Upper Milford Township Supervisors Chairperson Daniel J. Mohr, Vice-Chairperson Joyce K. Moore and Supervisor John D. Zguara met Jan. 20 for their regular meeting.

Lehigh County Phillips Armstrong attended the meeting to update supervisors on Lehigh County business. He said the county is putting a plan together to take the emergency 911 system digital at a cost of $25 billion. The transition includes cell towers and radios which are estimated to be $1,000 each. The radios would be the responsibility of each municipality and grant money is being sought at this time.

Armstrong mentioned there are job openings within the county; they can be found on the Lehigh County website: lehighcounty.org. He said there is a great need for poll workers who will be paid for training as well as work on Election Day. More information can be found on the county website.

Executive Vice President, Chief Lending Officer for New Tripoli Bank John Hayes also asked to speak at the meeting. He wanted to thank Upper Milford Township for their business and said the bank is glad to help support the fire companies, historical society and food bank.

Mike Klein, fire chief, Station 19, Upper Milford Western District Fire Company, also thanked Hayes for his support.

In other business, Klein introduced Kevin Kleinsmith who said he is working on submitting a grant for a new tanker truck.

Hayden Rinde and Ashley Lorah, senior vice president of affiliated chambers for the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce provided an update to supervisors and asked what they can do to support area businesses. Restaurant Week will be held Feb. 27 through March 5 and currently 11 restaurants are registered to participate. They thanked Hayes for New Tripoli Bank’s support of the event.

There will also be a virtual dessert and wine pairing event held at the end of April and Rocktoberfest will be held in the fall. Lorah reminded area businesses grants are available through the chamber.

Jason Tapler, formerly with the Vera Cruz Fire Department, asked to read a statement regarding public safety concerns with the fire department. He requested a third party audit of the department.

“I’m totally disgusted,” Tapler said. “I do not want any member of the Vera Cruz Fire Department on my property.”

Following public input, supervisors approved the reappointment of Jon Levin, Scott Bieber and John Zgura to the open space committee with terms to expire Jan. 6, 2025.

They also approved the reappointment of John Levin to the Joint Environmental Advisory Committee with a term to expire Jan. 6, 2025.

Township Manager Bud Carter shared the updated COVID-19 sick policy with supervisors. Carter also announced the new recycling hours which began Dec. 1, 2021 through March 31 – 1-5 p.m. Wednesday and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday. Summer hours begin April 1 through Nov. 30. Hours will be noon to 4 p.m. Monday, 3-7 p.m. (or dusk whichever comes first) Wednesday, 8 a.m. to noon Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Toward the end of the meeting Zgura stated he would like to use the Cares Act money to give grants to businesses in the township. He said $100,000 is set aside and he would like to start the conversation.

Moore thought it was a great idea and thought businesses would need to show hardship for the grant.

Mohr asked if any of the money could be directed to the fire companies and was told the fire companies were given separate funds to use.