A workshop meeting was held prior to the regular Upper MIlford Township meeting.

Representatives from the Western District Fire Company met with supervisors to discuss its need for a new building.

The regular meeting opened with public comment from Gary Heller of Vera Cruz.

Heller requested the board submit a grant proposal for $5,000 for the Upper Milford Historical Society for the preservation of several rare documents. Heller explained the documents are not in the best condition and the historical society would like to have them preserved and displayed in the archive room, auditorium or hallway at the municipal building.

“The historical society is mandated to educate our residents and these documents date back to the 1700s,” Neil Moser said.

Township supervisors must submit the grant application.

Upper Milford Township Secretary/Treasurer Jessi O’Donald told the board the grant submission is “similar to the other ones and it is easy to submit.”

Supervisor Angela Ashbrook inquired, along with Dan Mohr, supervisor chairman, about who would be responsible for any balance exceeding the $5,000 grant.

Heller explained he continues to “shop around” for pricing to keep it within the grant budget; however, the historical society “could find a way to pay it.”

Heller explained the historical society likes to keep the dues low to maintain its membership.

“We rely on membership dues,” he said.

O’Donald reminded the board that after the grant proposal is submitted, it would come back for board approval.

The board appeared to have no problem applying for the grant but was concerned about costs that could exceed the $5,000. The grant would pay to preserve the documents and frame them. The board approved the request for the grant.

Mohr also informed Heller about the Royal Order of the Golden Eagle bylaws that he came across in Vera Cruz that Heller might be interested in and Heller said he would research it.

The historical society maintains 11 cases of artifacts in its archives room which are changed on a regular basis.

Moser said the historical society has information on 146 farms in the township and more than 4,000 digital images available of the farms. Numerous artifacts of the Lenni Lenape were donated by the late Bob Thomas. Moser and other members of the historical society visit schools such as Eyer Middle School and have had students from Emmaus High School work with them in the archives room.

Also in public comment, President of the Homeowners Association at the Field at Indian Creek, Dave Skinner asked the board’s help to put pressure on Rick Koze and Kay Builders to get the work completed on the cables.

“This is a safety issue and Kay is not making it a priority,” he said.

Skinner explained the project has come to a “screeching halt” and he is appealing to the board to “set a deadline for Kay and to get this completed as soon as possible.”

According to Skinner, Kay Builders seems to be completing the work at their convenience and he estimated the work at the current pace will take through November.

Ashbrook asked if the project is weather-dependent and Skinner said it is somewhat; however, a tent was brought in for the workers.

“Why doesn’t Kay have 4-5 workers on this?” Skinner asked.

Manager Bud Carter said he will reach out to his contact and see what he can do about this concern. Solicitor Marc Fisher informed Skinner there was no extension on the agenda for Kay Builders.

Finally in public comment, Chris Greb of Macungie Ambulance Corps provided his yearly report to supervisors.

Greb informed the board the Macungie Ambulance Corps responded to 4,552 calls for service in 2024. He shared the ambulance corps taught 21 community courses, certified 303 individuals in first aid and/or CPR, trained 354 people in “hands only” CPR, attended more than a dozen community events, held an open house during EMS week in May at Lockridge Park and helped maintain over 40 automated external defibrillators in the community.

The corps is made up of 17 full-time workers and two additional EMTs. Macungie Ambulance Corps maintains five ambulances costing $80,000 to operate. A new ambulance has been purchased for $290,000 and will be ready in two years.

Greb thanked the supervisors for their support.

“We are happy to be strong. We cover five municipalities and Upper Milford is getting what it needs. I hope the residents appreciate that.”

In new business, Supervisor John Zgura asked the board advertise for a full-time public works employee. Mohr and Zgura voted in favor of it and it passed. However, Ashbrook voted against it.

The board also passed Resolution 2025-030 to have the township enter into a loan agreement with Lehigh County for the purchase of state-mandated radios at zero percent interest.

Supervisors also voted in favor of the radio agreement. The agreement was signed by both fire companies. Fisher said the board will need to adopt an ordinance for state approval. The agreement is expected to appear on the July 17 agenda.

Zgura proposed canceling the July 3 meeting since it falls the day before a federal holiday and residents could be traveling for the holiday.

Carter noted “as of now the meeting is canceled; but if something comes up, we can decide next week to hold the meeting.”

O’Donald said she will need the supervisors to be available to pay the bills. All the supervisors said they would be available.

Carter and Fisher shared the current draft of the complaint policy. Ashbrook noted a couple of concerns with specific wording and acknowledged “it is better than what we had.”

Fisher shared another draft will be on the meeting agenda for July 17.

Township resident Phil Casey inquired if the complaints become public domain. Fisher said “some can, while others can’t. It depends on the situation.”

Finally, the board approved Carter’s request to advertise the 1996 backhoe on Municibid for sale.

In subdivisions, Upper Milford Township Engineer Jeffrey Ott requested funds be released for Fields at Twin Run and Fields at Jasper Ridge. Ashbrook inquired if the township can stop people from moving into the new houses until the other work is done in the developments. Carter said “roads must be in mud-free condition.”

A resident from Fields at Indian Creek asked what the funds are for because when he moved in, he had to park on Indian Creek Road because the road was not finished. Zgura explained the money is for construction start up. The board approved Credit Release No. 4 for the Fields at Twin Run in the amount of $272,951.40. Carter anticipates the curbs should be in by August.

The board also approved the Credit Release No. 10 for the Fields at Jasper Ridge in the amount of $104,375.69. This money, according to Zgura, is for 194 trees and shrubs in recreation areas, as well as street signs. O’Donald noted the cost includes labor.

In correspondence, Carter shared a letter from resident Ronnie Welch who requests a traffic study be completed for the intersection of St. Peter’s Road and Macungie Mountain/Furnace Hill. Welch would like to see a four way stop placed at the intersection.

Ashbrook was concerned a traffic study could result in the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation increasing the speed limit on the road. A discussion followed regarding accidents and a fatality at the intersection. Carter said the study could focus only on the intersection rather than the roads. Carter will contact Welch and PennDOT. The board wants Welch to understand the traffic study could result in an outcome different than what she’s seeking.

Casey thanked the board for replacing the battery in the speed monitor near his home.

The board approved the requests for special fire police for the Lower Milford Fall Festival scheduled 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 27 and also for the Emmaus Halloween Parade scheduled 6 p.m. Oct. 19.

In recreation news, Jasper Day was held 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 21 at Jasper Park. All were encouraged to attend to cheer on the runners in the events as well as the UMYA activities.

Lauren Haponski shared 197 responses were received for the recreation survey and 147 of those responses were from residents.

Mohr said the Vera Cruz Homecoming event is scheduled for Aug. 17 and ad space is available in the homecoming book.

Carter recognized Brent Fegley of the public works department for his service to the township. Fegley retired June 20.

The next board of supervisors meeting will be 7 p.m. July 17 in the township building, 5671 Chestnut St.