In a surprise move Oct. 17, Upper Milford Township supervisors fired Emergency Manager James Krippe after about two and half years of service. In a post-meeting interview Supervisor Robert Sentner said the supervisors “wanted to go in a different direction.”

“We want to look at some other applicants,” Sentner said.

Krippe said that since no one had ever complained about his work, he thought that he was fired for unspecified “personal” reasons. “They dismissed,” Krippe said. “They gave no reason whatsoever.”

Krippe had recently been working on an ongoing problem with lack of emergency radio frequency reception in some parts of Upper Milford Township and had been coordinating with Lehigh County emergency management authorities on resolving the problem.

Krippe said the position was unpaid.

In other business, officers from the Homeowner’s Association of Crossings at Indian Creek, accompanied by attorney Edward Hoffman, sought answers about the completion of roads and stormwater management infrastructure in the development by Omega Homes.

Upper Milford Township attorney Marc Fisher tried to explain the developer had had some trouble with curb contractors and that had delayed paving.

Resident John Stavros said, “It is very frustrating.”

“One hundred and twelve people are now in harm’s way,” said one Crossings at Indian Creek resident expressing concern about the upcoming snow season. “The roads are unplowable.”

Township authorities told the group Omega had been granted an extension until Nov. 8 to complete the paving.

In a call to Omega Homes, a person answering the phone who declined to give a name said, “Things are being worked on,” but did not want to discuss the matter further.

In other business, the supervisors approved a land development contingent for Daniel and Elizabeth O’Rourke’s vineyard, where according to owner Elizabeth O’Rourke, they want to convert an existing barn into commercial space.

Anne Zayaitz addressed the supervisors to acquaint them with the existence of and the mission of the East Penn Neighbors Helping Neighbors organization. Their website states their mission as: “to serve families within the East Penn School District through multi-faceted short-term assistance in order to help restore and sustain healthy, independent living.”