LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIP of LEHIGH COUNTY

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Thursday, November 17, 2005 at 7:30 p.m.

MINUTES

 

Chairman Richard Harris called the meeting to order at 7:36 p.m.  Present were Supervisors Arland Schantz and Joan Dreibelbis.  Also present were Township Solicitor Richard Stevens, Township Manager Ellen Koplin, Zoning/Planning Administrator/Public Works Director Richard Kinsey and approximately 19 others. 

 

The Pledge of Allegiance was said by all.

 

Citizen comments were accepted throughout the meeting.

 

Regular Business:

The Board of Supervisor=s October 20, 2005 Regular Meeting Minutes were approved with changes to the following paragraph on page 2 School District Report:

John Quigley, Southern Lehigh School Board Director stated a new School for 4th,5th and 6th grades located by the Middle and High Schools, estimated in the low to mid $30 million range is proposed, meaning increased taxes.  Plans are available to view and are being submitted to the state.  There will be an estimated 3-4 mill tax increase annually over the next 5 years.  Act 153, requested for reconsideration recently by Ann Frey, was turned down at least two years ago since there was nothing to be gained and would place more burden on taxpayers.  But, he stated, land preservation incentives are necessary and need to be addressed.  There is a bill in review, with the state, for impact fees on developers.  Act 72 is a more lasting solution to contain expenses.  The current school tax is set at 39.5 mills and probably going up to 50 mills in a few years.  Budgeting is necessary.

The following paragraph replaces the italicized portion:

The school board originally dismissed acting on any Tax Relief under ACT 153 for our school district because the budget and finance committee felt that there was little to be gained to the school district in granting such tax relief.  After receiving Ann Frey’s letter and subsequent comments at a school board meeting, members of the budget and finance committee promised to review the ramifications of such tax relief and re-examine its implementation.

 

The November 3, 2005 Special Meeting and the November 9, 2005 Workshop Meeting, were approved as submitted.

 

Harris stated Executive Sessions were held on October 30, 2005 for personnel and Nov. 16, 2005 for Union Negotiations.

 

Treasurers Report as of October 31, 2005 was accepted as read:

·         General Fund                                                    $610,537

·         Road Projects Fund                                               30,271

·         State Liquid Fuels Tax Account                            137,898

 

MOTION was made by Schantz to adopt Resolution 2005-32 Amending the 2005 Budget.  Dreibelbis voted nay since she had no knowledge of it.  Harris seconded the motion. 

                                                                                                Motion Carried

                      

MOTION was made by Schantz to pay the November, 2005 bills.  Dreibelbis seconded the motion.                                                                                              Unanimous

 

Police Business:

The Police Report was made available to the public.

 

Public Works Business:

The Public Works Report was made available to the public.

MOTION was made by Schantz to adopt Resolution 2005-33 for Disposal of the Cinder Box and Spreader.  Dreibelbis seconded the motion.                         Unanimous

In response to a question by Schantz, Kinsey stated the mechanic is working on the equipment and it will be in working order when sold.

 

Harris announced the sale of the ’94 Crown Victoria at the Peter Krall Auction for $1,700 less 10% commission and expenses, net receipt of $1,485.07.

 

Kinsey gave a report on the Schultz Bridge Road Bridge which opened on October 31, 2005.  The cost was not as much as estimated and also the Township Public Works Department did some of the work to lower costs. 

            Original Maximum Contract:      $252,716

            Actual Expense:                        $226,050.50

            Savings:                                    $  26,665.50

 

Schantz inquired about the dry fire hydrant that will be installed at the bridge site.  Kinsey replied the Southeastern PA Resource Conservation and Development Council needs to gather a list of needed supplies.  There will be no cost to the Township since the Township can do the work.

 

MOTION was made by Schantz to authorize an ordinance to be drafted to name the bridge on Schultz Bridge Road Stauffer Bridge.  Harris seconded the motion.  Dreibelbis voted nay.

                                                                                                Motion Carried

           

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:

Harris announced the receipt of an application from Nicholas/Watrous for a Lot Line Adjustment, located on Carls Hill Rd.

 

Other Business:

            Harris announced the receipt of an Agricultural Security Area application from Richard L. and Elizabeth M. Hate, tax parcel 549079194605, consisting of 120.7 acres located on Kings Highway in Lower Milford Township.

 

            Lloyd Ohl of the Lower Milford Fire Company announced the need for a short order cook for the fire company.

 

            MOTION was made by Schantz to advertise the 2006 budget.  Dreibelbis seconded the motion.                                                                           Unanimous

 

            Harris invited the public to review the budget for comment.

  

Announcements:

            The Board of Supervisors is accepting Letters of Interest for Planning Commission and Zoning Hearing Board.  Letters were sent to those who terms will expire to inquire if they are interested in continuing to serve.   There will also be a  position on the Southern Lehigh Public Library Board.

 

Correspondence:

            A letter from Southern Lehigh School District dated November 15, 2005 announced the intent to adopt $5 Emergency and Municipal Services Tax.

            Dreiblebis stated the municipalities usually enact that tax, and it is not necessarily used for Emergency Services. 

            Harris asked Attorney Stevens to look into that.

 

            A letter from Lori Sickenberger dated  November 3, 2005 regarding an engineering road study request for Buhman, West Mill Hill and East Mill Hill Roads.

            Harris stated Schultz Bridge Road was discussed in the workshop meeting. 

Koplin listed the aspects of a road that are subject to study.  Base Engineering provided results concerning Schultz Bridge Road truck traffic study which will be discussed at the December workshop.

 

Citizen Comments:

 

Resident asked why road studies are being requested at a cost to the residents.  Harris responded it was requested because of increased truck traffic.  Discussion took place concerning truck traffic on Limeport Pike and Kraussdale Road.  Harris suggested looking into placing signs in the area of Chestnut Hill Church Road and Limeport Pike to warn of hazardous traffic conditions.

 

Ann Frey asked if the Emergency Management Coordinator has been approved by the state.  Harris stated there was no official word from the state.

Frey also asked regarding Act 153 if anything further was done.  Harris stated no further steps have been taken but that the Board of Supervisors should attend a School Board Meeting in the New Year.

 

            Harris adjourned the meeting at 8:10 pm.