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LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIP of LEHIGH COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Thursday, March 16, 2006 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 Donna Wright. Also present were Township Solicitor Emil Kantra, Township Manager Ellen Koplin and approximately 19 others.
The Pledge of Allegiance was said by all.
Agricultural Security Area Applications - Public Hearing Continued from February 16, 2006 Meeting
MOTION was made By Schantz to accept the Hate and Wright properties into the Agricultural Security Area. Harris seconded the motion. Unanimous
Citizen comments were accepted throughout the meeting.
Koplin gave a report on repair of the Scout Road Bridge (West). Discussion regarding weight restriction took place with comments from Cowan Engineer Michael Smith regarding scour under the abutment. He stated it will take a couple of years to obtain permits because of wetlands in the area and other issues. Planning Commission member Ann Frey volunteered a VHS tape showing flooding in that area which Smith said would be helpful. She also suggested closing the bridge permanently. A cost estimate cannot be compiled until a water study is completed to determine water capacity.
MOTION was made by Wright to draft an ordinance to drop the weight limit for Scout Road Bridge to 4 ton. Harris seconded the motion. Unanimous
MOTION was made by Schantz to authorize a study of Scout Road Bridge (West) for design, cost and possible closing of the bridge. Wright seconded the motion. Unanimous
A proposed Road Study involving Schultz Bridge, Buhman, West and East Mill Hill Roads was discussed. Cowan Associates recommended a preliminary study to narrow down the study to focus on specific problem areas. MOTION was made by Schantz to authorize a Preliminary Study on Schultz Bridge, Buhman, West and East Mill Hill Roads. Wright seconded the motion. Unanimous
Regular Business: The Minutes of the March 8, 2006 Workshop Meeting were approved as submitted. The Minutes of the February 16, 2006 Regular Meeting were approved with the following addition to page 2 – Other Business: Schantz stated review by the Planning Commission should be included in the Recreation and Open Space Ordinance.
Treasurers Report as of February 28, 2006 was accepted as read: · General Fund $686,658 · Capital Reserve Fund 25,224 · Road Projects Fund 30,619 · State Liquid Fuels Tax Account 112,521
MOTION was made by Schantz to pay the March, 2006 bills. Wright seconded the motion. Unanimous Police Business: The Police Report was made available to the public.
Public Works Business: The Public Works Report was made available to the public.
MOTION made by Schantz to purchase and install a Knox Box on the Township Building. Wright seconded the motion. Schantz suggested contacting the Fire Department for best location to put the Knox Box. Wright suggested putting fire detectors and a sprinkler system in the township building also. Unanimous
MOTION was made by Schantz to enter into a Lawn Care Contract with D & D Maintenance. Wright seconded the motion. Unanimous
MOTION was made by Wright to authorize advertisement for the acceptance of Public Works bids for in-place and materials to be opened at the April Board of Supervisors Meeting. Schantz seconded the motion. Unanimous
Zoning Business: The Zoning Report was made available to the public.
MOTION was made by Wright to adopt Resolution 2006-1A revising Building/Zoning Permit and Inspection Fees. Harris seconded the motion. Unanimous
MOTION was made by Wright to adopt Resolution 2006-8A revising Sewage Fees. Schantz seconded the motion. Unanimous
MOTION was made by Wright to adopt Resolution 2006-12A revising Engineering Fees. Schantz seconded the motion. Unanimous
The Board of Supervisors agreed to have the Planning Commission review the Borough of Alburtis’ proposed Amendment to their Zoning Ordinance.
Manager’s Business: Manager’s report was made available to the public.
Subdivisions/Land Developments: There were no new Subdivisions or Land Developments and no action was due.
Planning Commission Procedure: Wright expressed the desire that the Planning Commission use memos to document communication to and from the Board of Supervisors. The Supervisors agreed this would be a good procedure. The procedure for appointment and importance of a Regional Planning Committee was discussed. The Board of Supervisors is awaiting a list of interested individuals from the Planning Commission.
MOTION was made by Schantz authorizing Koplin to contact the other municipalities in the Regional Group to initiate a Regional Planning Committee. Wright seconded the motion. Unanimous
MOTION was made by Schantz to recommend the Planning Commission choose three(3) members to be on the Regional Planning Commission. Wright seconded the motion. Unanimous
MOTION was made by Wright to adopt Ordinance No. 99 - Recreation and Open Space Board. Harris seconded the motion. Ann Frey of the Planning Commission compared the proposed ordinance to the sample in the DCNR handbook. She asked the Board of Supervisors to further review the ordinance and suggested they add more detail as to the purpose of the Recreation and Open Space Board. Koplin and Attorney Kantra responded that the proposed ordinance is written in accordance with the Second Class Township Code and the sample DCNR Ordinance contains language that is not desired for Lower Milford Township, such as an annual budget and responsibility for organized recreation programs. Section II of the proposed ordinance sufficiently outlines the duties of the Board. Schantz abstained since there were questions on the contents of the Ordinance and asked to table it until the next meeting. Motion Carried
MOTION was made by Schantz to accept the Agreement for Animal Control Services with the Lehigh County Humane Society. Wright seconded the motion. Unanimous
Fire Company Report: Rich DiFiore of the Lower Milford Fire Co. gave a report of events and projects underway. Obtained a PEMA grant for 5” fire hose installation. FEMA may grant money toward new gear and equipment and construction of a laundry room. The future purchase of a Command Unit in the near future. DeFiore inquired about the Township EMA Coordinator and the lack of communication between him and the Fire Company. Koplin explained the County has not certified him since his information was submitted in August 2005 but that State Representative Karen Beyer is working on it. Schantz mentioned a grant which will be available from Senator Wunderling’s office for $20,000 which could possibly be used for the Command Unit.
Service Electric: Harris stated an invoice was received from Stevens and Johnson most of which was concerning Service Electric. There is a conflict that the auditor is contacting the former Township Solicitor who represented the Board of Supervisors and the Township is being billed for it. It is up to the township to do the auditing of Service Electric and how to do it, not the auditors who audit the township. Schantz stated the auditors have the right to audit contracts. Harris stated the township provides the contract information to the auditors. The auditors do not get information from Service Electric or the Township Attorney.
MOTION was made by Harris to authorize Ellen Koplin, Township Manager to send a letter to Stevens and Johnson informing them that they are not authorized to be a solicitor for Lower Milford Township. Wright seconded the motion. Unanimous
Other Business: Harris announced, anyone interested or knowing anyone interested in being part of the Recreation and Open Space Board please submit a letter of interest by the April 20, 2006 Board of Supervisors meeting.
Attorney Kantra suggested he contact the Southern Lehigh School District Attorney to briefly discuss the language in the Act 4 statute. It will be discussed at the April workshop.
Meeting Announcements: Calendar of Events was included with the Agenda.
Geryville Materials Curative Amendment Hearing – March 29, 2006 at 7:30pm
Lower Milford Residents are having an open community meeting Tuesday, May 9, 2006 at 7:00 pm. Everyone is invited. The new electronic voting machines will be demonstrated by a representative of the Lehigh County Board of Elections. Special speakers will be present.
Correspondence: Southern Lehigh Library 2/21/06 Agenda and 1/17/06 Minutes with attachments were available for viewing on the rear table.
Citizen Comments: There were no citizen comments.
Harris adjourned the meeting at 9:48 pm.
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