The Aug. 1 Upper Milford Township meeting opened with concerns from two township residents.

One resident requested a report for public works given it is a significant portion of the budget.

Secondly, longtime resident Marilee Oplinger voiced her concern about road conditions at the intersection of Keith Lane and Gary Drive. The cul-de-sac where Oplinger has resided for 50 years is feeling the brunt of runoff from the hill at Keith Lane.

According to Oplinger, “The water has eroded the macadam along the edges of the road in some places as much as 21-inches deep.”

She noted debris including trash and stones pile up along the side forcing pedestrians to walk into the road where cars travel to avoid falling into the ditches. Extensive weeds as well as large pieces of wood she said strewed by a neighbor are visible from the street.

Oplinger said her 88-year-old husband “cannot continue to scoop the trash and stones on a regular basis.” The growth and ditches force visitors to have to park more into the roadway to avoid the weeds and ditches.

Oplinger pleaded with the township to address the runoff and condition of the road, cut back the growth of the weeds and trees and clean up the debris left behind by the neighbor. She prided herself and her neighbors for trying to maintain the cul-de-sac despite these conditions. Township Manager Bud Carter agreed to look into her concern.

Secretary/Treasurer Jessi O’Donald, speaking for the recreational committee, proposed a survey be sent to the residents to provide awareness about the local parks as well as gather input regarding recreational needs. The motion was made to begin the process to review the survey and update the parks and recreation and open space plan.

Most of the meeting time was spent on the issue regarding the fire departments. Supervisor/Chair John Zgura was most concerned about the fuel used by the fire companies. Could the fuel be supplied by the township’s public works? Could this be more economical for the township residents?

“I will only approve as one year to see how it goes, ” Zgura said. Other supervisors voiced concerns the public works system could be costly to have it set up for the fire department to have access to this fuel.

Public commenters suggested using averages of fleet management as well as using previous years’ information to help the township determine how much fuel could be needed and if this could be more economical for the township. Zgura emphasized the township wants transparency regarding how the township money is being spent.

Additionally, Supervisor Angela Ashbrook promoted the issue of having the Western District and Vera Cruz fire companies work together under one account rather than as separate entities while Supervisor Dan Mohr suggested keeping them separate for accounting purposes.

It was discussed that while the money is distributed to both entities, it is township money. It was said residents should not be asked to pay a fire tax to purchase a new fire truck for one entity while money (that could be used to purchase the new truck) sits in the other entity’s account.

Carter emphasized “whether it is in one account or two accounts, it is township money and the township has the final say on the money.” Questions proposed in the discussion included: Is it fair to take money from one fire company and give it to the other fire company? Should there be a fire tax? Should the township be responsible for purchasing the new fire trucks?

O’Donald appeared concerned about the fire company fundraising money and how this could be impacted by the township money. She asked, “How can they (fire companies) determine what they need to raise if the township takes that money?” The cost of a fire truck could be approximately $1.2 million. Loans were also discussed. O’Donald explained when two accounts exist, each company will know what they need to raise. If both companies merge into one account it can be a challenge to determine what they each need to raise.

Ashbrook said she was concerned the township continues to “throw more money at the same problem.”

Zgura encouraged the fire companies to inform the township of its needs ahead of time.

O’Donald said “parameters need to be clear as to what is expected of them (each fire company).” It was proposed by a member of the public both fire chiefs need to sit down and work this out which led to a prolonged silence in the room.

The board requested the fire companies provide a general budget at the next meeting for the township to consider for 2025. Zgura explained he “sees both points of view” but he could not make this decision tonight. He took the time at the end of the meeting to thank the firefighters for being a part of the meeting even though the men left the meeting after their discussion.

Carter and O’Donald agreed to meet with the firefighters before the next meeting to discuss the general budgets the board requested.

In other matters, planning coordinator Brian Miller read the Engleman Improvements Agreement and the Engleman Drainage Easement letters. Motions to approve both passed.

The time extension for FIC Phase 4 & 5 was tabled until Aug. 30.

The Light in the Night Safe Zone Block Party 4-6 p.m. Oct. 20 at the township building was approved. This is sponsored by the Upper Milford Mennonite Church. It was noted as one of the few community events and is well-attended by the community members.

The next meeting will be held 7 p.m. Aug. 15 in the township building, 5671 Chestnut St., Zionsville.