Upper Milford supervisors last week advanced two ordinances proposed by the fire company steering committee, but a third is still being debated.

At the Sept. 17 meeting, supervisors authorized solicitor Marc Fisher to prepare an ordinance requiring all new businesses, as well as those undergoing major renovations, to purchase lock boxes which can be opened by fire department personnel in the event of an emergency.

The boxes, which will cost the businesses about $500, will contain keys to enable emergency personnel to access the buildings in case of fire or other emergencies so first responders do not have to smash windows or break down doors.

Supervisors Chairman George DeVault said the boxes “save a lot of time and property.”

Supervisors also supported a proposed ordinance which would fine property owners whose alarm systems register more than two false alarms within a calendar year.

Assistant Township Manager Tim Haas, who is chairing the steering committee, said there are a few repeat offenders. He said the proposed ordinance still has to be reviewed by the solicitor.

Supervisors also debated a ban on outdoor burning, but postponed action on it.

“In 2015, to be burning garbage is ridiculous,” Supervisor Robert Sentner said.

Sentner noted the township has a recycling center for yard waste, so people have no reason to burn such material on their property. He said he would support allowing campfires and bonfires under certain restrictions.

DeVault agreed, saying the fire departments make a lot of water hauls because people are burning outdoors.

“Burning makes the fire departments’ job even harder,” DeVault said.

But Supervisor Daniel Mohr said he opposed a ban.

“Why?” Sentner asked. “It’s pollution going into the air.”

Audience member Francis Caputo said people are not aware of the waste recycling site. Hours at the site, which is behind the old township building, are noon to 6 p.m. Wednesdays; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. It is for use by township residents only. Complete rules are on the township website.

Another audience member, Phil Casey, was skeptical of the need for a ban.

“How many people are actually burning,” he asked. “You’re gonna make an adjustment to the rules for one or two people.”

Supervisors agreed to study the issue further.

In other business, the board appointed Haas assistant zoning officer. DeLong said Haas is well qualified to take on the additional responsibility.

In a related matter, DeLong noted the zoning hearing board is down one member and lacking three alternates.

“That’s another thing to think about,” DeLong told the board.

DeLong also informed supervisors they have until April 2016 to decide whether they want to acquire some or all of the Kohler tract for recreational use. The tract, on which a developer is proposing a residential development, is indicated as future recreation or conservation on the long range plan, but if the township wants it for this use, it would have to acquire the land.

In other business, Casey praised the public works department personnel for their professional handling of a resurfacing project on Main Road East. He said numerous drivers were speeding past the work site recently and one driver was giving the workers a hard time.

“The public works guys handled themselves well,” Casey said.