LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIP

LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS WORKSHOP MEETING

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2007

MINUTES

PRESENT:  Richard Harris, Chairman; Arland Schantz, Vice-Chairman; Donna Wright, Supervisor; Ellen Koplin, Twp. Manager; Maureen Kinney, Twp. Treasurer; Richard Kinsey, Public Works Dir; John Dondero, Police Chief and approximately 6 members of the audience.

-The meeting was called to order at 7:30 pm by Chairman Harris

-Pamela Pillsbury of the PA Regional Community Policing Institute made a presentation to the Board outlining the training her organization provides to communities throughout Pennsylvania.  The Lehigh Valley Hospital is funding training for Lehigh Valley communities to utilize the SARA Model for problem solving (Scanning, Analysis, Response and Assessment).  The training consists of a four-hour seminar and is limited to 30 individuals from the community including emergency services, churches, school officials, local government, etc.  A tentative date of January 21 from 6 pm to 10 pm was scheduled pending participation response.

-Second Draft 2008 Budget dated 11/5/07

The following comments and/or questions were discussed:

            -If the hourly rate of the part-time patrol officer was adequate. 

Dondero indicated that the wage is average among other municipalities for the position.  He would like to see an adequate amount for overtime as needed rather than increase the wage.

            -Which union contract are the non-union employee life and disability insurance based upon? 

The pending contract to begin in January 2008.

            -Who will the Fire Co. Command Vehicle fuel donation be paid to and is this a donation for 2008? 

The fuel donation will be made to the Fire Company who will establish how it’s distributed.

            -How does the rest of the Board feel about the proposed 5% library donation increase?

Koplin reviewed the library’s request for an increase and indicated the library’s calculations include the School Districts donation as part of the total municipal funding.  That figure is then utilized in calculating the percent of each municipality’s donation as compared to usage.  Koplin explained the School District donation cannot and should not be calculated as municipal for that purpose.  Therefore, the five percent increase over last year is proposed.

            -Why an additional $200 is budgeted for the audit?

More stringent auditing standards have been imposed on CPAs.  Discussion of why we are using a Certified Public Account to perform the township audit rather than elected auditors.  Township will be borrowing money from PENNVEST and possibly other short-term financing, for construction of the Limeport sewer project.  If CPA needed for loan, will have already audited accounts.

            -Is the Police Chief’s salary in keeping with other townships our size?

Schantz will obtain salary information from comparable townships.

            -The Ford F-350 should be replaced.  Public Works Director anticipated a replacement from Liquid Fuels Equipment Allotment in 2009.

            -The Twp. walking park budget is reduced.  Grant is not a 50/50 match.  May not receive grant at all.  DCNR received approximately 80 grant applicants and will only be awarding about 20-25.

            -Discussion regarding the Fire Co. donation.  Should there be an increase.  Twp. paying approx. $4,000 increase for Fire Co. Worker’s Compensation Insurance.

-Draft Street Numbering Ordinance

This proposed ordinance amends Ord. No. 69 and proposes a mandated number size of 3” and the numbers be of reflective material.  Discussion took place concerning the ordinance addressing the problems encountered by emergency personnel in finding the rural properties.  The draft will be revised and presented again.

-Announcements

            -Southwestern Lehigh County Parks, Rec., & Open Space Planning Meeting to be held Thursday, November 8, 2007 at 7 pm in the Lower Milford Municipal Building.

-The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 pm