Preliminary reports on the recent police study were presented last week with the conclusion there is no need for a local police force.

Former Township Supervisor William Mayo sent a letter with an opinion suggesting the township should maintain status quo with the state police. The final police report will be issued Dec. 19.

An executive session was held for the clerical union contract.

Brian Miller, Upper Milford Township planning coordinator, sent a letter thanking the township for their Smart Growth plan.

In a report to the commissioners, Township Engineer William Erdman said the Knerr-Witter lot line adjustment is finalized. This property is in the remote western portion of the township. The Schoeneck Road project is in the design process. There will be extensive utility reconfiguration. This area will also have a traffic signal.

The former DayTimers site was reviewed. Several firms have expressed interest in the site. There could be a decision on this property by the end of the year.

Township Manager Bruce Fosselman said the new board room should be ready by the Dec. 19 commissioners meeting.

The Brookside Road project has been completed. Fosselman expressed his gratitude for the lack of traffic problems, particularly around the township complex. Questions were raised about why one bridge received a smooth coating and the other bridge looks unfinished and is not as smooth.

Roof repairs to the municipal building were completed Nov. 11.

The replacement of two mature evergreen trees at Brookside Farms Park, slated to be cut down, has been delayed. This was requested by PPL as the trees are in the power line zone. These trees are to be relocated to Brookside and Sauerkraut Roads. Maple trees located on the east side of Willow Street are to be moved to Penn's Woods retention pond. There are 25 of these trees.

Vice President Ryan Conrad expressed his dissatisfaction about the real estate tax.

"We need to have a long-term sustainable, responsible solution to ensuring our financial stability as a community. In my opinion, a property tax is not the right solution. It is based on the value of your home, which you have little or no control of, and it is unrelated to your ability to pay, " Conrad said.

"As an alternative, I am recommending a short-term approach to deal with the $1.046 million deficit so we can explore a long-term, sustainable and fair solution. The short-term solution is a combination of cutting additional spending and also borrowing from our general fund reserve to plug the deficit. The longer term solution is to investigate the merits of a Home Rule Charter which would provide greater flexibility in determining the future and what is best for the township. A Home Rule Charter would give us the option to explore an increase in the Earned Income Tax, which I believe is a fairer tax in the event we truly need additional revenue."

Joe Pugliese suggested the commissioners find another way to find funds.

"The real estate tax is not the way to go," Pugliese said.