The Lower Milford Township Board of Supervisors meeting Nov. 19 started with Supervisor John Quigley’s objection to the township secretary. His objection was a part of the meeting minutes.

Following his objection, the minutes of Oct. 15 and Nov. 5 were approved. A discussion occurred about the third paragraph in the minutes. Quigley said he left the last meeting because he did not receive the upcoming budget before the start of the previous meeting, not because of the presence of Stacy Smith.

Koplin said the budget was not necessarily supposed to be sent before the previous meeting. Wright objected, stating she did request supervisors receive the budget prior.

However, Wright objected to Quigley walking out of the meeting. She said even though the budget wasn’t prepared prior, she believed it was still in the best interest to stay at the meeting and go over the presented budget.

“That’s what the workshop meeting is for ... a lot was discussed during the previous meeting and you chose to walk out on that time to go over everything,” Wright said.

Following Wright’s statement, the treasurer’s report was read and approved. The bill list was approved as well.

However, during the motion for the bill list, Quigley took issue with the money spent to Clark Hill, a litigation firm Quigley claims is investigating him. He said all board members should be aware of this investigation and questioned the solicitor. The solicitor was not a part of that investigation to give him an answer to his question.

Solicitor Mark Cappuccio concluded with, “I don’t know the reason ... There may be a good faith reason for why a board member was not included.”

In the fire company report, it was noted 103 incidents have been reported since January. There were 12 building fires and two car fires on the list.

Southern Lehigh Library Representative Ryan Fields was in attendance to give a library report. He said the library is continuing its in-person and curbside pickup. They haven’t received any guidance from the state in regard to updated COVID-19 rules, so they are continuing to run things as they are. If any changes occur, Fields said a note will be sent to Lower Milford.

Old business began with Resolution 2020-9. This is for the Lower Milford Township Fire Company stipend recipients. The resolution allotted the distribution of the annual stipend to the volunteers of the township fire company. This was introduced in October 2019 in the amount of just under $3,000.

Next, the Limeport Wastewater Treatment Repair Plan cost analysis was discussed. Township Administrator Emily Fucci announced materials and estimated man-hours were quoted. All work should be able to be completed in-house, with direction from an outside consultant. The repairs were approved by the supervisors.

Three companies gave the township lawn care estimates for the fall cleanup. A winning bid was approved for $4,000. There were questions on whether enough funds were available. It was stated there will be funds available for this.

The last item in old business was the second draft of the budget.

There were a few changes. Earned income tax was adjusted by Berkheimer’s projections. It was reduced by $95,000. The funding listed in 2021 for COVID-19 relief reimbursements was moved back to 2020 as the township received $6,466 sooner than expected.

Additionally, issues over the contract with The Sanctuary at Haafsville handling animal control was discussed. They were being used well and beyond what the contract called for, so the contract needed to be readjusted. A six-month trial contract for $1,500 was approved.

The final discussion was over the secretary’s new salary. The salary was determined to be equal to other township secretaries. Quigley felt the current person doesn’t deserve the raise she will receive.

“In the first quarter of 2020, we had eight employees. The draft budget that we’re looking at right now is based on seven employees ... That’s a saving in salary and benefits of $87,000,” Koplin said

She added they eliminated the township manager position and added those responsibilities to the current township administrator. Plus, they eliminated an in-office public works director to hire an on-site public works foreman. Both of those positions combined for $130,000.

Quigley continued about the township administrator salary saying he thinks $60,000 is way too much for someone of her experience.

He voted against the budget for these reasons.

Quigley, then, pointed to the legal fees saying the township is paying $146,000 more this year than last year. He referenced back to the Clark Hill investigation.

Wright said even with the added legal fees, they are still within budget. She also said personnel issues should and cannot be discussed, so that is why legal fees are spent. She commented no tax increase will occur from this.

A motion was approved to advertise the proposed 2021 budget for adoption in December.

In new business, a recreation and open space board funding request was received for park maintenance. The request was logged and the maintenance will be included in the ground’s crews’ schedule for the upcoming spring. However, some funds may need to be adjusted instead of receiving additional funds.

Additionally, drafts for several zoning ordinance amendments were reviewed. The township’s medical marijuana ordinance was rewritten with less strict language as well as an amendment to a farming ordinance started by a lot size issue with residents looking to start a small winery. These were approved for advertisement.

The last item on the agenda was for Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors commercial driver’s license program enrollment. This program will provide resources from PSATS to give the township the ability for CDL testing. This is a change from the previous program. This was approved by all supervisors.

At the end of the meeting, a public comment was made in support of funding for the library. It was announced the township will continue with the same funding as years past.