On January 14, the Upper Frederick Board of Supervisors voted to suspend taxpayer funding for the Upper Frederick Fire Company until accusations of financial misconduct are addressed, overdue state-required financial reports are submitted, and prohibited partisan political activities cease.

            In addition to a state foreign fire tax, fundraisers, and donations, Upper Frederick imposes a fire tax of 0.18 mills, resulting in payments to the fire company of approximately $60,000 annually. The fire company is meant to provide the board with an annual report showing the disbursement of taxpayer funds but has failed to provide sufficient documentation for the past ten years. Prior township administrations had also requested this information.

            Landman went on to say that a senior member of the fire company made serious allegations of fraud to several members of the board.

            Supervisor Bill Karaffa stated that failure to act on these allegations could make the board complicit in illegal activity.

            "Hopefully it's just an accounting problem, but we need to get to the bottom of it," said Karaffa.

            "Transparency is the biggest thing," said Landman.

            Landman stated that he had received an anonymous email showing a partisan political banner outside the firehouse. Non-profits engaging in partisan political activity risk the revocation of their non-profit status. In a December meeting with fire company members, Landman was assured that prohibited political activity would cease.

            Fire company officers are anxious to come into compliance with the state-mandated requirements and Township Manager Aaron Walizer is working with the company's treasurer, who has only been in office for several months, to produce these documents for the previous four years.

            The board approved the advertisement of the amended use regulation ordinance. Use regulations cover a broad swath of topics ranging from satellite communications to building height.

            The township planning commission has been working with Walizer, Solicitor Vicki Kushto, Esq., and Engineer Norm Ulrich on updating portions of the code since May 2025. Amendments touch on over 100 different use cases.

            Landman stated that the primary goal of the amendments was to revise outdated sections of the ordinance and provide relief to township residents seeking an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) to better accommodate their families. An ADU is a small residential living space located on the same lot as another home.

            The 200-page draft ordinance is available for public review at the township building and website. Feedback is welcome. The ordinance will then be sent to the county planning commission for their review.

            The board approved a resolution to apply for a County 2040 Implementation Grant. In 2016, the Montgomery County Commissioners announced a new grant program for municipalities as part of the implementation of the county's comprehensive plan, Montco 2040: A Shared Vision. The program focuses on supporting local projects that specifically further the comprehensive plan themes of "connected communities, sustainable places, and vibrant economy". 

            The township will apply for grants of up to $250,000 each to fund outdoor recreation projects, like sports courts, which it currently lacks. The township must provide 20% of the funding. This can include non-cash contributions such as staff planning hours. Applications are due in early March.

            The board awarded a contract to R & R Electric Inc., not to exceed $25,000, for much-needed upgrades to the township building's electrical wiring. 

            Walizer reported that the township came in 22% under budget in 2025, mainly because the township had budgeted for the purchase of a new backhoe, which it was able to purchase with a grant.

            In December, the state police responded to 35 calls for service in the township, the majority of which were caused by minor accidents caused by deer strikes.  Plymouth Community Ambulance responded to 34 calls for service in the township, 22 of which were at Frederick Living. The Upper Frederick Fire Company responded to 17 calls for service, 11 of which were in the township.

            Township Fire Marshal and Emergency Management Coordinator Nate DiDonato delivered his year-end report. Highlights included the successful completion of the annual evacuation drill with Limerick Generating Station. DiDonato also completed one origin and cause investigation for a vehicle fire, conducted two plan reviews and three site visits, and reviewed four internal and two external emergency operations plans.