The Upper Milford Township meeting opened with public comment from resident Phil Casey who appreciated seeing the firemen at the meeting. Casey said “The fire tax that was passed without referendum was quite substantial.” He appreciated seeing both fire companies unified to get what they asked for but is “tired of hearing about million dollar fire trucks, equipment and prices going up when there are no more hoagie sales or breakfasts.”

Casey inquired about the April 15 truck fire on the Pennsylvania Turnpike and wanted to know the costs incurred for the fire companies responding to this incident. “Do they (the fire companies) charge the turnpike for their work?” Casey asked.

Supervisors Chair Dan Mohr said the fire companies have a contract with the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Per the contract, the fire companies receive $250 per call. This fire involved two fire trucks on the turnpike and one truck off the turnpike for a total of four hours.

Resident Colt Hershinger told the board of supervisors and the firefighters, “You guys are losing a fortune.” Hershinger said the turnpike is a billion dollar industry and a paid road. He encouraged the board to revisit this contract.

Casey and Hershinger were curious about the costs of the fuel, equipment and trucks for this turnpike incident. If the costs exceed $250, then Upper Milford Township residents are footing the bill for any costs over $250.

According to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Toll and Revenue reports for 2024, the turnpike earned $1.755 billion while Upper Milford Township works with a budget of approximately $4.5 million.

Casey and Hershinger encouraged the board and the fire companies to end the contract with the turnpike or contract for higher payments for services.

In new business, the board approved to amend the ordinance to restrict parking in Little Lehigh Acres. Supervisor Angela Ashbrook was satisfied additional signatures from adjacent streets to Leah Drive had been secured. The township areas of Oakwood, Miriam, Leah, Chris, Thomas and Drew drives will now be restricted parking 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Hershinger questioned if high school students are “purchasing gasoline and paying a fuel/road tax, why aren’t they allowed to park on the public streets?” Mohr said Emmaus Borough “pushed this issue into the township” by restricting parking in the borough around the high school and “we are watching out for our residents.”

Township Manager Bud Carter said the costs for the signs will be $3,200. Solicitor Marc Fisher said the “fines will be raised to the highest allowed by the law” when the ordinance is amended.

Also in new business, Carter said the emergency services committee had agreed to the purchase of the new fire truck with the grant money received. Citizens’ Fire Company Chief Kris Bawden said the fire company is in agreement with the contract for the truck purchase.

Fisher clarified the fire company is asking the supervisors to approve the purchase of the truck for $1,394,911. Ashbrook wanted clarification the fire truck purchased will be owned by the township.

Discussion followed regarding possible increases in the price of the truck. Bawden and Ashbrook agreed the longer the wait to sign the contract for the purchase, the higher the price becomes for the truck. The board approved to authorize the Citizens’ Fire Company to sign the agreement for the purchase of the pumper tanker as proposed April 16 contingent upon signing the contract that the ownership of the vehicle belongs to the township.

In addition, the board tabled discussion of hiring of an additional public works employee until May. Zgura needs more time to get questions he has answered regarding this position.

Planning Coordinator Brian Miller shared information about property owned by Terry Grant for over 60 years on 30 acres. The board ruled out a joint preservation opportunity with Lehigh County for this property. The board approved to have the appraisal completed for $1,700 for natural resource easement for 7951, 7850 and 7991 Salem Bible Church Road.

The board approved for one new lot for a module on two acres at 5330 Macungie Mountain Road.

Finally, the board approved the credit release No. 2 for the Fields at Twin Run for $288,297.23. Engineer Jeffrey Ott stated in a letter the work was completed and certified.

In closing public comment, Bawden thanked the board for “getting the ball rolling” for the purchase of the new fire truck.

Fire Chief for Western District Mike Kline said their fire company was recently awarded a $5,000 grant that must be spent by Aug. 31. He will provide more details regarding how this money will be spent.

Robin Rotherham thanked the board for her appointment as a board representative for the Emmaus Public Library. She said new Director Allison Floray was present but unfortunately, had to leave before public input.

Carter reported the tennis courts and basketball courts will be demolished for the construction of the new courts at Lenape Park. A staging area will be used in a corner for equipment. The fields will not be impacted during the construction.

Finally, Ashbrook asked Fisher if supervisors need to complete a Right-to-Know request to receive answers from staff members. Fisher said “Supervisors do not need to complete a Right-to-Know request in their capacity as a supervisor conducting business for the township. If it is a personal request, then supervisors must complete the Right to Know.”

The next meeting will be 7 p.m. May 1 in the township building.