The Upper Milford Township Board of Supervisors meeting March 6 opened with public input by CEO of Lehigh County Authority Liesel Gross who provided an update on the Kline’s Island Sewage System. Gross explained the aging system built in 1928 presents many challenges and it is too small for the growth of the Lehigh Valley. Rainwater is getting into the system and in 2018-2019 extensive wet weather placed Lehigh County Authority into corrective action plan status. Upper Milford Township’s system, she informed residents, is “good with no real leakages.”

Originally estimated at $600 million, the cost was reduced to $300 million. The changes will occur in stages for the next five years and are expected to be completed by 2035. Much of the older areas of Allentown and older communities where significant leakages are noted will be addressed in the first five years.

Township Manager Bud Carter attends meetings for KISS developments twice a month. The township planning commission will review the plan in mid-April. LCA will provide publications for review as well as a public comment session before asking the township to adopt the plan so it can then be sent to the Department of Environmental Protection. Gross referred to this plan as “an investment” through 2035 to provide a better quality of life and prepare for additional growth in the county. Numerous local open houses were held throughout the county to share the information about the much needed upgrades.

Resident Phil Casey asked if the problem involves infiltration with the heavy rains. Gross said the county averages 32 million gallons per day but 10 million gallons of groundwater have been getting into the cracks of the aging system. The current capacity is 40 million gallons of water a day. After improvements are made, the capacity will be 110 million gallons per day. Gross also cautioned the pipelines will need to be upgraded because they are too small. The township will have a decision to make regarding expanding to provide sewer services to other areas; but these new improvements will allow the system to handle future expansions if needed.

Resident Colt Hershinger asked how much taxpayers will be spending on this. Gross said for the past 12 years, Upper Milford Township has experienced no rate change for customers. She noted if residents are not on the sewer system, they will not be charged for these improvements. The increases will be paid for by LCA customers. Gross added the state is not contributing to this project; however, LCA continues to pursue grants to help with the costs.

A resident brought up the concern for excavation on a house recently burned down and big trucks are being parked alongside the road creating a safety concern for school buses. Carter said he will find out more about what is going on at this location.

Finally, in public input, semiretired CPA and consultant, Phil Vanim introduced himself to the community and his bid to run in the next election for tax collector for the township.

In new business, the board acknowledged the Ag Security application for 7571 St. Peter’s Road includes three parcels 7571, 7542 and 7602. Also, Carter announced Graver Industries, Inc., dba Barker and Barker Paving, was awarded the bid for Lenape Park upgrades Phase One for $436,842.75. Carter also noted there were a number of bids presented for this project.

The fire company radios created much discussion. Lehigh County has proposed options for the purchase of these radios for the fire companies that include an interest free loan for the next five years or a 10-year loan with 5% interest. Vera Cruz Fire Department’s quote for the radios came in at $250,000. Western District fire company is still working on their quote which they hope to have by the end of this month.

The board noted concerns these radio estimates could be $500,000-600,000 when they had been discussing $200,000 for the past year. Supervisor Angela Ashbrook asked why there is a need for so many radios? She was concerned the estimates appear to be three times what the board had been discussing.

Supervisor Chair Dan Mohr commented the fire companies “were probably shocked too.” He continued, “Lehigh County led us to believe they were going to pay for the radios.”

Supervisor John Zgura commented the township has been “more than generous” to the fire companies and the money for these radios will need to come from their fire fund accounts. The township recently approved a new fire truck at the cost of $1.5 million. The board of supervisors supports the 5-year, 0% interest loan for the radios.

Ashbrook resurfaced the “unpopular” idea that the township cannot continue to subsidize two fire companies and merging them can save costs. Casey supported Ashbrook’s comments of centralizing the fire company to save costs. He also told the board this issue as well as the recently passed fire tax should have been referendums for the residents to decide. Casey also shared the township should be looking into Starlink.

Mohr explained this is Lehigh County’s communications telling the township it must supply the radios. He supported the county looking into Starlink as well. Carter added each fire department was directed by the county to get their own quotes and the county will purchase them in bulk to save costs. Ashbrook wondered if the county would keep the difference in costs since the township would have already purchased the radios. It was noted the digital system used for radios today is what is so costly for this purchase.

A resident questioned what happened to the $400,000 COVID-19 money the township received. Carter said the money is in a separate account to make additional money for two infrastructure projects.

Resident Shelley Zgura asked if it was possible to have someone from the county at a meeting to discuss the plan for the radios. Zgura noted County Executive Phillips Armstrong will be attending the next meeting to give his yearly update. Secretary/Treasurer Jessi O’Donald hoped questions for Armstrong could be provided in advance so he will be prepared to address resident concerns.

Ashbrook stated the towers are not even built yet and why is there this urgency to purchase the radios right now. The board said the radios continue to be an open discussion at this point. Resident Lauren Halponski added it is important for residents to question the county about how they are spending taxpayer money.

In subdivision improvements, the board approved the credit release #7 at Indian Creek phase IV and V for $41,273.63, credit release #23 at Indian Creek Annex for $36,384.92 and credit release #1 at Fields at Twin Run for $175,063.81.

In correspondence, the board approved special fire police for the Seed Farm Plant Sale 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 10 and May 11. The board also approved the use of the pavilion at Jasper Park for June 16-20 for Ribbons of C.A.R.E. Nonprofits are usually not charged for a one-day event. The board made an exception to waive the rental fee for the week for this special child care event for families who have a member living with cancer or some other life-threatening medical illness.

This is a pilot program that will reach the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas. The goal is to be able to serve 30 children at this event that will include music, art, games, and enrichment. The program will run 8 a.m. to noon for the week.

The board also noted the approval is contingent on background checks for all volunteers.

A resident voiced concerns for groups using the park and possibly causing damage. Solicitor Marc Fisher said groups provide insurance requirements and sign rental contracts even if there are no fees paid.

The resident asked the board provide a cap for participants to alleviate possible traffic concerns. The pavilion currently holds 75 and this program anticipates a maximum of 60 people.

O’Donald said the recreation commission’s survey will be live March 12. Printed copies are available for residents who would like to complete it without the use of a computer. Also, the Jasper Day Celebration at Jasper Park will be held 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 21 with a rain date of June 22. Registration for the 5K trail run and 1.5K walk can be completed at tinyurl.com/jasperday. More information is available at uppermilford.net.

Ashbrook concluded the meeting with an email she received from a resident concerned about developers’ responsibilities for taking care of roads. The board noted this is a private road issue and any future developer plans would have to state whether or not the road is private.

The next meeting will take place 7 p.m. March 20 in the township building, 5671 Chestnut St. County Executive Phillips Armstrong will be present.