Upper Milford supervisors approve utility truck, library contract and sewage plan; deputy tax collector appointment fails

The Upper Milford Township Board of Supervisors on Jan. 15 approved a budgeted $90,191 purchase of a new Ford F-350 utility truck for public works, a 2026 contract with the Emmaus Public Library and a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) sewage facilities planning module for a Churchview Road property, while a motion to appoint a deputy tax collector failed for lack of a second.

Manager Edward Carter told the board the F-350 purchase would be from Sands Red Hill Ford with outfitting by Levan Machine and Truck under COSTARS contracts. "Total price of the truck would be $90,191.00," Carter said. The board voted to proceed; staff said the existing Truck #17 (a 1999 GMC Sierra 3500) will be listed on Municibid once the new vehicle arrives.

The board also voted to enter into the 2026 agreement with the Emmaus Public Library, a contract described by Carter as matching the budget amount the board adopted during its budgeting process.

Planning Coordinator Brian Miller summarized a DEP-required Planning Module (Component 3s) and the Municipal Planning Agencies Component 4A for property at 4680 Churchview Road, explaining that consultants and DEP determined the site cannot support a conventional on-lot sewage system because of the small lot size and a seasonal high water table. "The Planning Module is required for a proposal to install a stream discharge small flow treatment facility to solve a problem with a failing septic system on the property," Miller said. The board approved the module, adopted Resolution 2026020 for plan revision, and agreed to enter a Sewage Management operation & maintenance agreement conditional on the applicant executing the O&M agreement and escrow requirements.

On administration, the board amended the agenda to consider appointing a deputy tax collector. Phil Vanim, the incoming tax collector, explained he had not realized a deputy was required and said formalizing a deputy would allow bonding and surety steps to be completed before he takes office in February. Supervisor Angela Ashbrook moved to appoint Melanie Carwell as deputy tax collector, but the motion received no second and died; board members agreed to place the item back on the Feb. 5, 2026 agenda for further research.

Supervisor John Zgura proposed that the township host an America 250th community day and parade at Lenape Park on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, with a proposed closure of Kings Hwy S. from Churchview to Geissinger Road and local churches assisting with parking/shuttle arrangements; the proposal is tentative and will be discussed further by staff and the Recreation Committee.

Manager Carter announced the township had been awarded a Pennsylvania DCNR C2P2 grant of $150,000 for Phase 2 of Lenape Park development; township staff will coordinate with DCNR to formalize the grant contract.

Votes at a glance: - Approval of Jan. 6, 2026 minutes: motion carried (all in favor). - Payment of bills (General Fund checks 1585–1616 for $292,752.77; Street Light Fund check $3,193.55): motion carried (all in favor). - Authorize advertisement to sell International 4700 Dump Truck (Truck #6) on Municibid: motion carried (all in favor). - Enter 2026 agreement with Emmaus Public Library: motion carried (all in favor). - Purchase F-350 utility truck from Sands Red Hill Ford ($90,191): motion carried (all in favor). - Amend agenda to add deputy tax collector appointment: motion carried (Ashbrook and Zgura in favor; Mohr abstained). - Attempt to appoint Melanie Carwell as deputy tax collector: motion failed (no second). - Approve DEP Sewage Facilities Planning Module for 4680 Churchview Rd., adopt Resolution 2026020 and enter O&M agreement conditional on applicant execution: motion carried (all in favor).

The board discussed pursuing RFPs for audit services, and staff will follow up on Truck #17 mileage and the deputy tax collector research ahead of the Feb. 5 meeting. The board adjourned at 7:49 p.m.