Upper Milford Township Supervisors met Nov. 20 where resident Phil Casey offered public comment regarding the Emmaus Public Library’s request to increase its budget for 2026. “I’m old,” Casey said. “It seems the library is getting all the communities to give money and it is becoming more of a social function rather than a library,” he said. Casey questioned if residents know how much they are paying for the Emmaus Public Library and described it as “gluttony.” Casey said “they (supporters for the Emmaus Public Library) only come into a meeting for money and then we never see them again.” He asked the board to consider how much money is being given to the Emmaus Library.

Township Manager Bud Carter said he received updated numbers which included wages costs for the Phase 1 project for the Western District Fire Company building. The supervisors continued to be concerned about funding this project beyond the grant amount. Fire Chief Mike Kline explained they are exploring other grant opportunities; but if that fails, a loan or savings could be used to fund the difference. Construction for this project cannot begin until the grant money is awarded.

Once the grant is awarded, the project will be sent out to bid.

The board approved Resolution 2025-041 LSA State Grant for the Western District Fire Company building. The firefighters in attendance thanked the board for their support.

In other new business, resident Ben Kohler addressed the board requesting an Upper Milford Traffic Safety Advisory Committee be formed and volunteered to serve as chair for committee. “We can do more as a township,” Kohler said. Kohler’s description of the committee would have members meet and examine areas/intersections of concern, prioritize and discuss ordinances with the board. There was discussion about truck traffic.

Supervisor Chair Dan Mohr explained the idea for this committee originated because of cars running stop signs in Vera Cruz. Mohr added most of the issues are on Pennsylvania Department of Transportation roads and not township roads.

Solicitor Marc Fisher said he will create a framework for the committee that will outline how the committee is formed, how often it will meet, that meetings will be publicly announced, and that the board will appoint people to the committee. This document will be provided to the board for their review.

Also in new business Resolution 2025-040 was approved for changes due to encroachment on the property at 6880 Tollgate Road regarding its revised preservation.

Finally, the board approved PennDOT’s request to temporarily close Mill Road at Route 29 for safety improvements. “This is part of the widening of the road to Buckeye Road,” Carter said. He explained each side of Mill Road will be closed for approximately three days while improvements are completed, and then the other side will be closed down for a similar time.

A detour will be provided. This will not occur until fall of 2026. Zgura expressed concern for the houses in this specific area and said emergency services could take longer with the detour.

Carter said he will tell PennDOT to notify emergency services and that he, too, will notify emergency services of these plans so they are prepared.

Planning Coordinator Brian Miller appealed to the board regarding revisions for DeLorenzo Minor Subdivision and SALDO waivers and the board approved them. Miller also requested minor changes for 4885 Raymond Court which involved a revised land development plan for its retention system and the board approved this as well.

In correspondence, Consistory President Cheryl Martucci requested the use of special fire police for the U.C.C. Christmas Eve Services 2:30-4:30 p.m. and 6:15-7 p.m. Dec. 24. The board approved as long as the fire police are willing and able to assist.

Also, co-chairs Jill Stevens and Diane MacConnell addressed the board regarding an event being planned for the Society of the Arts.

SOTA is a 501.3c organization that supports the Allentown Art Museum through fundraising. The organization has been around for 60 years and a major fundraising event is the SOTA Showhouse, in which 18 of these have taken place in the past four decades.

The owners of 5445 Chestnut St. will vacate their home and allow the organization to redesign the home. “People come to view the home and the community loves it!” the co-chairs said. Their major concern is the traffic on Chestnut Street and they requested help for traffic control during the event.

The event will be held May 1-17, 2026. An average of 60 visitors are expected 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and more are expected for the weekend hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There are no showings on Mondays.

There is a preview party scheduled for May 1 at Gather, 5402 Chestnut St. and visitors will need to cross the busy Chestnut Street to visit the home across the street. Illuminated signs will be placed in both directions.

Visitors will enter the Dent and Detail Shop and exit from the 5445 location.

The board determined this is a concern for the Western District Fire Company as well as PennDOT. Carter explained a specific permit will need to be secured. Carter will talk with township staff, Mike Kline of Western District Fire Company and PennDOT. Carter told the co-chairs of SOTA he will get them in contact with these individuals.

The meeting concluded with public comment from resident Cole Hershinger who asked what PHMIC stood for in the budget outline. Secretary/Treasurer Jessi O’Donald explained it is the health insurance for township employees.

An executive session was held before the Upper Milford Township meeting to discuss a legal matter.

The next meeting will take place 7 p.m. Dec. 4 in the township building.