During the Jan. 17 Lower Macungie Township Board of Commissioners meeting, several proclamations were issued to several long-term volunteers.

Ann and Craig Bartholomew were honored for their 10 years of service on the historical commission. This service led to Craig Bartholomew writing a book about the history of the township. Their service also led to the creation of the Ann and Craig Bartholomew Museum at Camp Olympic.

The commissioners expressed gratitude for their services and presented the couple with a proclamation.

George Caldarelli, fire marshal, was recognized for 39 years of service in the fire department. Caldarelli served under three different fire chiefs. He received a proclamation honoring his years of service. Lower Macungie Township Fire Chief Dave Nosal also recognized Caldarelli’s service.

James Wagner served various leadership roles for 50 years. He was hired in 1968. He also received a proclamation from the commissioners as well as recognition from the fire chief.

In other meeting news, Nosal presented the annual report for the fire department. The merger of Lower Macungie and the Alburtis fire departments is working well. The total number of fire department responses are 605 in 2018, an increase from 480 in 2017. There is an average of 11 personnel turnout for fire calls. Fire personnel spend various hours in meetings, school and training. There is talk of a third station. Additional statistics and further breakdown of figures is available on the township website lowermac.com.

Sal Verrastro from Spillman Farmer Architects gave an update about the library expansion. The library is closed until Feb. 18. The closure is to allow for completion of the facility which includes carpeting, painting, furniture and books moved, along with other incidentals. The gym is to be completed by March 1. The parking lot and new additional entrance may be delayed due to weather issues.

A final plan approval for the Millbrook Farms section six subdivision was approved by the commissioners in a vote of 4-1 with Commissioner Brian Higgins voting against it. This subdivision is located at Sauerkraut and Indian Creek roads and has 44 lots. Tuskes Homes is the builder.

There was a debate over the ownership of the roads in the subdivision. It was decided the roads would be maintained by the township but plowed by the homeowners association. Higgins expressed concern about the fairness of the decision.

The solid waste contract is up for renewal. The township is looking into other providers. Curbside electronic recycling is being considered. Also, a 4 1/2 year contract will be considered as the solid waste contract is not in line with other contracts within the township.

A zoning amendment is ready to be advertised for the 5G wireless antennas. There are 13 streets in the township where these antennas will be placed. The antennas will not be placed on properties with residential frontage.

Julie McDonell spoke to clear the possible misconception of the vacancy board. A better way to describe this board would be to call it the “solution commission.” If the commissioners happen to lose a member of the board and a vote is needed, the vote is a tie, which needs to be broken. The vacancy board member intervenes to help break the tie, McDonell explained. The vacancy board has not convened in a long time but is necessary for this purpose, McDonell added.

There was an executive session for possible litigation.