LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIP

LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS - WORKSHOP MEETING

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2005

MINUTES

PRESENT:       Richard D. Harris, Chairman; Arland H. Schantz, Vice-Chairman; Joan B. Dreibelbis, Member/Treasurer; Ellen L. Koplin, Twp. Manager; and Six Members of the Audience

-The meeting was called to order by Chairman Harris at 7:37 pm.

-Comments were received throughout the meeting.

-Base Engineering’s August 30, 2005 proposal to conduct a study of Schultz Bridge Road

for the purpose of a possible vehicle length restriction was discussed.  An alternative study would be to analyze the road for weight capacity.  The consensus of the Supervisors was to proceed with the length study and see what the results are.  The proposal will be placed on the September 15, 2005 regular Board of Supervisors meeting for authorization to proceed.

-Woodland Management

Forester Guy Sexton, who is timbering near the township property located on East Mill Hill Road, contacted Arland Schantz.  Mr. Sexton wanted to know if the Township is interested in lumbering the eight (8) acre property.  Discussion took place concerning selective timber harvesting, items such as stages of re-growth, recovery time period, size of trees selected.

Richard Harris suggested that Richard Kinsey, Public Works Director and Ellen develop a proposal to present to the Board.

-Announcements:

            -Lehigh County furnished the township with discount prescription cards for residents use.  Items not covered by a prescription plan will receive a discount.  The cards are located on a table in the foyer.

            -The township received a check from their insurance carrier, Selective Ins. in the amount of $6,442.24.  Selective Ins. covers the majority of municipalities in Pennsylvania.  The premiums paid are analyzed against the number and dollar amount of claims and a portion of the paid premium is returned to the municipalities if warranted.

            -Richard Harris reminded everyone of the Township Fall Festival coming up on September 24, 2005.

            -Ellen informed the Board members of a request by a resident to close the dead-end portion of Primrose Lane in the Tara Lee Estates Subdivision, for a block party on Sept. 17, which will last several hours.  The Board indicated by consensus that blocking traffic for the block party would acceptable.

-Ellen briefed the Supervisors on the condition of the township car and what would be needed for inspection.  She suggested that a grant could be pursued through DCED for up to $25,000. which could be used to purchase a mid-size four wheel drive vehicle under the Penna. state purchasing program.  The grant does not contain a requirement for matching funds from the municipality.  Discussion occurred as to why a vehicle is needed.  We have several small dump trucks the  Zoning Officer or Manager could use.  An SUV would be more flexible for Emergency Management use, seminars and conferences, hauling small items, property inspections.

The Board members agreed to proceed with pursuit of a grant and the item will be placed on the September 15, 2005 agenda.

-No further questions or comments were received.

-The meeting adjourned at 8:50 pm.