LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIP

LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS - WORKSHOP MEETING

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2007

MINUTES

PRESENT:  Richard D. Harris, Chairman; Arland H. Schantz, Vice-Chairman; Donna L. Wright, Supervisor;  Ellen Koplin, Township Manager;  Richard Kinsey, Public Works Director;  John Dondero, Police Chief and approximately 17 members of the audience. 

–      Chairman Harris called the meeting to order at approximately 7:33 pm. 

–      Ed Moreland of the Eastern Pennsylvania EMS was present to discuss if Lower Milford is interested in pursuing the concept of regionalization of emergency medical services along with Coopersburg and Upper Saucon who have passed resolutions to pursue the regionalization concept.  A study by the Eastern PA EMS has been completed.  Representatives from all three municipalities and all three emergency medical entities must get together to review all the options and come to a unanimous decision.  At this point no costs are involved but eventually there will be when and if regionalization is pursued.  Mr. Moreland will provide the Supervisors with a sample resolution for their action on April 19.

–      Fire Chief Richard DeFiore was not in attendance to discuss the Command Vehicle Fuel allotment.  Gary Focht stated the actual usage amounts from the past 6 months are available and he will provide figures for the Board to use to determine allotment. 

–      Fire Company President Lloyd Ohl and Captain Gary Focht inquired if the Fire Company could use the Township Solicitor’s services to interpret the methods of tax registration of the Fire Co. as non-profit, in order to apply for grants and private endowments. 

Lois Gadek stated an IRS tax representative might be the one to ask, rather than the Township Solicitor, to determine if their operational procedures are consistent with how they are registered since they know more about non-profit law and taxation.  Koplin suggested she and Focht speak together with the accountant.

–      Focht inquired about mandatory Knox Box installation for new commercial businesses.  The Fire Co. will submit samples of ordinances from other municipalities.

–      The Board of Supervisors requested an ordinance for a vehicle length restriction be drafted.  Attorney Kantra will be consulted concerning different classifications such as “commercial”.

–      MOTION was made by Wright to accept the Letter of Credit for D&D Maintenance.  Schantz seconded the motion.                                                         Unanimous

–      Action on the Haines Lot Line Change plans by the Supervisors will occur at next Thursday’s regular Board of Supervisors Meeting.

–      Service Electric Franchise Agreement – Ordinance No. 61 specifies annual Franchise Fee payments.  Harris suggested sending Township Treasurer Maureen Kinney and Administrative Clerk Gina Wooler to Service Electric to look over their list of subscribers and other records for Lower Milford Township.  Koplin will make the arrangements.  At that time quarterly payments can be requested.  It was stated there was no written report submitted by the Township Auditors at the time they errantly went to Service Electric to review their records.

–      The Ordinance to Adopt Revised Act 167 - Stormwater Management for Saucon Creek Watershed will be dealt with at next Thursday regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors.

–      Southern Lehigh School District informed the Township of their intent to renew the permit for the Small Wastewater Plant for Lower Milford Elementary.  No action by the Board is necessary.

–      There was a consensus of the Board to allow a Township Property Tax Refund of $.80 for the property of Linford C. Krauss, Jr. et al.

–      MOTION was made by Wright to adopt Resolution 2007-19 adoption of Escalator Clause for Bituminous Material.  Schantz seconded the motion.                      Unanimous

–      Appeal Notice from Lehigh County Board of Assessment for the property of Daniel & Lori Altieri was announced in order to allow the Board to appear if they so wish.

–      A Cleanup Day is scheduled for April 21, 2007 from 8 am to noon.  Sign up at the Township Building.

–      Jean Schoch asked if business cards are available through the township for the Planning Commission and Zoning Hearing Board.  Cards are not currently provided for volunteer boards and commissions.

–      Evelyn Yost stated buses and cars are not stopping before pulling out of the Lower Milford Elementary School driveway onto Elementary Road.  Police Chief Dondero stated he will contact the school and Laidlaw.

–      Schantz inquired on the progress of the Limeport sewage.  Chairman Harris gave a review of the Sewer Committee’s work.  They will soon be meeting jointly with the Planning Commission and Supervisors to review the options.

–      Harris adjourned the meeting at 9:43 pm.