LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIP of LEHIGH COUNTY

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Thursday, October 16, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.

MINUTES

Chairman Richard Harris called the meeting to order at 7:34 p.m.  Present were Supervisors Arland Schantz and Donna Wright.  Also present were Township Solicitor Emil Kantra, Township Manager Ellen Koplin; and approximately 30 others. 

The Pledge of Allegiance was said by all.

Chairman Harris welcomed Boy Scout Troop 141 to the meeting.

Public comments were accepted throughout the meeting.

Regular Business:

MOTION was made by Wright to approve the minutes of the September 18, 2008 Regular Board of Supervisors Meeting.   Schantz seconded the motion.             Unanimous

MOTION was made by Wright to accept the Treasurers Report as of September 30, 2008 as follows:

·         General Fund                                                    $852,433.00

·         Sewer Fund                                                               479.00

·         Park & Rec. Donation Fund                                     1,043.00                             

·         Capital Reserve Fund                                          102,691.00        

·         Road Projects Fund                                             342,098.00     

·         State Liquid Fuels Tax Account                               44,806.00      

·         Developer Escrows (Non Twp. Funds)                   54,732.00                             

Schantz seconded the motion.                                                     Unanimous                     

MOTION was made by Schantz to pay the October 2008 bills.  Wright seconded the motion.

Unanimous

Police Business:

The Police Reports were made available to the public.

Schantz said he learned a burglary took place two doors away from his home.  He thinks the police should let people in the vicinity know so they can be on the alert. 

Bill Roy, Emergency Management Coordinator, suggested using the township newsletter to put a Community Policing program in place in cooperation with Lower Milford Township police.

Jean Schoch did not think the newsletter would be helpful as it is published only a few times per year.  She felt it should be published in the newspaper so people will be informed.

Harris and Wright agreed the Emergency Services Advisory Committee should make a recommendation.

Roy said he brought a recommendation before the Lehigh County Emergency Management Association for a tabletop drill associated with the Community Policing program.

Community Policing was explained.

Jeff Tankred said it is a good idea but the community must be willing for the program to work.

Public Works Business:

The Public Works Report was made available to the public.

Zoning Business:

The Zoning Report was made available to the public.

Manager’s Business:

Manager’s report was made available to the public.

Subdivisions/Land Developments:

There were no new Subdivisions or Land Developments. 

MOTION was made by Schantz to approve the Hate/Wright Lot Line Change Plan.  Harris seconded the motion.  2 Aye, One Abstained                              Unanimous

Wright mentioned she would abstain because the property is family owned.

The lot line adjustment is necessary for Mr. Hate to preserve his land through the Lehigh County Agricultural Conservation Program. 

Fire Co. Report:

            There was no report available. 

Old Business:

Koplin gave a Limeport Sewage Project update.  A 10/1/08 memo received from Cowan Associates stated letters and maps were sent to all property owners in the Limeport Sewage area.  She said she has been involved in attempting to obtain the responses to the letter not yet received.  The PA Historic Museum Commission has not reported any problem with the Ohl property.  Soil tests were performed and the site was found suitable.  An appraisal is underway and the report is pending. 

Pouran Esrafily, a resident of Limeport, expressed concern that the sewage plant would be placed on a property where it would be viewable and make Limeport an undesirable attraction.  She would like planning to play a part and a more desirable site to be found.  Even if it would cost more, it would be worth it in the long run.  She will contact DEP herself to find some answers. 

More desirable locations were discussed which were already considered by the Township and were not found suitable.  The Zapach property would cost considerably more involving excavation of historical artifacts.

Karen Sommers, a business owner of Limeport, inquired how the plant would affect other surrounding properties.  She asked that the Township relay more information to those affected more frequently.  In response to a question, Koplin replied that construction is tentatively starting August 2009. 

Ed Bendekovitz asked about the Chromaglass system.  Koplin and Attorney Kantra explained that the ongoing costs of maintaining the Chromaglass system would be much higher.  

Wright, as a member of the Festival Committee, gave a report on the Fall Festival.   Proceeds of $2,393.40 were raised for the Lower Milford Community Park from the Silent and Live Auctions. Total festival expenses were $989.97 below the allotted $2,000 budget amount.

Don Weinberger, on behalf of the Lower Milford Residents Association, gave a $100 donation toward the 2009 Fall Festival saying it was a great community event.

Koplin gave an update on the Schultz Bridge Road Stream Bank Stabilization Project.  She addressed the previous suggestion by Schantz to have Heffentrager do the work.  With materials included, he was not able to perform the service for a cost under $10,000 nor was he willing to obtain the necessary DEP permit for the Township. 

New Business:

Ed Bendekovitz of the Lower Milford Fire Co addressed the Fire Company letter of 9/11/08 to the Township requesting if the Township would lower the amount of EDU’s allotted for the Fire Company.  He also asked if the township would pay for the Fire Company portion of EDU’s.

             Harris said the Board would look into it.

MOTION was made by Schantz to accept the Minimum Municipal Obligation Budget for the 2009 Employee Pension Plan.  Wright seconded the motion.         Unanimous

The amounts are  $12,850 non-uniform, $9,000 uniform, a total of $21,850.

Harris announced the 2009 budget will be discussed at the November workshop.  Copies were made available to the public.

Harris announced the following applicants for Lehigh County Act 319:

Joseph R. & A. Carol Ecker                  11.501 acres

            Ward B. Hill                                         10.966 acres

Lois & Theodore Zapach                       32.1268 acres

Wright announced the Board of Supervisors will have a Regional Recreation and Open Space draft plan to look at and vote on in the near future.

Citizen Comments:

Ann Frey asked if a decision was made concerning the Scout Road Bridge closing.  She requested a barrier to prohibit loitering and dumping.  Her drive is currently being used as a turnaround.  The Director of Public Works will be asked to look into temporary possibilities and to repair her driveway.

Announcements:

·         Geryville Materials Curative Amendment Hearing – Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 7:30 pm

·         Trick or Treat Night - Friday, October 31, 2008 from 6 pm to 8 pm

·         Election Day - Tuesday, November 4, 2008 from 7 am to 8 pm at the Township Building

·         November 4, 2008 Recreation & Open Space Board Meeting is cancelled due to the Election

Correspondence:

·         Southern Lehigh Living Memorial Comm. Park-10/29/08 Budget Meeting

·         Southern Lehigh Public Library Reports - August 2008

·         Lehigh County Hazard Mitigation Plan Annual Report – 2008

·         Senator Rob Wonderling – Letter of Congratulations on Sewage Facilities Planning Grant Program

Harris adjourned the meeting at 9:27 pm.