The Oct. 2 Upper Milford Township meeting opened with a moment of silence for Richard Malburg who died at the age of 100 Sept. 21. He served as the township’s tax collector from 1974-1989 as well as serving on the pension committee for many years.

Chair Dan Mohr also shared an executive session was held 3 p.m. Sept. 25 to discuss a personnel and legal matter.

There was no public input from the audience. The minutes, payment of bills and acknowledgment of bank transfers were approved. Planning Coordinator Brian Miller was absent for the meeting.

In new business, Lehigh County Authority CEO Liesel Gross was present for further discussion of the Kline’s Island Sewer System and Act 537. Supervisor Angela Ashbrook said she had met with Gross, Township Manager Bud Carter and representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. “While I do not love this idea, I will vote for it so they can move forward with this project,” Ashbrook said.

Resolution 2025-034 was approved.

Also in new business, Carter noted interviews were conducted to fill the full-time public works position; however, the individual’s name cannot be released until the offer of $23 per hour is accepted and a background check is conducted. The board approved the hiring of this individual.

The board discussed the effectiveness and necessity of the emergency services committee. Ashbrook said most of the meetings are canceled and questioned the purpose of continuing them. Secretary/Treasurer Jessi O’Donald noted a state’s report recommended a committee be created to help the township’s two fire companies work together.

Mohr concurred the goal was “to get the two fire companies talking about their needs and requests, and to bring these to the board.” Carter said it has been difficult finding the Resident-At-Large volunteer to serve on this committee.

Mohr suggested advertising for the volunteer Resident-At-Large position. Ideally, the volunteer should not be associated with either fire company to maintain neutrality in discussions.

The supervisors agreed a letter will be sent to the fire companies asking for their input on the ESC. They also agreed that more direction from the board to the ESC might be needed.

Carter will reach out to both fire companies to gather their opinions on the effectiveness of the ESC. Township residents interested in volunteering for the Resident-At-Large position on this committee can contact the township office for more information.

Finally in new business, Carter noted upcoming changes in the budget for 2026 include a tax rebate/gift card program for volunteer firefighters, replacing a pick up truck and landscape trailer for public works, the new township website and the first of five payments for the state-mandated radios from the fire tax.

O’Donald said Reynolds & Reynolds will scan the meeting minutes digitally. Questions or concerns about these budget changes can be directed to O’Donald or Carter at the township building.

In subdivision news, the board approved Credit Release No. 6 in the amount of $201,242.95 for the Fields at Twin Run per the letter request from Township Engineer Jeffrey Ott.

The board approved a letter request from Macungie Police Sgt. Travis Kocher. East Macungie Road will be used as a detour 6:30-9:30 p.m. Oct. 11 due to the Macungie Halloween Parade. The rain date is scheduled Oct. 12.

A recreational committee meeting took place Oct. 6. Zgura requested further discussion of the 250th Anniversary of America (the semiquincentennial) and to include the historical society. O’Donald suggested including these events with Jasper Day and the Vera Cruz Homecoming. She and Carter will communicate with the historical society regarding this special celebration of the nation.

Mohr said the Vera Cruz Halloween Parade is set for Oct. 15. The parade is organized at Mystic Chain Park beginning 6:30 p.m. and makes its way into town 7 p.m. Hot dogs and sodas will be available at the hotel and three bands will perform. Prizes will be awarded. The rain date is Oct. 16.

Closing comments included an inquiry from resident Colt Hershinger about the blacktop coating at Lenni Lenape Park. Carter acknowledged the temperature and moisture are a concern and the township is “watching it.”

Resident Ben Kohler inquired about his previous concerns about the truck traffic in the township and Carter said “it is next on my list.”

The next meeting will be held 7 p.m. Oct. 16 in the township building. A budget workshop meeting will precede this meeting beginning 6:30 p.m.