The Upper Milford Township Board of Supervisors Jan. 15 meeting opened with public input from Dave Skinner, the president of the homeowners association for the Fields at Indian Creek, who shared two concerns. First, Skinner said Kay Builders continues to pour concrete in December 2025 and January which is not the ideal time. Skinner said the HOA would like Kay Builders to stop and he will continue to document the damage occurring.

Second, Skinner wanted it on record possible code violations are occurring with the pipes and the HOA at FIC needs the township’s assistance with this.

After the reorganization and regular meeting minutes were approved along with the payment of bills, Supervisor John Zgura provided an update on the 250th celebration planned for noon to 6 p.m. Sept. 5 at Lenape Park. Tentative ideas include a parade including both fire departments that would route along King’s Highway from Church Road to Geissinger Road. Zgura requested assistance from the township office staff in preparing for this event that will involve food trucks, games for children and live entertainment. Zgura is seeking donations, volunteers and support from local businesses and organizations.

Supervisor Dan Mohr reminded Zgura to alert the EMS and state police about the possible road closures. Zgura is looking for individuals who could dress in the time period costumes for this event.

Resident Phil Vanim suggested involving the Upper Milford Youth Association. For example, UMYA could demonstrate an exhibition game or perhaps they could provide assistance and involvement in the event, he said. Zgura reminded the board these are all tentative ideas and there will be no rain date for this event.

Also in new business, Township Manager Bud Carter requested permission from the board and received the approval to advertise for the sale of Truck #6-International 4700 Dump Truck on Municibid. Office Assistant Kyle Walbert noted the truck is a non CDL truck used for plowing and salting which the township has had for 25 years.

The board also approved the Emmaus Public Library contract.

The board discussed the request for proposals for the township audit. Tax Collector Phil Vanim previously suggested the township look at services periodically and put them out to bid. Carter said “it does not hurt to look around.” Carter suggested starting in July so it coincides with the new audit year. He noted “not too many out there do municipal auditing.”

Mohr said “we would do this every few years and sometimes it showed us that we were actually getting a good deal.” Vanim added most places appreciate three years.

Resident Frank Kuklics suggested the township check insurance quotes for employee benefits as well.

Next on the agenda was the request to purchase the new utility truck previously approved in the budget for $85,000. However, Carter said the purchase price for the new utility truck is $90,191. Carter said the new truck will not include a plow right now; but it comes with a plow package. Carter explained this new truck contains boxes and compartments on the back for tools used by public works. This will be the first one for the township that will allow public works employees to work more efficiently. Supervisor Chair Angela Ashbrook asked Walbert to provide the mileage of the old truck to pass along to resident Phil Casey. The board approved the purchase.

Most of the meeting time involved the issue of the deputy tax collector. The board approved to amend the agenda to add the appointment of deputy tax collector. Mohr abstained from this vote. Zgura appeared frustrated he received the information regarding this issue only two hours before this meeting.

Vanim, who will assume duties Feb. 1, noted he was not aware of this as he is transitioning into the position. The deputy tax collector is a person who would take over in case the tax collector could not perform his duties.

Vanim asked the board to appoint tax collector Melanie Carwell from the Borough of Macungie as deputy tax collector for Upper Milford. The deputy tax collector is not compensated by the township or school district. The previous deputy was from the Borough of Macungie.

Vanim hoped for board approval before Feb. 1 so he could complete the county document for bonding. Zgura explained he “would like to do due diligence rather than getting something two hours before” and stated he wanted this issue to be addressed at the Feb. 5 meeting.

Mohr noted the deputy tax collector has never had to be utilized. Carter added the deputy appointment occurs with each new tax collector. The last time this was addressed by the board was eight years ago.

The deputy appointment would remain in effect until the change of tax collectors and Solicitor Marc Fisher noted the board can change the appointment at any time.

Ashbrook made the motion to appoint Melanie Carwell as deputy tax collector. Mohr abstained from the vote and Zgura did not vote. The motion did not pass and will be placed on the Feb. 5 agenda.

Planning Coordinator Brian Miller asked for the board’s approval for DEP Modules/Sewage Planning at 4680 Churchview Road to deal with stream discharge and Operations and Maintenance agreement. The board approved Resolution 2026-20 to deal with the failing septic system on the property.

In correspondence, Carter told the board the township received the Lenape Park Phase 2 grant award letter from the DCNR for $150,000 for playground upgrades.

An emergency services committee meeting will take place Jan. 21 and a recreation committee meeting was planned for Jan. 19.

Lauren Haponski said she will discuss possible involvement of UMYA at the 250th celebration.

The next meeting will take place 7 p.m. Feb. 5 in the township building.