LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIP

LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS - WORKSHOP MEETING

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2008

MINUTES

PRESENT:  Richard Harris, Chairman; Donna Wright, Vice-Chair; Arland Schantz, Supervisor; Ellen Koplin, Township Manager; Maureen Kinney, Treasurer; John Dondero, Police Chief and approximately 10 members of the audience. 

–      Chairman Harris called the meeting to order at approximately 7:30 pm.

OLD BUSINESS:

–      Budget Discussion

Lynnette Saeger of the Southern Lehigh Public Library gave a presentation highlighting the changes taking place in the library.  She asked the Board of Supervisors to consider their fair share of 12½ %, based on circulation, in providing funds for the library equaling $26,015.

Maureen Kinney presented a recommendation to consider a Local Services Tax of $47 annually.  Those with an annual income of $12,000 or less would be exempt.  The Board will act on the tax at the regular meeting in November.

In expectation of moving the location of the Lower Milford Fire Co. to a more central location on the grounds of the Township Building, Koplin recommended a Fire Tax of one mill for 2009, for the purpose of equipment funding, fuel and a building fund.

The Emergency Services Advisory Committee held a meeting convened for budgeting purposes where the new location was suggested and the consensus was in favor. 

The Fire Tax would have its own account and would replace the donation from the township.  Utilization of the current Fire Co. building and impact on the future Lower Milford Community Park would need to be discussed.   The Board will act on the tax and authorizing plan development at the regular meeting in November.

Schantz inquired if there would be performance reviews this year.  He requested an increase in the Police Chief’s salary. 

There was a proposal by Chief Dondero to increase the hours of the part-time officer to full-time hours and hiring another part-time officer later in mid 2009.  Harris and Wright agreed but at a more gradual progression, perhaps not hiring another part-time officer until 2010.  Kinney suggested keeping the current part-time officer at part-time and hiring another part-time officer. The options will be reviewed and considered.

Schantz questioned the need for a new road crew employee.  Koplin explained the addition of roads and the current work load.

Andy Robinson, President of Limeport Stadium, requested the Stadium be put in the budget with no amount stated.  They would like to replace seats and make the entrance and exit more “fan-friendly” for safety reasons.  Koplin stated Attorney Kantra looked into it and support of Historic properties is allowed in the Municipality Planning Code. 

NEW BUSINESS:

–      CPA Audit Proposal for Fiscal Year 2008

MOTION was made by Wright to advertise the intent to hire a CPA to perform the 2008 audit of the Township.  Harris seconded the motion.  2 Aye, 1 Nay (Schantz)            Motion Carried

–      Lehigh Valley Planning Commission - PA Community Transportation Initiative

Koplin did not recommend seeking funding through this since we are not at the point of progression to take advantage of it.

There was discussion of a possible Community Policing Grant for police officer funding.  Chief Dondero will call to see if it will be available and the specifics.

CORRESPONDENCE:

–      Lucile Berky letter dated 10/21/08 requesting natural brown stone rather than grey for the stream mitigation project.  Wright suggested calling Perkiomen Watershed for possible funding for natural stone. 

–      Kline and Kline letter dated 11/3/08 regarding Real Estate Transfer Tax being exact rather than rounded amounts.

–      Ted Zapach, undated, regarding his resignation from the Planning Commission.  The Planning Commission will keep the position open until the new year.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

–      Upper Perk Valley Chamber will attend the 11/20/08 Board of Supervisors Meeting to present the “Perk-Up” Plan.

–      Harris adjourned the meeting at 9:45 pm.