During the virtual Lower Macungie Township Board of Commissioners meeting Feb. 4, Lehigh County Executive Phillips Armstrong attended as a way of keeping in touch with the township.

Armstrong spoke about updates to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act funds, which are now being distributed to communities based on population. More than 700 businesses have benefited from the funds.

A grant of $11.5 million was received by Lehigh County for housing and rent assistance. A map has been created to indicate neighborhoods of concern. An example would be where there are areas of unemployment.

Armstrong also spoke about Lower Macungie Township as ranking third in Pennsylvania for farmland preservation.

There was an executive session prior to the commissioners meeting. Labor, land acquisition and litigation were the topics.

In other meeting news, there is a minor modification for the Shepherd’s Corner project. The modification involves the credit union parcel. Also included was mention of a good location for a LANTA bus stop. The change is minor and was approved by the commissioners.

A resolution for closing the Orchard Road railroad crossing and creating a crossing on the Sauerkraut Road extension was approved. Norfolk Southern railroad will pay the township a portion of the charges to renovate the area.

According to the meeting agenda, David M. Jaindl, Mark. W. Jaindl and John F. Lisicky, co-executors of the estate of Frederick (Fred) J. Jaindl offered a small parcel of land around Heritage Heights to the township for open space. The parcel comprises approximately .220 acres and is located at 1551 Weilers Road, according to the agenda. The acquisition was approved by the commissioners.

Jerel Gade requested not to seek reappointment to the Lower Macungie Township Library Board of Directors. Therese Schweyer was approved for another term on the library board.

Stone Hill Meadows has requested to release escrow for Phase 2 of the recreation fees. According to the agenda, the line of credit to cover the recreational fees was $319,200. The reduction of $26,600 was approved by a resolution by commissioners. The remaining balance is reduced to $197,600.

A vote was taken to advertise vacant and blighted properties with the township. This was approved.

The bid collection of loose leaves and yard waste was approved for Estate Maintenance, Inc., Macungie. According to the agenda, the bid by EMI was $100,625 per year for the next five years from 2021 to 2025.