The Upper Milford Township board of supervisors held its reorganizational meeting Jan. 5.

Supervisor and Vice Chairperson Angela Ashbrook was approved as the new chairperson and former Chairperson Dan Mohr will serve as vice chairperson.

Ashbrook will remain the board’s representative to attend the Lehigh County Authority business meetings and serve as an alternate to the Upper Milford Township manager on voting matters.

Mohr will serve as the board’s representative to the Agricultural Security Board.

The board unanimously approved the following appointments: Thomas Roland as a member to the zoning hearing board through Jan. 6, 2031; Jason Pantella as an alternate to the zoning hearing board through Jan. 8, 2029; John Hayes to the vacancy board for the prescribed annual term and Colt Hershinger to the emergency services committee through Jan. 8, 2029.

Additional appointments include Luke Lichtenwalner as a member of the planning commission through Jan. 7, 2030; Philip Hartranft as a member of the planning commission through Jan. 7, 2030; Ellen Larmer as a member of the planning commission through Jan. 7, 2030; Angelika Fordran as an alternate to the planning commission through Jan. 8, 2029; Philip Hartranft and Lee Marks to the open space committee through Jan. 8, 2029 and Lauren Haponski and Andrew Dudle to the recreation committee through Jan.7, 2031.

The board also unanimously approved the following resolutions: Resolution No. 2026-001 which involves the reappointment and settling of wages of township officials; Resolution No. 2026-002 which involves the reappointment of the township solicitor; Resolution 2026-003 which depicts the hourly employee wage schedule; Resolution 2026-004 which involves the reappointment of zoning hearing board solicitor, alternate zoning hearing board solicitor and court reporter.

Also approved were Resolution No. 2026-005, which involves re-appointments, appointments and acknowledgments to the boards, committees and representatives; Resolution No. 2026-006, which reappoints the township engineer; Resolution 2026-007, which involves the reappointment of address assignment consultant; Resolution No. 2026-008, which involves the reappointment of township accounting service consultant; Resolution No. 2026-009, which involves reappointing a third party electrical and construction code agency; Resolution No. 2026-010, which involves setting bonding for treasurer, township manager and assistant manager; Resolution No. 2026-011, which includes PLGIT authorized signers; Resolution No. 2026-012, which involves setting the fee schedules – administrative and zoning; Resolution No. 2026-013, which involves setting fee schedule – building permits and Resolution No. 2026-014, which involves setting subdivision and land development application and escrow fees.

Also approved were Resolution No. 2026-015, which outlines the New Tripoli Bank authorized signers; Resolution No. 2026-016, which involves destruction of township records authorization; Resolution No. 2026-017, which involves the reappointment of alternate SEO and Resolution No. 2026-018, which includes the appointment of alternate zoning officer.

The board approved the meeting schedule for 2026 and noted meetings will be held on the first and third Thursdays of each month from February through December.

Special meetings and workshop meetings will be scheduled and advertised as necessary.

Special meetings can also be held when the business load is excessive for a particular meeting as determined by the board.

The board also approved the attendance of supervisors, township secretary, treasurer, manager, assistant manager, employee personnel and solicitor to the PSATS Convention with expenses reimbursed as specified by the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors and Act of the Legislature.

Mohr was approved as the official voting delegate to the PSATS Convention.

The elected auditor Liesel Martem held a meeting Jan. 6. This concluded the reorganizational segment of the meeting.

There was no public comment to open the regular meeting. The minutes from Dec. 18, 2025, were approved as well as the payment of bills and bank transfers.

In new business, Township Manager Bud Carter shared the deadline for the Fields at Indian Creek Phases 1B and 2 had a deadline of Dec. 31, 2025. The board previously rejected another extension request from developer Kay Builders. The board approved for the township solicitor and staff to take the necessary steps against the developer for not meeting its deadline. There was no public comment on this issue.

Carter also asked the board to authorize advertising for the position of township secretary/treasurer, which they did. Jessi O’Donald previously held this position and resigned.

The board also approved Financial Related Services of Quakertown to provide temporary bookkeeping at $75 per hour and $60 per hour. Carter said the services provided are temporary and will involve about eight hours biweekly.

A discussion was held regarding open committee positions.

Two positions are available for the Joint EAC. One position is available to work with the elected auditor Liesel Martem. An emergency management coordinator is also needed. Individuals interested in any of these vacant positions can contact the township office for more information.

The board approved Resolution 2026-019 which appoints the township manager as the liaison between Berkheimer and Upper Milford Township. The board also appointed Kyle Walbert as the open records officer.

Finally, the board approved the letter of engagement for the 2025 financial year audit by CR & Y CPA who has been used in this capacity for the past five years. Carter said his approval is needed annually and the rates were previously approved.

Tax collector Phil Vanim questioned if a bid process was used for this selection and Carter said bids were not used. Vanim encouraged the board to “consider periodic rebidding to get proper value for your money.”

Supervisor John Zgura asked that a discussion on the 250th celebration be included on the agenda for the next meeting. Zgura said the historical society is doing its own event for approximately 150 people on July 30.

Zgura is interested in organizing a parade for Sept. 5. He would like the event to be held at Lenape Park and include the fire departments, food trucks, children’s activities and possibly reenactments. Zgura hopes to solicit businesses for donations. Zgura envisions the parade route to be along King’s Highway with possible road closures from Churchview Road to Geissinger Road.

Zgura stressed these are “just ideas and this is all tentative.”

Individuals, groups and businesses interested in being a part of this event can reach out to Zgura or come to the next meeting to offer input.

The next meeting of the board of supervisors will be held 7 p.m. Jan. 15 in the municipal building, 5671 Chestnut St.