The monthly Lower Milford Township Board of Supervisors regular meeting took place June 16 with several items in new business, highlighted by some news about the Southern Lehigh Public Library.

The meeting began without public comment. Following, the previous meeting’s minutes were approved.

In the township treasurer’s report, it was noted the township only had $1,278 remaining in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 fund with $177,270 provided for the road department. The roads have been a priority for the township. The fund started at $194,375. However, it was noted the next installment of funds will be provided by the end of the month. The total amount awarded to the township was $400,000.

The administrator, zoning, public works and the township secretary reports were all approved without much discussion. Of note, small work and ground cleanup was done on township roads and at the township building. There was little else besides resident concerns about road conditions; however, the township is working to address those concerns.

There was action on a property on Dekrane Drive for a land development plan. There have been numerous complaints on this property and action was taken at a prior meeting by council. The proposed plans show several improvements to the property to meet regulations. A third-party inspector will be going to the property to review the improvements. The board will approve the plan once the inspector gives his approval.

There were four items in old business.

First, the adoption of Ordinance 140 was approved by the board. A traffic study was performed by Cowan Associates and it was recommended a restriction on Hoffman Lane for specific truck traffic be put in place. The ordinance restricts any vehicle over 40 feet from traveling on a specific stretch on Hoffman Lane. The restriction does not include school buses, emergency vehicles or quick deliveries.

An educational stipend for new emergency management coordinator Brian McKee was approved with $10 an hour provided for any online classes or certificate programs and $15 an hour for any in-person programs.

Next, it was announced Little Creek Farm was hired for the township lawn care services. Additionally, a cleaning company was hired for township cleaning services.

In new business, there were also several items.

A request of $4,000 from the Macungie Ambulance Corps was approved. The funds will go to purchasing a new ambulance. The price for an ambulance is estimated at around $200,000. Lower Milford makes up only around two percent of the calls to the ambulance corps. So, the funds requested by the corps reflect that percentage of the total cost of the ambulance.

The board approved a recommendation from the township treasurer to authorize the transfer of partial general funds to a Pennsylvania Local Government Investment Trust Term Account. This account offers a better interest rate.

A new IRS reimbursement rate was approved for employees using personal vehicles for township business. The new rate will be 62.5 cents per mile.

Next, it was established Jan. 2, 2023, will be recognized as a legal holiday for New Year’s Day. It removes Dec. 30 as the holiday. It was to adjust for the appropriate days of the week.

There was news on the Southern Lehigh Public Library. Lower Saucon Township is requesting to join the library and even made a $50,000 donation. However, the check given to the library was never cashed.

Southern Lehigh representative Ryan Fields said the funds were held because they wanted to gather more information on where the donation money came from. There is more correspondence expected between Lower Saucon and the library. Lower Milford’s Board of Supervisors approved a motion to send a letter to the library representative recommending Lower Saucon join the Southern Lehigh Public Library.

Last in new business, guard rails were approved for Schultz Bridge Road.

In correspondence, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency formally acknowledged the recommendation to appoint McKee as the Lower Milford emergency management coordinator. McKee is just a few steps from being officially approved.

The second item was a letter from Girl Scout Brownie Troop 6414 regarding speeding on West View Road. The board decided to add a blurb about the problem in their newsletter, plus they recommended the Troop reach out to the police and request better patrolling of the area.

The next Lower Milford Board of Supervisors regular meeting will take place 6:30 p.m. July 21. The meetings are located at 7607 Chestnut Hill Church Road.