LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIP
LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS - WORKSHOP MEETING
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2008
MINUTES
PRESENT: Richard Harris, Chairman; Donna Wright, Vice-Chairman; Arland Schantz, Supervisor; Ellen Koplin, Township Manager; Maureen Kinney, Treasurer; Richard Kinsey, Public Works Director; John Dondero, Police Chief and approximately 8 members of the audience.
Chairman Harris called the meeting to order at approximately7:32 pm.
OLD BUSINESS:
MOTION was made by Schantz to advertise the Joint Building Board of Appeals Draft Ordinance. Wright seconded the motion. Unanimous
West Mill Hill Road Vehicle Restriction Ordinance will be put on the next regular meeting agenda in February for motion to advertise.
Fire Company Command Vehicle in the event of an emergency only, if fuel for the command vehicle is needed, it was decided that authorization should be sought in order to fuel up at the Township pump. A contribution for fuel has been given to the Fire Co. for the year. Emergency fuel is above and beyond the normal situation. The Fire Chief will be notified of the procedure.
NEW BUSINESS:
Bridge Inspection Report a summarization of the repairs needed for this year and costs were reviewed. Authorization for scheduling repairs as outlined in Kinseys 2/1/08 memo will be on the agenda for the 2/2/08 meeting.
A Finance Committee was proposed by Kinney for formation, to help with aiding in a five year plan to be composed of volunteers with a financial background to make recommendation for the draft budget. They would take large projects into consideration. Harris asked Kinney and Koplin to submit a formal written proposal.
Schantz mentioned a 1% sales tax is being proposed by Renew Lehigh Valley to be used to fund various Valley community projects and help reduce millage on real estate tax.
Maplewood Escrow Release #2 of Phase 2 was briefly discussed and will be placed on the 2/21/08 agenda.
A Disabled Veterans request for Real Estate Tax Exemption will be placed on the 2/21/08 agenda.
Sewage Planning Modules for Crossroads Development Koplin reviewed items to be addressed when forwarding the modules to DEP. The Board is responsible to pass a resolution which will be drafted for adoption at the 2/21/08 meeting.
The need for a Township Credit Card for use by the Police Department was agreed upon formal approval will be sought at the 2/21/08 meeting.
The State Contract for Rock Salt needs to be renewed and will be placed on the agenda for approval at the 2/21/2008 meeting.
Upper Perkiomen Economic Plan LouAnne Stauffer of the Upper Perkiomen Chamber contacted Lower Milford, Upper Milford and Herford to have them review and adopt a resolution supporting their Economic Plan. Wright who attended meetings regarding the plan, with Schantz, explained the intention of the plan to promote light industry and utilize certain Lower Milford roads as a truck route rather than promote open space as originally intended. Harris suggested they attend a workshop if they wish to promote their plan in person.
Schantz asked to take a closer look at Emergency Management Services for Lower Milford. He is concerned about the mechanics of the plan and training for the coordinator. Koplin has the documentation of training completed.
Jean Schoch wanted to know where to go and what to do in an emergency. She inquired if there are practice drills. Ann Frey inquired where the emergency shelters are. Koplin explained the job of the coordinator and Dondero said the Red Cross does not want shelter locations known so that people do not arrive before they are set up at the location. The Emergency Operations Plan is not public information. Harris said the responsibility of citizens is to have a battery operated radio to listen to local channel WFMZ. Frey said people should be aware that we have an Emergency Operations Plan.
Evelyn Yost asked if pot holes could be filled on Yost Lane. Kinsey responded accordingly.
Harris adjourned the meeting at 8:54 pm.