The Lower Milford Township Supervisors meeting took place Nov. 21 at the township building along Chestnut Hill Church Road near Limeport Pike.

The first presentation was the Southern Lehigh Library report, presented by library representative Ryan Fields. Fields, an attorney, announced the second annual Reading Between the Wines event had a wonderful turn out.

Over 100 people came to the event, which was a bigger turnout than last year. The event raised roughly $8,300 for the library and was given positive feedback. Fields stated organizers exceeded last year’s take, though they are hoping to set an even higher goal next year.

Fields next turned to maintenance at the library building. Insulation repairs are underway and the light control project, donated by Lutron Electronics, is taking place as well.

Next, Fields asked about the 5 percent increase to the library budget. He explained the library is hoping to add a staff member for, hopefully, $1,000 a month, plus a little extra money could help relieve the massive fundraising efforts yearly. Fields closed his presentation by mentioning how the money would go toward purchasing more advanced technology, which would help students and working community members.

Lower Milford Township Supervisor John Quigley questioned Fields on how many books were being taken out by Lower Milford residents, a point he echoed throughout the evening. He questions the amount of use Lower Milford residents were getting out of the Southern Lehigh Library.

Fields explained finding a precise number of ‘usage’ by residents is almost impossible because of all the services and activities held at the library. Traditionally, the library staff has not tracked patrons’ addresses, so they would not know those numbers. Plus, the Southern Lehigh Library is a part of the Lehigh Carbon Cooperative, a connected library system of 11 separate libraries in the area. Moreover, with e-books available online, it makes things extremely difficult to track everyone’s usage.

After Fields finished, Lower Milford Township Supervisors Chairperson Donna L. Wright made the announcement that Wendy Stryker had submitted her resignation as Lower Milford’s township treasurer. Stryker had been working for the township for several years, making an hour drive to work every day. She had found a job closer to her home and decided to take advantage when she was given the offer.

Wright continued by stating the township treasurer position is open. It is listed on the LowerMilford.org website.

Once Stryker steps away from her role, township manager Zachary Cooperman will step in as interim treasurer.

The meeting then moved to the advanced paid training for township worker Tyler Schmeltzle.

Cooperman explained on Oct. 17, a township driver got into an accident while working. The accident caused the employee to be put on disability. So, another township worker, Tyler Schmeltzle, was selected to replace the driver for this upcoming season.

Schmeltzle was already on his way to getting his CDL and the township needs a worker to drive for the upcoming snow season. On his current pace, Schmeltzle will not be able to drive in time, so Cooperman is asking for the township to pay for Schmeltzle’s advanced CDL training. Cooperman feels that a driver will be needed to cover the township in case inclement weather hits the area in the upcoming snow season.

Chairperson Wright does not think that they should be spending $3,000 to promote the driver for the upcoming season, when they could find a contracted CDL driver for the season. Supervisors were curious as to whether increasing the level of training for Schmeltzle could also mean increasing his pay while working for the township.

Cooperman stated that another driver plans on retiring some time in 2020. The money should be able to be budgeted because Schmeltzle’s advanced training would help the township for the long haul.

Cooperman stated the employee would still be a laborer for the township, but would be getting his CDL, so that he can drive one of the township vehicles. Schmeltzle would still be paid as a laborer. But, when the expected retirement occurs, Schmeltzle can interview for that position. However, the application for position would still be open to public applicants prior to a decision.

Cooperman stated he had spoken and seemingly confirmed with Tim Groller, the union representative for the operators. Though, it was suggested to contact Groller again and talk the decision through with everything mentioned during the meeting discussion.

The motion was made for Cooperman to contact the union representative and find out what he says about Schmeltzle getting his CDL and what that means for working for the township after he gets the CDL. Cooperman stated he will call Groller and confirm, then send a written letter of communication. He will come to the next meeting with a response and update.

The next item on the agenda was a request to create a fall festival fund.

Cooperman stated extra funds and donations should go to a fund to possibly expand the festival. This year 2,300 people attended the festival, and food vendors sold out twice.

The fund was complimented as a great idea and was quickly approved.

Following the quick announcement of the festival fund came a heated conversation of the township’s advertising budget.

Supervisor Michael Snovitch, who will retire in February 2020, began by motioning to increase the Southern Lehigh Library budget by 5 percent.

The current budget is $25,661, so the increase would be roughly $1,285.

Supervisor John Quigley was quick to retort he’s never received the usage rate and won’t second the motion without some type of report.

Wright seconded the motion to increase the budget, but there was an amendment. She thought that they should only increase to $26,000, a 1.3 percent increase, as this would bring the budget to a higher, ‘round’, number and keep Quigley from further arguing.

Quigley, at one point, turned to the audience and asked community members how much they used the Southern Lehigh Library. A couple community members raised their hands, with one man commenting his wife was a teacher and that he gives his full support to the library.

Supervisor Snovitch followed, “People use the library, John.”

The budget was accepted after the conversation.

After the conclusion of the budget conversation, the next item on the agenda was the amendment to Ordinance No. 113. Cooperman stated the township’s zoning officer determined Ordinance No. 113 is severely outdated.

They would like to amend the ordinance to show the Lower Milford ‘police force’ has disbanded. The new language should state that someone would give out building permits from the township office and that no police force is still in existence.

Wright read an appointment letter addressed to Elaine Snovitch from Gov. Tom Wolfe. She received the letter appointing her to the emergency management coordinator position. The letter was detailed and congratulated her upon her appointment. Wright congratulated Supervisor Mike Snovitch on her behalf.

Following an announcement of several open positions, the meeting was adjourned.

To see job listings, go to www.lowermilford.org.