The Feb. 19 Upper Milford Township Board of Supervisors meeting opened with public comment. Resident Colt Hershinger addressed the board claiming an “assault on the right to speak.” Hershinger said “One person (referring to Solicitor Marc Fisher) tries to get people we elected to get public discussion only at the beginning of a meeting and not before every vote. It’s gotta stop. You must ask for public concern before action or a vote.”

Hershinger individually asked each supervisor to commit to asking for public comment or concern before every vote. All three supervisors said they have and will always ask for public input.

Supervisor John Zgura said at the previous meeting, a motion was on the floor and the public comment impacted the board’s decision to take the motion off the floor.

Board Chair Angela Ashbrook explained, “Just to clarify, our discussion last meeting was about placing the subdivision comments to that section of the meeting.”

In additional public comments, Tax Collector Phil Vanim thanked the board for approving the deputy tax collector.

A resident of Jasper Ridge who lives on Stole Road pleaded with the board to reconsider the revised parking plan. “Signs are not being monitored and cars are blocking my driveway.” The resident said his profession as an essential health care worker requires him to be able to move quickly from his residence. “This problem is not going away and the double parking has created a safety issue,” he said.

“Last week a school bus could not get through, delaying children arriving at school on time. There was also a minor accident in front of my house and a huge scene and argument ensued because of the parking situation. This is not a good long-term solution for us,” the resident said.

Zgura reported the homeowners association for Jasper Ridge has not come before the board for final approval of their parking proposal. The resident was concerned for the safety of his young son who likes to play basketball in front of the house with the additional cars parking there.

Zgura encouraged the resident to watch the township website for updates in case the HOA requests to return before the board with its parking proposal.

Supervisor Dan Mohr advised the resident to bring the pictures of the issues at that time.

Following the public comments, the minutes were approved and the approval was made to pay the bills.

In new business for the planning commission, Engineers Julie Stern Goldstein and Stacey Yoder of Gilmore & Associates provided the zoning/SALDO update. The township has worked with these engineers since 2023 to make the zoning revisions.

The board approved to advertise the draft of the zoning ordinance and SALDO and to distribute it to the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission and Upper Milford Township for review. A public hearing is scheduled for May 21 to be considered for adoption.

Ashbrook inquired whether bed-and-breakfasts and Airbnbs are included. Stern Goldstein noted Airbnbs are not prohibited. Ashbrook also expressed concern for fowl, poultry and waste management issues in the ordinance revisions. There were no changes made regarding the poultry regulations.

Much of the discussion was on the topic of Airbnbs. Office Assistant Kyle Walbert explained Airbnbs fall under “transient and temporary” definitions like hotels and motels, which are only permitted in commercial areas. Bed-and-breakfasts are permitted with special exception.

A discussion followed regarding short-term rentals. Planning Coordinator Brian Miller said the township is aware there are several Airbnbs operating in the township; but there have been only problems with one specific one which created the discussion about them. Resident Ben Kohler asked the board not prohibit the Airbnbs but to “write the language to prevent the one with the problems from operating.”

Another resident inquired about road classification. Miller said this has to do with road widths such as on Shimerville Road and Allen Street.

Mohr wanted to make sure adult clubs are prevented from coming to the township. He said the Liquor Control Board has control over the hotels and is in charge of “entertainment.” He explained this happened in other areas and “we don’t want to see this in Vera Cruz; and want to make sure we are covered.” It was noted adult use is only permitted by special permission of the board.

In other business, Township Manager Bud Carter asked the board for their vision for the emergency services committee including bimonthly meetings, a quorum of seven and purchases and grants to be discussed before bringing to the board.

In new business, the board approved an extension for the Route 29 safety improvements and Mill Road closure contingent upon the contractor covering any damages done to roads. Carter said the original closure of three days was approved to be extended to four weeks long: each side closed for two weeks at a time in spring 2027. The fire chief said coverage will be met despite closure during the monthlong closure.

The board also approved the Monkey Knife Fight Charity Bicycle Ride for April that begins and ends in Trexlertown. The ride helps children who are terminally ill. Over 500 riders are scheduled to participate.

The board also passed Resolution 2026-023 for 4054 Chestnut St. The Dunkin’ land plan finalized and entered into agreement with stormwater operations and maintenance plan.

Next, the board approved the sale of the 2000 International 4700 DT 466E Dump Truck from Municibid for the $15,350 winning bid to a borough from Atlantic County, N.J.

Carter also requested the purchase of a 2026 landscape trailer for $5,883. The board also approved the advertising for road work bids for 2026. This involves laying oil and chips to maintain the roads.

In other business, Zgura shared that a 250th celebration logo was created and the event will take place noon to 6 p.m. Sept. 5. The next meeting for the celebration is 6:30 p.m. March 11 for interested individuals who want to be a part of the discussion and planning of the event.

Mohr said Vera Cruz was notified by the Borough of Northampton the stage used for the Vera Cruz Homecoming is no longer being rented out. He also noted Allentown will not rent its stage out of city limits. Mohr said he is looking for a portable stage to rent. Please contact Mohr at the township. The stage size needs to be wide enough to hold a band. The stage is needed for both the 250th celebration and the Vera Cruz homecoming.

Before the meeting adjourned, Ashbrook reiterated that the board continues to take public comment at any time during the meeting; however, a disclaimer on the agenda requests that any “public comment regarding subdivision updates or complaints shall be held until that section of the agenda.”

The next meeting will be held 7 p.m. March 5 in the township building.