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LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIP of LEHIGH COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Thursday, March 17, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. MINUTES
Chairman Richard Harris called the meeting to order at 7:34 p.m. Present were Supervisors Arland Schantz and Joan Dreibelbis. Also present were Township Solicitor Richard Stevens, Township Manager Ellen Koplin and approximately 55 others.
The Pledge of Allegiance was said by all.
Schantz asked for a moment of silence in memory of Louis Moratti, a neighbor of many years and resident of Lower Milford Township, who recently passed away.
Citizen comments were accepted throughout the meeting.
Regular Business: The Minutes of March 9, 2005 Board of Supervisors Workshop and February 17, 2005 Vacancy Board Meeting and Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting were approved as read.
Treasurers Report as of February, 2005: · General Fund $531,638.87 · Road Projects Fund 29,639.41 · State Liquid Fuels Tax Account 86,256.50 MOTION was made by Dreibelbis to accept Resolutions 2005-17 amending the 2005 Budget. Schantz seconded the motion. Unanimous
MOTION was made by Dreibelbis to accept Resolution 2005-18 amending the 2005 Budget. Schantz seconded the motion. Unanimous
MOTION was made by Dreibelbis to accept Resolution 2005-19 Authorizing Fees for Newsletter Advertisement. Harris seconded the motion. Schantz suggested charging double the rates listed on the resolution to keep the number of ads to a minimum and produce a quality newsletter. Dreibelbis amended the motion to adopt with the rates doubled. Unanimous
Questions were raised about the type of advertising and number of newsletters published through the year.
MOTION was made by Schantz to pay the March, 2005 bills. Harris seconded the motion. Unanimous
Road Business: Public Works report was accepted as read.
MOTION was made by Dreibelbis to advertise bidding for spring road materials and in-place bids. Schantz seconded the motion. Unanimous
MOTION was made by Dreibelbis to accept the contract from D&D Maintenance for lawn mowing. Harris seconded the motion. Unanimous
Schantz was interested in price comparisons before making a decision. Harris stated it is too close to mowing season for this year but asked Koplin to compare pricing for next year’s lawn care.
Lance Tittle inquired why the township does not use the John Deere lawn mower that was purchased. Koplin replied that the township did not purchase a lawn mower, only budgeted for one. Other equipment for field and brush mowing is not suitable.
Police Business: Police report was accepted as read.
Harris stated they are formulating interview questions for the police position.
Zoning Business: Zoning report was accepted as read.
Management Business: Manager’s Report was accepted as read.
MOTION was made by Schantz to accept Resolution 2005-16 to Ratify Declaration of Snow Emergencies. Dreibelbis seconded the motion. Unanimous
Fire Company Business: Copies of the 2004 Annual Fire Alarm report and Certificates of Recognition for working with the Lehigh County Juvenile Probation Program were made available for the public.
Subdivisions and Land Developments: There were no new subdivisions/land developments.
MOTION was made by Schantz to refund the escrow for the Henry Markofski subdivision, which was not completed. Harris seconded the motion. Unanimous
MOTION was made by Dreibelbis to accept Resolution 2005-20 Schaffer Subdivision Deed of Dedication. Schantz seconded the motion. Unanimous
MOTION was made by Schantz to appoint William McGonigal as representative to the Southern Lehigh Public Library. Dreibelbis seconded the motion. Unanimous
Harris stated there was a list of five people submitted who will work on the festival committee, therefore, the Fall Festival will be held again this year.
Koplin looked for a consensus among the Board of Supervisors to redraft an agreement with the Lehigh County Humane Society according to the township’s terms. Harris said there is a concensus and she should proceed.
MOTION was made by Schantz to have CSI begin monitoring the Security Alarm System in the township building. Dreibelbis seconded the motion. Unanimous
Carol Myers representative of the Lower Milford Residents Association presented a signed petition protesting the proposed Geryville Materials, Inc. quarry and asphalt plant. Harris responded to the question of what was taking place at the quarry discussion meetings saying that only fact finding is taking place. The purpose was initially to head off the costs of a curative amendment by trying to resolve the issues. A lengthy discussion addressing the citizens quarry concerns took place. Harris stated the quarry owners need to meet the requirements of the DEP and other government organizations. To prevent the quarry there needs to be valid reasons brought before the DEP. Stevens mentioned “there will be a quarry in the Township”, (The Zoning regulations provide for it.) He stated the meetings are to get the best for the residents out of the situation. Residents were assured no decisions have been made, only fact finding.
Schantz announced National Agriculture Week. Handouts were available on the table in the rear.
Meeting Announcements: · Monday, March 21, 2005 - Planning Commission Workshop - 7:30 p.m. · Wednesday, March 23, 2005 - Zoning Hearing Board - 7:30 p.m. · Monday, April 4, 2005 - Planning Commission Mtg. - 7:30 p.m. · Wednesday, April 13, 2005 - Board of Supervisors Workshop - 7:30 p.m. · Monday, April 18, 2005 – Planning Commission Workshop – 7:30 p.m. · Thursday, April 21, 2005 - Board of Supervisors Mtg. - 7:30 p.m.
Schantz inquired about the findings of Cohen Telecommunications, Inc. Stevens said they haven’t done anything yet. Stevens suggested being authorized to go to Service Electric himself.
Citizen Comments: Jean Schoch inquired why a Deed of Dedication involving state roads would be accepted by the township. Koplin responded that it gives the township a strip of land along the road should PennDOT need to improve at some time in the future. Schoch also requested an Act 72 update.
Joe Mahalic asked if there has been anything done about dog laws since he wrote a letter 3 months ago complaining about his neighbor. Harris stated that a notice has been served to the offending party and steps are being taken to reduce the amount of dogs on the property.
Harris adjourned the meeting at 9:22 p.m.
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