LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIP

LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS - WORKSHOP MEETING

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2008

MINUTES

PRESENT:  Richard Harris, Chairman; Donna Wright, Vice-Chair;  Arland Schantz, Supervisor; Ellen Koplin, Township Manager; Maureen Kinney, Treasurer/Bookkeeper;  Attorney Steve Boell and approximately 18 members of the audience. 

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

OLD BUSINESS:

–      Consideration to Adopt the Local Services Tax Ordinance

MOTION was made by Wright to adopt the Local Services Tax Ordinance.  Schantz seconded the motion.                                                                   Unanimous

–      Consideration to Adopt Resolution 2008-15 Special Fire Tax Levy

Harris explained the 1 mill tax that will go towards expenses of the Fire Company such as equipment and buildings.

MOTION was made by Schantz to adopt Resolution 2008-15 Fire Tax Levy.  Wright seconded the motion.                                                                  Unanimous

–      Draft 2009 Budget

Discussion on various items in the draft budget took place including a part-time police officer and Elm Road repairs which resulted in the same comments as the previous meeting. 

NEW BUSINESS:

–      Resolution 2008-   Authorizing Acquisition of Real Property to Construct Sewer Plant

                                   Sewer Project Update 

Harris introduced the resolution to authorize acquisition of the Ruth & Lloyd Ohl property in Limeport to construct the sewer plant.

Pouron Esrafly submitted a petition from residents of Limeport objection to the proposed location of the new sewer plant.  She expressed that she wished the township would install a sewer system that would utilize waste to produce electricity.  She and Lloyd Ohl asked if Beverly Hills and Lehtown areas could be included in the system.  Bill Kee of Cowan Associates said there will be sludge generated with the proposed plant, if the township wishes to add a step to the system in order to utilize the waste for energy.

Ted Zapach expressed his desire to have Upper Saucon extend their trunk line making it available to Lower Milford Township.  Harris reiterated that Upper Saucon’s plans for their trunk line are unknown and the cost would have been extremely prohibitive.

It was also reiterated that the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) gave the Township a deadline, which is past, therefore the Township must continue working with the DEP approved plan. 

Strothers said for the Act 537 plan the Beverly Hills and Lehtown areas were also tested and no significant number of malfunctions were present.

Karen Sommers asked if each possible property was eliminated except for the Ohl property.  Harris said they looked at all possible properties and no other property is acceptable.

–      MOTION was made by Wright to adopt Resolution 2008-16 to authorize the acquisition of

the property of Lloyd & Ruth Ohl.  Harris seconded the motion.       2-Aye, 1 Nay (Schantz)

Motion Carried

–      Right-to-Know Law Requirements-Discussion

Harris explained the new Right-to-Know Law, in effect January 2009, has a requirement for the appointment of a Right-to-Know Officer who will be responsible for fulfilling requests for information for the Township Administration and the Police Department.  The appointments will be made at the December 18, 2008 regular meeting.

–      Announcements:

            Harris said letters of Interest are being accepted for January Appointments as follows.

§         One Vacancy on the Planning Commission

§         One Term Expiration on the Zoning Hearing Board

§         One Term Expiration on the Recreation & Open Space Board

§         Annual Term of Vacancy Board Member

.

–      Harris adjourned the meeting at 9:30 pm.