The October Lower Milford Township Board of Supervisors meeting was held Oct. 21.

The meeting began without public comment.

Supervisor John Quigley announced he never received the meeting agenda before the meeting and would not participate in agenda items. Quigley then handed over papers on an ongoing wrongful termination case regarding the previous township manager and walked out of the board room.

The township treasurer’s report and the September meeting minutes were approved. The general fund totaled $1,432,089.

The October bills were approved.

In the administrator’s report, the Lower Milford Fall Festival was highlighted for its record attendance of over 3,000 people. The festival took place Sept. 25. There were around 50 vendors, all-day live music, animal exhibits and hot-air balloon rides. It was noted parking will need to be expanded next year due to the volume of attendees.

The secretary’s report showed a lot of work done in correspondence with the fall festival, as well as a lot of communication with the public works department.

Four Southern Lehigh Library representatives were in attendance for a 2022 budget discussion. Lower Milford donated $25,000 for the year 2021. The library reps said their fundraisers were successful, even with a difficult past 18 months.

Of note, curbside pickup has waned, with most people coming into the library to get their books. Patrons need to wear masks when entering the building. It was mentioned usage of their online services has increased. Fines on overdue materials have been permanently dropped by the library as well.

The main highlight of the 2022 library budget is an increase in employee wages. Employees previously making under $15 an hour will increase to $15 an hour. In addition, new employees will receive small percentage increases. The library reps pointed out a lot of chain businesses are increasing their minimum wage to around $15 or more. They believe Southern Lehigh Library workers with long-term experience and specific skills should see their wages match surrounding businesses.

With the wage increases, the 2022 Southern Lehigh Library budget request was for $28,226. Supervisors thought the increase in wages was a smart idea. However, they wanted to see more statistics and discuss the total budget for next year before deciding.

In new business, two more funding requests and budget presentations were received. The Macungie Ambulance Corp. and Lower Milford Fire Company handed in their 2022 budgets.

After no action was taken, the meeting moved to the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 funding project recommendations.

An immediate need from the ARPA funds is for a new BATCO tractor for the public works department. It is badly needed by the department and will take about six months to arrive. Estimated prices are around $150,000. Paving and stormwater control can’t be done without an operational tractor and the current equipment is failing. The board approved an intent of purchase.

Township Administrator Emily Fucci also presented a solution for better air quality in the Lower Milford Township building.

Another opportunity to use the funds would be to upgrade the township building’s front lobby window to Plexiglas. It was also discussed to use the funds for an upgraded computer server system.

More renovations suggested were stormwater runoff ideas and sewage updates, as well as other equipment.

Supervisors requested estimates for the several funding ideas and further discussion can take place at an upcoming meeting so they can prioritize what work they can get done.

A motion was approved for a sink water heater, so water will work better in the township building.

Next, it was announced a CPA will need to be hired for the 2021 fiscal audit. Supervisors approved submitting an advertisement for the position.

Supervisors requested perc tests be performed for a new drain field for the township septic system and requested a design and estimate from the township engineer. This is budgeted with the ARPA funds.

Receipt of all items under correspondence was announced. A request came in from Meals on Wheels to support their renovation plans. A letter was received from Lehigh County hiring poll workers. There was also an announcement of a winter clothing drive for homeless veterans hosted by Battle Borne.

Public comments were made regarding the fire company’s success with the silent auction at the fall festival, bringing in over $2,000. Additionally, a yearly stipend of $2,400 will be distributed to the fire company for qualifying members.

A conditional use application CU-2-21 hearing was scheduled for the Lower Milford Board of Supervisor’s workshop meeting Nov. 4. SJC Development requested conditional use at their property. Supervisors decided to hire Attorney James Preston to handle this matter. He will sit in at the conditional use hearing and hear the matter. He will give his findings and beliefs to supervisors after the hearing.

Lower Milford Board meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at the Lower Milford Township building, 7607 Chestnut Hill Church Road. Meetings occur regularly in person 6:30 p.m. There is no virtual access.