Upper Macungie supervisors met Sept. 4, to review next year's budget and to receive input from department heads.

Sewer Authority Manager Richard Henderson reported there would be no increase in trash rates for the coming year.

He also said Verizon wants to install two cell towers in areas of poor reception in the township.

One tower would be erected at the township complex. The other one would be erected in Breingsville Park.

Installation of these towers would bring in extra revenue for the township.

Security cameras will be installed at Grange Road Park this year and installation will be finished at Breinigsville Park.

He also suggested the board look into adopting a franchise fee ordinance for cable companies.

Police Chief Edgardo Colon reported his department would have a better handle on the budget next year.

As this was the start-up year for the police force, it was difficult to ascertain the amount and cost of expenses involved with the department.

He did note the cost of arms and ammunition has risen. He would like to add some new officers next year and promote one of the existing officers to deputy chief, budgetary restraints permitting.

Scott Faust requested funding for a new pick-up truck for the public works department.

He also suggested raising the amount budgeted for parts to $50,000 as they are doing more of the maintenance on township vehicles.

Supervisor Kathy Rader suggested having zoning ordinances revised and codified.

She also noted the township has received one grant toward the Fogelsville dam and is seeking a second one.

During the Sept. 5 regular board meeting South Whitehall Township Emergency Management Coordinator Jeff Kelly gave a presentation on the incident command vehicle.

He said this vehicle could be used in many instances, such as weather emergencies, large scale fires, Dorney Park, DUI check points, police SWAT events, among others.

A $30,000 grant has been received from Lehigh County with $50,000 pledged by South Whitehall and Upper Macungie townships.

A commitment of $46,250 from each township for the next five years is necessary to move the project forward.

The group will continue to seek additional available funding.

The vehicle will be housed at the Cetronia Ambulance complex. Emergency management coordinators of the two townships will be responsible for the upkeep and deployment of the vehicle.

Rader later noted the next meeting with South Whitehall will be Sept. 17 at that township.

The recreation board report, given by Rader, noted the wedding package has been approved.

Use of Independent Park for weddings will cost $650 with a total of eight hours available between two days.

This would allow for set-up time the day prior to the wedding. Additional hours can be purchased at $50 per hour.

The deposit of $200 remains the same.

Programs scheduled for the fall include Tree Care on Oct. 1 and Psychic Medium Oct. 10, both at Independent Park.

Twenty-six people have signed up but 12 more are needed. Barktoberfest is scheduled for Oct. 19 with a rain date of Oct. 20, at the Route 100 park.

Anyone interested in any of these items should contact Valerie at the Township building.

Scott Stenroos and Dean Haas presented the planning report.

After their respective reports, the board voted to approve each plan. Parkland Fields final plan was approved along with the Goddard School (preliminary/final plan) and Parkland Library (final plan) being approved with conditions.

Ashmar asked Scott Faust to obtain and install crosswalk signs at the library location.

Colon reported the proposal for a truck check station on Schantz Road was proceeding.

He will give an in depth presentation at a later date. A total of 898 incidents were reported between July 24-Aug. 31. Traffic citations amounted to 757.

Supervisor Sam Ashmar reported the former Berks Lehigh Regional Police Department still has some outstanding items. The next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 16 at Station 56.

Fire Commissioner Grant Grim's report for August included a total of 78 emergency responses and 194 EMS responses. There were 31 fire inspections.

The August zoning report showed 14 permits for new residences, 10 permits for residential additions or alterations and roofs, 1 permit for a new commercial/industrial building, 12 permits for commercial/industrial additions or alterations and 15 miscellaneous permits.

Two zoning appeals were heard by the zoning hearing board.

These were the appeal of Christopher and Monica Miller for a variance to construct a shed within the front yard building restriction line and the appeal of 155 Nestlé, LLC for a variance to construct a paved parking area closer than 50 feet to the existing street right-of-way.

The Miller appeal was granted. The Nestlé appeal was denied.

Representatives of Ocean Spray attended the last planning commission meeting. The change in truck traffic pattern was discussed.

Their traffic engineer will meet with Scott Stenroos on this matter.

Highlighting the evening's meeting was Trick or Treat Night, set for 6-8 p.m.on Oct. 25.

Supervisor Ed Earley said the township newsletter should be out the first week of October.