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LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIP of LEHIGH COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Thursday, February 17, 2005 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 Joan Dreibelbis. Also present were Township Solicitor Richard Stevens, Township Manager Ellen Koplin and approximately 30 others.
The Pledge of Allegiance was said by all.
Citizen comments occurred throughout the meeting.
Harris announced Executive Sessions held February 2, 2005 and February 10, 2005.
Regular Business: The Minutes of January 3, 2005 Board of Supervisor=s Re-organization and Regular Meetings and January 12, 2005 and February 9, 2005 Board of Supervisor=s Workshop meetings were approved as read.
Treasurers Report as of January 31, 2005 was accepted as read: · General Fund $507,988.81 · State Liquid Fuels Account 96,063.19 · Road Projects Account 29,652.22
MOTION was made by Schantz to accept Resolution 2005-14 authorizing a Tax-Exempt General Obligation Note. Dreibelbis seconded the motion. Unanimous
MOTION was made by Dreibelbis to pay the February, 2005 bills. Schantz seconded the motion. Unanimous
It was stated by Harris that Dreibelbis expressed an interest to be a representative for Lower Milford Township on the Southern Lehigh Public Library Board. She will confirm that interest with the Board of Supervisors.
MOTION was made by Harris to pledge a contribution to the Southern Lehigh Public Library in the same amount contributed in 2004. Dreibelbis seconded the motion. Unanimous
The budget will be adjusted to accommodate this amount. Ann Frey asked if the budget should not be adjusted prior to allocating a certain amount to the library. Koplin explained a resolution will be done next month to allocate funds for this purpose since the budget cannot be changed within the first three months, according to the Second Class Township Code. Resident asked if Southern Lehigh Public Library’s bylaws were changed to reflect that no set amount of contribution is required. Harris said that a set contribution amount is not part of their bylaws at this time.
Public Works Business: Public Works report was accepted as read.
Harris added the need to discuss repair of a truck that has a cracked frame discovered recently.
MOTION was made by Dreibelbis to accept Resolution 2005-15 - Trees within Township Road Right-of-way. Schantz seconded the motion. Unanimous
Harris gave an update on Schultz Bridge Road Bridge repair project.
Police Business: Police reports for December 2004 and January 2005 were accepted as read.
Harris gave an update concerning Police Chief selection. They are still in the process of analyzing resumes.
Zoning Business: Zoning report was accepted as read.
Harris announced a committee meeting set for February 25, 2005 to discuss possible negotiations with Geryville Materials, Inc. Wayne Doyle will serve on the committee as citizen representative.
MOTION was made by Schantz to advertise for adoption, upon incorporating any changes, an ordinance entering into an agreement with Upper Milford and three other municipalities to form a Joint UCC Appeals Board. Dreibelbis seconded the motion. Unanimous
Subdivisions and Land Developments: Harris announced the receipt of an application for Callowhill Subdivision – owned by Valley View Development Corp. 107+ acres located at Locust Valley and Trolley Bridge Roads in Lower Milford, Upper Saucon, Milford, and Springfield Townships. Proposing 33 total lots, 12 proposed in Lower Milford.
MOTION was made by Schantz to grant final approval to Maplewood Estates – Phases 1A, 1B and 2 conditioned upon meeting of the requirements stated in the Del Val letter dated 1/31/05 and the Cowan Associated letter dated 2/1/05, the Army Corp of Engineers stream crossing approval process and permits and final execution of the Township agreements. Dreibelbis seconded the motion. Unanimous The process of assurance of meeting final approval requirements was explained by Koplin.
MOTION was made by Dreibelbis to grant final approval for the Stenroos Subdivision. Harris seconded the motion. Unanimous
MOTION was made by Harris to grant final approval for the Lohr Subdivision conditioned upon monument certification. Dreibelbis seconded the motion. Unanimous
MOTION was made by Schantz to grant final approval for the Schaffer Subdivision. Dreibelbis seconded the motion. Unanimous
Other Business: Harris asked Koplin to inquire into the details of the pending 2005 agreement with the Lehigh County Humane Society.
Harris announced the need for volunteers for the township Fall Festival. The future of the festival will be discussed in the March Workshop.
Announcements: Executive session scheduled for February 23, 2005 regarding personnel issues.
Board of Supervisors will attend Planning Commission Workshop on February 21, 2005 for their input concerning the Home Occupation/Business Zoning Amendment Draft.
Correspondence: Letter dated February 10, 2005 – United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development concerning Section 504 Home Repair Program
Southern Lehigh School District Earned Income Tax Office Financial Statement
Citizen Comments: .Ann Frey inquired about the conditions of payment for the Union Negotiator for the township.
Jean Schoch inquired about the requirements for the position of Police Chief. Harris mentioned a meeting with surrounding townships where police departments were discussed. He stated the consensus was that if you don’t have a police department don’t get one. Dreibelbis mentioned it was stated at the meeting that a police department eats up half the budget and may unionize which would incur even more costs.
Richard Hate inquired about the decision regarding the PennDOT request to realign Kraussdale Road. Harris stated there was a consensus that it would increase truck traffic, which at this time is not permitted on that road. The township will send PennDOT a written notification concerning the decision.
Harris adjourned the meeting at 8:24 p.m.
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