Lehigh County Executive Phillips Armstrong made his final appearance at the Lower Macungie Township Board of Commissioners meeting Jan. 2. Armstrong made a promise eight years ago to attend local meetings to stay in touch with the various communities. For the coming year, he said there are no tax increases. He also mentioned the grant obtained for refurbishing Lockridge Park.

The water rates will be raised in January. The average resident’s rate will increase about $6.50 a quarter or $26 a year.

Lower Macungie Township entered into an agreement with the Sanctuary at Haafsville for assistance with stray cats. The fee for a stray cat is $175. Traps are available to residents to assist in trapping feral/wild cats.

Appointments were made to various boards, committees and commissions. Jeffrey Machik was appointed to the building code board of appeals for a term to expire Jan. 1, 2028.

Two environmental advisory council members were appointed with terms to expire Jan. 1, 2028. Mike Zakos and Phillip DaPoe were appointed.

Rebecca Innes was appointed EAC chair.

Gregory Brown and Camalia Baker were appointed to the parks and recreation advisory committee with terms to expire Dec. 31, 2027.

Jess Rosenbrook was appointed to the planning commission with the term expiring Jan. 1, 2029.

John Reinbold will remain on the public safety advisory committee with the term expiring Dec. 31, 2027.

Julie McDonell was reappointed to the vacancy board with the term expiring the first Monday in January 2026.

Resolution 2025-01 to appoint a zoning hearing board member was tabled until Jan. 16, 2025.

Kris Russo was appointed as the new zoning officer. Russo has extensive experience and various certifications. Russo said, “LMT has a great staff.”

An executive session was held for litigation matters.