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LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIP of LEHIGH COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Thursday, August 17, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. MINUTES
Chairman Richard Harris called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. Present were Supervisors Arland Schantz and Donna Wright. Also present were Township Solicitor Emil Kantra, Township Manager Ellen Koplin and approximately 14 others.
The Pledge of Allegiance was said by all.
Citizen comments were accepted throughout the meeting.
Regular Business: A motion was made by Schantz to approve the minutes of the July 20, 2006 Regular Board of Supervisor meeting minutes with changes to the first section regarding Evelyn Yosts statement. There was no second to the motion. The vote was tabled for lack of a second until the tape could be listened to for the appropriate wording.
MOTION was made by Wright to approve the minutes of the August 9, 2006 Board of Supervisors Workshop minutes. Schantz seconded the motion. Unanimous
Treasurers Report as of July 31, 2006 was accepted as read: · General Fund $571,998.00 · Capital Reserve Fund 61,234.00 · Road Projects Fund 277,112.00 · State Liquid Fuels Tax Account 234,079.00 · MOTION was made by Wright to pay the August 2006 bills. Schantz seconded the motion. Unanimous Schantz requested having the bills ahead of time to review them before the meeting.
Police Business: The Police Report was made available to the public.
Harris mentioned the police vehicle is striped and uniforms have been obtained.
Public Works Business: The Public Works Report was made available to the public.
MOTION was made by Schantz to obtain DeRitis Co. Cleaning Service at $293/month. Wright seconded the motion. Unanimous
State Representative: Representative Karen Beyer and her assistant Liz Rodriguez were visiting and gave out a packet to each supervisor containing Legislation of Interest to Local Officials requesting if the Supervisors have any thoughts or inclinations concerning pending legislation, to let her know. Also included were literature on the Local Government Capital Project Loan Program, the Local Municipal Resources and Development Program and the Growing Smarter Toolkit. She also explained the State Budget Passed … as contained in the packet. She expressed her support for our troops also contained in the packet. She urged the Supervisors to apply for State Grant money for any projects they may consider doing.
Zoning Business: The Zoning Report was made available to the public.
Manager’s Business: Manager’s report was made available to the public.
MOTION was made by Schantz to adopt the Purchase Order Policy as revised. Wright seconded the motion. Unanimous
Subdivisions/Land Developments: There were no new Subdivisions or Land Developments.
MOTION was made by to accept Resolution 2006-30 – Deed of Dedication for Campbell Subdivision Road Right-of-way. Harris seconded the motion. Unanimous
Attorney Kantra was asked to explain a request for a DEP Planning Waiver & Non-Building Declaration for the Bradford Property by Community Baptist Church. The lot line will fall directly on the municipal boundary with all development taking place in Milford Township and none in Lower Milford. Should any development occur on the Lower Milford portion of the property the DEP sewage permit process will start over.
MOTION was made by Harris to accept the Planning Waiver & Non-Building Declaration. Wright seconded the motion. Unanimous
Fire Company Report: Lloyd Ohl, President of the Lower Milford Fire Co., thanked the Township for their help with the carnival. He requested that residents check their smoke alarms. He gave a request for volunteers for their dinners and Fire, Ambulance and Fire Police.
Other Business: MOTION was made by Wright to accept the Brandywine Proposal for $33,407.50. Schantz seconded the motion. Unanimous
Schantz questioned if the amount charged by Brandywine will vary from the amount proposed. Wright and Harris stated anything over that amount will have to have approval of the Supervisors and this is included in the proposal. Schantz also asked about the procedure and how the Supervisors will be kept informed and a scope for completion. The Planning Commission will keep the Supervisors informed as it proceeds and there is an 18 month estimated time of completion.
MOTION was made by Wright to purchase a membership for 1(one) year in Brandy Conservancy to take advantage of the savings reflected in the cost of the Brandywine Proposal as in the previous motion. Schantz seconded the motion. Unanimous
MOTION was made by Wright accepting the Urban Research and Development Proposal at a cost of $1,900 to coordinate with Brandywine Conservancy. Schantz seconded the motion. Unanimous
MOTION was made by Wright to accept Resolution 2006 – 29 Authorizing a DCED Grant application for Regional Plan Implementation. Schantz seconded the motion. Unanimous Ann Frey asked why Alburtis and Emmaus Boroughs are not listed in Resolution 2006-29. They are not seeking grant money but are participating in the effort. Harris reiterated the Board of Supervisors discussion and acknowledgment that we must be prepared financially to carry the costs if less or none of the grant money is received.
Harris announced the receipt of the Agricultural Security Area Application for Daniel W. VanHoudt, tax property ID # 640300146625 consisting of 29.729 acres on Church View Road.
MOTION was made by Schantz to approve the closing of a Tara Lee Estates cul-de-sac for a block party with the coordination of the Police Chief. Wright seconded the motion. Unanimous
Harris announced a check for $1,000 presented to Lower Milford Township by Andrew Hines, Director of Facilities, Lutron Electronics for emergency services to be divided between fire, ambulance and police.
Northampton County Conservation District submitted a request for Lower Milford Township to sponsor an event for the Lehigh Valley Watershed Conference. Since Lower Milford is not in Northampton County, the consensus of the Supervisors was not to sponsor an event.
Wright inquired about the request from the Lehigh County District Attorney, asking for financial support for Child Abuse Investigation, discussed in the workshop. Harris stated he spoke with Chief Dondero, who is obtaining more information, and it will be addressed at the September 21, 2006 Board of Supervisor’s meeting.
Harris stated that Lois Gadek gave an update on the Farmers Initiatives at the August workshop.
Wright brought an 1878 Lower Milford map for the public to view and to keep at the township building.
Schantz announced mandated tax study commissions in all districts. Southern Lehigh School District is instituting this now to look at changing EIT rates in favor of reducing property tax.
Correspondence (made available for the public on the rear table): · Southern Lehigh Living Memorial Community Park 7/18/06 Meeting Minutes · Southern Lehigh Public Library Board Meeting Minutes of 6/20 and 7/18 Agenda · Lower Milford Twp. Rec. & Open Space Brd. meeting minutes of 6/6/06
Citizen Comments: Jean Schoch inquired if the Purchase Order motion was finished. Koplin read her notes stating there was a unanimous vote.
Announcements: A calendar of events was attached to the agenda.
Harris adjourned the meeting at 8:44 pm.
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