The Lower Milford Township Board of Supervisors regular meeting took place in person at the township building April 15.

The meeting began with comments from Lower Milford Township Supervisor John Quigley regarding the wording of March’s meeting minutes. However, this was resolved after a written restatement from Quigley was delivered.

The township treasurer’s report showed general fund bills totaling $1,197,811 as of March 31.

The administrator, zoning, public works and township reports were all approved.

Pothole repair work was completed on West Mill Hill, Wasser Road and Buhman Road, according to public works. Township Administrator Emily Fucci showed in her report she set the date and registered the township spring clean up day for April 24.

There was neither a fire company nor a library report.

In new business, the first item was a call to action for opening and awarding road bids. The bids were read aloud and awarded by supervisors thereafter.

The winning bids are as follows: The PA2A Subbase bid was awarded to Highway Materials Inc.

New Enterprise Stone and Lime received the Anti-Skid, R4 and R8 contract.

Asphalt Maintenance Solutions was awarded the single-seal coat contract. The bid for the single-seal coat for various roads cost a projected $95,621.80.

Lehigh Valley Lawn was the chosen recommendation for lawn care services. They came in at better prices overall with more services to be completed than ever before. This allows for the public works department to focus on upcoming road projects.

It was announced Terry Voight was hired by the township as a public works laborer. He has experience paving and doing pipework. Voight was officially approved by the supervisors as a township employee.

Second quarter late fees for the Limeport Wastewater Treatment Plant were discussed. Payment plans have been set up by some customers. Township treasurer Wendy Stryker reported to Fucci $5,260 of outstanding payments were paid since March. The supervisors decided to extend the non-penalty policy for late fees for one more month.

The township building septic system was discussed due to mass amounts of water runoff and other issues. Supervisors approved a motion to hire an engineer to look at the system and have it improved. A recommendation on what to do next is needed.

Job description updates also were discussed. The supervisors are going to submit any changes to Fucci. Nothing was noted during the meeting.

An appeal from Sean and Alicia Redfield for their private 2-acre winery was received. Solicitor Mark Cappuccio said township guidelines are stricter than state guidelines, which is why this is the third appeal from the Redfields. The township ordinance has regulations that are tough to meet for a small plot of land.

In their application, the couple stated one acre would produce an income of $37,500. They only need to produce $10,000. There were several questions concerning sourcing materials for production, multiple land usage and revenue requirements.

It was decided the solicitor will attend the zoning hearing meeting for the Redfields. This was approved in a motion. They do not want to see a situation where too many uses are occurring. They want to guarantee the small winery complies with the township ordinance.

Lehigh County Executive Phillips Armstrong attended the meeting. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act funding was discussed. Armstrong was proud of the expediency and accuracy in sending out the funds to the 25 townships in the county. He also stated county officials provided funding for nearly 900 businesses in the county. Armstrong and Lower Milford Township Supervisor Donna Wright discussed funding distributed to preserve farmlands.

Armstrong announced he was elected to two national boards, which gives him great insight into upcoming plans in many major cities. His interactions with these boards help him shape future decision-making regarding elections, infrastructure and many other projects.

In the correspondence portion of the agenda, Small Business Week 2021 was announced May 2 to 8.

The last item discussed was truck traffic on Chestnut Hill Church Road. The yellow lines and other markers on the road need to be redone in many spots. Wright said the improvements will be done once the road has been repaved. Remarks were made by a local resident about the deterioration of the road due to the amount of large trucks.

Supervisor Vice Chair Ellen L. Koplin suggested a possible weight restriction could be implemented. However, a traffic study needs to be completed for further discussion.

The obligational cost of trying to implement the may not be worth it. Supervisors could not come to a complete agreement on where the money should go. According to meeting discussion, Koplin thought a study would be fruitful. Wright would rather see the money go to line painting.

The next Lower Milford Board of Supervisors regular meeting will be 6:30 p.m. May 20 at the Lower Milford Township municipal building, 7607 Chestnut Hill Church Road, Coopersburg. Meetings are in person.