LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIP

LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS - WORKSHOP MEETING

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2005

MINUTES

PRESENT:       Richard D. Harris, Chairman; Arland H. Schantz, Vice-Chairman; Joan B.                         Dreibelbis, Supervisor/Treasurer; Ellen L. Koplin; and  Approximately Fifty-                        Five Members of the Audience

-The meeting was called to order by Chairman Harris at 7:31 pm.

 -Comments were received throughout the meeting.

-Presentation by Richard W. Orloff, C.P.A. and Supervisor for Richland Twp. to Demonstrate the GAAP Accounting Structure for Local Government Finance.

             Mr. Orloff was introduced.  He gave a description of his GAAP program and how it was utilized in Richland Township where he serves as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors.

            A slide presentation was given explaining how the DCED accounting structure differs from the GAAP structure.  He explained that by utilizing this management tool, building a fund balance can be realized.  Capital and operating expenses are separated and income and expense items are categorized as recurring and non-recurring which aids in providing a more organized budget, tracking where funds are spent, and projecting for the future.  Questions were accepted from the audience.

            Mr. Orloff will present the second part of his program at the July 13, 2005 workshop meeting.  His presentation concluded at 8:15 at which time a five (5) minute recess was called.

-Geryville Materials, Inc. – Quarry Proposal Update

             Chairman Harris announced that the Curative Amendment hearings would be moving forward.  The Board has interviewed several attorneys.  During the curative amendment process, an attorney is needed to defend the township zoning ordinance and another attorney is needed to advise the Supervisors.

            A resident asked what the township could do besides the Zoning Hearing Board and Curative Amendment process?   Richard Harris explained that an agreement could have been worked out but felt that was not good for the township.

            Another resident asked if an environmental study had been done or will be done.  It was explained that a PNDI (Penna. Natural Diversity Inventory) search would be required by the state permit.

-Supervisor Representative for Act 537 Sewage Plan Meetings

             Chairman Harris stated that he had previously been involved in the Act 537 planning and volunteered to continue in this capacity.

-Schultz Bridge Road Bridge Update

             The DEP permit has been received by the township. Keystone, as Engineer for the township on this project, is preparing the plans and bid documents for advertising.  The scour repair need to be done this summer at the low-flow season.

 -Announcements:

             -Mr. Quigley, Southern Lehigh School Board Director, advised the Board and audience that the School Board is proposing another tax increase.  He encouraged residents to attend the next meeting.  He is the only School Board member who opposed the past increases.  The final vote will take place on Monday, June 13^th.  The budget must be approved before July 1^st which begins the next fiscal year.

            -Chairman Harris requested of Donna Wright that the Festival Committee draw up a set of guidelines for political activity at the festival.  There has been a consistent policy but would like it developed in writing by the committee.

-Question from a resident concerning whether the contracted bus company for the school district was refusing to travel certain township roads.  Richard Harris replied that yes, the township had met last year with the school district concerning the roads that the bus company will not travel.

The primary reason given was the road surface and width.  The township is not currently in a financial position to reconstruct the roads.

-The meeting adjourned at 9:44 pm.