Emmaus Public Library wants to install book drop boxes in Macungie Borough and in Upper Milford Township. The idea got enthusiastic support from the two supervisors present at the Sept. 6 Upper Milford Township Supervisors meeting – Daniel Mohr and Joyce Moore; Supervisor Robert Sentner was absent. Library representative Lisa Martin made the proposal.

The supervisors took no immediate action. The plan precipitated a general discussion regarding liability with questions such as a child getting an arm caught in the box and a scenario of someone putting a sticky substance in the box and ruining books.

In other meeting news, supervisors approved a motion designating various properties as agricultural security areas – 11.247 acres owned by Claire Ricci and 37.614 acres owned by David Keiser.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Security Areas are a tool for protecting farms and farmland from non-agricultural uses. To establish an ASA, a petition is submitted to the township supervisors by the farmers. These security areas are re-evaluated every seven years; however, new parcels of farmland may be added to an established ASA at any time. A combined minimum of 250 acres is required for the establishment of an ASA.

An ASA may include non-adjacent farmland parcels of at least 10 acres or be able to produce $2,000 annually from the sale of agricultural products.

Participants receive special consideration regarding protection from local ordinances and nuisance lawsuits affecting normal farming activities and review of farmland condemnation by state and local government agencies.

An ASA qualifies land for consideration under the farmland preservation program at the owner’s request if the ASA has at least 500 acres enrolled.

There will be a workshop about the Spotted Lantern Fly 6 p.m. Sept. 24 in Lenape Park according to information passed out at the Upper Milford Township Supervisors meeting. Participants will learn to identify the Tree of Heaven or Chinese Sumac (Ailanthus altissima), a plant which attracts the Spotted Lantern Fly. The class will present ways homeowners can treat and control the Spotted Lantern Fly.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, “the Spotted Lanternfly, (Lycorma delicatula), an invasive plant hopper ... is native to China, India, Vietnam and introduced to Korea where it has become a major pest. This insect has the potential to greatly impact the grape, hops and logging industries. Early detection is vital for the protection of Pennsylvania businesses and agriculture.”

In other business, supervisors approved payments for vendors and services in the amount of $76,423.86. The biggest check for $46,960.50 went to Ott Consulting for engineering services.