Randy Cope, director of township operations, reported during the July 17 South Whitehall commissioners’ meeting that Mike Kukitz was hired as manager of parks and recreation.

His most recent position was with the Blue Mountain Recreation Commission in Orwigsburg.

Before that, he was executive director of the Northern Lehigh Recreation Authority, Slatington.

Cope stated Kukitz will step right in with the summer playground program which includes 450 children at three locations and 32 college-age counselors.

Kukitz will be involved with movies and concerts in the parks this summer and the many events scheduled for fall, the winter holidays this year and planning for all of the township offerings going in to 2020.

Cope also announced Mike Elias has joined township staff as coordinator of the MS4 program.

Elias will address compliance of MS4 regulations and respond to matters relating to stormwater.

Cope said with the heavy rains this season, residents have been contacting the township with issues of flooding, drainage and excess water on their properties and roadways.

“We are trying to respond to every concern,” Cope said.

Director of Community Development George Kinney announced Aaron Silverstein has been selected as the new code enforcement person.

He fills a need covered at times by a third party or by other township staff.

In other business, commissioners approved individuals to fill vacancies on the township civil service commission.

Mike Bruckner, who has had a 39 -year career at Muhlenberg College, and Phillip Ingram, national sales manager for Follett, have agreed to serve for a period of six years.

Ingram is the alternate member.

Township Manager Renee Bickel said the township’s civil service commission is involved in hiring, promotions and potential discipline in the police department.