Lower Milford Board of Supervisors gets first look at 2012 Budget Draft

The Lower Milford Board of Supervisors, at a recent meeting, got a look at the 2012 budget draft, discussed emergency permits for Hurricane Irene, heard a report on the Fall Festival, and passed an earned income tax ordinance.

The budget draft includes a recommended 25 percent reduction in donations. A majority of the donations go to libraries and the Southern Lehigh Living Memorial Park. “Everybody's tightening their belts,” said Township Manager Ellen Koplin.

Koplin reported on emergency permits from the state Department of Environmental Protection for repairs to damaged infrastructure from Hurricane Irene. The permits allow the township to bypass certain procedures to allow repairs to be done quickly.

The township removed the bridge on W. Scout Road after receiving an emergency permit. The abutment had pivoted, putting the bridge in danger of collapsing. “It was becoming increasingly dangerous,” said Koplin.

Bank stabilization near Schultz Bridge Road will be done after Nov. 1, and the township is waiting on a permit for the halfpipe culvert on Schoolhouse Lane.

Supervisor Donna Wright reported a $368 profit from the Fall Festival. The money was put toward the Lower Milford Community Park Fund. “It was broadcast to have a record amount of rain,” Wright said about the day of the festival.

The board passed an earned income tax ordinance that will start in 2012. The township along with other municipalities will join a countywide committee. The earned income tax will be collected by Berkheimer Tax Administrator.

Meanwhile, township residents Dottie Link and Anthony Verhagen expressed concern about a halfway house on Schoolhouse Lane. Link and Verhagen, who live near the house, said parked cars had been blocking the street and that as many as 12 cars have been in the parking lot of the single-family dwelling.

“It's a secluded area and it concerned us,” said township resident Skip Link.

The Links claimed they had seen altercations and counselors out at night searching for house residents.

The board recommended checking with the state Department of Public Welfare and if necessary calling the police department.

The board is scheduled to meet at 7:30 tonight (Nov. 3) at the Township Municipal Building.