LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIP of LEHIGH

Chairman Richard Harris called the meeting to order at 7:37 p.m. Present were Supervisors Arland Schantz and Donna Wright. Also present were Township Solicitor Emil Kantra, Township Manager Ellen Koplin and approximately 15 others.

MOTION was made by Schantz to approve the Minutes of October 19, 2006 Regular Meeting and Minutes of November 8, 2006 Workshop Meeting. Wright seconded the motion.

Harris announced Executive Sessions which were held on November 2, 2006 and November 11, 2006 for Personnel and on November 16, 2006 for Litigation.

Lance Tittle, Auditor, submitted to the Board and read the 2005 Auditor’s Comments dated 5/27/06 (see attached).

Their investigation of Lower Milford records at Service Electric and transition from one cable company to another were discussed.

MOTION was made by Wright to accept the Auditor’s Comment letter. Schantz seconded the motion.

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

Harris announced the receipt of a new subdivision application for King’s View consisting of 20+ acres with 8 Lots proposed along Baus Road and King’s Highway.

Harris announced the proceeds from the sale of Municipal Surplus at the Peter Krall Auction totaling $3,117.64 (represents $3,550 for equipment less auctioneer fee of 10%, labor and advertising).

The 2007 Budget-Draft 3 was discussed. Andrew Robison, President of the Limeport Stadium informed the Supervisors of ongoing improvements/ renovations to the Stadium and the costs involved.

MOTION was made by Wright to increase the contribution to the Southern Lehigh Living Memorial Park to $4,880. Schantz seconded the motion. Unanimous

Harris stated this years contribution of $5,000 to Limeport Stadium was understood as not being an ongoing contribution. Wright suggested a $2,500 contribution for next year (2007). Schantz wanted to keep the amount at $5,000.

Koplin stated there may need to be an increase in the Recreation and Open Space Budget amount by $5,000 if the Regional Recreation Plan preparation begins in 2007. Harris stated that could be changed at a later time if the need arises.

MOTION was made by Schantz to advertise the 2007 Budget. Wright seconded the motion.

Lois Gadek submitted a thank-you letter (attached) for the Township’s support for previously approving the Agricultural Preservation plaque stating all expenses for the plaque were paid by private donations. She also submitted a proposal (attached) to have a professional auditing firm do the Township Audit at least for one year.

MOTION was made by Wright to advertise the hiring of a professional auditor for 2007 to audit 2006. Harris seconded the motion.

Ann Frey felt the elected auditors would look at some things more thoroughly than a professional would do. Treasurer, Maureen Kinney, who has conducted auditing, said the professionals are required to look at certain things. 2 Aye, 1 Nay (Schantz). Motion Carried

MOTION was made by Schantz to appoint Joan Dreibelbis to the Southern Lehigh Public Library Board for a three year term as specified in the Library’s By-laws. Wright seconded the motion.

MOTION was made by Schantz to accept amending the Non-Uniformed Pension Plan from a 90-day to a 120-day Eligibility Wait Period, compatible with Union Contract. Wright seconded the motion.

MOTION was made by Wright to adopt Resolution 2006-39 establishing a Uniformed Pension Plan. Schantz seconded the motion. Unanimous

MOTION was made by Wright to approve the exoneration of Delinquent Taxes in the amount of $15.29 for Next Frontier Land Dev. LLC. Schantz seconded the motion. Unanimous

MOTION was made by Schantz to adopt Resolution 2006-40 Authorizing Sale of Radar Gun.

Lois Gadek asked why it is being sold and, if it is not legal to use for local law enforcement, why was it initially purchased and what is it now worth.

MOTION was made by Wright to authorize development and advertisement of an Ordinance for the Act 167 Stormwater Management Update when the model is made available. Schantz seconded the motion. Unanimous

MOTION was made by Wright to authorize development and advertisement of the Realty Transfer Tax Ordinance - Act 40 of 2005. Schantz seconded the motion. Unanimous

The consensus of the Board was to insert a 10% interest rate into the Ordinance.

Harris announced the receipt of an Agricultural Security Area Application for Russell M. K. Schantzenbach, 23.5416 acres located in Upper Saucon Township.

Harris announced the expiration of terms and vacancies on the Boards and Commissions as of 12/31/06 consisting of:

· Southern Lehigh Living Memorial Community Park 2006 Financial Report and 2007 Budget

· Lower Milford Township. Recreation & Open Space Board meeting minutes of 10/5/06

· Upper Saucon Township.- Letter of October 30, 2006 announcing Adoption of Millage Freeze for Agricultural Conservation Land

· Lehigh County Board. of Assessment- Denial of Exemption to Archaeological Conservancy

Ann Frey inquired when the letters of interest are to be submitted. Harris stated by the next meeting.

The neighbor of Ross & Carol Wilson has a large number of dogs and they asked for a recommendation of what to do about the noise situation. It was suggested she go to a magistrate. She provided other township’s ordinances regulating the number of pets for the Supervisors to review.

A resident inquired about the status of the East Mill Hill Road Study. The audience was informed the survey is complete and the report is being prepared.

Jean Schoch of the Planning Commission was concerned about seeing the letters of interest prior to the appointments. She was assured that the Planning Commission would have them to view at their December Workshop meeting.

Evelyn Yost stated a lot of people were not happy with the polling place this year. She relayed a message from the Voter Registration Office that they would be interested in speaking with the Supervisors concerning having the Township Building as the polling place.

Lloyd Ohl explained why the Fire Co. was not having the polling place any longer.

Police Chief Dondero gave an update on a house fire, which occurred in the township today, stating that the house was a total loss.

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To: Board of Supervisprs

From: Lois Gadek

RE: Farmland Preservation Plaque Costs

November 16,2006

Thank you for supporting my proposal to create and display a plaque honoring those Lower Milford farmers who have permanently preserved their land for future generations. From the feedback I have received, I believe that those residents appreciate this gesture, and I truly appreciate the Board of Supervisors' immediate endorsement of this project. I would also like to publicly thank Lowell Linde for constructing the plaque of antique barn wood from a barn in Lower Milford.

The total cost of the plaque, the brass plates, and the engraving will be covered privately, so that no tax dollars will be needed to pay for the plaque or its engraving. Further, the engraving of the remaining 16 plates will also be paid for privately, so that there will be no future costs to the residents of the Township.

Again, thank you for your endorsement of this project.

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After reviewing the budget for next year, I would like to suggest that the Board consider having the auditing ofthe previous year's financial activities done by a professional auditing finn that specializes in municipal auditing. Here are some of my reasons for this proposal:

Recently, our Township bookkeeper "discovered" that we were not receiving the monies due us from the EIT Office, and to date has obtained the .impressive sum of $46,000 owed to us. And that is only back to 2002. More research in to years before 2002 (up to the number of years we are allowed to go back in the records) will most likely yield even

more money owed to us. And the Township will continue to receive money from those newly identified residents in future years. This "find" raises the issue of whether or not other sources of money might not be identified by those whose professional expertise is in municipal auditing.

The Lower Milford annual budget is now at about $1,000,000. To the best of my knowledge, there has never been an audit of Township affairs done by professional accountants and auditors. Now might be an ideal time to commission such an audit.

A professional audit could be commissioned for this upcoming year but may not have to be done every year. I do, however, think that it is time to get some professional input from people who may help us maximize our funds, especially in light of the many and increasing demands on our Township resources.

I appreciate all of the hard work and tough decisions that go in to putting such a budget together, and offer the above proposal in a constructive and positive light. Thank you for your consideration of this proposal.