LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIP
LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS - WORKSHOP MEETING
WEDNESDAY, July 11, 2007
MINUTES
PRESENT: Richard D. Harris, Chairman; Arland H. Schantz, Vice-Chairman; Ellen Koplin, Township Manager; and approximately 11 members of the audience.
– Chairman Harris called the meeting to order at approximately 7:34 pm.
– Bothar Construction requested an extension of the completion date to July 31, 2007 for the Crack Seal Contract. Koplin stated it would not have a negative impact to extend the date.
MOTION was made by Wright to extend the completion date of the Crack Seal contract to July 31, 2007. Schantz seconded the motion. Unanimous
– The Nuisance Ordinance, scheduled for adoption at the next Board of Supervisors meeting, was reviewed. Harris read a letter dated June 25, 2007 from the Wilson’s and suggested forwarding the letter to the Planning Commission. After adoption a letter to the Wilsons, explaining their request should be considered under the Zoning Ordinance, will be sent along with a copy of the adopted Nuisance Ordinance.
– Harris stated the Public Works Director, Richard Kinsey, recommended applying for Lehigh County Conservation District’s Dirt and Gravel Road Program, specifically for three sections of road at School House Lane and Scout Road. This program provides funds to maintain dirt and gravel roads. The Supervisors await a 10 year plan for road maintenance being put together by the Public Works Director.
– Since all of the funds from the Capital Sewer Project will not be utilized this calendar year, the Board considered reallocating half the amount from that budget category into Legal Fees and Act 537 Plan catagories. Jean Schoch questioned what the $1,250 transferred into the Sewage Fund was. The funding and reimbursement of the Sewage Project was discussed. The projected completion date is Summer of 2009.
– Due to multiple accidents the most recent being fatal and letters received, the Board of Supervisors agreed to request signage from PennDOT on Limeport Pike in the area of the fatal accident. Koplin will contact PennDOT to present our request. It was suggested Police Chief John Dondero borrow a digital speed sign. He is currently issuing citations for speeding in that area. It was discussed School Zone signs in the area of the Lower Milford Elementary Road. The School should request this from PennDOT.
– Service Electric Update - Tim Hemmelright of Service Electric met with Wright and Koplin to review areas where fiber optics are available in Lower Milford Township. They’re planning to have fiber optics from Limeport to the Turnpike by Christmas this year. Next year by this time they propose to have the rest of the Township completed.
– The proposal for an Emergency Services Advisory Committee (ESAC), proposed at a previous meeting by Lois Gadek, was addressed. The Board explained persons from each branch of Emergency Services would compose the committee and the function of that committee.
There were questions raised whether the Police Chief should be part of this committee or would he deal with the Supervisors directly. Persons were concerned that the hiring of a part-time police officer had not been acted upon. Harris offered to speak with the Police Chief concerning the ESAC and review of a part-time officer.
– Announcements:
· Fire Co. Carnival 7/11 through 7/14
· Act 537 Public Hearing to vote on Limeport Sewage – 7/17 at 7:30 pm
· Accepting letters of interest for the Agricultural Security Area Advisory Board
· Volunteers are needed to care for the township gardens
– Ann Frey requested the road ahead of the Scout Road Bridge be closed instead of right at the bridge because kids have been loitering on the bridge.
– Jean Schoch inquired if the properties involved in Zoning Hearing are being posted. Harris and Koplin instructed her to call the Zoning Officer.
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– Harris adjourned the meeting at 9:31 pm.