LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIP

LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS - WORKSHOP MEETING

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 2007

MINUTES

PRESENT:  Richard D. Harris, Chairman; Arland H. Schantz, Vice-Chairman; Donna L. Wright, Supervisor; Maureen Kinney, Treasurer; John Dondero, Police Chief and approximately 10 members of the audience. 

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Harris at approximately 7:35 pm.  He switched the order of the first two items on the agenda.

Old Business:

-         Steve Rivers, chair of the Recreation and Open Space Board, stated there is a rush since the deadline of the grant application for obtaining funds for a walking path and practice field was moved up from September to April.  He gave an update on the progress they are making with the grant application.  A requirement for the grant is a resolution from the township pledging to pay their portion of the costs ($9,600, which would budgeted for 2008).  The resolution needs to be drafted by the March regular meeting. 

-         The findings and conclusions of the East Mill Hill Road Study were reviewed.  They included signage and a 19’ truck length restriction, which would be enforced by ordinance, with fines specified, if endorsed.  The restrictions would re-classify these roads as non-collector roads.  An ordinance will be drafted reflecting the results of the study for the April workshop.

-         The Lehigh County Water Authority Agreement, received recently with changes, will be reviewed again by the Planning Commission and Attorney Kantra.  Schoch asked if there was a map of the service area and if the Planning Commission could also have a copy of that map.

-         The Auditors Management Letter from the 2006 Audit was reviewed.  Kinney specified actions being taken as a result of the letter.  (Kinney made copies of the letter for the public.)

A policy for personal use of township assets will be drafted for the Supervisors. 

Jean Schoch inquired why assets of the township were not included in the newspaper ad of audit results.  Kinney responded stating the auditors did not feel it necessary since the amounts are vague without doing an appraisal of township properties.

The Supervisors requested to receive a copy of the Auditor’s Report.

-         Schantz requested franchise fees from Service Electric be paid more often than once/year.  Harris requested a letter be drafted to Service Electric and copied to the Supervisors requesting quarterly franchise payments.  Also, he requested past auditor letters be searched for specific items that the auditors felt Service Electric owed the township.

New Business:

-         Harris voiced his concern with the number of animals being taken to Lehigh County Humane Society under the Township contract.  He stated he was not in favor of renewing the contract for 2007.  The other Supervisors agreed.

-         The insurance agreement for the Township Patrol Car was reviewed and a change to page 3, Section 6 was made where it states “vehicle will not be used for personal use…” the phrase “…or driven to and from residence.”  will be dropped to allow Dondero to house the vehicle at his residence.

-         Schantz brought up hiring part-time police officer since it is in the budget.  Harris stated it is for Chief Dondero to decide if and when.

-         The 2007 Road bids were discussed.  Schantz questioned the crack seal and seal coat of dirt/gravel roads that are partially paved.  He thought they should be made back into old fashioned dirt roads.  The consensus was to inquire of the Public Works Director and the School Bus Company what impact this would have. 

-         Road Reclassification Ordinance – The draft ordinance will be given to the Planning Commission Chair to be placed on the Planning Commission Agenda for review.

-         A request from the Public Works Director to advertise the 1978 R-Model Mack Truck for sale was addressed.  It will be placed on the agenda for the regular March meeting.

-         The Supervisors announced the receipt of a $5,000 grant for the Lower Milford Veterans Memorial.  Interim expenditures from the General Fund will need to be authorized at the March regular meeting.  A dedication ceremony will take place on Memorial Day.

-         The Supervisors presented NPDES Stormwater information to the public audience.

-         Announcements:

·        Act 167 Stormwater Ordinance – Saucon Creek Watershed

Will be advertised for action at the April 19, 2007 Board of Supervisors Meeting

·        Southeastern Lehigh EMS Regional Study Discussion is rescheduled to the April Workshop

The Lower Milford Fire Co. officers were unable to attend the March meeting.

Public Comments:

-    A member of the audience praised the Road Crew for doing a good job plowing roads.

Harris adjourned the meeting at 9:15 pm.