LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIP of LEHIGH COUNTY

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Thursday, March 20, 2008 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; Police Chief John Dondero and approximately 16 others. 

The Pledge of Allegiance was said by all.

There were no comments from citizens at this time.  Comments were accepted throughout the meeting.

Heather Franz of Iron Pigs Community Relations and Mr. Kohler of the Limeport Stadium were present for the exchange of the Iron Pigs First Pitch Ball from Chairman Harris to Mr. Kohler.  Koplin will provide a photograph of the Limeport Stadium to place in a time capsule at the Iron Pigs stadium.

Regular Business:

Harris announced an Executive Session held March 6, 2008 concerning potential litigation.

MOTION was made by Wright to approve the February 21, 2008 Minutes of the Regular Board of Supervisors Meeting.  Schantz seconded the motion.              Unanimous

Jean Schoch questioned the process of hiring the part-time police officer, and if it was done properly in a public meeting.

MOTION was made by Schantz to approve the March 6, 2008 Minutes of the Board of Supervisors Workshop Meeting with the following addition to the discussion of bridge replacement on Scout Road (West) as estimated by the Township Engineer (May 9, 2007 correspondence:  Approximately $360,000 which includes the demolition of existing structure, new guiderail, road paving, easements, erosion controls. Stream diversion, engineering, legal and triple 6’ x 7’ precast culvert and gabion wingwalls sized to eliminate frequent flooding):  Schantz mentioned if anyone is interested, he got a quote for a 12’x5’x20’ box culvert with wingwalls(structure only) for $30,200.  Wright seconded the motion.                

Unanimous

MOTION was made by Wright to accept the Treasurers Report as of January 31, 2008 as follows:

§         General Fund                                                    $635,719.00

§         Park & Rec. Donation Fund                                     1,029.00                             

§         Capital Reserve Fund                                          101,810.00       

§         Road Projects Fund                                             338,652.00     

§         State Liquid Fuels Tax Account                              84,252.00       

§         Developer Escrows (Non Twp. Funds)                   62,651.00     

            Schantz seconded the motion.                                                                 Unanimous                     

MOTION was made by Schantz to pay the March, 2008 bills.  Wright seconded the motion.

Unanimous

Police Business:

The Police Reports were made available to the public.

Public Works Business:

The Public Works Report was made available to the public.

MOTION was made by Wright to authorize advertisement of the 2008 Road Work and Materials Bids including Crack Seal, Sealcoat and Aggregates.  Schantz seconded the motion.

                                                                                                Unanimous

MOTION was made by Wright to accept the quote for Lawn Care from D & D Maintenance.  Schantz seconded the motion. 

Schantz asked if hiring temporary help would be more cost effective.  Koplin explained a lawn mower would have to be bought and maintained as well as wages and other costs which may not make it cost effective.

                                                                                                Unanimous

Zoning Business:

The Zoning Report was made available to the public.

Manager’s Business:

Manager’s report was made available to the public.

Subdivisions/Land Developments:

            There were no new subdivisions submitted.

MOTION was made by Wright to approve Release #3 for Phase 2 of the Maplewood Estates Improvement Escrow in the amount of $203,145.27 as recommended by the Township Engineer.    Schantz seconded the motion.                                                Unanimous

Fire Co. Report:

The Fire Co. report was made available to the public.

Old Business:

MOTION was made by Wright to adopt an Ordinance for Road Vehicle Restriction on West Mill Hill Road.  Schantz seconded the motion.                 Unanimous

Robert Krauss referred to the findings and conclusions of Cowan’s report questioning the reference to structures being razed on curves A & B.  After viewing the report, Koplin stated it was a blanket but mute statement since there are no buildings on those curves at this time.  Schantz responded that it was his copy of the report that Krauss had.  

MOTION was made by Schantz to extend Kortvely’s appointment as Sewage Enforcement Officer until the end of the year.  Wright seconded the motion.  

Unanimous

MOTION was made by Schantz to authorize the purchase of a used police vehicle not to exceed $10,000.  Wright seconded the motion.                             Unanimous

Schantz mentioned March 16 - 22 is National Agriculture Week and today is National Agriculture Day. 

MOTION was made by Schantz to adopt a Proclamation of Lower Milford Township’s recognition of National Agriculture Week   Wright seconded the motion.

Harris said the proclamation should be made in February next year to give time to plan some activity in celebration.                                                            Unanimous

New Business:

MOTION was made by Wright to accept Police Department Policy A.G.-29 Holiday and Sick Leave for Part-time Police.  Schantz seconded the motion.    

                                                                                    Unanimous

Citizen Comments:

Gadek mentioned the hazardous traffic conditions during the recent ice storm on Limeport Pike and Kraussdale Road.  She commended the services of the Lower Milford Police, Fire Co. and  Road Department for saving stranded vehicles and helping to prevent accidents by rerouting traffic onto local roads which were passable.  She suggested a commendation be made by the Board.  Harris said acknowledgement will be made in the next newsletter. 

Announcements:

▪          Letters of Interest will be accepted to appoint a member to the Joint Building Appeals Board.  

▪          Annual Lower Milford Cleanup Day. – Saturday, April 19 from 8 am to noon.  Please sign up. Harris suggested pictures be taken this year for promotional purposes.

▪          Wright announced Senator Wonderling has an interest in awarding funds for the Lower Milford Community Park, urged Lower Milford Representatives to apply for a $5,000 DCED grant.  The DCNR Grant contract has not been received as yet.

Schantz asked if Growing Greener funds would be available for the park.  Wright said when the plans are finalized then those funds can be applied for.  A draft Recreation & Opens Space Plan will be reviewed at the next Recreation & Opens Space meeting and then at the next Board of Supervisors meeting.

▪          Challenge by Geryville Materials in Commonwealth Court against the Board of Supervisors hearing the Curative Amendment appeal has been withdrawn.  Curative Amendment hearings will resume, dates to be announced.

Correspondence (available to view on the back table):

▪          Solehi Public Library Board Meeting Agenda of 3/18/08

▪          PA Turnpike Commission Annual Reminder Concerning Encroachments

▪          Renew Lehigh Valley – Agenda of 3/12/08

▪          LMT Recreation & Open Space Board Minutes of 2/5/08

Chief Dondero introduced Part-time Police Officer Ed Florentino who shared his background experience.

Harris adjourned the meeting at 8:42 pm.