The clerical union’s contract was approved during the Feb. 1 commissioners meeting in Lower Macungie Township.

The union reached a tentative agreement the morning of the meeting with a 5-year contract retroactive to Jan. 1. No additional sick and vacation days were added. The health care was changed which will save the township money.

Commissioner Brian Higgins sat in all negotiations. Commissioner Richard Ward recused himself due to his wife being employed by the township. The commissioners approved the contract.

An executive session was held to discuss the contract and real estate matters.

A resident from Mill Creek Road discussed his concern and questions about the Kratzer Farm proposal. His property borders some of the farm. He questioned the trail and solar lighting. Township Planning Director Sara Pandl said engineering has not been completed or even started in some cases. Higgins said nothing has been set in stone as of yet.

A resident spoke about her neighborhood, Lehigh Crossings, and her concern for speeding. There are no speed limit signs within the neighborhood. There are also no “children at play signs.” This will be referred to committee.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has agreed with the township about reducing the speed limit on Hamilton Boulevard to 35 miles per hour.

The owners of the Lichtenwalner Farm off of Indian Creek Road have written a letter of their intent to subdivide their farm. This will be open for discussion as the plans are proposed. Farmland preservation is part of the discussion.

Rev. Jerel Gade and Theresa Schweyer were approved for re-appointment to the library board. Their terms expire Jan. 31, 2021.

The lighting at Quarry Park has been completed. Tidying up the area will be completed in the spring.

Eighteen volunteer firefighters have qualified for tax credit on their income tax. Township Manager Bruce Fosselman expressed gratitude to Commissioner Ronald W. Beitler for his role in getting this through. The credit was approved by the commissioners.

A generator has been added to the Hills of Lockridge to assist in an emergency situation. Now there are several locations where residents can go during an emergency.

Right-to-know requests are becoming more prevalent with in the township. These requests are time consuming and costly. This will be further investigated.

The policy of dedicating roads and private ownership of roads was discussed including maintenance of private roads. One area in particular has a private road, which is owned by the individuals, and is in need of repair. The commissioners expressed their thoughts and agreed to handle such situations on a case-by-case basis.

One particular case involving a new development, Stone Hill Meadows, is looking for a decision to determine roads. The commissioners voted 2-2 with Commissioner Ron R. Beitler not in attendance, therefore, not available to vote.

There was discussion regarding the recreation area for Millbrook Farms Phase 6. The developer would like to pay a fee in lieu of dedicating recreation land. The majority of the board was in favor of the developer dedicating land instead of paying a fee.

Sharon Woodside was appointed to the audit advisory committee with a term to expire January 2021.