LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIP of LEHIGH COUNTY
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Thursday, October 18, 2007 at 7:30 p.m.
MINUTES
Chairman Richard Harris called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Supervisors Arland Schantz and Donna Wright. Also present were Township Solicitor Emil Kantra, Township Manager Ellen Koplin and approximately 20 others.
The Pledge of Allegiance was said by all.
Citizen comments were accepted throughout the meeting.
Linnette Seager, Jerry Trexler and Joan Dreiblebis (Lower Milford Township’s representative) of the Southern Lehigh Public Library Board reviewed a packet sent to the Board of Supervisors asking for an additional funding of $7,365 which would bring the 2008 total for Lower Milford to $29,310 citing the small increase in state aid, roof melt-off and humidity problems. Grant funding for new computers and server will be sought from the Harry C. Trexler Trust. There are 10,755 total cardholders, 1,804 from Lower Milford Township which is 49.9% of Lower Milford residents.
Regular Business:
MOTION was made by Schantz to approve the minutes of the September 20, 2007 Regular Board of Supervisors Meeting. Wright seconded the motion.
Schantz asked why the Fire Co. report was not included in the minutes. It will be discussed at the next workshop whether to include reports in the minutes. Unanimous
MOTION was made by Wright to approve the minutes of the October 10, 2007 Workshop meeting. Schantz seconded the motion. Unanimous
Harris announced executive Sessions held on October 4, 2007 and October 16, 2007 for Union Negotiations.
MOTION was made by Wright to accept the Treasurers Report as of September 30, 2007 as follows:
· General Fund $726,099.00
· Park & Rec. Donation Fund 18.00
· Capital Reserve Fund 65,226.00
· Road Projects Fund 299,446.00
· State Liquid Fuels Tax Account 99,152.00
· Developer Escrows (Non Twp. Funds) 64,120.00
Schantz seconded the motion. Unanimous
MOTION was made by Schantz to pay the May bills. Wright seconded the motion.
Unanimous
Dreibelbis suggested showing sources of revenue and expenses in pie chart form.
Police Business:
The Police Reports were made available to the public.
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:
MOTION was made by Wright to approve the Emma Kleinsmith Estate Subdivision – Final Plan. Schantz seconded the motion. Unanimous
MOTION was made by Schantz to approve the release of Escrow for Maplewood Estates Phase 1A and 1B in the amount of $138,970.84. Wright seconded the motion. Unanimous
MOTION was made by Schantz to approve the release of Escrow for Maplewood Estates Phase II in the amount of $9,045. Wright seconded the motion. Unanimous
MOTION was made by Wright to accept the request of Maplewood Estates to use Belgium Block curb in place of the standard concrete curb. Schantz seconded the motion.
Motion was amended to require additional stock of Belgium Block to store at the township building for maintenance purposes, the amount to be determined by the township engineer.
Unanimous
Fire Co. Report:
Schantz read the Fire Company report. A copy will be made available to the other supervisors and the public. Koplin stated she and the bookkeeper are working with the Fire Chief on a proposal for the command vehicle fuel.
Old Business:
Schantz read a memo from the Public Works Department concerning ways of disposing of yard waste other than leaves and it suggested informing residents of the Lehigh County Compost Site where they can dump their yard waste for a small cost. Having a site at the township would require space and funds which the township does not have. There is currently a leaf drop off at the township that will continue.
MOTION was made by Schantz to hire a part-time police officer as recommended by the Emergency Services Advisory Committee. Wright seconded the motion.
Resident Jeff Tankred wondered when this was discussed. Koplin said the recommendation of the ESAC was attached to the Board of Supervisors Workshop minutes,. where it was discussed.
Koplin stressed this is not to help the Police Chief but a policy decision to add extra coverage.
The position will cover 32 hours per week. Unanimous
A courtesy review for Upper Milford Township’s and Macungie Borough’s Draft Zoning Amendments was conducted by the Planning Commission and the recommendation read.
The Planning Commission nor the Board of Supervisors had any objections or changes to the Zoning Amendments. Koplin will send a response.
Other Business:
MOTION was made by Wright to adopt Resolution 2007-26 adopting the Emergency Operations Plan. Schantz seconded the motion.
Schantz questioned methods of communication, which is confidential. He also questioned the status of the ongoing certification of the Coordinator. Unanimous
MOTION was made by Schantz to adopt Resolution 2007-27 for participation in PA Capital City (PACC) Automotive and Equipment Contract. Wright seconded the motion.
The contract needs to be renewed each year in order to utilize it. Unanimous
Koplin stated the intent is to set up hydraulic assembly units in two trucks converting them to angling plows and purchasing a new angle plow for another truck.
Announcements:
§ A Dirt and Gravel Road Grant of $12,500 was received, half now and the other half when the project is complete.
§ Letters of interest can be submitted for the following terms ending on December 31:
2 Planning Commission
1 Zoning Hearing Board
1 Recreation and Open Space Board
§ Southwestern Lehigh County Multi-Municipal Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan meetings being held on October 30 and November 8.
§ The Park and Recreation survey sent resulted in a 26% Lower Milford Township response. Other municipalities in the survey area had a 10% response.
§ Trick or Treat night on October 26 from 6 pm to 8 pm.
Citizen Comments:
Sally Tankred commended Lois Gadek for the newsletter article written on Robert Calhoun.
Jean Schock asked a question on Developer Escrows and when unused funds are returned. Attorney Kantra responded, when improvements are done and certified by the engineer after that 15% of the escrow is kept in reserve for problems that may arise during an 18 month maintenance period.
Ann Frey asked that the meeting agenda be posted on the website. Koplin stated it is currently posted prior to the meeting when it is finalized.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:57 pm.