Alan Fornwalt, township engineer from Keystone Engineering, will remain as the engineer for Lower Macungie Township until Dec. 31 2017.

Fornwalt was approved by a vote of 3-2 at the July 21 Lower Macungie Township Board of Commissioners meeting.

Commissioner Brian Higgins voted no due to unresolved billing issues and Ron R. Beitler abstained due to not being able to make any comparisons.

Commissioner Ben Galiardo said he has heard many very positive comments.

Other engineering firms were considered but Keystone was considered the best for the township.

In other meeting news, a conditional use hearing was held for the Trexler Business Center. This project will bring a Movie Tavern to the area, along with restaurants, retail establishments and fast food businesses. There is the possibility of a 24-hour fast food business, although there are none presently in the township. Issues remain concerning a proposed 65-foot tower sign which is a trademark of the Movie Tavern. This issue will be reviewed by the zoning hearing board. A re-design of the sign is in progress to accommodate the township’s requirements.

Commissioner Ronald W. Beitler suggested analyzing the landscaping. He is suggesting the landscaping include items useful all four seasons. This would help make the area less noticeable to the residents of Shepherd Hills who live behind the development area.

There was also discussion about the possibility of trucks parking in this lot. There will be noticeable signs prohibiting truck parking. This is a concern due to the truck parking at nearby Walmart.

The historic sycamore trees continue to be an issue. These trees have grown in the area of the new development for 75 years and cannot easily be replaced. Five trees are to be taken down but there is continuing concern over the health of the remaining trees with the additional construction and road development.

A conditional use hearing regarding the Signature Personal and Memory Care Facility also was held. The facility will be constructed at Lower Macungie Road and Krocks Road. There will be a a four foot high masonry wall constructed around the parking area. There will be landscaping along the golf course area..

The farm at 8106 Spring Creek Road owned by Kathryn Dixon has been a topic of discussion due to her request to subsidize the preservation. The amount to assist in this preservation is $38,000. Commissioners Douglas Brown and Ron R. Beitler voted nay on this request due to the amount of money.

The proposed dog park at Spring Creek estates met with opposition from a half dozen Spring Creek residents. The residents were unaware of the dog park until recently. The location is of concern due to the potential threat of dogs frightening young children, traffic problems resulting from parking issues and additional riffraff in the park. Included in the concerns was the issue of there being no local police in the township. The commissioners said the dog park construction has been noted on the website, in various news publications as well as the board of commissioners meeting television broadcast.

Sporting events in township parks have led to parking concerns. Township officials are working on the parking problem at every neighborhood park. The township will continue to work with Lower Macungie Youth Association to use non-neighborhood parks for sporting events.

Commissioner Ronald W. Beitler was concerned about residents’ lack of knowledge. With issues of this nature, Beitler takes to the streets on his bike and knocks on residents’ doors to discuss views. He assured the residents he will continue to do this and work on including more residents.

Julie McDonnell, a past member of the parks and recreation board, also reminded residents parks are public places. She said it is not just about residents who live next door. It is about the majority. “Give the township time to work out the details,” McDonnell said.

Roger Williams, chairman of the dog park committee, said the park is 20 feet from the walking path. A fence will also be constructed. As with any dog walking, leashes are required while the dogs are walking through the surrounding areas.

There was a complaint about excessive noise from a barking dog. A resident is requesting the township establish an ordinance dealing with noise. The commissioners discussed this. Establishing an ordinance of this nature is complicated as it deals with levels of noise and other details. It was decided not to take action and commissioners recommended calling the police. If the police cannot take action, there is always the possibility of civil action.

A bid award was offered to Pro Max Fence for the construction of the dog park fence. The amount of the bid is $40,000.

Bruce Fosselman, township manager, reported pool membership increased from last year. Also the park program has more children this year than last.

Mike Siegel made note of bridges scheduled for construction in the near future. The bridges of note were Indian Creek Road, Chestnut Street in Emmaus, Lower Macungie Road and Hamilton Boulevard over Iron Run near Route 100.