The Nov. 6 Upper Milford Township meeting opened with public comment from Homeowners’ Association President for Fields at Indian Creek David Skinner. Skinner was thankful for the concrete roads Kay Builders had completed at the FIC but reminded the supervisors of the photos he shared with them at the previous meeting regarding damaged areas yet to be fixed. “Kay will be asking for bond release soon. Please do not release,” Skinner pleaded, “until all the concrete repairs are completed.”

Skinner provided the board with a list of the locations that contain damaged areas that need to be fixed.

After the minutes and payment of bills were approved, Western District Fire Company Chief Mike Kline and Salvatore B. Verrastro from Spillman Farmer Architects addressed the board requesting approval for the township to apply for an LSA grant on behalf of the fire company for the construction of a new fire house.

Supervisor Angela Ashbrook questioned why the board was just seeing cost breakdowns for the first time and Kline explained they were just finished in time for the meeting. Verrastro clarified the construction will occur in three phases. Phase 1 will involve the apparatus room. Vehicles, trucks and other equipment will need to be moved while the renovation takes place of the current building. This phase comes at an estimated cost of approximately $1.4-1.5 million, plus money needed for side work.

Phase 2 involves a connector building estimated at $1.25 million.

Phase 3 will involve renovating the first floor of the current building with a price tag of $1.1 million. The plan involves maintaining the existing parking lot, but reducing the parking to allow road changes.

The stone road which is currently impervious, would be made into grass for more pervious cover.

The estimated total cost is approximately $3.5 million in construction costs in today’s dollars (not accounting for inflation). Kline anticipates the LSA grant of $1 million could pay for most of Phase 1 and explained the fire company has the borrowing capacity to fund the difference.

The reason for completing the project in phases is to allow for grant money to be used in each phase and permits the fire company to function throughout the construction process. Kline clarified, “We are taking it one phase at a time. We will need to come back each year as needed (for the grant application approvals).”

Township Manager Bud Carter said the grant application must be submitted by Nov. 30. Carter encouraged the board to read through the plans submitted and noted the Nov. 20 meeting as the required date for approval of the grant application.

It was said the project cannot be completed without the grant money. Carter told Kline and Verrastro a detailed breakdown of costs for Phase 1 is needed.

Supervisor John Zgura said he wants to make sure the building can be used with heat for two to three years until the next phase is completed.

The board said they will review the submitted documents for each of the three phases; however, they gave a nod to Carter to request three letters of support which are necessary requirements for the grant application.

Zgura added he “likes the idea of the grants for each of the phases because (the township) cannot afford to do the entire project at one time. Kline offered digital copies and the breakdown to Carter who will distribute them to the board members.

Ashbrook questioned where the money for the difference will come from, specifically asking if money from the fire tax will be used. Kline said, “We’re not coming back here to ask for more money.” He asked, “Will there be a problem if we do?” Ashbrook responded, “Yes and I’ve made that clear.”

Kline reminded the board the building is old and board Chair Dan Mohr agreed the building is “antiquated.”

In new business, the tentative budget for 2026 was approved. There was also a request from Lower Milford Township to place warning signs on Upper Milford Township property regarding truck restrictions at Dillingersville Road. After hearing about this for the first time, Zgura told Carter to write a letter asking Lower Milford to “hold off” on the signs until the board can make a decision.

Resident Mike Steltz interjected Churchview Road will be closed due to bridge construction and the only route from Vera Cruz to Limeport Pike will involve a detour on Churchview Road. Eventually they will not be able to do this either. Mohr was concerned if there are no turn around options, trucks will be using driveways. Carter will reach out to Lower Milford and report back to the board.

Next, the easement agreement at 7353 Salem Bible Church Road was approved. Also approved were Resolutions 2025-036 for stormwater O&M plans for 4620 Shimerville Road and Resolution 2025-039 for stormwater O&M plans at 4803 Chestnut St.

The board approved the planning module and waiver for nonbuilding declaration at 5541 German Road. Nonbuilding refers to the land not being built on now which is typical for agricultural and large plots, according to Planning Manager Brian Miller.

The board also approved credit release No. 9 for the Estates at Maple Ridge in the amount of $24,015.13.

Kay Builders continued with their extension requests for FIC asking for new deadline dates for July 18, 2026. Counsel Christopher McLean of Fitzpatrick, Lentz and Bubba shared separate letter requests for different phases and updated schedules. Ashbrook reminded the board that at the August meeting, the board decided there would be no further extensions granted. Zgura agreed with Ashbrook and said, “We are done playing games. No more extensions.”

Zgura said he has visited the locations and “there are two guys working there with nothing going on.” Zgura said there should be two asphalt crews and Kay needs to add manpower to get this work completed.

Carter inquired what happens if the board does not grant the extension requests. Solicitor Marc Fisher said Kay Builders will have to finish by the deadlines or the township will place them in default. The money will go to the township to finish the necessary projects or incomplete work.

The board approved denying the extension requests for Phases 3, 4 and 5 which had a final deadline date for Nov. 7. The township will begin its process if the work is not completed by midnight Nov. 7. The two additional extension requests were not discussed because the deadline dates for Phase 1B & 2 is Dec. 31. The annex deadline is Dec. 7.

An extension request was granted for the Fields at Twin Run until Aug. 22, 2026. Kay Builders also requested an additional extension for Fields at Jasper Ridge through July 9, 2026. The board granted the request but with an amended deadline date of May 8, 2026.

Finally, the board approved credit release No. 12 for the Fields at Jasper Ridge in the amount of $70,008.42.

Resident Bill Bedics appreciated the board’s support and commented the stormwater issue is holding up the work being completed. “As frustrated as I am with Kay Builders,” he said, “the Lehigh County Conservationists cannot make a decision about an irrigation system versus a drip system.”

He shared his frustration that you can only email the Lehigh County Conservation and they will not meet. “Everybody’s hands are tied,” he said. He said he has been waiting for this for five years. While this involves FIC, Carter redirected the conversation back to Jasper Ridge.

Resident Lauren Haponski asked for clarification for the new schedule for Jasper Ridge completion. Carter reiterated May 8, 2026, is the new date to complete the irrigation. Haponski was concerned about mosquitos in the warmer weather which the residents dealt with previously. Zgura mentioned the board cut two months off the extension request.

Finally, Carter announced executive sessions were held Oct. 22 and Nov. 3 for personnel matters.

The next meeting will be held 7 p.m. Nov. 20 in the township building.