LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIP of LEHIGH COUNTY
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Thursday, December 21, 2006 at 7:30 p.m.
MINUTES
Chairman Richard Harris called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. Present were Supervisors Arland Schantz and Donna Wright. Also present were Township Solicitor Emil Kantra, Township Manager Ellen Koplin, Treasurer Maureen Kinney and approximately 14 others.
The Pledge of Allegiance was said by all.
Citizen comments were accepted throughout the meeting.
Regular Business:
MOTION was made by Schantz to approve the minutes of the November 16, 2006 Regular Meeting with a change to page 2 under Other Business concerning the Limeport Stadium contribution. It should state: Wright suggested a $2,500 contribution for next year (2007). Also, to approve the December 13, 2006 Workshop Meeting. Wright seconded the motion.
Unanimous
Harris announced the Executives Sessions held on December 21, 2006 concerning litigation.
Treasurers Report as of November 30, 2006 was accepted as read:
· General Fund $ 629,547.00
· Capital Reserve Fund 62,353.00
· Road Projects Fund 281,764.00
· State Liquid Fuels Tax Account 95,167.00
MOTION was made by Schantz to pay the December, 2006 bills. Wright 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.
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 two new subdivision applications:
§ Saucon Run Estates - Theodore and Lois Zapach – 6 Lots along Hoffman Lane and Limeport Pike
§ Haines Lot Line Change - Kraussdale Road
MOTION was made by Wright to approve the Lot Line Change for Weaver/Mahalick. Schantz seconded the motion. Unanimous
MOTION was made by Wright to adopt Resolution 2006-41 Accepting Deed of Dedication for Bell Gate Rd.-Mahalick. Schantz seconded the motion. Unanimous
MOTION was made by Schantz to adopt Resolution 2006-42 Accepting Deed of Dedication for Bell Gate Rd.-Weaver. Wright seconded the motion. Unanimous
Fire Co. Report:
There is no spaghetti dinner scheduled for December 28, 2006. There is no fire practice for the next two weeks.
Other Business:
Schantz submitted a written request for motion to require the Twp. Manager to perform certain items including photographing the gravel piles (see attached) which he stated was a summary of the comments suggested by the auditors. Wright inquired if there was an inventory taken of road materials in the past. Kinney asked Schantz what purpose the items would serve and suggested Schantz meet with her to discuss his request.
Harris suggested tabling this until the workshop so it can be reviewed and discussed at length.
Koplin stated that the Public Works Director should also be present for the discussion.
MOTION was made by Wright to adopt Resolution 2006-43 Appointment of the firm Riley, Rodzianko & Clymer for the Fiscal Year 2006 Audit. Harris seconded the motion. Vote was 2 Aye, 1 Nay (Schantz). Motion Carried
MOTION was made by Schantz to adopt Resolution 2006-44 Establishing Real Estate Tax Millage for 2007 at 2 mills. Seconded by Wright. Unanimous
MOTION was made by Wright to adopt Resolution 2006-45 Adopting the Budget for Fiscal Year 2007 with a change to the amount for Auditor’s Wages in section 402.10 to $2,800. Harris seconded the motion. Unanimous
Attorney explained the need for adopting a new ordinance for Real Estate Transfer Tax is a change in the interest rate penalty for delinquency.
MOTION was made by Schantz to adopt the Realty Transfer Tax Ordinance No.103. Wright seconded the motion. Unanimous
There were seven Letters of Interest for Boards and Commissions submitted to be distributed for review by the appropriate entities.
New Business:
MOTION was made by Wright to send a letter stating interest in Participation in Lehigh County Congress of Governments. Schantz seconded the motion. Unanimous
Attorney Kantra asked the Board to defer action on the PENNDOT Highway Occupancy Permit Condition Statement for Crossroads Subdivision to give him the opportunity to review the Townships responsibility.
It was determined there will be no Workshop meeting in January.
Schantz announced he was at the public meeting of the Tax Study Commission with Lloyd Ohl as our township representative. It will be on the Spring Ballot to increase the EIT and decrease the Realty Tax. He suggested, those not signed up for the Homestead or Farmstead Act to contact the County. Schantz had copies of the proposal for the public.
Correspondence:
· PA Dept. of Auditor General-Volunteer Firefighters’ Relief Assoc. Report 2003 – 2005
· Southern Lehigh Public Library Board Meeting Minutes of 10/17/06
· Southern Lehigh Public Library Board Meeting Agenda of 11/21/96
· Lower Milford Township Recreation & Open Space Board meeting minutes of 11/7/06
· Southern Lehigh Living Memorial Park Meeting Minutes of 10/17/06 and 11/21/06
Citizen Comments:
Lloyd Ohl stated his support of a pet control ordinance.
Jean Schoch mentioned the cost Upper Milford is paying to repair and replace bridges. The School House Road culvert was the object of her discussion. Harris stated this issue was dealt with at the Workshop and should not be addressed until the Public Works department performs minor improvements as determined.
Harris adjourned the meeting at 8:45 pm.
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