LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIP

LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS - WORKSHOP MEETING

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2007

MINUTES

PRESENT:  Richard D. Harris, Chairman; Arland H. Schantz, Vice-Chairman; Donna L. Wright, Supervisor; Ellen Koplin, Manager; Maureen Kinney, Treasurer; John Dondero, Police Chief and approximately 10 members of the audience. 

-         The meeting was called to order by Chairman Harris at 7:42 pm.

-         Ed Moreland of the Eastern PA EMS Counsel gave a Power Point presentation of ambulance response times for the Southern Lehigh Area and options to improve response times by merging with Upper Saucon and Coopersburg municipalities.  The projected financial obligation was presented.  The consensus of the three municipalities and their EMS stations is needed to continue.  Harris suggested continuing the discussion at the March Workshop.

-         Richard DiFiore of Lower Milford Fire Co. asked that the Fire Co. be kept informed of new commercial businesses in the planning stages with the township to insure that they are equipped to handle the fire needs of those businesses.  Also, to inform them of large subdivisions greater than eleven homes.  He also requested an ordinance be considered requiring the Knox Box for new businesses.

-         Fuel consumption of the command vehicle was broken down and results were 60% for Fire Co. use and 40% for personal use.  A breakdown can be done each year in the fall for the next year’s budget.  Harris asked asked DeFiore for a comparison with other municipalities of how they handle fueling their command vehicle.  Gerald Graham suggested the township supply fuel for 7 months (60%) of the year.

-         The Supervisors questioned Sewage Enforcement Officer (SEO), John Kortvely concerning his response times and when he uses his alternate.  He stated he tries to respond the day of or day after receiving the call.  Finding information on the existing system can take time.  He also stated there are state requirements of 5 days for inspection after notification and for an alternate SEO.  He stated his alternate, Guy Bieber fills in on weekends, vacation time and if the workload dictates. 

When asked by Jean Schoch if he works as SEO for any other townships he answered no, only as a geologist.

-         Harris announced the receipt of the Road Study for East Mill Hill Road.  Though there has not been ample time to review it in the couple of days it has been available, he read through the suggestions which included a 19’ length restriction and/or 10 ton weight limit with exemptions.  This study will be discussed again at the March workshop.  The next study will proceed with West Mill Hill Road.

-         A resolution for participation in the Congress of Governments will be drafted and placed on the agenda for the February regular Board of Supervisors’ meeting.

-         Gary Campbell of the Recreation and Open Space Board presented plans and a cost estimate for the proposed gravel walking trail on the perimeter of the Township grounds and a soccer practice field.  They are looking to pursue grants to complete the project.

MOTION was made by Schantz to go ahead with the park and walking trail as presented.  Wright seconded the motion.                                                       Unanimous

-         A petition required by the Board of Elections was presented by the Board of Supervisors for signatures from Lower Milford registered voters to have the polling place changed from the Chestnut Hill Church to the Township building. 

-         Schantz brought to the attention of the Supervisors the lack of street signs at State Road intersections.  Koplin had estimated the cost for hardware and signs would be approximately $3,000 for all intersections with State Roads.  Townships are not required to poat the signs for State Roads.  Harris stated a list should be compiled of which intersections should be considered for double cross-street signs.  Harris stated perhaps the signs could be gradually erected within the next few years. 

-         Rich DeFiore stated the Lower Milford Fire Co. is working on a project to make reflective street number signs to sell to residents for $15 each.

-         Wright submitted a proposal for a facilitation Taskforce to coordinate the projects of the Lehigh County Conservation District and Brandywine Conservancy.  The taskforce would communicate with the Board of Supervisors.  Harris felt the continued use of the Taskforce could be authorized by the Planning Commission and Planning Commission Chairman Snovitch agreed.

-         Harris adjourned the meeting at 10:17 pm.