LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIP

LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS - WORKSHOP MEETING

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2007

MINUTES

PRESENT:  Richard Harris, Chairman; Arland Schantz, Vice-Chairman;  Donna Wright, Supervisor; Ellen Koplin, Township Manager; and approximately 11 members of the audience. 

–      Chairman Harris called the meeting to order at approximately 7:31 pm.

OLD BUSINESS:

–      2008 Proposed Budget

Discussion of the 2008 Budget included:

§         Festival insurance expenses

§         Bridge repair allowance for Scout Road Bridge

§         Lynette Saeger of Southern Lehigh Public Library spoke on the financial needs of the library not being met which will make it necessary to cut services.  Coopersburg Borough decreased their library contribution and Lower Milford’s was only increased by 5%.

–      Joint Building Board of Appeals

Qualifications of appointees and process of adoption were discussed.  Before advertising the ordinance, the other municipalities will be contacted to see where they are in the process.  It will be placed on the agenda for the December regular meeting.

–      PENNDOT Response to Signage Request

In response to a letter written to PennDOT by Police Chief John Dondero and Manager Ellen Koplin a letter from Joe Rauscher of PennDOT was read concerning measures they are taking for placing additional signs for safety in the area of Limeport Pike near Elementary Road.  A request for a three-way stop at Blue Church Road was turned down and will be possibly pursued at a later time.

–      West Mill Hill Road Study

A restriction of nothing over 19’ and/or 10 tons for trucks was the recommendation for West Mill Hill Road between the Buhman intersection and Kings Highway by the Township Engineer due to the road foundation and curves.  Discussion ensued concerning the need for a restriction.  West Mill Hill Road will be placed on the December regular meeting agenda.

–      Beverly Hills Road Speed Limit Reduction Request

The Board concensus  was to send a letter to PennDOT declining their request to reduce the speed limit on Beverly Hills Road. 

–      Minutes Attachments

Having the regular monthly reports included in the minutes book as part of the minutes was discussed.  The reports included in the meeting are not included in the minutes book but are kept as accessible files and available to the public.

–      Ordinance Amending Street Numbering Ordinance

Action will be taken at the December regular meeting.  Reflective signs and arrows are available from the Fire Company.

NEW BUSINESS:

–      Contractor for Snowplowing

A request by the Public Works Director Richard Kinsey to contract Creation Excavating to supplement the snowplowing crew in certain instances which are spelled out in his written request.  John Stenroos suggested not allowing outsiders to use the township snowplows.

MOTION was made by Wright to accept Kinsey’s recommendation to use Creation Excavating for snowplowing as suitable.  Schantz seconded the motion.

                                                                                                       Unanimous 

–      Maplewood Estates Phases 1A & 1B Escrow Release #3

The release of escrow for Phases 1A & 1B in the amount of $97,205.63 will be on the agenda for the December regular meeting.  No discussion was necessary.

–      Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy Municipal Membership

A yearly membership which the township has in past years participated in.  The Conservancy has programs to help townships meet their stormwater requirements.  This will be considered at the  December regular meeting.

–      Township Personal Property Policy

A policy for acquisition, inventory, regulation and use of Township personal property is being considered since none has yet been established.

–      Jean Schoch asked if any letters of interest were received for the Planning Commission vacancies.  Koplin said there were some received but the Supervisors had not gotten them as yet.  Schoch wanted the Planning Commission to be able to review them at their December 19 workshop.

–      Schantz asked the Board of Supervisors to initiate a Right to Farm covenant.  Koplin stated the Right to Farm Law is a State Law and it would be redundant to adopt one as a township. It was suggested that a disclosure ordinance may be considered.  Harris told Schantz to get the information together and an example of an ordinance and present it to the Board at a future workshop.

–      Joan Dreibelbis, the Township representative for the Southern Lehigh Public Library said she feels the 5% increase budgeted for the library is too low.  Koplin noted the$19,000 the library budgets for cleaning their building.  Dreibelbis said she will find out why so much is being budgeted for that purpose.

–      Harris adjourned the meeting at 9:53 pm.