LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIP of LEHIGH COUNTY

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Thursday, July 19, 2007 at 7:30 p.m.

MINUTES

Chairman Richard Harris called the meeting to order at 7:31 p.m.  Present were Supervisors Arland Schantz and Donna Wright.  Also present were Township Solicitor Emil Kantra, Township Manager Ellen Koplin; Police Chief John Dondero and approximately   others. 

The Pledge of Allegiance was said by all.

Citizen comments were accepted throughout the meeting.

Harris presented certificates for those who contributed their time and efforts to the Veterans Memorial.

Regular Business:

MOTION was made by Schantz to approve the minutes of the June 21, 2007 Board of Supervisors Meeting with the addition of a sentence after the third sentence to the Citizen Comment Summary as follows:  Stevens responded there are not.  That’s the purpose of an investigation.  Wright seconded the motion.                         Unanimous

MOTION was made by Wright to approve the minutes of the July 11, 2007 Board of Supervisors Workshop Meeting.  Schantz seconded the motion.     Unanimous

MOTION was made by Schantz to accept the Treasurers Report as of June 30, 2007 as follows:

·         General Fund                                                    $665,053.00                              

·         Capital Reserve Fund                                            64,344.00       

·         Road Projects Fund                                             296,310.00     

·         State Liquid Fuels Tax Account                           172,048.00

·         Developer Escrows (Non Twp. Funds)                   95,028.19     

            Wright seconded the motion.                                                      Unanimous                     

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

Unanimous

Police Business:

The Police Reports were made available to the public.

Public Works Business:

The Public Works Report was made available to the public.

Zoning Business:

The Zoning Report was made available to the public.

Manager’s Business:

Manager’s report was made available to the public.

Subdivisions/Land Developments:

            There were no new subdivisions or land developments and no action due.

Fire Co. Report:

Fire Co. President Lloyd Ohl gave thanks to all who helped with the Lower Milford Fire Carnival. The Pork and Spaghetti Dinners will start again in September.  The Fire Co. Hall is available for rentals.

Old Business:

MOTION was made by Wright to adopt the Nuisance Ordinance (No. 106).  Schantz seconded the motion.                                                                                 Unanimous

Harris produced a letter and petition from the Wilsons for changes to the Zoning Ordinance, concerning pet control which will be addressed by the Planning Commission.

MOTION was made by Wright to adopt Resolution 2007-22 amending the 2007 Budget.  Harris seconded the motion.                                                                       

The accumulation of expense for Act 537 was due to financial analysis by the engineers for various systems which were considered.                                               Unanimous

MOTION was made by Schantz to pursue a grant through the Lehigh County Dirt and Gravel Road Program.  Wright seconded the motion.                             Unanimous                             

Harris announced a letter of interest received from Lowell Linde to serve on the Agricultural Security Area Advisory Board. 

MOTION was made by Harris to appoint Lowell Linde to the Agricultural Security Area Advisory Board.  2 Aye 1 Nay.                                                     Motion Carried

Schantz felt someone more up to date with agriculture would be more appropriate.  Harris thought this board could also be utilized to make proposals to the Board of Supervisors to promote the farming community.

MOTION was made by Harris to form an Emergency Services Advisory Committee consisting of Lois Gadek, John Dondero, Ellen Koplin, a Fire Co. representative and an Ambulance Corp representative.  Wright seconded the motion.

Lloyd Ohl said the Fire Co. and Ambulance Captains relayed to him that they did not have the time to devote to these meetings and they feel communications with the Township have been good so that this committee is not necessary.  They prefer persons volunteer their services rather than join committees.  Harris explained the roll of the Advisory Committee.  Ohl asked Dondero if he was agreeable to the forming of the committee.  He was agreeable.  

Ann Frey asked why letters of interest were not accepted for the positions on this committee.  Because it has to do with emergency services it made sense to have that type of persons on the committee. 

Mike Harned suggested postponing if the Fire Co. is not interested.

Lois Gadek outlined the reasons for suggesting the formation of the committee. Including the health, safety, welfare and financial interest of the Township.

Harris said the regionalization of emergency services is a large undertaking and the committee would be vital in helping with that.  He agreed to table the motion until the August workshop.  It was emphasized that this committee is not for each individual department but as a whole to communicate information.                                                    Motion tabled

Other Business:

MOTION was made by Schantz to purchase a 1992 Elgin Sweeper (includes additional parts sweeper) for $2,000.  Wright seconded the motion.                  Unanimous

Harris announced the receipt of an Assessment Appeal Hearing notice for Richard Buck, 1885 Urffers Road.  The concensus of the Board was not to participate in the hearing.

Announcements:

·         Volunteers are needed to maintain the Township Gardens

·         Festival Volunteers Needed for September 22, 2007 from 10 am to 5 pm

·         Wright pointed out the written report outlining the results of the PSATS Convention, available for public review, on the back table.

Citizen Comments:

            There were none.

Harris adjourned the meeting at 8:45 pm.