LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIP

LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS - WORKSHOP MEETING

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 2006

MINUTES

PRESENT:       Richard D. Harris, Chairman; Donna L. Wright, Supervisor; Ellen L. Koplin, Twp. Manager/Sec.; and 16 members of the audience.  (Arland Schantz was not present)

-The meeting was called to order by Chairman Harris at 7:32 pm.

-Comments were accepted throughout the meeting.

-Open Bids for Sale of Cinder Spreader

No bids were received by the Township.

-NPDES Phase II – MS4 Year Three- E. Koplin gave a brief overview of the MS4 stormwater permit requirements and the accomplishments for year 3.

-Scout Road Bridge – Repair/Replacement Evaluation

A report from Charles Tomko, PE of Cowan Associates dated February 10, 2006 was reviewed which recommends lowering the weight limit on the bridge to 4 ton and beginning the process for replacement of the structure. 

Ann Frey was concerned that the garbage and oil delivery truck would have to turn around instead of continuing straight through past her house and over the bridge.

The bridge report will be considered at the regular Board meeting on March 16, 2006 to address the 4 ton weight limit recommendation and the repair of the bridge versus the replacement.

-Richard Kinsey, Zoning Officer & Planning Administrator and Public Works Director, submitted costs for purchasing a Knox Box for the Township Building.  This item will be considered at the regular Board meeting.

-The Lehigh County Humane Society  service renewal agreement has been received for 2006.  The prices have slightly increased over 2005 and the agreement now contains language requiring a control number be assigned by the township.  This will be considered for renewal at the regular Board meeting.

-Announcements:

Several residents have volunteered to serve on the festival committee.  Some are serving on the committee for the first time.

-Comments:

Ann Frey wanted to know the status of the Regional Planning Committee because the Planning Commission discussed contacting the other member municipalities and Ellen would take care of this for them.

E. Koplin advised that the correspondence to the member municipalities should be generated by the Board of Supervisors and she certainly could take care of but a request from the Planning Commission should be directed to the Board.

Ann Frey wanted to know the status of the Dershem re-zoning request.  Chairman Harris replied that correspondence was recently received by the Board from their Solicitor concerning this matter and the Solicitor wanted to discuss with the Board in executive session.

Ann Frey wanted to know why it needed to be discussed in executive session and she had a concern about the Board meeting in executive session over a recent appeal to the Zoning Hearing Board.  E. Koplin explained the need for discussing items that are currently in litigation or potentially could be involved in litigation in executive session due to the fact that the Township (Board of Supervisors) is an automatic party to a zoning hearing appeal which may be further appealed to the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas and the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court. 

A resident from the audience explained to Ann Frey that in the public sector as well as the private sector, some items may not be discussed in public because it could deprive individuals of their rights or violate laws.

Richard Harris explained why the Solicitor wanted to discuss the Dershem re-zoning request in executive session.  Ann Frey wanted to know why the Planning Commission was not kept informed of the status of the re-zoning request.  E. Koplin explained that the Board requested the Planning Commission to review the request and submit their comments but, however, after the Planning Commission has done so, the Board must consider the advice of their Solicitor and act in the best interest of the residents of the township.  Ann Frey questioned why the Planning Commission was asked by the Board to review the re-zoning request but the Board would not keep the Planning Commission informed.  Chairman Harris again explained that although the Planning Commission reviewed the request, and “not to be flip,” the current status is not Ann’s business because the Board of Supervisors needs to consult with their Solicitor.

Jean Schock asked what the status of the Limeport Sewage (Act 537 Sewage Facilities Plan Update) was.  Richard Harris gave an overview of the current negotiations with Upper Saucon Township to reach an inter-municipal agreement.

-The meeting adjourned at 8:32 pm.