LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIP of LEHIGH COUNTY

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS WORKSHOP

Wednesday, May 10, 2006 at 7:30 p.m.

MINUTES

 

PRESENT:  Richard D. Harris, Chairman; Arland H. Schantz, Vice-Chairman; Donna L. Wright, Supervisor; Emil Kantra, Township Solicitor; Richard Kinsey, Director of Public Works; and 12 members of the audience. 

 

-The meeting was called to order by Chairman Harris at 7:30 pm.

 

-Comments were accepted throughout the meeting.

 

-Harris asked that as much discussion as possible on current issues take place at the workshop in order to be able to run quickly through the regular meeting next week to leave time for the Swearing-In Ceremony for the new Police Chief.

 

-Those present, that had submitted letters of interest to serve on the Recreation and Open Space Board, gave a small introduction and stated what they can contribute to the board.

 

MOTION was made by Donna Wright to appoint(term end) Elaine Snovitch(2006), Terry Hagarty(2007), Steve Rivers(2008), Gary Campbell(2009) and Donna Wright(2010) to the Recreation and Open Space Board for Lower Milford Township.  Terms will end on December 31st of the year.  Schantz seconded the motion.                                                                                                      Unanimous

 

Harris asked that communication be regular between the Recreation and Open Space Board and the Board of Supervisors and that they keep minutes.  Wright will hand out reference materials to the Recreation and Open Space Board after the meeting and they can decide when to meet.

 

-Andy Robison of Limeport Stadium gave thanks to the Board of Supevisors for support funds from the township.  He asked for the funds to be distributed in a lump sum rather than quarterly, if possible.  The Board of Supervisors saw no problem with that.

 

- Review of the Draft Ordinance Enacting Exemption of Millage Increases for Preserved Agricultural Property (advertised for consideration on May 18, 2006).  Schantz suggested the County needs to approve this before July 1, 2006 so that it can be enacted before taxes are raised. John Quigley of the School Board did not know if this was the case since the School Board has already adoped it.  He will look into it. 

Schantz suggested residents call the County Commissioners or attend one of their meetings to push for passing this act. 

Quigley thanked Schantz and Ann Frey for attending the School Board Meetings and making a good presentation for the adoption of Act 4.  He stated there will be a 1.9 mill increase in taxes. 

 

-Review of the Draft Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 82 Establishing a Vehicle Length for Truck Restriction on Kraussdale Road (advertised for consideration on May 18, 2006). 

A resident asked if he could travel with his vehicle and travel trailer attached.  Attorney Kantra will check out the definition of combination vehicle under the Vehicle Code.

Ken Knapp stated the road should be marked according to what you want to prohibit such as commercial vehicles over a certain length to allow for farming and residential traffic to pass through.

Ann Frey stated a sign for “local delivery and pick-up only” has not been placed on Scout Road as was suggested and that we will run into the same problem with Kraussdale Road.  Harris said he will check on that.

 

-Ken Knapp, representative of the Fire Company announced a Mother’s Day Breakfast on Sunday May 14 from 9am to 12 noon and Basket Bingo on June 11 at 12:30 pm

 

-Harris suggested the Planning Commission and possible the Regional Planning Committee consider the possibility of entering into an Agreement for a Multi-Municipal Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan with area municipalities.  Attorney Kantra will look over the agreement language.  The possibility of paying consultation fees was discussed.

 

-Kinsey presented the need for hiring a seasonal employee for the Public Works Department to begin work in June.  He stated it was included in the budget.  The consensus of the Board of Supervisors was that it should be advertised and someone should be hired for the position.

 

-Correspondence from Lee Widmer concerning request a Traffic Study of Spinnerstown Road by PENNDOT to reduce the traffic speed.  The consensus of the Board of Supervisors was to send a letter of request to PENNDOT. 

 

-Schantz stated he has been trying to accomplish getting interaction between the Township and it’s residents through the means of email.  Harris stated the email address should be stated in the newsletter and/or website.  He stated it is a form of documentation as opposed to a phone call.

 

-Announcements

▪          Geryville Materials Curative Amendment Hearing for May 31 is canceled.  July 19 at 7:30 pm and August 30 at 7:30 pm are the next scheduled hearing dates.

▪          Meeting of Regional Commission on Wednesday, May 17 at 7:00 pm

 

The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:50 pm.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

                                                                                    Gina M. Wooler

                                                                                    Administrative Assistant