The Lower Macungie Board of Commissioners met virtually Dec. 3. The first order of business was about a land development plan for Green Acres, 219 Schantz Road. Green Acres is a retailer who sells outdoor furniture, sheds, umbrellas and play sets. This facility will also add another aspect to their business in selling heating oil.

The Schantz spring is nearby which supplies drinking water to Allentown and others. The facility will be located upstream and will be constantly under review to ensure the safety of the water supply.

The area will also have a walking path as well as landscaping which will include street trees.

Resolution 2020-36 for this land development plan was approved by the commissioners.

Another resolution was approved for the extension of the policy for outdoor sales. The resolution will extend the time for another 120 days. This includes restaurants and other retailers who can sell from outside their facility. Consideration has been made for the possibility of ice and snow. The tent has to be strong enough to hold snow and ice.

A resolution was approved by the commissioners authorizing sub grant funds from Lehigh County and the state of Pennsylvania for relief grant programs to assist cities, boroughs and townships under COVID-19 relief. This authorizes the establishment of charitable funds with the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation. The expenses can include funds for hospitals, establishing temporary public medical facilities, personal protective equipment storage, testing, emergency medical expenses, public health communication and enforcement, expenses for disinfecting public areas, expenses for quarantining as well as other issues.

In other business, Lower Macungie received a letter of thanks for its donation to Meals on Wheels.

East Penn School District entered into an annual agreement for the use of the baseball fields on Church Lane.

Scott Forbes will not seek another term on the public safety commission. His term expires Dec. 31.

Director of Planning Nathan Jones requested a security release of $22,800 for Stone Hill Meadows. This was money held in escrow.

There was a plan to purchase a 2020 Ford Explorer; however, this vehicle has been sold. There is an option to purchase a 2021 vehicle. The search is on to get this at the best price.

A mower was damaged during the flood and not added to the initial damage. There was a request to purchase a new mower for approximately $9,000. In addition, there is another mower that has had a lot of repair issues.

A request was made to renew the lease with state Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-134th, for his offices at the township building. This was approved.

The Troop Support program assisted eight soldiers - five in the country and three outside of our country. One is serving in Saudi Arabi, another in Japan and the other in Iraq. The soldiers stationed in this country will receive two boxes and the soldiers overseas will receive 41 boxes. This annual event is completing its 15th year.

There has been talk of having a township Christmas tree. Stan Kupp, projects/parks facility director has located a Norway spruce that will be planted in front of the fire station. This should occur in the near future.