprehensive Plan.

-         Ann Frey of the Planning Commission asked about the grant application.  Koplin stated she called Charles Schmehl of Urban Reasearch and Development, who is completing it, and has had no response. 

-         The Hazard Mitigation Plan for Lehigh and Northampton Counties, identifying problem areas that could be corrected, is being considered for acceptance by each municipality.  Harris asked what our obligations would be.  Kantra will look into that before considering accepting the plan.

-         Harris stated Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy has a source that will match contributions and are requesting a contribution from Lower Milford. 

-         Schantz stated former Supervisor Joan Dreibelbis expressed an interest in serving as a representative for Lower Milford Township on the Southern Lehigh Public Library Board.  The Board is interested in getting reports from the library meetings and would have that as part of the requirement to serve as representative. Harris will try to contact Dreibelbis by next Thursday.

-         Harris asked if there were any questions on the draft of the 2006 Budget dated 10/5 & 10/6 of 2006 that could be addressed at the November and December workshop.  It was stated in response to a question on sewage expenses that it was put in the budget for 2007 in anticipationof beginning the  Limeport sewer project. 

-         Schantz asked to address the Limeport sewage issue and suggested getting an outside consultant to see what options are available.  Harris stated there are already experts in the firm we are working with and the Board will consider the options we have available to us according to DEP and the Engineers.  Dennis DeKrane suggested a township sewer authority and possibly using a student from a University for some engineering assistance. Ed Matulevicius stated that could take more time than we may have but that a second opinion to review the engineers options may be a good idea.  Fees for sewage hookup with Upper Saucon were discussed.

-         Ken Knapp of the Lower Milford Fire Co. asked if a reminder could be put in the newsletter to have residents visibly post their street address.

-         The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 pm.