The Lower Milford Township Supervisors meeting Sept. 18 was dominated largely by citizen complaints on road safety and the lack of action taken by both the supervisors and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

After calling the meeting to order, Chair Ellen Koplin swiftly addressed the public’s submittal of concern over the three-way stop signs at Dillingersville Road and Zionsville Road.

Koplin offered copies of maps to the citizens in attendance and explained in that area only one of the roads is township-owned, while the rest belong to the state. Koplin indicated before the meeting, she reviewed the area of concern and, at least specific to the township road, would like to propose the addition of LED or solar-powered lights to both the stop and stop ahead signs given the visibility challenges. Additionally, she suggested warnings to stop painted on this road could assist.

Despite these assurances, a multitude of citizen comments and personal stories followed, addressing fears to cross the road when retrieving the mail, the absence of a township police force, the lack of state police support and the overwhelming presence of tractor trailers on the tight roads.

“My intention is to assure you we have done some homework already,” Koplin said. While select citizens expressed gratitude for the shared disappointment over PennDOT’s inactions, one citizen expressed how it is nice to say it’s a PennDOT issue, but “this is our township” and “somebody has to stop playing games.”

Township Secretary, Emily Fucci, recorded the specifics of each complaint and promised the supervisors would prepare a complete plan to approach PennDOT.

Another citizen requested assistance from the supervisors in addressing repeated complaints over a neighbor burning illegally on his property. He indicated over the last couple months, there has sometimes been fires every other day, with some even lasting over 12 hours in duration. The citizen has one documented report from the fire department which attests evidence of plastics being burned.

Also of significant concern is the close proximity of the fires to the wooded areas. He has called the fire department repeatedly; however, has chosen to refrain from this as he understands they are volunteer.

The smoke is creating a nuisance for all and another citizen in attendance spoke of the implications to her health from the smoke. Having moved to the suburbs from the city, she is now experiencing difficulty breathing like she used to in the city.

Supervisor Tim Cougle said the individual in question has already received a slap on the hand for the disturbances and doesn’t feel a citation is necessary since there have been no additional documented complaints or fire reports.

The supervisors agreed to look further into the alleged violation of burning within 50 feet of the wooded areas, as well as requesting the fire department to provide copies of all fire reports from their responses to calls made to the property in question.

Continuing on with the regularly scheduled agenda topics for the evening, the meeting minutes from the Aug. 21 meeting were approved. The township treasurer’s report was read as were the administrator, zoning, public works and administrative assistant reports. All were accepted by the supervisors. The action to authorize payment of September bills was also approved.

The supervisors elected to table the Macungie Ambulance’s request for funding until the budget is reviewed in coming meetings.

Fucci provided the two different security proposals to upgrade the security system for the public works garage, which include an intrusion system. Given the difference in price between the two quotes, Cougle asked the board to wait on a decision until Fucci follows up with another two companies he named during the meeting.

Moving onto new business, the Minimum Municipal Obligation budget for 2026 was accepted. Additionally, a quick review of the first draft of the 2026 budget was presented, primarily with the intention to get a feel for the major questions as the board was not ready to fully review the details.

The board also ratified the hiring of a part-time/seasonal grounds maintenance employee, citing this search was long overdue. According to Fucci, the township made the decision two or three years ago to purchase the lawn care equipment themselves; however, they came up short in hiring an individual to perform the grounds maintenance.

Several announcements were made regarding upcoming events. Lehigh County is hosting a free fall prevention event in honor of National Fall Awareness Day Sept. 26 at all Lehigh County Senior Centers, excluding the Coopersburg Senior Center and B’nai B’rith Senior Center. There will be free entry gifts, educational workshops and more all to bring awareness to this very serious health risk.

Lower Milford Township will host its 23rd annual Fall Festival 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Lower Milford Township building, 7607 Chestnut Hill Church Road, Coopersburg.

The next meeting of Lower Milford Township Supervisors is scheduled 6:30 p.m. Oct. 16 at the Lower Milford Township building.