LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIP of LEHIGH COUNTY

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS WORKSHOP

Wednesday, April 12, 2006 at 7:30 p.m.

MINUTES

PRESENT:       Richard D. Harris, Chairman; Arland H. Schantz, Vice-Chairman; Donna L. Wright, Supervisor; Ellen L. Koplin, Twp. Manager/Sec.; and 12 members of the audience. 

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

-Comments were accepted throughout the meeting.

- Schantz discussed the proposed draft ordinance of Buckingham Twp. to enact a tax freeze for preserved open space and farmland. He explained the background of Act 53 of 1996 and the newly enacted Act 4 0f 2006 which must be adopted by all taxing authorities in order to be implemented:  School District, County and Township.  He stated Lower Milford Township has not raised taxes in many years and there is no intention of raising them in the near future so it would not greatly impact the township.

Attorney Kantra explained the process of adoption and that it comes into effect the date the last entity adopts the statute.

Attorney Kantra will work on wording an ordinance for Lower Milford.

John Stenroos had a question concerning preserved farm land in Exeter Township that the School District requested to be rezoned in order to build a school and how that would effect us.  It was decided it has no relation to what is being proposed.  

Evelyn Yost asked if Upper Saucon and Coopersburg are interested.  Schantz stated Coopersburg is not but Upper Saucon is interested in working with Jeff Zehr of the Lehigh County Agricultural Preservation Board. Coopersburg would not have to adopt it in order for it to be implemented at Lower Milford, as long as the County and School District are on board.

- The Borough of Alburtis, in accordance with the Regional Comprehensive Plan, sent notice of a zoning change proposed in their Borough.  Donna Wright stated on behalf of the Planning Commission that upon review of the Zoning Change there are no comments since it has no impact on Lower Milford Township.

- Planning Commission Issues:

·      Harris stated there will be a vote at the April 20, 2006 Board of Supervisors meeting on the proposed members of the Regional Planning Commission:  Lois Gadek, Eileen Howatt, Donna Wright and Ann Frey.  The motion previously stated three members to be appointed but will need to be changed to four at that meeting.  The process of Regional Planning discussed further later in the meeting.

·      The method of answering memo communication from the Planning Commission was discussed. 

·      Motion was made by Wright to authorize the Planning Commission to review the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance(SALDO).  Schantz seconded the motion.                                                                      Unanimous

·      The procedure for hiring a professional planner if needed would be to obtain a list of names/companies, qualifications and costs and present it before the Board of Supervisors for a decision.

·      How would the Board of Supervisors like to comment on the SALDO review process? Attorney Kantra suggested reviewing and approving the major changes highlighted in portions of the SALDO periodically as revised rather than all at once.

·      Memo written to the Planning Commission from the Board of Supervisors concerning what needs to be communicated through memo form.

- A specific truck length restriction addition to the existing Kraussdale Road Truck Restriction Ordinance is proposed and was discussed.  Koplin stated the engineer by letter amended their study to include a 19 foot limit.  It will be placed on the April 20, 2006 Board of Supervisors meeting agenda. 

- The Police Patch design was discussed appeared acceptable to the Supervisors.

- Announcements:

·      Cancellation of April 27, 2006 Curative Amendment Hearing

·      Regional Municipalities meeting on April 19, 2006 at 7:30 pm

·      Planning Commission meeting on April 21, 2006 at 7:00 pm

- Meeting was adjourned at 8:35 pm.