The Upper Milford Township Supervisors met April. 21. The Pledge of Allegiance commenced before public input was welcomed.

Public input opened with the presentation of some statistics, comparing Pennsylvania state trooper response cases from 2021 to 2022.

There were 37 crashes in the first three months of 2022, having increased by 11 since 2021, but is indicative and correlated to a general increase in traffic this year. There have been three hit-and-run crashes, having gone down by two since last year and one distracted driving incident, down three from last year as well.

There have been 35 citations so far in 2022, 10 less than this time last year and there have been 39 criminal offenses accompanied by 14 total arrests. Age demographics on citations and similar matters were also shared, seeing the college-age population and adult populations as the most frequent composites.

A brief expression of gratitude was directed toward troopers in the area who have demonstrated great professionalism and patience throughout the post-pandemic scene and the floor was encouraged to reach out to them if any similar issues arise.

The minutes from the April 7 meeting were subsequently approved.

The payment of bills was next on the agenda, with the passing of a motion to pay an amount of $31,106.72.

The board moved on to old business, beginning with a letter from planning coordinator Brian Miller regarding Buckeye Macungie Solar LLC. Miller expressed a willingness to share the full set of plans as requested at the last meeting to waive the subdivision land developments. A motion to do so was seconded and passed.

New business proceeded with the discussion of zoning hearing board position appointments, prompted by a memo from Township Manager Bud Carter.

A current alternate to the zoning hearing board was appointed to fill the remainder of Linda Feiertag’s term, which expires Dec. 31, 2023, via a passed motion. An alternate zoning hearing board position expiring Dec. 31, 2024, was also consequently filled.

The discussion circled back to Miller who updated the board on the zoning overlay district Engelman tract. The last meeting’s plans have progressed closer to completion, as matters such as the restriction of fencing between dwellings and private property as it relates to the homeowners’ association were taken into consideration. Miller said it all should be ready to send out in a couple of days or by the next meeting. A motion of support was seconded and passed.

The next item was a request from the Vera Cruz Fire Company, penned by its president. It outlined plans to replace their tanker pumper truck; however, persistent loans have been strapping their finances. The Vera Cruz Fire Company thus requested a release of funds from the major firefighting fund to eliminate those loans.

The current outstanding principals include $72,238.43 on the current pumper, $33,746.21 on a command vehicle loan and $59,168.38 for the SCBA loan. The company asked for a total of $165,153.02 to pay off outstanding loans so it may save current monthly payments for the purchase of the new truck in approximately five years, as well as be rendered debt-free and ensure firefighters have the proper equipment to protect the community.

A question arose about an additional $66,000 in profit disparity on the audits provided. A representative of the Vera Cruz Fire Company said an outside agency verified the figures. This didn’t prove satisfactory and concerns were expressed about where certain funds were going. Questions of yearly debt service payments resurfaced soon after, along with a critique of how the report indicated only income and expenses, not the starting or end balances. It was speculated perhaps the wrong type of report was provided and clarity in last year’s finances was needed to move on. The matter was placed on hold as a result.

The board continued with subdivision improvements, beginning with the Brookshire time extension. The applicants requested a time extension from June 8 to June 8, 2023, for the Brookshire Major Subdivision Improvement Agreement. All infrastructure work has been completed except for final paving, landscaping, etc. Their bond will automatically be reissued and will continue to do so until the release of the bond by the township. The dedication process is projected to begin this summer and be wrapped up by the end of the year. A motion to extend the agreement was seconded and passed.

The Stone Ridge Estates also wrote requesting a time extension of 365 days; Univest Bank has already been notified and the LLC is being renewed. A motion to extend the agreement until June 15, 2023, was seconded and passed.

A letter from township engineer Jeffery Ott confirms the improvements required in connection with the O’Rourke Vineyard and Winery have been completed to the extent that the security deposit may be reduced by $70,350.27. A motion to do so was seconded and passed. Ott also confirmed improvements in connection with the Fields at Jasper Ridge have been completed to the extent that the irrevocable letter of credit may be reduced by $22,325.35. A motion to do so was seconded and passed.

A letter of resignation from Wendy Ashby on the open space committee and recreation committee was received. A motion to regretfully accept was passed.

Kelly Fegley also reached out; a request by Scout Troop 31 to hold a used clothing drive in the parking lot was also approved through a motion.