LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIP of LEHIGH COUNTY
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Thursday, December 18, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.
MINUTES
Chairman Richard Harris called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Supervisors Arland Schantz and Donna Wright. Also present were Township Solicitor Emil Kantra, Township Manager Ellen Koplin; Treasurer Maureen Kinney; Public Works Director Richard Kinsey and approximately 15 others.
The Pledge of Allegiance was said by all.
Public comments were accepted throughout the meeting.
Regular Business:
A correction was noted in the fourth line down on the first page of the 11/20/08 Board of Supervisors Meeting Minutes to read as follows: “Luanne Stauffer of the Upper Perkiomen Chamber of Commerce” previously stated “Watershed”.
MOTION was made by Wright to approve the minutes of the November 20,2008 Board of Supervisors Meeting with the change noted. Schantz seconded the motion. Unanimous
A correction was noted on the bottom of the first page as follows: “Harris reiterated that Upper Saucon’s plans…” previously stated “The Supervisors”.
MOTION was made by Wright to approve the minutes of the December 4, 2008 Board of Supervisors Workshop with change noted. Schantz seconded the motion. Unanimous
MOTION was made by Wright to accept the Treasurers Report as of November 30, 2008 as follows:
· General Fund $792,584.00
· Sewer Fund 566.00
· Park & Rec. Donation Fund 3,238.00
· Park & Rec. Grant 24,000.00
· Capital Reserve Fund 102,725.00
· Road Projects Fund 342,309.00
· State Liquid Fuels Tax Account 40,991.00
· Developer Escrows (Non Twp. Funds) 42,959.00
Schantz seconded the motion. Unanimous
MOTION was made by Wright to pay the December bills. Schantz seconded the motion.
Unanimous
Police Business:
The Police Reports were made available to the public.
Public Works Business:
The Public Works Report was made available to the public.
Schantz announced that he visited Wesley Eltonhead regarding the temporary turn-around on his property with anticipation that the Scout Road Bridge would eventually be replaced. Schantz asked why funds were not set aside in the 2009 budget to repair the bridge. Kinney explained that funds from the Road Department would be borrowed and utilized for the Limeport Sewer Project and replaced when financing is received. Harris reminded him that the bridge never was a budget item and that no decision to repair the bridge was ever made.
Wright mentioned she spoke to Representative Beyer concerning plowing of state roads in a more timely manor.
Pouran Esrafily submitted a petition rejecting proposed recirculating sand filter in favor of a small gravity system in Limeport.
Zoning Business:
The Zoning Report was made available to the public.
Manager’s Business:
Manager’s report was made available to the public.
Harris mentioned the Manager’s Bond will be addressed at the Organization meeting.
Subdivisions/Land Developments:
There were no new Subdivisions or Land Developments. There was no action due.
Resolution 2008-20 accepting DeKrane Drive and Resolution 2008-21 Maintenance Security for Dennis R. DeKrane Subdivision were requested to be postponed by the developer. The resolutions will be voided and noted as such.
Fire Co. Report:
There was no report available.
Lloyd Ohl said a full report will be given at the January or February Board of Supervisor’s meeting.
Old Business:
MOTION was made by Wright to adopt Resolution 2008-17 Establishing General Fund Real Estate Millage for 2009. Schantz seconded the motion. Unanimous
Harris said it was initially thought not to expand the police department too rapidly, but that the “Safe Streets” Grant originally originally thought not to apply, will allow an increase in the police department by one full time officer. If the grant is awarded the possibility is to increase the police department by one (1) in 2009, to be put in place at the time the grant is awarded. If the grant is not awarded, there would be two full time officers as previously determined. The intent was to put the part time police officer back in the budget.
Schantz brought up salaries for the police officers. A resident suggested using money saved by receiving the grant to bump up the salaries of the existing officers. Dondero said the grant money can only be used for what is specified (half of additional full time police officers salary).
Resident John Stenroos was not in favor of increasing the police department but was in favor if the grant is awarded.
MOTION was made by Schantz to amend the budget to include a part time officer. Wright seconded the motion. Unanimous
Schantz objected to the improvements to Elm Road in the budget. Kinsey reiterated it does not have to be in the budget as a line item. It can come out of the regular working budget. Koplin explained how in the past 20 years many portions of hills on dirt roads were paved due to drainage problems and this is the same situation and is costing a lot to maintain. Kinsey explained that probably 80% of the road improvement budget goes toward maintaining dirt roads.
MOTION was made by Wright to approve Resolution 2008-18 Adopting Budget for 2009 with the added amendments from previous motions. Schantz seconded the motion.
Unanimous
MOTION was made by Wright to adopt Resolution 2008-19 Appointing CPA for Audit of Year 2008. Harris seconded the motion. 2 Aye, 1 Nay (Schantz). Motion Carried
MOTION was made by Wright to adopt Resolution 2008-22 Right-to-Know Policy and Appointment of Gina Wooler as Open Records Officer for Lower Milford Township. Schantz seconded the motion. Unanimous
MOTION was made by Wright to adopt Resolution 2008-23 Right-to Know Policy and Appointment of John Dondero as Open Records Officer for the Lower Milford Police Department. Unanimous
New Business:
MOTION was made by Wright to grant permission to allow the Railroad Associates Corporation to detour traffic from Palm Road (PENNDOT Road) onto Township Roads during re-establishment of grade crossing. Schantz seconded the motion. Unanimous
Lloyd Ohl requested the Fire Department be informed when the detour takes place and the details.
Kinsey will inform emergency services and the school bus company as well as the supervisors.
MOTION was made by Schantz to advertise the Board of Supervisors Organization meeting on Monday January 5, 2009 and Regular Meeting on Thursday, January 15, 2009. Wright seconded the motion. Unanimous
Citizen Comments:
Lloyd Ohl questioned the taking of his property by eminent domain in the previous meeting of the Board of Supervisors, where he was present. He said no attempt has been made by anyone to negotiate with him. Attorney Kantra said he has been in communication with Attorney Metzger Ohl’s attorney by a letter dated December 9, 2008 concerning a phone conversation between lawyers, which states an appraisal report would be mailed.
Resident Evelyn Yost asked: If a property is condemned does the owner get paid for the land? It was explained that by law they must be given compensation for the property.
Correspondence (made available for public review):
· Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas - Appeal of John & Terree Yeagle from Assessment
· Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley Annual Report
· Southern Lehigh Public Library Reports
Announcements:
· Letters of Interest being accepted for Boards and Commissions
· Township Offices will be closed December 25 & 26 for Christmas
· Board of Supervisors Organization Meeting – Monday, January 5, 2009
· Auditors Organization Meeting – Tuesday, January 6, 2009
· Recreation and Open Space Board – Wednesday, January 7, 2009
· Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting – Thursday, January 15, 2009