The Upper Milford Township meeting opened with resident Ryan Hunter sharing his plans for his Eagle Scout project. While utilizing the Jasper Park trail with friends, Hunter noticed significant water erosion to the trail. He was concerned that residents, especially individuals in wheelchairs, could have a difficult time managing the trail due to issues created by the water erosion.

Hunter prepared a detailed presentation depicting the issues with the trail and how his plans to use water bars with a rolling dip concept could prevent the water erosion on the trail. He also plans to incorporate more wetland types of native plants to reduce the required maintenance as well as provide improved pollinators for the insects.

Hunter attended the township meeting for approval of using the township delivery truck and stone to implement his plan. Board Supervisor Angela Ashbrook was concerned about the types of plants to be used; however, Hunter stressed only native plants are being used in his project.

The board expressed no other concerns with Hunter’s Eagle Scout project and approved the use of the delivery of the stone to assist Hunter in improving the trail at Jasper Park. Hunter seeks volunteers in the community who are interested in working with him to bring this project to completion.

Next on the agenda was resident Titus Measler who shared his concerns regarding the speed limit on the stretch of Chestnut Street from Route 100 to Buckeye Road. The speed limit currently is 45 miles an hour. Measler, along with approximately 10 other residents, are concerned about the number of accidents and dead animals occurring right outside their homes along the 1,500-foot span of Chestnut Street.

Measler prepared a petition of 15 residents who live along this route and requested the township send a letter to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation asking for a traffic study that could result in a reduced speed limit in this area. Referring to the current 45 miles per hour limit, Measler commented, “We should not be encouraging people to go faster.”

It was offered by other residents in the audience to notify the state police and have them issue tickets to reduce speeding. One resident encouraged other residents to allow the state police to make use of their driveways as a deterrent. In the discussion, it was shared that over 20 years ago the speed limit had been 55 mph until a near accident with a school bus resulted in the current decreased limit to 45 mph.

Measler said “Here we are 20 years later, with more cars on that road with drivers doing 60-70 mph down that hill. People are always going to speed if they know they can.” The board noted, though, a traffic study could result in an increased speed limit, but the residents are anticipating it will not. After much discussion, the board approved a letter be sent to PennDOT requesting a traffic study to reduce the speed limit from 45 mph to 40 mph on Chestnut Street from the TG Countryside ice cream shop to the Trivet restaurant.

Board Secretary/Treasurer Jessi O’Donald informed the board the township’s contract with the Lehigh Valley Humane Society needs to be renewed for 2025-2028 and involves a cost increase. O’Donald shared the importance of this contract because of the increasing number of stray cats and dogs which are a result of an increase in township population.

Resident Phil Casey was curious about the number of actual strays the township deals with and asked for numbers. O’Donald shared a minimum of approximately 20 cats and 10 dogs. She said “no contract means that residents have no place to take the strays.” O’Donald also noted that as a result of the contract, residents can use the Lehigh Valley Humane Society’s veterinary clinic which is less expensive than a regular veterinarian’s office. It was also noted the Lehigh Valley Humane Society will hold animals for 24-48 hours before they are released for adoption. O’Donald stressed the humane society “is no longer a kill shelter and has not been for quite some time.” The board decided to table this issue until its next meeting to allow O’Donald to get clarification on the actual cost increase.

In other business, the board acknowledged receipt of the Minimal Municipal Obligation. The board also approved the Borough of Macungie’s request to use East Macungie Road as a detour 6:30-9:30 p.m. Oct. 12 for the Halloween parade as well as Bally Borough’s request for fire police 7 p.m. Oct. 21 for its Halloween parade.

The board also accepted, with regret, the resignation of Marcy Janowski who provided decades of support as the zoning hearing board stenographer effective Jan. 3, 2025. The board recognized her dedication to the township and wished her well in her retirement. It was noted there are currently two parties interested in filling this position for 2025. Also, Lisa Underwood resigned as library director for the Emmaus Public Library and the search is on for a new director.

Invitations were sent to the emergency departments requesting their participation in the Emmaus Public Library’s Recognition of Heroes event planned for Oct. 3. This event originated after 9/11 to honor emergency workers who serve our communities.

Finally, Supervisor Dan Mohr commented that while the weather played a significant factor in the Vera Cruz Homecoming, the losses were not as striking as he had originally anticipated. Mohr expected to see a loss of $3,000-4,000; however, the loss was more in the range of $700. The T-shirt sales helped prevent the major losses for this event. He thanked those who participated. Even though most of the events were moved indoors, everyone present appeared to have a good time and Mohr looks forward to next year’s event.

The next township meeting will be 7 p.m. Sept. 19 in the township building.