LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIP

LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS - WORKSHOP MEETING

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, 2006

MINUTES

PRESENT:       Richard D. Harris, Chairman; Donna L. Wright, Supervisor; Maureen Kinney, Treasurer; Ellen L. Koplin, Twp. Manager/Sec.; and 18 members of the audience. 

-The meeting was called to order by Chairman Harris at 7:35 pm.

-Comments were accepted throughout the meeting.

-Road Kill Deer Removal Agreement

We have received a renewal agreement for a one year contract beginning August 1, 2006.  The price per deer has increased from $50. to $60.  The service was not used under the current agreement.  This item will be placed on the July 20 meeting agenda for action.

-Brandywine Conservancy-Proposal for Consulting Services

The Brandywine Conservancy gave a presentation to the Planning Commission and Supervisors at a special meeting on June 29, 2006 and we have received a proposal from them for consulting services.  Atty. Kantra will be requested to review the proposal before the July 20 regular meeting.

Donna Wright discussed the benefits of membership including a discount on consulting fees.  A member of the audience asked what kind of service Brandywine would be performing for the township.  Richard Harris explained that they will help us review and revise our zoning ordinance.  The members of the regional group will be applying for a grant to cover 50% of the cost for each municipality to update their ordinance.

-Trout Unlimited-Redesignation of Upper Perkiomen Watershed

Chairman Harris announced that he received that night a statement from the PA Farm Bureau objecting to the reclassification.  A discussion took place concerning what a reclassification would mean to property owners.  Trout Unlimited will be holding a meeting on July 19, the same night the Geryville Curative Amendment Hearing will take place.  Richard Harris said he would like to learn more about it.  The Lower Milford Residents Assoc. will be attending the Trout Unlimited meeting and get more information for the Supervisors.  Ed Matulevicius suggested looking at the ramifications and supporting the effort.  Richard Harris read the Farm Bureau’s examples of potential impact to farms.  Ann Frey said she is concerned about the financial impact to properties where the creeks are located.  Mr. Selgrath indicated that submitting the request along with letters of support is just the first step.  Public Notice will be given and there will be hearings for residents and affected landowners to ask questions.  The petition will be submitted with or without Lower Milford’s support.  Ann Frey wanted to know if this would open the door for public use of the streams.  The consensus was that private property will remain private property.

-Lehigh Valley Planning Commission Technical Assistance to Municipalities – Access Mgmnt.

E. Koplin explained that the program will assist municipalities to develop controls for designing driveway, street, and access points to roadways for safety and traffic management purposes.  The

Township Engineer will be asked for an opinion as to whether this program would benefit Lower Milford at this time and will be addressed at the regular meeting on July 20.

-Land Preservation Appreciation Plaque

Lois Gadek presented her research to the Supervisors and the audience of ideas for the plaque.  She had photos of differing styles including a standard wood plaque with engraved name plates, a sculpted wall mounting with the names underneath, a stained glass style, or something which would better reflect the spirit of farming.  There are 34 preserved farms in the township.  A logo could be engraved on the name plate representative of the type of farm.  She has the promise of 100 year old oak barn boards which could be used to mount the name plates.  She feels this is something original and special rather than a stock plaque from a catalog.  The engraving would cost approximately $220 to $260.  The consensus of the Supervisors and the audience was that the barn boards are the best choice.

Ed Matulevicius thanked Lois for her efforts and said we need to thank the farmers who preserved their farms.  He said we should also take the opportunity to thank everyone who volunteers for the community.

-LCATO Summer Convention – Authorize attendance

This item will be addressed at the regular meeting on July 20.

-Draft Purchase Order Policy

Richard read the proposed policy drafted by the Treasurer, Maureen Kinney. Questions were raised concerning why certain dollar levels were used.  Maureen indicated that this was a starting place and the draft can reflect whatever the Supervisors are comfortable with.  Richard Harris said he is happy that the Manager is involved in all levels.  The draft will be fined tuned and revised to reflect $500 to $1,000 will require one supervisor’s signature and over $1,000 will require two supervisors’ signatures.  The policy will be considered for adoption in August.

-Township Newsletter

Richard Harris said we postpone discussing this item until August.  Ed Matulevicius thanked the Supervisors for putting the newsletter out.

-Road Study Report

Chairman Harris said he would like to spread out the $15,000 cost of all three roads by doing one per year instead of all at once.  Donna Wright suggested perhaps starting with East Mill Hill Road and a resident suggested West Mill Hill because of the roads current eroded condition.  Richard Kinsey, Public Works Director, will investigate the erosion and stormwater runoff problems on West Mill Hill Road.

-PSATS Convention – Policy for reimbursement to Supervisors of daily expenses

Richard Harris suggested tabling this item until the next workshop since Arland was not present and this is an issue he is interested in.

-Twp. Fall Festival-Silent Auction Donations

E. Koplin announced that donated items are appreciated for the silent auction.  A portion of the proceeds this year will help fund the Lower Milford Veterans Memorial.

-Announcements as listed on the agenda

-Mr. Shellaway asked to revisit agenda item 4, the redesignation of the Upper Perkiomen Watershed.  He expressed to the Board that we should not look at the negatives of a reclassification but could be proud of it.

-Mrs. Yost submitted forms to request Verizon to provide DSL.  She also asked what the arrows were for that were painted on Elementary Road.  Richard Harris responded that the township is not painting arrows.  It was suggested that they are for a road rally.

-The meeting adjourned at 9:12 pm.