During the Dec. 19, 2019 Lower Macungie Township Board of Commissioners meeting, commissioners recognized retiring Township Tax Collector Patricia Vassilaros’ 20 years of service. Commissioners accepted her resignation and then appointed Lora Walmer to replace her.

Walmer will take over as tax collector until Dec. 31, 2021.

Renea Flexer was recognized for her years of service. She has given the township 10 years of service which presently includes her time as the assistant township manager.

Maury Robert submitted his resignation from the planning commission as he will begin his new position as a commissioner. A proclamation was issued for his 32 years of service.

The approval of the subdivision plan for Mountain View Estates was delayed until Jan. 7. This includes the sewer planning module.

The 2020 budget was approved. The real estate tax remains the same and one of the lowest in the area. That amount is .50 mills. There remains a 1 percent tax on wages. The library tax is .25 mills and to be used by the library only.

The fee schedule was also approved.

A resident raised a concern about the change in the engineering group. The new group is not from the area and has no knowledge of the area according to the resident. There is also a concern about the township seeking a new solicitor.

There is a condominium development along Sauerkraut Road having problems with their evergreen buffer. The trees are dying from root rot. According to the contract with the homeowners association, the trees must be replaced in a reasonable and timely fashion. The homeowners are looking for a substantial tree approximately 10-12 feet tall. It must also be tolerant to the swale.

There is a drainage problem by PetSmart. This is being worked on.

Gratitude was expressed to Commissioner Douglas Brown from the senior citizens group. This is Brown’s last meeting as a commissioner.