Public comment came from residents who live on Leah Drive in Emmaus at the March 20 Upper Milford Township Supervisors meeting.

A petition was brought before the board to amend the current ordinance to include Leah Drive in permit parking only 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Too many Emmaus High School students are blocking mailboxes and driveways, according to residents. The street sweeper could not clean the street because the street was blocked on both sides by student cars. School buses are also having difficulty navigating the street with cars on both sides.

Residents who have contractors coming to their homes do not have places for them to park.

Emmaus residents shared there used to be only two or three cars but now there are about 15-20 since Emmaus borough restricted daytime parking on their streets surrounding the high school.

It was noted Oakwood is packed with cars when there are sporting events at the high school and cars are getting sideswiped.

Supervisor Chairperson John Zgura said the concerns need to go to the East Penn School District because “it is their problem.”

Zgura even suggested putting permit parking on Pine Street.

Supervisor Angela Ashbrook questioned how to enforce this other than resorting to state police.

Township Manager Bud Carter acknowledged the township can warn residents, ticket them and fine them.

Zoning/code officers can issue tickets costing about $15. The ordinance was written 25 years ago. Solicitor Marc Fisher also shared the school district has no enforcement of the streets and the ordinance does include the removal of cars.

Carter explained the no parking 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday on certain streets ordinance just pushed the problem further into Emmaus borough whose residents are also facing similar issues with student parking.

One resident shared parents of students are paying residents up to $300 to use their driveway to park their cars during the school day.

Zgura asked how much it will cost for the signage as well as paying the individuals to do code enforcement.

Secretary/Treasurer Jessi O’Donald noted some students have after school jobs and activities and need a car. She appeared concerned for the two working parents who need their student to be able to drive to get to their jobs and activities.

“Some kids need to work to help their families,” O’Donald added.

Carter said he will get the costs for the next meeting and the signs could be installed by June. The ordinance will need to be amended to include more streets and change of fees.

The high school was built before the local townships exploded with residents.

Approximately 3,000 students attend EHS. There is one student lot available for seniors and is considered a student privilege.

In new business, Resolution 2025-24 approved for Lehigh County Agricultural easements at 6880 Tollgate Road, Zionsville for $28,851.

One checking account and two savings accounts were approved for O’Donald to manage the new fire tax funds for each of the two fire departments.

Jason Pantella was approved to serve as the zoning hearing board alternate with his term expiring Jan. 5, 2026. Also, Christyna Lepetuik was approved to serve on the recreation committee serving through Jan. 5, 2028. Lepetuik replaces John Welch who resigned his position.

The board also approved to continue to lease the stockpile behind public works from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. The 5-year lease has seen an increase and will now be $5,500.

Carter said General Recreation, Inc. received the bid for the playground equipment and furnishing as well as concrete curbs for the work at Lenape Phase II. The board was concerned about the pricing for rubber versus the use of mulch. The grant is due April 2.

Ashbrook noted “grant money looks great up front but the longevity and maintenance costs are not included for these projects. Are we outspending ourselves?”

Carter said there is a 5-year warranty and Lenape is one of the most used parks in the township.

“While older kids do their sports, it (the new playground) will give the younger kids a place to play,” he explained.

Carter also noted the rubber should last 15 years and a spray can be used to help maintain the length of it.

“Our job is to help get our tax money (grants) to help our township,” Mohr said.

The Lenape project is a 50/50 Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources grant which means the state provides 50% of the cost and the township absorbs the other 50%.

Ashbrook was concerned the grants, in the long run, are costing the township more and she recognized that not all residents make use of the parks, finding this project too costly for the township to maintain.

Zgura made a motion to amend removing rubber due to the expense but Carter said using rubber makes it easier for individuals in wheelchairs to make use of the playground equipment. If mulch is used, the Americans with Disabilities Act ramp will need to be removed.

The board approved the Lenape proposal without rubber and concrete additions.

Road work bids for 2025 were also approved for Asphalt Solutions for $206,778.04 for seal coating. A1 Traffic Control was approved for line painting for $19,747.20 for 2025 and $21,442.22 for 2026. Finally, Dunkin’ Donuts on 4050 Chestnut St. received an extension from March 31 to June 30.

The recreation committee requests all residents complete the online survey or stop by the office for a hard copy.

Jasper Day is turning into a big event with many people already signing up for the trail run and walk. More information on the June 21 event can be found at uppermilford.net. Registration for the trail run or walk can be completed at tinyurl.com/jasperday.

Mohr ended the meeting thanking the fire companies again as well as reminding residents a burn ban remains in effect.

The next meeting is scheduled 7 p.m. April 3 in the township building, 5671 Chestnut St.