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LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIP of LEHIGH COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Thursday, November 15, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. MINUTES
Chairman Richard Harris called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. Present were Supervisors Arland Schantz and Donna Wright. Also present were Township Solicitor Emil Kantra, Township Manager Ellen Koplin; Treasurer Maureen Kinney; Public Works Director Richard Kinsey; Police Chief John Dondero and approximately 22 others.
The Pledge of Allegiance was said by all.
Citizen comments were accepted throughout the meeting.
PA Representative Karen Beyer attended and gave an update on the issues in Harrisburg at present. Possible I-80 toll implementation could cause traffic related problems on I-78. Mandatory state run healthcare for all PA employees by imposing a 3% tax on employers is being discussed. Energy caps expiring could allow PPL rates to rise 40% and give people the opportunity to choose electric providers. There may be a legislative remedy forthcoming. Fuel discussions include use of alternative fuels and giving coal fired plants tax incentives to install “scrubbers” to filter mercury. She described the indictments forthcoming by the Attorney General’s office for campaign violations. She requested that the Township and Fire Company apply for a $5,000 grant which will be available in the Spring. And she will be starting a satellite office open Tuesdays from 8 am to 4 pm in Upper Milford Township. Jean Schoch asked about a bill introduced by Bob Freemen for a moratorium on building in townships that are updating their comprehensive plan. It is undergoing amendments by a committee and should be coming out soon.
Mike Murphy, Transportation Director for Upper Bucks Christian School formally requested to allow parking of one of the buses on the township lot and to be able to plug it in during the winter. They will reimburse the township for costs and will not hold the township liable. Carol Hill asked if this was setting a precedence. Ann Frey asked why they do not sub to a company and why the bus cannot be parked on the drivers premises. He replied there are economical reasons and there is not room on the drivers premises Attorney Kantra asked that Lower Milford be added as additional insured.
MOTION was made by Wright to allow Upper Bucks Christian School to park a school bus on Township grounds for the school year, Monday through Friday at the discretion of the Supervisors subject to a liability document to be approved by the township solicitor. Schantz seconded the motion. 2 – Aye, 1 – Abstained Motion Carried
Regular Business: MOTION was made by Schantz to approve the minutes of the October 18, 2007 Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting. Wright seconded the motion. Unanimous
MOTION was made by Wright to approve the minutes of the November 7, 2007 Board of Supervisors Workshop. Schantz seconded the motion. Unanimous
An Executive Session was held on November 15, 2007 for Union Contract Negotiations and pending legal action, the case was dismissed. As far as the curative amendment, Geryville Materials has to decide whether to proceed.
MOTION was made by Schantz to accept the Treasurers Report as of October, 2007 as follows: · General Fund $665,628.00 · Park & Rec. Donation Fund 18.00 · Capital Reserve Fund 65,508.00 · Road Projects Fund 300,738.00 · State Liquid Fuels Tax Account 99,581.00 · Developer Escrows (Non Twp. Funds) 65,999.00 Harris seconded the motion. Unanimous
MOTION was made by Schantz to pay the May bills. Wright seconded the motion. Unanimous
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: There were no new Subdivisions or Land Developments and no action due.
MOTION was made by Wright to approve an Escrow Release Request #2 for Maplewood Estates-Phases 1A & 1B as per Cowan Associates recommendation. Schantz seconded the motion. Unanimous
Fire Co. Report: There was no formal Fire Co. report.
Old Business: MOTION was made by Wright to authorize advertisement of the 2008 Budget. Schantz seconded the motion. Budget items were discussed: Wright explained the fuel proposal for the Fire Co. Command Vehicle as discussed at the November workshop. Carol Hill questioned the amount budgeted for a copier thinking $8,000 was excessive. The salary of the Police Chief and the part-time officer for 2008 were discussed and the PSATS wage survey was reviewed to determine if the Chief’s salary should be further increased. Schantz mentioned the Police Chief has the opportunity to be flexible with the wage offer for the part time officer. Dondero declined and left it to the Supervisors discretion. Harris suggested overtime for police be changed to $5,000. Schantz said the Fire Company has record of a contract with the township stating a yearly 2% increase in contributions from the township. There was no knowledge of such contract, the Supervisors asked to see the document. An increase in the amount for the 2007 audit was suggested. The motion was amended as follows:
MOTION was made by Wright for advertisement of the 2008 Budget with an addition of $500 to the audit account and $2000 added to the overtime police wages account. Schantz seconded the motion. Unanimous
MOTION was made by Schantz to advertise the Street Number Ordinance, an amendment to Ordinance No. 69. Wright seconded the motion. Unanimous
Other Business: MOTION was made by Wright to adopt the Union Contract as negotiated. Schantz seconded the motion. Unanimous
MOTION was made by Wright to authorize advertising the intent to hire CPA to perform audit. Harris seconded the motion. Schantz would like to utilize the elected auditors. Professional auditors are necessary at this time in anticipation of bank requirements to take out a loan. Vote was 1 – Aye, 2 – Nay. Motion Carried
Harris announced the Zoning Hearing Board Application for Maplewood Residential, LP for a temporary sales trailer to be erected on one of their lots.
MOTION was made Schantz to approve a property tax refund to James & Kristine Bergey in the amount of $5.05. Wright seconded the motion. Unanimous
Announcements: § Tax Collector Letters of Interest to be reviewed at 12/12/07 Workshop Meeting § Expiration of terms on Boards and Commissions as of December 31, 2007: 2 Planning Commission 1 Zoning Hearing Board 1 Recreation and Open Space Board § Letters of interest will be accepted through December 20, 2007 for anyone interested in volunteering for these positions. § The Township Building will be closed on Thursday & Friday, November 22 & 23 for Thanksgiving
Citizen Comments: A member of the audience questioned the number of letters of interest for the taxpayer position, and what were the results of the Regional Planning Survey. The response was five letters of interest were received for taxpayer and the results of the survey are not yet known but our response was around 30%.
Another questioned the West Mill Hill Road Study and if the ordinance was written. It has not yet been written because the budget took precedence.
Another asked that residents be informed of the burning laws.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:54 pm.
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