The Feb. 20 Upper Milford Township meeting opened with a Zoom presentation by Hayden Rinde, assistant vice president of Affiliated Chambers of Commerce serving the East Penn, Western Lehigh and Southern Lehigh Chambers, as well as the Emmaus Main Street Partners. Rinde explained the goals of the chambers is to stimulate the economy and improve the quality of life for those living in the Lehigh Valley. “Through marketing, shared resources and connections with the Greater Lehigh Valley,” Rinde offered, “we value the relationship with the township and would love to be an extension of township events.”

East Penn Restaurant Week is one of the chamber’s events set to occur through March 1 and involves one week deals for those participating in the event. Township Manager Bud Carter explained he attends the chamber’s meetings and will assist in sharing information for township events with the chamber. Information regarding future events can be found on their website lehighvalleychamber.org.

Resident Joelle Strahler communicated to the board via Zoom inquiring when the roads for Jasper Ridge will be turned over to the township. Carter shared the email written by Strahler saying Kay Builders is not clearing the streets during inclement weather. Since 2019, Kay Builders has been the private owner of the roads in Jasper Ridge. Carter noted the township is responsible for clearing the roads through Mink Estates and will stop at Jasper Ridge because that community is owned by Kay Builders. “It is evident,” Carter noted, “that Mink Estates is black (cleared) and Jasper Ridge is snow covered.”

Solicitor Marc Fisher added, “This is a private matter between the residents, the developer (Kay Builders) and the homeowners association. It is not a township issue. It is the developer’s road.” Fisher cautioned, “It is a liability if the township touches the road.”

Carter extended his assistance in any way and offered to contact Kay Builders since the township has no ordinance requirement for roads/sidewalks clearing and developers will “usually wait until the end of the storm to clear the roads.” Resident Frank Kuklics asked, “Why are they (Kay Builders) asking for another year extension? Get it done and over with.”

Strahler asked again via Zoom, “How long for the roads to be taken over by the township? What is a reasonable expectation of Kay?” Carter acknowledged he cannot answer her question at this time.

After much discussion in previous meetings about having a Kay Builders representative attend a meeting and The Press reaching out to Rick Koze, president of Kay Builders, Attorney Frank D’Amore was present. D’Amore shared he was attending the meeting regarding the issue of the extension for Fields at Indian Creek. He said the “paving (of the roads) will be done by summer” and they are “moving through the punch list.” He could not answer questions regarding the inquiries about snow removal at Jasper Ridge. This is the fifth year residents in Jasper Ridge have had to deal with untreated roads during inclement weather.

Supervisor Angela Ashbrook questioned about the township possibly dedicating the roads but Carter explained that if the majority of the items on the punch list are completed, the township can take over the roads; however, if not, then unfortunately, the township cannot take over the roads. Fisher reminded the board again that Jasper Ridge is a private road. Period.” According to Carter, residents in Jasper Ridge are responsible for maintaining their own driveways and sidewalks.

Supervisor John Zgura noted the board has discussed this issue for over four years. Carter said he will reach out to Strahler.

After approval of the minutes and approval of the general fund, streetlight fund and fire hydrant fund, the board moved onto new business.

Emmaus High School Music Coordinator Brian Wessner requested the closing of Pine Street and Oak Street from Cedar Crest to Macungie Road for the band festival. Ten high school marching bands will be rehearsing throughout the area and marching to the stadium. Buses will need to be parked on Pine Street. Emmaus Borough Council will also need to approve the requested area that lies in the borough.

Wessner requested use of East Penn School District barricades and will have band parent volunteers assist with moving the barricades as needed to work with the residents impacted by the road closures.

With the contingency that Wessner will reach out to the church and residents affected on Pine Street and Oak Street, the board approved the closing of Pine and Oak streets from Cedar Crest Boulevard to Macungie Road 3:30-11 p.m. Sept. 27.

In other new business, Planning Coordinator Brian Miller shared a letter requesting to move forward on the conservation preservation of the property at 6620 Crown Lane. The board approved $10,000 to complete the survey.

The board also approved Olivia Fay’s requests to reserve the pavilions at Jasper Park, make use of the special fire police if they are willing and able to do so and $430 for yard signs. Fay works with the recreation committee who is planning the Jasper Day event to take place 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 21 (rain date June 22). The goal of Jasper Day is to have residents come out to learn about the parks in the township. The special fire police and yard signs are needed to guide the participants of the 5K trail run through the course across Vera Cruz Road as well as the purchasing of bib numbers for the race. There will also be a 1.5 mile family friendly walk.

Upper Milford Youth Association will be showcasing the various sports opportunities available at this community event. Committee member Lauren Haponski also shared the committee had previously held a “Jasper Day” and this event is similar in that it hopes to get the residents outside to take advantage of all the parks in the township.

In subdivision business, Carter read a letter from Rick Koze of Kay Builders requesting an time extension at the Fields at Indian Creek 1B and 2 until March 1, 2026. Ashbrook stated in a previous meeting she would like to see this work completed by fall; however, Zgura and Chair Dan Mohr had favored a Dec. 31 deadline to make sure the work is completed. Zgura told D’Amore there is no need to extend through March 1, 2026, because “no work is going to be completed in January, February or March.” Ashbrook conceded to agree with the December deadline rather than March 1, 2026. D’Amore said “there are no benefits to keep extending the project” beyond March 1, 2026. The board approved an extension of Dec. 31, rejecting the builder’s request for March 1, 2026.

In other business, Carter shared there currently is a salt shortage and the township cannot order any more. The township currently has 500 tons and Carter believes this should be enough to last this year. He noted “the little storms are the worst.” The township has dealt with approximately six “little storms” so far in the month of February.

Resident Frank Kuklics asked about the length of the right of way the township has when cutting trees. Carter said the right of way is 16.5 feet. Kuklics was concerned the pine trees trimmed on his property might have been more than 16.5 feet. Carter said he will talk with his crew about this concern.

Mohr said the second stop sign at the intersection of Mill Road and Vera Cruz Road “was a good move and that it is clearly visible coming down the curved road.” Kuklics asked about putting in a “stop ahead” sign as well to warn motorists because “as traffic increases, so do the accidents.” Carter explained a sign will block the driveway which is why the board decided to add the second stop sign on the left side of the street. Carter said in the spring, “stop ahead” will be painted on the road for motorists.

Mohr complimented the Vera Cruz Fire Department’s quick response time for a recent incident in the township. Mohr noted the fire department “arrived within four minutes of placing the emergency call and even beat the ambulance there.” He appreciated the prompt response to the emergency situation.

Finally, Jasper Ridge Liaison Lauren Haponski inquired about whether changes can be made to the tree planting plans presented by the builder. She asked instead of having 12 trees planted together in one area, could the trees be spread out? Planning Coordinator Brian Miller explained a certain number of trees is needed per acre of land. Carter added the township can ask the builder for a plan for the trees and the HOA can discuss the plan with the builder.

The next meeting will take place 7 p.m. March 6 in the township building.