Ryan Trexler, fire chief for Lower Macungie Township Fire Department, introduced himself as the new fire chief of the Lower Macungie Township Fire Department at the Jan. 16 Lower Macungie Township Board of Commissioners meeting. He also provided statistics for the year 2024.

The total number of incidents was 662 for 2024 which was up 13.7% from 2023 where there were 531 incidents. Some of the reason is due to the addition of the Borough of Macungie. The average response time is six minutes, six seconds.

The fire department also assists other communities such as Emmaus and Upper Macungie Township, Salisbury and South Whitehall townships.

Some of the incidents reported were fires, EMT rescues, hazardous incidents, service calls, good intent calls and false alarms.

The board welcomed Trexler to his new position.

The Vipan Properties, LLC conditional use hearing was continued for the Hamilton Square Project with no further information or questions. It was approved by the board.

David Wieder resigned from the building code board of appeals effective March 1. His resignation was accepted with regret by the commissioners. Jack Breiner resigned from the environmental advisory committee.

William Royer was appointed to the zoning hearing board with the term to expire Dec. 31, 2029 through Resolution 2025-01.

A representative from Cell Phones for Soldiers sent a letter of appreciation for cellphones donated to this group. The phones are recycled and refurbished for veterans’ use.

The properties at 2201 Brookside Road and 5210 Lower Macungie Road were approved by Resolution 2025-04 for condemnation. There are no current plans for these properties. This just leaves these properties available for future usage by the township for whatever purpose is deemed necessary.

There was an executive session held for litigation.