LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIP

LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS - WORKSHOP MEETING

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2006

MINUTES

PRESENT: Richard D. Harris, Chairman; Arland H. Schantz, Vice-Chairman; Donna L. Wright, Supervisor; Maureen Kinney, Treasurer; Ellen L. Koplin, Twp. Manager/Sec.; and 17 members of the audience.

-The meeting was called to order by Chairman Harris at 7:43 pm.

-Comments were accepted throughout the meeting.

-Jeffrey Zehr, Lehigh County Farmland Preservation Specialist made a power point presentation to the Board and the audience illustrating the benefits of farmland preservation and the current status of the program in Lehigh County.

Lower Milford is currently third in the County for the number of farms preserved with 2,548 acres. We are, however, number one in the highest percent of preserved acres, currently at 20% of the total land area. Jeff Zehr explained the agricultural security area program, and praised Lower Milford for its efforts over the many years of enrolling its residents as well as landowners in Upper Saucon Township. The Agricultural Security Area provides some protection to the landowner from condemnation, nuisance ordinances, and is a prerequisite to applying for the sale of a conservation easement (sale of development rights). March 31 is the deadline to submit an application for an Agricultural Conservation Easement.

Donna Wright asked how many farms in Lower Milford are pending the sale of an easement and Jeff Zehr responded that there are 5 or 6 out of 50 current applications. He said when the program began, the price per acre was $2,000 and now it is over $5,000 per acre. The County is looking for partnering help from municipalities. Some municipalities are utilizing some of the EIT tax to help fund preservation. He listed counties in Pennsylvania and the number of townships that have funding for preservation. There are currently none in Lehigh County but Upper Saucon and Lower Macungie are considering funding. Jeff explained that Act 153 has recently been amended by Act 4 of 2006 to include counties and municipalities in the taxing authorities that may freeze millage on preserved farms. He listed figures prepared by Heritage Conservancy utilizing a school district located in Bucks County:

Yearly cost per student $8,615

Average Household Taxes $2,913

Shortfall $5,702

On a 100 acre property, an estimated 85 homes could be built with .83 students per household. The 85 homes would add 70.55 students x $5,702 (shortfall) equally a $402,276 shortfall.

Jeff stressed that townships must consider better planning for development and not place housing next to livestock or divert stormwater from developments onto preserved farmland.

Chairman Harris asked what would be the incentives for the school district to adopt Act 4 of 2006 and Jeff Zehr said the number of dollars in shortfall.

Ed Matulevicius raised the issue of the impact to non-farmers if a tax freeze is granted to farmers.

Jeff Zehr announced that he will be making the same presentation at the March 27^th Southern Lehigh School Board Meeting.

-Dershem Rezoning

The Board is awaiting a written response from the solicitor. This item may be addressed at the February 16 Regular Meeting.

-Donna Wright read the proposed Recreation Board Ordinance which amends a previous ordinance from 1972. The major differences are the number of members is reduced from seven to five, open space is included, and appointment of members no longer involves the school district.

Steve Rivers was in the audience and gave an overview of how other township he has worked with have approved a Recreation Board as an advisory board, no authority given. This proposed ordinance is the first step.

The proposed ordinance will be placed on the February 16 regular Supervisor Meeting to authorize advertisement for March meeting. Planning Commission will look over at their meeting and the Solicitor is reviewing.

-The Lehigh County Authority Draft Agreement has been worked out by the Township Solicitor, Atty. Kantra and the Planning Commission. The Board of Supervisors has reviewed the final draft document and the Solicitor should now forward to the Lehigh County Authority for their comments.

-The Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy has submitted a request to Lower Milford Township to send a letter supporting their grant application under Growing Greener II for purposes of three stream bank projects. One of the projects is located in Lower Milford Township and the other two are in Upper Milford Township.

Arland Schantz expressed concern regarding the word “support” that it could mean financial support. He also said he has talked with the landowner and they haven’t seen a plan yet but the Conservancy is moving forward.

Jeff Zehr said that the Lehigh County Conservation District is supporting the project with funding and manpower. Steve Rivers commented that the letter of support is important for the Conservancy to obtain their grant. This item will be placed on the February 16 agenda.

-The contract renewal for generator maintenance by Emergency Services was discussed. The cost of the yearly contract to clean, service and test the township’s emergency generator is $385.99. Arland Schantz wanted to get other prices. Richard Harris commented that this is the company that installed the generator and has been servicing it for many years. He felt that the

time spent by the Public Works Director to locate and obtain prices from other companies would not be cost effective. The Board agreed to renew the contract.

-Correspondence dated January 28, 2006 was received from the Pennsylvania State Police Troop M Camp Cadet, Inc. seeking sponsors to assist in funding the yearly camp. Resident Steve Rivers suggested the Township support one of our children to attend the camp for one week. The cost is $250.

-Service Electric Cable TV

Arland Schantz described the tour he and Donna Wright took on Friday, February 3 of the Service Electric facilities. He said that fiber optics are now coming to the lower end of the township. Donna Wright has copies of the names and phone numbers of Service Electric contacts to request new service or improved service. Arland Schantz felt that Service Electric was still not satisfactorily answering the issue of fees due the township for advertising. Donna Wright said that Service Electric is reluctant to ship information out of their facility due to privacy concerns but we may go to their facility and check the records.

Richard Harris commented that the $1,800 to $2,000 we spent on Cohen to review the collected franchise fee yielded nothing. Donna Wright said that Service Electric does not want to renew contracts more frequently than every 10 or 15 years. They appear willing to negotiate a new agreement. Richard Harris reminded everyone that any increase in franchise fees are simply passed directly to the residents. Donna Wright said that Service Electric TV2 will run notices on their bulletin board for townships and also run a ½ hour program for $25. Service Electric’s cable passes 1,073 homes in the township and 931 are subscribers, close to 90%.

-2006 Budget – Richard Harris stated that changes were made during the last meeting. Donna Wright said that she voted to lower the budgeted amount for health insurance at the last meeting not realizing that some items, vision and dental, were not included. Richard Harris mentioned that the union contract is moving close to a conclusion. Donna Wright made a motion to change the line for health care back to $96,000. Seconded by Richard Harris who added that the budget is a guide for us.

2 Ayes - 1 Nay (Arland Schantz)

Richard Harris stated that salary adjustments were made in the last meeting and asked Manager Ellen Koplin to leave the room.

Richard Harris said the Police Chief and Public Works Director positions were significantly adjusted and he wants to adjust the manager’s salary to $53,000. Ann Frey wanted to know the basis for doing this and Richard Harris replied that she is doing an excellent job. Ann Frey wanted to know if they are setting goals and Richard replied that it will be done this year. He expressed that the manager has a tremendous amount of knowledge in all aspects of the township and other candidates would be looking for a minimum of $60,000. He went on to say that the position is a lifeline for the Supervisors. Donna Wright added that former employee Richard Schilling accepted a Managers position with another township starting at $55,000 with one year of municipal experience and was recently offered another Managers position starting at $63,000.

Ed Matulevicius stated he supports paying salaries comparable to other areas to keep good people in place. Richard Harris stated that the salary is being set for the position and performance evaluations will then be used to hold people accountable. A discussion ensued

concerning health insurance costs. Ann Frey asked Donna Wright why she changed her mind from last month’s salary adjustments. Donna Wright stated that she took a look at salaries in other areas.

2 Ayes - 1 Nay, Arland Schantz stating he strongly disagrees on the position and the person.

-Ann Frey inquired on the status of police and the Township Emergency Management Coordinator. Chairman Harris asked for Ellen Koplin to be brought back to the meeting. He responded that the township is very close on police and an announcement could be soon. Ellen Koplin reviewed the status of the EMC. The individuals information and background check were forwarded to the Lehigh County Emergency Management Agency late in August. In checking with the PEMA Eastern District Office, it was learned that PEMA received the request for appointment on January 25, 2006. The PEMA office has indicated that they will try to expedite the appointment.

-The meeting adjourned at 9:55 pm.