LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIP

LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS - WORKSHOP MEETING

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2008

 

MINUTES

 

 

PRESENT:  Richard Harris, Chairman; Donna Wright, Vice-Chairman;  Arland Schantz, Supervisor;  Emil Kantra, Solicitor;  Ellen Koplin, Township Manager;  and approximately 10 members of the audience. 

 

–      Chairman Harris called the meeting to order at approximately 7:30 pm.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

–      Hosensack Creek, PPL Property – Schultz Bridge Road

Attorney Kantra explained the situation of the Hosensack Creek eroding and encroaching closer to Schultz Bridge Road.  PPL, the landowner, is under no obligation nor has taken any responsibility to remedy the situation.  He was seeking authorization to pursue cooperation from PPL to solve the problem.  Harris authorized Koplin to send the initial letter to PPL to seek cooperation.  Koplin reviewed the steps already taken to obtain a Hazard Mitigation grant.  An estimate of approximately $51,000 was quoted by the Township Engineering firm to perform a creek bank stabilization.  If obtained the grant would cover 75% of the cost, the township could provide the labor and PPL would be asked to contribute the remaining $6,000 needed to do the necessary repairs.

 

–      Tax Collector Audit

Kantra related his review of the Second Class Township Code of the elected auditors responsibilities.  He said the only way to resolve a situation where the auditors refuse to perform a task assigned to them by the Board of Supervisors, namely auditing of the 2007 Tax Collector records, is through a judge.  He said this was not of the magnitude to warrant going that route, as it would be counterproductive.  Harris explained the Township audit was performed by a hired CPA firm for financial purposes because of the Limeport Sewage project. He said the fact that the elected auditors refuse to perform other duties because they were not able to audit the Township records is childish and causes the Township further expense.  Schantz said he spoke with the current Tax Collector, Robert Myers, and Treasurer Maureen Kinney.  He said they both had no problem with not having an audit done of the Tax Collector records but that he doesn’t mind either way.  Harris still feels it is good protection to have it done.

 

–      Scout Road Bridge (West)

The options are to repair, replace or remove the bridge or leave as is.  Depending on what is done the project could be placed on a long term capital budget.  The question is cost effectiveness as compared to traffic use.  There was citizen discussion on cost.    Harris and Wright were in favor of placing a turn-around at the bridge until funds are available.  Schantz mentioned if anyone is interested, he got a quote for a 12’x5’x20’ box culvert with wingwalls(structure only) for $30,200.

Ann Frey expressed concern about signage on the Upper Milford side of the bridge and the safety of her property.  She stated her wish that if the bridge is closed it be closed all together and not used as a walking trail.

Harris wants Richard Kinsey, Director of Public Works to put together a plan/drawing for a turn-around and have him coordinate with Upper Milford on signage.

 

 

 

 

–      Sewage Enforcement Services

A decision to continue the current Sewage Enforcement service after this first quarter with John Kortvely or replace him with another SEO.  Koplin said no complaints have been heard for some time and those received in the past need to be substantiated.  Wright and Harris felt without substantiation of complaints received we should continue with Kortvely’s services. 

 

–      Lower Milford Township Member – Joint Building Board of Appeals

The need for a resident of the township, with associated knowledge, to fill a position on the Joint Building Board of Appeals was discussed.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

–      Used Police Vehicle

Police Chief Dondero has requested the purchase of a used Ford Crown Victoria as a back-up police vehicle for shift overlap and out of district use.  Action needs to be taken by the Board to authorize funds for purchasing a vehicle perhaps by altering the budget by up to $10,000.  Authorization to search for a vehicle will be placed on the 3/20/08 agenda.

 

–      Upper Perk Chamber of Commerce

Wright and Schantz attended a meeting of the Perk Up! Economic Development Plan. Wright reviewed the idea of the draft plan which the Upper Perkiomen Chamber is trying to get endorsement for. A representative from the Upper Perk Chamber will be attending the April workshop.

 

–      “National Agriculture Week”   March 16 – 22

Schantz was in possession of a Farm Bureau draft of a proclamation of National Agriculture Week.  He will use it to draft a proclamation for Lower Milford by the 3/20/08 meeting.

 

–      Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs – First Pitch Ball

A letter from the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs was referenced asking Lower Milford to participate in the First Pitch Ball promotion.  Wright thought Limeport Stadium should be involved in this as it is the stadium’s 75th anniversary.  The representative of the Iron Pigs will be attending the 3/20/08 meeting to “pass” the First Pitch Ball to Lower Milford in promotion of their first baseball season.

 

–      Harris adjourned the meeting at 9:03 pm.