With spring approaching, Upper Milford Township Manager Bud Carter proposed moving forward with opening up public facilities this spring at the March 4 Upper Milford Board of Supervisors meeting.

Carter sought approval from supervisors to open public bathrooms at Jasper and Lenape parks and the board unanimously agreed.

“I’d like to move forward with opening up when the season permits for use,” he said.

“I think it’s fine,” Supervisor Joyce Moore said. “I think we’re near the end of this.”

However, Carter opposed opening the pavilions to rent, as he does not want to encourage people to gather in large groups.

Vice Chairperson Robert Sentner believes the township should open the pavilions up for rentals, at the renter’s discretion. Moore explained she “doesn’t have a problem with it,” since the gatherings would take place outside.

“Being outside is a whole lot different than being inside,” Moore said.

Solicitor Marc Fisher advised they use suggestive language on the rental application to ensure renters are aware of the risks associated with gathering in large groups. The board agreed to open the park pavilions to renters under those precautionary measures. Moving forward, the board unanimously decided to not allow anyone to use the municipal center for the remainder of the year. However, Sentner recommended revisiting the item in July.

In other news, the board held a moment of silence for former supervisor William Schaffer at the beginning of the meeting. Schaffer served as a supervisor from 1986 to 1993.

Lastly, Carter acknowledged the 90-day detour on Route 29 effective March 28.

“Southbound will be detoured,” Carter said. “Northbound will be able to go over the existing bridge.”

Secretary-Treasurer Jessi O’Donald explained northbound traffic will continue through Emmaus from the Trivet Diner to provide easy access for emergency vehicles. Cars can detour to Brookside Road and trucks can follow through from Cedar Crest Boulevard to Buckeye Road.

The board then moved into an executive session over legal matters.