A budget meeting was held before the official Upper Milford Township meeting Oct. 16 to provide the draft of the 2026 budget to residents.

A crowd of residents, mostly supporting the Emmaus Public Library, turned out for this meeting to examine how the proposed budget fits with the library’s earlier request for an increase in funds.

Supervisor John Zgura asked for public input regarding the 2026 celebrations occurring throughout the country.

Upper Milford Township Historical Society Vice President Gary Heller clarified it is the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Heller said he “would like more than just a party.” Heller hopes to tie in the history of the Declaration of Independence to the event.

Zgura agreed to meet with Heller and interested individuals to begin planning for the event.

A time extension for the Lenape Park contract with Barker and Barker was approved through Nov. 1, however, there were concerns this is the second extension request.

Township Manager Bud Carter said they need to complete surface treatments, landscaping items and the punch list. Carter noted the park looks better than it did previously.

The supervisors continued the discussion about whether or not the emergency services committee is necessary. The fire companies would like to see the ESC remain an active committee.

Zgura said he would like to see how the ESC manages through 2026 before making a decision about whether to maintain this committee or not.

Resident Colt Hershinger has volunteered to assume the position of resident at-large member for the ESC and the board approved this appointment.

There was much discussion about Resolution 2025-037 which involves the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation installing sidewalks in the area of Chestnut Street at Ramer Road. The crosswalk will be at the Mobil gas station to a residence at Ramer Road. The sidewalk will only be installed on the side from the Mobil station to the Trivet Diner, 4102 Chestnut St.

Supervisor Dan Mohr explained when the bridge on state Route 29 was replaced, the township could have placed the walking area on the other side. If the township places the sidewalks there, then the township assumes responsibility for maintaining them.

Resident Kathi Ramsdel asked if there could be some kind of dialogue with PennDOT. Supervisor Angela Ashbrook explained the project is happening and the decision involves who will be responsible for maintaining the new sidewalks – the residents/business owners or Upper Milford Township.

Carter acknowledged the new sidewalks involve one resident and the others are business owners.

Carter explained PennDOT owns the road to the curb and the resident and business owners would be responsible for maintaining both sidewalks and curbs.

In other new business, supervisors approved Resolution 2025-038 involving preservation of property at 6620 Crown Lane.

Planning Coordinator Brian Miller shared 35.1 acres at $4,700 per acre results in an estimated cost of $165,000 for the total easement. The property is landlocked.

Miller said the owner has two additional properties and wants to see how this preservation goes before exploring future opportunities.

Supervisors also approved the Salem Bible Church Road Easement Agreement, which involves Bible Fellowship Church. Carter noted this involves permanent and temporary construction.

Finally, the board of supervisors recognized the newly hired public works employee. Approved at the last meeting, Evan Barrall, of Emmaus, accepted the position with a start date of Nov. 3. The position involves a six month probationary period with the township.

In supervisor reports, Ashbrook said the Vera Cruz Halloween parade held Oct. 15 appeared to be a lot of fun.

The next meeting is scheduled 7 p.m. Oct. 30 in the township building, 5671 Chestnut St. A budget draft meeting will take place 6:30 p.m.

Copies of the 2026 budget draft are available on the township website or at the township office.