LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIP

LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS - WORKSHOP MEETING

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2006

MINUTES

PRESENT:  Richard D. Harris, Chairman; Arland H. Schantz, Vice-Chairman; Donna L. Wright, Supervisor; Maureen Kinney, Treasurer; Richard Kinsey, Public Works Director, Zoning/Planning Administrator; and 11 members of the audience. 

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

- The draft resolution to coordinate Regional Comprehensive Plan with Lower Milford’s Zoning and SALDO Ordinances was not received, as expected, from Charles Schmehl of Urban Research and Development.  It will need to be voted on at the 8/17/06 Board of Supervisors meeting in order to have time to apply for the grant deadline at the end of September.  A revised proposal was received from Brandywine Conservancy and was reviewed by the Supervisors.    Concern about the purchasing of open space and the procedure was raised by a resident.  The Supervisors must decide if they will go ahead with coordinating the Zoning and SALDO whether they obtain grant funding or not.

- Maureen Kinney addressed questions concerning the Draft Purchase Order Policy.  Though anyone can submit a purchase order the only persons with the authority to initiate the purchase orders will be the Manager, Public Works Director and Police Chief.  The Policy will be voted on at the 8/17/06 Board of Supervisors meeting.

- Police Chief John Dondero read the letter from Lehigh County concerning a request for contribution to Child Abuse Investigation.   Harris asked what the contributions would be used for and  “Why are they asking for contributions?”  It will be discussed at the next workshop.

- Police Chief John Dondero received a letter from Senator Wonderlings office offering a DCED grant with a deadline of August 16, 2006.  It was the consensus of the Board of Supervisors that Dondero submit the necessary information to apply for the grant.

- Kinsey presented the proposal for cleaning services to possibly replace the custodial person we have at present.  There were three quotes received from different reputable, insured and bonded companies ranging from $293 to $595 per month.  This will be addressed at the 8/17/06 Board of Supervisors meeting.

- Schantz expressed his concern that the culvert on School House Road causes a dangerous driving condition with a hill, curve and intersection making it difficult to see cars coming until they are right on top of you.  Though the culvert meets the code requirements, speed infractions cause the hazard.  Resident John Stenroos suggested covering the culvert with a grate.  It was agreed that the engineer should look at it to determine if there is a problem or suggestions for improvement.

- Jean Schoch brought up the Scout Road Bridge issue which had been discussed at the 7/20/06 meeting of  the Board of Supervisors.  The supervisors explained that it is not cost effective to repair the bridge at this time and that the structure is being monitored regularly for any further deterioration.

- Lois Gadek gave an update on the initiatives for farmers which she proposed at the

§    Reminder to buy from Lower Milford farmers was inserted in newsletter along with an invitation for farmers to participate.

§    Only two farmers responded and sent in the questionnaire

§    Requested permission from the Board of Supervisors to send a specific questionnaire mailing to farmers and have it returned to the township.  The Board agreed.

Harris suggested setting up an informal meeting in the winter with the farmers to discuss how to help their farming businesses.

Gadek asked if liability coverage was an issue in order to hold a farmers market on the Township grounds. 

Harris suggested Gadek submit an invoice to the township for postage costs to send out the questionnaire.

- Ann Frey of the Planning Commission inquired what was happening with the Regional Parks and Open Space Plan.  Wright explained that Lower Milford signed an agreement with Emmaus and Macungie.  Upper Milford has since joined.  A planning consultant is being considered by Macungie Borough.

- Ed Matulevicius asked for and update on Act 537.  Wright suggest they attend the joint Planning Commission Workshop meeting, with the Board of Supervisors, on August 24, 2006, where this will be discussed in depth.  He also inquired about the stream re-certification for the Perkiomen Watershed.  He thought the Board was allowing negative imput and no positive.  Harris stated the solicitors recommended the Board should not write a letter of support with the Currative Amendment hearings going on.  Mr. Matulevicius and Ann Frey found out that Rebecca Hayden of the Lehigh Valley Conservation District had been asked to attend the last Board of Supervisors meeting but was then told not to bother.  They wondered why.  The Supervisors were unaware of the Hayden circumstances but assured them that no position had been taken for or against stream re-certification following the legal recommendations.

- The meeting adjourned at approximately 10:10 pm.