LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIP of LEHIGH COUNTY

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Thursday, June 15, 2006 at 7:30 p.m.

MINUTES

Chairman Richard Harris called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m.  Present were Supervisors Arland Schantz and Donna Wright.  Also present were Township Solicitor Emil Kantra, Township Manager Ellen Koplin and approximately 18 others. 

The Pledge of Allegiance was said by all.

Citizen comments were accepted throughout the meeting.

Regular Business:

Minutes of May 18, 2006 Regular Board of Supervisors Meeting and June 7, 2006 Workshop Meeting:  Schantz objected to the letter appearing in the minutes, which Lowell Linde read into the record at the May 18, 2006 meeting.  He wanted the letter referenced in the minutes and attached.  Attorney Kantra advised that the letter could be inserted in the minutes or attached. 

Schantz objected to the June 7, 2006 workshop minutes under item 10 of the agenda “ Township owned woodland – proposal for timber harvest.”  The minutes stated, “Arland wanted to know where we were in considering having township property timbered.”  He wanted the minutes changed to read, “Schantz wanted to know where we were in considering use of woodland property owned by the township” 

MOTION made by Schantz to approve the  Minutes with the proposed changes.  Harris seconded the motion.                                                                  Unanimous

Treasurer’s Report:                                                      

·        General Fund                                                     $527,286.00      

·         Capital Reserve Fund                                            60,684.00

·         Road Projects Fund                                             282,003.00

·         State Liquid Fuels Tax Account                            251,540.00     

MOTION made by Schantz to accept the Treasurers Report as of May 31, 2006.  Wright seconded the motion.                                                               Unanimous

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

Unanimous

Police Business:

The Police Report was made available to the public.

The new Police Chief, John Dondero, will be starting on June 20, 2006.  The police car is ready and will arrive soon.

Public Works Business:

The Public Works Report was made available to the public.

Scout Road – There is no additional information.  It will be discussed at the July Workshop if more information is available.

Road Study Report was tabled until the July Workshop. 

Schantz requested looking into the possibility of changing the School House Lane culvert.  Harris said it will be discussed at the July Workshop.

Zoning Business:

The Zoning Report was made available to the public.

Manager’s Business:

Manager’s report was made available to the public.

MOTION was made by Wright to accept Resolution 2006-27 adopting NIMS requirements.   Schantz seconded the motion.                                                 Unanimous

Subdivisions/Land Developments:

            There were no new Subdivisions or Land Developments and no action to take.

Attorney Kantra explained that a consultant would not be necessary for the Board of Supervisors to adopt a resolution stating that the Zoning Ordinance is generally consistant with the Regional Comprehensive Plan.  He said this is something the Planning Commission should be able to look at and make the recommendation to the Board of Supervisors.

MOTION was made by Wright to require the Planning Commission to do a study to make sure the Zoning Ordinance is generally consistent with the Regional Comprehensive Plan and have them send a report to the Board of Supervisors.  Schantz seconded the motion. 

                                                                                                Unanimous

Discussion took place concerning obtaining a consultant for the Planning Commission which would be the next step after obtaining a report from the Planning Commission as motioned above. No action was taken at this time. 

Lois Gadek questioned waiting another month in order to obtain a professional planning consultant.  It was explained that planners are being interviewed and costs and availability need to be considered before hiring a professional planning consultant.  The Board will appoint a professional planning consultant when one is recommended by the Planning Commission. 

Jean Schoch stated she did not feel the Planning Commission was comfortable in stating the Zoning Ordinance is generally consistent with the Regional Comprehensive Plan.  Harris stated, according to Attorney Kantra’s advice, that they can be comfortable with doing that.

Other Business:

MOTION was made by Wright to accept the original Intergovernmental Agreement for the Development of a Multi-Municipal Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan with the provision that we recommend, to the other Participants, revising the agreement to reflect the changes recommended by Attorney Kantra (in his June 8, 2006 letter).  Harris seconded the motion.                                                                                                     Unanimous

MOTION was made by Schantz to adopt Resolution 2006-26 accepting property of Mamie Bechtel and Barry Bechtel into the Lower Milford Township Agricultural Security area.  Harris seconded the motion.  Wright abstained from voting because she is an adjoining property owner.                                                                                                                      Motion Carried

            Harris announced the receipt of an Agricultural Security Application for Annette F. Bechtel, tax parcel 549095679890, the total consisting of 15.5 acres located on Kings Highway in Lower Milford Township.

            There was no one present from the Fire Company to give a Fire Company Report.  Harris stated a written report is acceptable to submit for the meeting.

Correspondence:

The consensus of the Board of Supervisors was not to circulate a petition requesting a Gambling Referendum on November 7, 2006.

Harris announced the receipt of a letter concerning Verizon’s – “Cable Choice and Competition Act” legislation.  Copies were made available to the public.

Citizen Comments:

Ed Matulevicius stated if 50 people from a community sign up to make a one year commitment to a company’s DSL service, the company is obligated to provide that service within one year.  He stated the sign-up form is online and he will bring forms to the workshop.

Attorney Kantra stated he cannot personally be present for the next two Planning Commission workshops or the Regional Planning Meeting but will provide a replacement if necessary.

Lois Gadek submitted a proposal to the Board of Supervisors to support initiatives to encourage residents to patronize farmers, a brochure listing Lower Milford farmers and products, and a Farmer’s Market (see attachment).

Schantz suggested adding labor needs for farmers. 

Russell Reitenauer was concerned that farmers must pay minimum wage if they advertise.

Ann Frey suggested using the Fire Company parking lot rather than the Township building parking lot as Gadek suggested.  Koplin stated the Fire Company rents out their hall where the township lot is always available on weekends.

MOTION was made by Wright to support the initiatives proposed by Lois Gadek.  Schantz seconded the motion.                                                              Unanimous

Gadek also submitted a proposal for the preparation and hanging of a plaque, honoring owners of preserved farmland, in the Township building (see attached).  She stated she would be willing to subsidize the cost of the plaque if the Township could not.  The Supervisors asked her to provide more information on style and cost.

Harris adjourned the meeting at 9:16 pm.