The Upper Milford Township Supervisors meeting Sept. 19 began with a moment of silence for Larry Raudenbush. Raudenbush died Sept. 15 at the age of 88. He served the Upper Milford Western District Fire Company as a member, a former assistant fire chief, engineer and fire police. The township offered condolences to all who knew and worked with Raudenbush.

In public comment, one resident was concerned about black rubber marks on Mill Road between Shimerville Road and Chestnut Street as well as on Buckeye Road. Are these “spin” marks the result of reckless drivers? The resident said it must be happening during the late night because he does not hear the markings being made, yet when he comes out during the day, the marks are present on the road. He noted his cameras are not wide enough to capture that portion of the road. The township agreed to look into this.

One of residences on Mill Road appears to have had a driveway sealed and it was thought perhaps the marks are from this. Cars are not able to park on Mill Road for driveway sealing. Could the marks be the result of the vehicles from the residences who have had recently sealed driveways?

According to a business owner on Buckeye Road, he said the marks on Buckeye have been there “for years” as a result of the hot rods parade that used to occur in the township before this year.

Another resident inquired about the traffic count for the Mill Road underpass at the turnpike. Township Manager Bud Carter said approximately 800 cars were included in this seven day traffic study.

In old business, supervisors passed the fire companies’ funding procedures both fire companies agreed to and signed. No changes were made to how the fire companies will be funded. While this resolution 2024-034 was passed by the majority of the board members, Supervisor Angela Ashbrook voted against it. In previous discussions, Ashbrook supported one account fund for both fire companies.

In new business, supervisors approved the township continue its contract with The Lehigh Valley Humane Society and Vet Clinic for 2025-2028 at a cost of $1,000 with an increase of 3.4% per year. The previous contract was $950. Secretary/Treasurer Jessi O’Donald said so far this year the township took care of 18 stray cats and 10 stray dogs using the humane society. The contract also provides access to the township residents to use their vet clinic for strays as well as their own animals. No contract would mean residents would lose access to use the humane society for these services.

Solicitor Marc Fisher appeared pleased to share news an agreement was made between the township and The Crossings at Indian Creek Homeowners Association concerning a tennis court area. The township agreed to help remove the damaged tennis court at Allen Street at a cost of $4,000. “This issue is done. It is over,” Fisher said. Finally, the board regretfully accepted the resignation of Michael Gray from the zoning hearing board. They noted Gray’s letter of thanks to the township. Gray is relocating to the Harrisburg area.

The board shared an upcoming event at Lower Macungie Township Community Center. Sponsored by the Lehigh County Authority, Kline’s Island Sewer System is providing an open house for the public 6:30-8 p.m. Oct. 29. The presentation begins 7 p.m. at 3450 Brookside Road in Macungie. Supervisor Bud Carter stressed this is a “very expensive project” and Ashbrook agreed. Exhibits will be provided 6:30 p.m. and a brief question and answer session will follow the presentation. Interested individuals can learn about the role of the LCA, KISS, the sewer system in general as well as rates and billing.

The Vera Cruz Fire Company representative said they responded to 19 calls this month and participated in additional training programs. Their open house is scheduled Oct. 12. The department is also having a barbecue Oct. 14.

The Zionsville Fire Company representative said the mailings for the fund drive have begun and they are seeing positive responses from the community.

Lisa Martin from the Emmaus Public Library said they are still searching for a full-time director. Currently, Lynn Saeger is fulfilling this position. Saeger brings valuable experience from her time in Southern Lehigh. Those interested in this full-time position can contact the township for more information.

Finally, the issue of the budget for next year brought the most attention from the audience and the board. The budget workshop is scheduled Oct. 17. Ashbrook asked that a packet of the information be made available for this meeting date. Carter said the supervisors receive the budget Oct. 3 so they have about two weeks to review it before the meeting with the public.

Chairman John Zgura asked an additional meeting be held between the dates of Oct. 24 and Nov. 5 to give the public time to review the information they will receive Oct. 17. Carter was concerned multiple draft copies can present confusion. He stressed individuals reviewing any of the documents need to pay attention to the word “DRAFT” as well as the date on the drafts.

Carter said the budget will be given to the board members Oct. 3 and they have two weeks to review and make edits. On Oct. 17, the budget is to be discussed with the public. Changes could still be made through November. Zgura wants an additional meeting the week of Oct. 21 to answer any questions the public could have about the budget. Nov. 7 is a tentative date for advertising the budget.

A resident in the audience asked why the budget planning appears to be rushed at this time of the year and why it could not be handled earlier? O’Donald explained the board needs time to “get the numbers” from various entities and many times this information is not available until September.

Another resident asked for the most recent draft to be displayed on the screen for discussion and to highlight the changes made. Carter noted hard copies will be available for everyone and using the screen could be confusing.

A third resident asked if it is available online and O’Donald said the advertising of the public draft will be made available Nov. 10.

The final approval of the budget takes place in December.

A fourth resident questioned why the board gets the budget 2-3 weeks before the public can see it. He asked, “Why doesn’t the public see it (the budget) when the board does?”

In response, Carter explained the supervisors are elected officials and O’Donald offered she is available 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the week to answer questions for the public. The resident commented Carter and O’Donald seemed upset about the “extra meeting” Zgura was promoting for more awareness and discussion of the budget with the public.

A final resident asked why the township legally prints and advertises in the paper, “Who still gets the paper?” O’Donald shared the tentative budget is made public in the newspaper as well as online on the township website. The board clarified the budget process will begin Oct. 3 with board members receiving the budget. The township meeting Oct. 17 is when the public can get a hard copy of the tentative budget. A second meeting will occur the week of Oct. 21 for the public to participate in more discussion before the Nov. 5 meeting date.

The tentative budget will be advertised Nov. 10 with final approval coming in December. Individuals interested in the township budget should attend the Oct. 17 meeting as well as the second meeting date to be determined the week of Oct. 21.

The next township meeting is scheduled 7 p.m. Oct. 3 at in the township building.