The March 19 Upper Milford Board of Supervisors meeting opened with public comment from resident Jim Krippe who offered “Congratulations to the newlyweds.” Board Chair Angela Ashbrook and Colt Hershinger were married last week in Belize.

Krippe also questioned when the township will finish his driveway. Township Manager Bud Carter explained it will be completed soon.

Hershinger questioned if the Society of the Arts received their permit. SOTA is hosting its 2026 designer showcase at the historic John B. Shimer House, an 1855 Greek Revival farmhouse located on Spruce Street in Emmaus and adjacent to Upper Milford Township.

The event will run May 2-17 and visitors will have to cross the state road. Representatives sought a permit from the township but Supervisor John Zgura encouraged the group to talk to traffic control. “It is out of our hands because it is a state road and not our jurisdiction,” Zgura said. He added, “I hope they are going about it the right way.”

In old business, the board approved Resolution 2026-25 which updated the emergency services committee. Carter and Solicitor Marc Fisher had previously presented the draft form at the March 5 meeting. Carter noted there were “no comments when shared at the ESC meeting.”

Supervisor Dan Mohr asked what specifically was changed in the document. Carter explained the ESC decreased the original 11 members to nine and each fire company will have one sitting member.

The ESC will hold bimonthly meetings and will provide a monthly report to the board. Carter also noted the ESC will provide a “10-year outlook and an annual outlook in July.” The final change involves a necessary quorum of five members.

Krippe inquired about the bylaws process involved with these changes. Carter and Fisher explained that “after this resolution is approved, it will go through the bylaws committee.”

In new business, the Emmaus High School Marching Band requested to close Pine Street 2:30-10 p.m. Sept 12. Carter noted this is the second year for this request which is becoming an annual event. Carter added the township received no complaints from last year’s closure. The board approved the request.

The board also approved the Ulicny Easement agreement. Carter reminded the board resident Paul Ulicny complained of stormwater running down his property. After visiting the property, Carter recommended an easement and construction easement be done and Ulicny agreed to the changes. Zgura questioned if it is the township’s problem and Carter confirmed, “It is because it is coming down from the road.” According to Carter, the township will redirect the water away from Ulicny’s property.

The board also appointed Kimberly Mory as the township’s new secretary/treasurer at an annual salary of $58,000. Mory completed the required background check and was to begin the new position March 23.

Fisher requested to amend Resolution 2026-01 to remove Carter as secretary effective March 23 with board approval.

Finally, the board approved Carter’s request to advertise and interview for an open public works position. Carter said David Brown is leaving the township at the end of the month.

Planning Manager Brian Miller explained the Mohr boundary line adjustment revision and the board approved the changes. Mohr abstained from this vote. There were no comments.

Ashbrook said the recreation committee meeting was canceled due to lack of attendance. Carter will reach out to current committee members to inquire about interest. Any residents interested in serving on the recreation committee can contact Carter at the township building.

Carter informed residents Indian Creek Road will be closed effective April 1 and the closure will be in effect for 140 days. Carter explained the last communication the township received from the state was in 2023 during the early stages of the planning process. “We never heard anything back,” Carter said.

According to Carter, the information regarding the closure was sent to Lower Milford Township instead of Upper Milford Township. Road signs started to appear and Carter received questions about it from residents. Carter immediately sent emails to inform entities such as the school district about the upcoming closure. “Emmaus, Lower Macungie Township and Upper Milford Township intersect at this road and the state never notified the township,” Carter said. It was noted the state will close Chestnut Street in 2027 for improvements.

Zgura provided an update on the 250th celebration planned for Sept. 5. Zgura is preparing pamphlets and is seeking monetary donations to support the event to avoid using taxpayer money.

Zgura said the committee estimated a $4,000 budget. Zgura hopes to acquire a $1,000 donation from four businesses to cover the costs.

Zgura noted the cost of the bus rental to shuttle visitors from the two church lots to the event has not been determined. Zgura will reach out to Student Transportation of America.

Mohr said the Vera Cruz Annual Easter Egg Hunt will take place 1 p.m. April 4 at Mystic Chain Park. Volunteers are needed. Interested individuals can contact Mohr at the township building.

Mohr also appealed to the community regarding a stage for the Vera Cruz homecoming. If you have something that could work for this event, contact Mohr. They are also in need of a tent for coverage if it rains.

Finally, Mohr is soliciting for donations and ads in the Homecoming book.

The next meeting will take place 7 p.m. April 2 in the township building.