The Upper Milford Township meeting opened with public comment from Ben Kohler who wanted to see more of an “aggressive approach” by the township regarding tractor trailers using township roads.

Leaving the township building, 5671 Chestnut St. and driving less than a quarter of a mile to the intersection of state Routes 29 and 100, there are three large signs informing tractor trailers truck traffic is prohibited from driving on this particular road up ahead.

Kohler said his car was clipped by a tractor trailer that should not have been driving on this section of King’s Highway.

Kohler is concerned because the township’s population has increased 8% and neighboring Lower Macungie Township’s population increased 52%, according to the latest census data, leading to additional traffic.

Tractor trailers driving on these roads could have fatal consequences for the numerous drivers.

Kohler noted the truck drivers are looking for the shortest distance through the township and there appear to be no markings on the drive from Emmaus. Truck drivers using inaccurate GPS are not being informed they are not permitted to use these roads.

Board Chairman Dan Mohr commented he came out of his home on Main Road East and saw a tractor trailer drive right by where a sign is posted “No Trucks Over 55 feet.”

Kohler would like to see the supervisors organize with other municipalities and work with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation as well as state representatives to deal with this issue. Recently retired, Kohler offered his assistance in this area.

Mohr was concerned that even when the signs are posted, the truck drivers are not obeying them.

Chief of Western District Fire Company Mike Kline also shared his complaint to Lower Macungie Township about the same problems occurring on Mountain Road, Sweetwood Drive and Reservoir Hill Road.

“Someone’s going to get killed,” he warned.

A member of the State Police at Fogelsville (who was present at this meeting for another reason) offered to place troopers at trouble spots as a deterrent.

Mohr also noted the intersection near the Vera Cruz Fire Department can be confusing for all drivers since there are no painted lines for drivers to stop. As a result, the driver decides where to stop at one sign and the driver at the adjacent stop sign might not see them and think it is safe to continue through the intersection.

Mohr also said he observed a truck “blow right through the stop sign.”

Kohler added, “Thirty years ago traffic was not as bad, but the population of the area continues to grow” and these problems will become worse.

Upper Milford Township Manager Bud Carter told Kohler he will meet and discuss with staff and Solicitor Marc Fisher and get back to him. Kohler said, “I’m retired. I’ve got the time. I’m willing to donate it.”

Also in public comment, the Pennsylvania State Police sergeant thanked the members of the Vera Cruz Fire Department for their assistance with the recent Wheels of Time event that took place throughout the township, specifically the area of Buckeye Road. He said they were able to keep Buckeye Road open throughout the car parade with no issues.

Since Mohr was not present at the Aug. 21 meeting and Supervisor Angela Ashbrook was not present at this meeting, the minutes from the previous meeting could not be approved solely by Supervisor John Zgura. The minutes will be considered for approval at the Sept. 18 meeting.

In new business, Resolution 2025-034 regarding Kline’s Island sewer was tabled until the Sept. 18 meeting due to the absence of Ashbrook. Zgura said Ashbrook has questions about the issue and he wanted her present for the discussion.

Carter noted there are no time constraints demanding a decision be made at this time.

Western District Fire Company’s request for a State LSA Grant Application was also tabled due to Ashbrook’s absence. Kline said an architectural firm was hired to do a study on the current fire house to determine if a new building would be needed or if an addition could be added to the existing structure. Kline was asking for the township’s assistance once they were given the costs. Zgura suggested tabling this until the next meeting because he wanted to see the numbers provided by the firm and he wanted Ashbrook to be part of the discussion.

Secretary/Treasurer Jessi O’Donald shared the annual Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution Plans MMOs for 2026 and the board approved they have acknowledged receipt of this information.

Resolution 2025-035 approved Northampton/Lehigh Local Share Grant for nozzles and connectors for Citizens Fire Company of Vera Cruz. O’Donald explained the township applied for these last year and all were purchased through the grant.

Planning Coordinator Brian Miller provided information regarding the Wieand Well Distance Waiver for 4517 S. Fifth St. in Emmaus. He explained a tank treatment system using ultraviolet light as a stream discharge system will be 75 feet in distance. The supervisors approved a well waiver granting well isolation distance for this address.

Finally, in new business, Wayne King was appointed to the pension committee.

In subdivisions and improvements, Credit Release Number 5 was approved to release the amount of $467,152.81.

Township Engineer Jeffrey Ott said the Fields at Twin Run development has been completed and certified.

Also, Credit Release Number 11 was approved to release the amount of $101,356.56 for the Jasper Ridge Development. Carter explained this release was for most of the paving completed. Zgura noted there is still work to be done at Benjamin Court.

The board approved the request for special fire police as long as they are willing and able to assist with the annual Halloween parade in Bally scheduled 7 p.m. Oct. 20.

Bally Borough Secretary Tammy Wood made the request and said there is no rain date for the parade. The board of supervisors also approved Amanda Ritter’s request to use the township building 4-6 p.m. Oct. 19 for the Light the Night Safe Zone Block Party.

O’Donald said this is an annual event for township children to get candy and make crafts. Sponsored by the Upper Milford Mennonite Church, the event is held in the auditorium. The board approved for special fire police, if they are willing and able, to assist and they also waived the rental fee to use the building.

In his report, Zgura questioned whether budget workshops should occur on the same day as a regular meeting with an earlier start time or if they should be held on a separate day.

Carter and O’Donald suggested the workshops be held on the same date as the regular meeting to avoid having to pay staff to come in for a separate day. The supervisors will make a decision about the budget meetings at the meeting scheduled Sept. 18.

Mohr shared his reflections on the Vera Cruz Homecoming event held Aug. 17. He mentioned it appeared to go well, but the event did not earn money. Unfortunately, there are not enough volunteers to have more stands.

The event only had one vendor who contributed 15%. Mohr was impressed with the band TimeWhys who performed later in the day.

Mohr said there was a threat of the stage falling apart and wanted to look into making their own stage for next year or renting from Allentown or Northampton.

“Even though the weather was hot that day,” Mohr said, “we did not sell out of water or ice cream.” He did share those in attendance appeared to have a good time.

The next meeting will take place 7 p.m. Sept. 18 in the township building, 5671 Chestnut St.