At the Jan. 21 Lower Macungie TownshipBoard of Commissioners meeting, a special presentation was made to Commissioner Brian Higgins for his role as president after the resignation of Ryan Conrad.

Lower Macungie Fire Chief Dave Nosal gave a presentation about the Lower Macungie Township Fire Department for 2015. Total calls were 425, up from 398 in 2014. There were 350 in the township and 75 in surrounding communities. Included in this figure are 149 false alarms.

The average turnout of volunteers for an event was 15 with average response time being four minutes and 21 seconds.

The busiest time of the day is between 6 and 7 p.m. The busiest day of the week is Monday.

Dr. Harry Carter, an independent consultant, did a review of the Lower Macungie Township Fire Department. His statement began, “This is the best fire department I have ever observed in 35 years. The Lower Macungie Fire Department is a family.”

Carter said the junior firefighters are good and suggested the program be promoted. The average age of LMT fire fighter is 46 with the average age in the township being 41. Carter suggested the fire department seek more youth in the department.

With anticipated growth in the township, an additional fire station is a possibility. It was suggested with the Spring Creek Properties being developed, another fire station be added. Carter suggested the township utilize resources of the excellent relations with neighboring fire companies. It was also suggested Alburtis Fire Department is very able and willing to handle the additional work.

Carter recommended more training in hazardous materials. The study was approved by the commissioners with a vote of four, with Commissioner Ben Galiardo abstaining due to his affiliation with the fire department.

In other news, the Mack Trucks parking area expansion has been approved. There are also renovations to the administration buildings which have also been approved.

East Texas Village was approved for rezoning. It is the area between Lower Macungie Road, East Texas Road and Willow Lane. The rezoning recognizes the special characteristics of the village, allowing for residential, limited retail, commercial, institutional and mixed uses. The rezoning is consistent with preservation and enhancement of the area.

There was correspondence from residents in Upper Milford and Macungie Borough in support of the rezoning of East Texas. The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission also made comments and recommendations.

The Stone Hill Meadows development requested an extension which was approved by a vote of 3 to 2, with Higgins and Commissioner Ron R. Beitler voting against it.

The Faith Church will receive a refund for a traffic study after the study was reviewed and clarified.

Traffic improvements are beginning at Quarry and Schoeneck roads. Truck traffic turns are being redirected with signs. Actual road improvements should begin in the spring.

The upgrade of traffic signals through the Grand View developments is in the works. Commissioner Ronald W. Beitler is checking into the possibility of upgrading other signals at other intersections. He is requesting a quote on the possible upgrades. He is looking into contributions from area businesses to assist with this project.

There are changes to the 2016 budget. There had been conversations about reopening the budget. There are also options of transferring money between funds and moving money around with a resolution. It was decided a resolution will be written and further discussed at a future meeting.