LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIP

LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS - WORKSHOP MEETING

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2005

MINUTES

PRESENT:       Richard D. Harris, Chairman; Arland H. Schantz, Vice-Chairman; Joan B.         Dreibelbis,                                            Supervisor/Treasurer; Ellen L. Koplin; and Approximately Twenty-Two (22) in the Audience.

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Harris at 7:35 pm.

Comments were received throughout the meeting.

- Draft Zoning Amendment – Home/Rural Occupation or Business

            Planning Commission Chair, Susan Ritter, gave an overview of the proposed amendment outlining the three (3) levels of intensity which are being proposed.  Many other township ordinances were reviewed and the proposed amendment borrows language from municipalities in Lancaster County where provisions are made for agricultural properties to operate a non-farm business.  Those communities review the applications as a Special Exception.  The Planning Commission is discussing how applications and review would best be handled in Lower Milford.

            Several members of the audience voiced their opinion concerning monitoring the permits, lost revenue if no permit is applied for, and the merits of not needing permits. The Planning Commission will continue to work on the draft proposal.

- Police Chief Applications

            Chairman Harris stated that the Board has narrowed the approximately 50 applicants down to nine (9).  They will be narrowing further and select applicants to conduct background investigations.  At that point, interviews will be held and a candidate will be selected to make an offer of employment.

            A resident asked what types of questions the Board will be asking applicants?  Mr. Harris responded that the candidate’s policing philosophy is critical to our community.  Not looking for someone who needs to prove something or will operate in a rigid military style.

            A resident asked what Joan and Arland were looking for in a police candidate.  Joan responded that education and philosophy are important items, Arland said he is looking for someone who will respond well to our rural community.

- Lehigh County Humane Society Contract

            This item was reviewed at the February 2005 workshop meeting.  E. Koplin reviewed the additional information gathered:  Upper Milford Township has entered into an agreement for 2005 which is identical to the agreement pending a decision of the Board.  The Second Class Township Code provides that townships may support local animal shelters and humane societies but are not required to do so.  Chairman Harris expressed his concern that the humane society must be able to prove where the animal was picked-up or found and permission must be granted by the township before billing.

- Southern Lehigh Public Library

            The Board of Supervisors, at the February 17, 2005 regular meeting, authorized a contribution to the library in the amount donated in 2004.  The amount donated last year was $20,900 and a resolution will be prepared for the next regular Board meeting to allocate this amount for 2005.

            William McGonigal has expressed interest in serving as Lower Milford’s Library Board representative.

The Board of Supervisors will take formal action to designate Mr. McGonigal at the March 17, 2005 meeting.

Mr. Harris asked Mr. McGonigal if he would attend the library board meeting on March 10.

            A discussion took place concerning the number of cardholders in Lower Milford and how many cardholders actually use the library.

- NPDES Phase II – MS4 Year Two Storm Water Permit

            E. Koplin gave an overview of the storm water permit history and municipal obligations, a review of activities conducted during year two, and the importance of the program.  Mr. McGonigal will be coordinating public awareness projects for the next permit year.

- Lower Milford Fire Co. – Township Contribution

            The Board has been looking at options for better tracking fuel donated to the fire company for use in the vehicles.  Some of the options looked at would be expensive for the township such as changing meters to use a secure key code system or purchase of a separate tank and meter.  A suggestion was made to increase the township’s yearly donation to include the cost of fuel and make an additional one time donation towards the price of a tank that the fire company could install at the station.  Assistant Chief Girard Graham stated that they do not use enough fuel to warrant their own tank.  The fire company only has one vehicle that uses gasoline and that is the Chevrolet brush truck, which is not used very often except for brush fires.  Arland Schantz stated that  record-keeping (of Fire Co. fuel) is better now than a few years ago when he was an auditor.   Dick Schilling, Public Works Director will meet with the Fire Company and Charles Antler, Roadmaster to discuss fuel arrangements.

- Announcements

            Chairman Harris announced a committee meeting was taking place on March 10, 2005 with the quarry applicant to continue discussions.  He also wanted to go on record concerning the newspaper article which implied that the committee meetings could be a Sunshine Law violation by stating that no quorum of any board or commission is present and no Sunshine Law violation is occurring.  A resident asked what Mr. Doyle’s role is on the committee and who he is reporting back to.  Mr. Harris responded that the Supervisors wanted an impartial resident to serve on the committee, someone who did not serve on any Board or participate in any group.  A resident stated that the issue of pollution needs to be addressed.

            A resident asked if Mr. McGonigal is attending the library board meeting as Lower Milford’s official representative.  Mr. Harris stated that he is not officially representing Lower Milford until he is appointed.

-The meeting adjourned at 9:05 pm.