LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIP

LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS - WORKSHOP MEETING

WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 2005

MINUTES

PRESENT:       Richard D. Harris, Chairman; Arland H. Schantz, Vice-Chairman; Ellen L.                                 Koplin; and Eleven Members of the Audience

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

            This is the second part of the presentation continued from the June 8, 2005 Board of Supervisors Workshop Meeting.  Mr. Orloff gave an overview of the material covered at the previous meeting. 

            A slide presentation was shown which examines the philosophy and concept of spending.  Items included Professional Fee Management, Good Spending, EIT Collection, Service Fee Structure, Cash Management, Police and Fire Service Economy, Code Enforcement and Capital Plan.  Mr. Orloff gave examples of how the GAAP system improved financial conditions for Richland Township.

            Questions were opened to the Board of Supervisors and the audience.  Arland Schantz inquired how you would go about implementing.  Mr. Orloff reponded that setting up the Treasurer’s report in GAAP format would be the first item.  Other discussion with the audience included EIT collection and our arrangement with the Southern Lehigh School District, budgeting for police, and capital improvements through development. 

            Mr. Orloff will develop a time-line with projected fees for his service.  The presentation concluded at 8:50 pm.

-Joyce White, Upper Saucon Township Supervisor, has inquired if Lower Milford Township would be interested in participating in a request to DCED to present a seminar for the Southern Lehigh municipalities on Regional Police Services.

            Discussion took place and the Board members indicated that they would be interested in hearing a DCED presentation.  This item will be placed on the July 21, 2005 meeting agenda.

-Schultz Bridge Road Bridge Update – Retaining a Bog Turtle Surveyor

            E. Koplin gave a brief update and anticipated timeline for the bridge repair to be completed.  In accordance with the conditions placed by the PA Fish and Boat Commission, a Bog Turtle Surveyor will need to be hired by the Township to be onsite during the scour repair.  Two proposals have been submitted to the Twp. Engineer from certified Bog Turtle Surveyors and it is anticipated two more will be received shortly.  This item will be placed on the July 21 agenda for the Board members to vote on retaining one of the Bog Turtle Surveyors.

-Mr. Worthington raised the issue of truck traffic on Schultz Bridge Road and King’s Hwy.  A discussion took place concerning the PENNDOT regulations for placing weight restrictions on roads and bridges and other conditions which would warrant truck restrictions.  Mr. Worthington said he spoke with a PENNDOT representative who indicated that if the Township requested a truck restriction on King’s Hwy, PENNDOT would conduct a study.

            A request to PENNDOT for a study of King’s Highway and consideration by the Board to conduct a study of Schultz Bridge Road will be placed on the July 21 agenda.

-Announcements:

            -Lehigh County is offering a program to accept electronic items for recycling.  Copies of the County’s announcement were made available.

            -Richard Harris announced that background checks were taking place for the Police Chief candidates.

            -Union negotiations are moving along and should be finished by the end of the year.

-Donna Wright presented a request to the Board members to consider a low impact, low maintenance recreation area.  She is studying the feasibility of a walking trail around the Township property.  Denise Holub is assisting her with researching available grant money for recreational purposes.  Before a grant application can be made, action will be needed by the Board to decide if this type of project should be pursued.  The item will be placed on the July 21 Agenda.

-No further questions or comments were received.

-The meeting adjourned at 9:45 pm.