LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIP of LEHIGH COUNTY

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Thursday, May 18, 2006 at 7:30 p.m.

MINUTES

Chairman Richard Harris called the meeting to order at 7:31 p.m.  Present were Supervisors Arland Schantz and Donna Wright.  Also present were Township Solicitor Emil Kantra, Township Manager Ellen Koplin and approximately 22 others. 

The Pledge of Allegiance was said by all.

Citizen comments were accepted throughout the meeting.

Regular Business:

The Minutes of April 20, 2006 Board of Supervisor=s Meeting, with a change to page 3 comment by Schantz from Rural Grower’s Safety to Rural Roads Safety, and the May 10, 2006 Workshop were approved with a motion by Wright seconded by Schantz.    Unanimous  

Treasurers Report as of April 30, 2006 was accepted as read:

·         General Fund                                                    $658,925.00      

·         Capital Reserve Fund                                            25,433.00

·         Road Projects Fund                                               30,873.00

·         State Liquid Fuels Tax Account                            103,851.00         

MOTION was made by Wright to pay the May, 2006 bills.  Schantz seconded the motion.

Unanimous

Public Works Business:

The Public Works Report was made available to the public.

MOTION was made by Schantz to award the Road Materials Bids as follows:

            Crack Seal – Asphalt Maintenance Solutions with the low bid of $11.25/gal.

            Seal Coat – Martin Paving with the low bid of $0.869/sq. yard

            Aggregates – Eastern Industries as the only bidder

Superpave Material – No bids were received.  Will purchase needed quantities through the PA State Contract.

Kraussdale Road Truck Restriction Ordinance was tabled until the June 7, 2006 Workshop where it will be discussed.

Police Business:

The Police Report was made available to the public.

Zoning Business:

The Zoning Report was made available to the public.

Manager’s Business:

Manager’s report was made available to the public.

Subdivisions/Land Developments:

            There were no new Subdivisions/Land Developments and no action due.

MOTION was made by Wright to accept Resolutions 2006-16 through 2006-25 Deeds of Dedication and Deeds of Easement for Maplewood Subdivision.  Seconded by Schantz.

Other Business:

MOTION was made by Schantz to adopt Ordinance No. 101 to Freeze the Millage Rate on Qualified Properties in Accordance with Act 4 of 2006.  Seconded by Wright.

                                                                                                Unanimous

MOTION was made by Wright to issue a Township Tax Refund to Edward A. Gangawere for $37.63.  Schantz seconded the motion.                                         Unanimous

A Fire Company Report was given by Chief Richard DeFiore.  He requested that Jill Drive be closed for the next fire works event at the Fire Company.

Harris asked him to explain the fire ban.  DeFiore stated an error was printed in the paper and that only three municipalities declared a fire ban.  He cautioned everyone to burn carefully.

Announcements:

·         Appointment of William Roy as Lower Milford Twp. Emergency Management Coordinator was received from Gov. Rendell

·         Geryville Materials Curative Amendment Hearing Scheduled for May 31, 2006 is cancelled.  Hearings are scheduled for July 19, 2006 and Aug. 30, 2006 at 7:30 pm.

·         Center for Rural Pennsylvania – Historic Barn Inventory.  Information to participate was made available on the back table.

·         A Lehigh County Public Hearing will be on Wednesday, June 7, 2006 at 7 pm for public input on the Gaming License Application, held in the Public Hearing Room of the Government Center.  Information was made available on the back table.

Correspondence:

·         Southern Lehigh Library Agenda and Meeting Minutes with attachments, made available on the back table

·         Southern Lehigh Living Memorial Park Meeting Minutes for April 2006, made available on the back table

Citizen Comments:

Schantz stated the Southern Lehigh School Board Budget is available for viewing on the table in the back and on the School Board’s website.

Lowell Linde read a statement, and asked that it be entered into the record, regarding police (see attachment).

Ann Frey inquired what was the status of the Geryville litigation matter that Koplin was authorized to decide upon.  Koplin stated the case is pending and she is not at liberty to comment but that when the matter is settled a report will be issued.

Harris concluded the business of the regular meeting at 7:48 pm. 

Harris commented on the efforts of the Board of Supervisors and staff in selecting John Dondero as Chief of Police.  He said Dondero acted professionally throughout the entire process and possesses numerous credentials.  He also stated Dondero demonstrates the philosophy that the Board wants for Lower Milford Township.

Police Chief John Dondero was sworn in by Richard Harris.

Chief Dondero gave a brief statement of thanks and his prior history of police experience.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 pm.

Attachment:

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Chairman Harris for his conscientious approach to not only selecting a qualified and experienced police chief, but also taking the time to fully research all the issues that needed attention regarding local policing. Resisting the pressure of some to simply "leap before you look" is commendable and in the long-term welfare of Lower Milford.

Lower Milford has endured a lot of strife during Chief Tapler's time as our only police person. Although the P A State Borough Code forbids any policeman from being publicly involved in politics, where he works or in any community, the previous Chief was observed in political activities on many occasions. He was seen riding on an antique truck throughout the 2003 Coopersburg Halloween Parade, and the truck bore signs urging "Vote for Arland Schantz" and campaigned at the polls in the last election on behalf of Ann Frey. This behavior not only violates the Borough Code but State election laws as well.

The behavior of our previous police chief divided our community. Due to the care taken in selecting Mr. Dondero, our new chief, I am sure that this kind of behavior is now at an end.

Mr. Dondero brings with him professional training and years of experience with one of the nation's largest police forces. Surely, he knows that "no man can be an island" and that his position is to enforce the law, not break it.

Mr. Dondero's experience will allow him to improve relations with the PA State Police, who have served Lower Milford well during our search for a new chief. The shared police coverage in Lower Milford makes economic sense and is obviously in the best interest of the safety and welfare of our Township residents.

I think we should all welcome our new chief and wish him the very best!

            Lowell Linde, resident