The Silver Lake Township Supervisors held their regular monthly meeting on Monday, August 4, 2008 at the Silver Lake Township building. Terry Dugan called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm and everyone saluted the Flag.

Tom Swan made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Terry Dugan seconded, approved.  The Treasurer’s report was read and held for audit on a motion made by Tom Swan and seconded by Terry Dugan.

Before public comment Terry Dugan spoke regarding the proposed zoning ordinance.  It was explained that no decision has been made.  A lot of good comments and questions came from the special meeting held on July 7.  The ordinance is still too long.  The Planning Commission has been asked to get more involved.  We would also like residents on a committee to help work on this project.  Hopefully we can work on rewriting an ordinance that will work for Silver Lake.  With the gas leases coming into the area it will bring money to the area which will also bring welcome changes but unwelcome changes will also come.  Amtrak is considering running a track through the New Milford area to connect to New York City.  If this happens, this too will bring changes to the area.  Terry explained that we would like to scale down the current proposed ordinance and make it more understandable for everyone.  This redrafting process is going to take a while and the new ordinance will not be ready for presentation until after the first of the year. 

Terry also spoke regarding the 2008 budget.  A lot of categories are over budget because of the high fuel prices.  There have also been equipment breakdowns.  Supervisors are looking into possibly an earned income tax as well as exploring other sources.  An update on the building purchase.  After working out a few problems, paperwork is finally going through.  The purchase should be completed soon. 

Tom Swan spoke on why Silver Lake joined with the Northern Tier Coalition.  Commonwealth looks favorably on townships that work together.  A total of 12 townships joined to work together.  Grant money has been received for composting equipment, joint comprehensive plan, and exploring zoning.  Silver Lake and Choconut went together for a grant for the purchase of a chipper and received it.  It is becoming harder and harder to get grant money and the Commonwealth is more likely to fund projects when townships consolidate and share equipment and services.

Public Comment:  A resident pointed out that if equipment is shared, the townships should be careful in who is running it.  It was asked what the annual NTC dues were.  There were a number of comments for and against zoning.  A group of residents from Laurel Lake were in attendance and asked if the speed limit on SR 4002 at Laurel Lake could be reduced as it was at Quaker Lake.  The Supervisors agreed to request a traffic study from PennDOT.

Sergeant Tim Burgh gave the police report with 42 reportable incidents for the month of July. 

Tom Swan gave the road report.  There are three roads left for maintenance.

One assessment permit was issued in July.

Tom Swan made a motion to pay the bills as submitted, Terry Dugan seconded, approved.  As no further business was presented, Terry Dugan made a motion to adjourn the meeting.