The Lower Milford board of supervisors Oct. 15 meeting began with an objection from Supervisor John Quigley at the employment of Township Secretary Stacy Smith.

Quigley said she is unqualified and he is, “disgusted” she is even employed by the township. He claims she made false allegations about him, costing Lower Milford thousands of taxpayer dollars from a debunked lawsuit and threatened the family of former township manager Zachary Cooperman before he was terminated.

A question came from the crowd about having virtual capabilities for the supervisor meetings, but Supervisor Chair Donna Wright said the internet capabilities need to be upgraded in the building and this issue is currently being addressed.

Next, the Southern Lehigh Public Library gave its 2021 budget presentation, asking for the same amount as last year. The total is $25,660. However, the big difference from last year’s presentation was that the library representatives were able to produce a statistical tracking of Lower Milford resident participation. Roughly 25 percent of documented residents have Southern Lehigh Public Library memberships.

The library representatives said no other municipality has ever requested this information. Wright said they seem to be the municipality that asks the tough questions.

Quigley thanked the library for providing the numbers but asked why it took so long. Southern Lehigh Public Library Director Lynnette Saeger said the library hired a new employee who was able to decipher the analytics from new software. The software was installed in 2018 and the full capabilities are being discovered daily.

Members of the public attended the meeting to show support for the library. One resident said the supervisors should feel “ashamed” for thinking about defunding the library. Another resident told a story about how the library was a sanctuary for her young children and for parents of young children in general. The library provides a safe space, programs and events for young children to participate in. Defunding the library would force the library to scale back their hours and services.

The supervisors thanked the library and said the budget will be tougher this year than ever and they would do their best for them.

During the treasurer’s report, Quigley reiterated, “I have zero confidence in Stacy Smith’s ability.” This was followed up by Wright stating there was no itemized bill list for the month of October. Wright cited it’s because of the changeover of employees. Wendy Stryker came in and has been working with Smith.

In the zoning report, it was noted a lot of work and development started in the township. The report cited significant repairs to School House Road North and a turnaround project started for Scout Road. A public works foreman has been hired rather than having a public works director in office.

Members of the Lower Milford Fire Department were in attendance to give a report. A representative said the fire company is still very busy and looking for volunteers and funding. Fundraising is down as the company couldn’t host the annual Lower Milford carnival, plus several other fundraisers weren’t possible. It was noted hoagie sales are up and a link to purchase hoagies is on the Lower Milford Fire Companies Facebook page.

The department needs help in funding, as they need to purchase air packs for the firefighters. The cost for 13 basic air packs and other necessary items is nearly $100,000.

In new business, the supervisors announced an intent to hire a CPA for audit of Fiscal Year 2020. The announcement will be posted online.

Next, an amendment to the current Lower Milford health care plan was made. This would amend coverage so Stryker can come back to work for the township and receive benefits immediately. Quigley believes the plan should be left the way it is. He doesn’t like the idea of changing it. This amendment was approved by Supervisors Ellen Koplin and Wright, with a ‘nay’ from Quigley. The motion was approved.

Following the amendment, it was announced the 2021 budget has not been put together. The November workshop meeting is the goal, Koplin said.

Wright said there is a hard deadline in November. She preferred a draft was finished for their current meeting. She emphasized to Koplin this needs to be completed as soon as possible.

Koplin responded, “It will get finished when it gets finished. I do not work here, I am a volunteer.”

Quigley was quick to point out they know it isn’t her job. But, before any further bickering began, Wright restated the budget needs to be completed and be in front of the three supervisors as soon as possible.

Following the budget conversation, a motion was made by Wright to approve the acceptance of the COVID-19 relief grant money. The money will be used to upgrade the township building’s internet service for Zoom and virtual abilities, for PPE and cleaning supplies for the staff, plus advertising. This addressed the public question at the beginning of the meeting.

After the motion, Quigley made a statement about staffing changes, particularly addressing the salary changes.

Quigley doesn’t believe Smith’s stress is compounded by him. He said he was attacked by her for calling her out about her inability to be the township’s bookkeeper. He said his issues also come from her false accusations of him following this incident. He doesn’t believe she deserves a 23 percent boost in pay, especially after not being able to do her original job.

Quigley described it as “corruption at the highest level.” Wright chose not to address his statements. Quigley also, pointed out he has a lawyer in Philadelphia ready to take this to court.

In a closing public statement, a resident complained about current Township Administrator and Zoning Officer Emily Fucci. The resident claimed her misrepresentation of zoning ordinances cost him over $100,000, as he purchased a property under false pretenses. He was told by Fucci he could build a specific building, but when he attempted to gain permits and other things needed, he was denied.

The resident said this was his second experience of a township employee making a mistake of this magnitude.

Following his comment, the meeting was adjourned without a response to the resident’s concerns.

The next Lower Milford board of supervisors meeting will be held 6:30 p.m. Nov. 5 at the Lower Milford Township building, 7607 Chestnut Hill Church Road, Coopersburg.