Upper Macungie supervisors met during the day Oct. 3 to review the 2014 budget.

They were in agreement with most of the proposed expenditures for the upcoming year except for the police budget.

Supervisor Sam Ashmar was not inclined to budget money for new officers, saying it would be too costly. However, Supervisor Kathy Rader urged the board to leave the money in the budget.

She said the money would not be spent if not needed and, then, the money could then be put to other uses.

At the regular meeting later that evening, a few matters were discussed at length.

The recreation report was given by Rader. Barktoberfest is scheduled for noon-3 p.m. Oct. 19 at Upper Macungie Park, 1625 N. Route 100, Fogelsville.

The Jersey Disc Devils canine show will be presented along with other demonstrations and happenings.

Anyone bringing a dog must have it on a leash and under control.

Other events include volleyball at the Fogelsville Elementary School between 8-10 p.m. Tuesdays through March 25; a hunter safety course 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 10 at Independent Park; the AARP driver refresher course 1-5 p.m. Nov. 12 and 14; and a 4-hour refresher course 1-5 p.m. Nov. 13.

Trick or Treat Night is 6-8 p.m. Oct. 25. The Upper Macungie Run and Walk for Parks will be at 9 a.m. Nov. 3 at Lone Lane Park. Also, a pet CPR and first aid class is being offered from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Nov. 16.

Police Chief Edgardo Colon presented the police report. Total incidents in September was 682, along with 632 traffic citations.

Arrests totaled 38 with 14 false alarms.

Officer Pamela Mathias, community relations officer, has been certified in the D. A. R. E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program.

This international program founded by Daryl Gates in 1983 tries to prevent use of drugs, membership in gangs and violent behavior in young people. Programs are offered in local schools with an instructor interacting with the students and trying to show the students the hazards of pursuing one of these options.

Recently, prescription drug abuse and over -the-counter drug abuse have been added to the program.

Mathias was required to obtain special training in areas such as child development, classroom management and other skills to present the program.

Ashmar reported negotiations concerning the disbanded Berks-Lehigh Regional Police Department are on-going. Next meeting will be Oct. 21 at Station 56.

In the absence of Fire Commissioner Grant Grim, Ashmar gave the fire report. Fire inspections totaled 38 while emergency responses by Station 8 were 30, Station 25 were 41 and Station 56 were 47.

A Department of Environmental Protection grant was received for restoration of Hassen Creek. This creek flows into the Fogelsville Dam and is part of the project.

Act 13 funding is also being pursued to renovate the dam. It is expected the township will lower the dam breast by two feet during the winter months and subsequently lower the breast level yearly until six feet have been removed.

J. Scott Stenroos reported he met with Ocean Spray officials to discuss the truck traffic and the routing pattern which will be used. Ocean Spray will be returning to the planning commission and supervisors to discuss this matter. Dean Haas reported the Grange Road project was awarded to Semmel Construction for the construction of infiltrator basins and stormwater lines. Bid cost is $175,170.

Solicitor Andrew Schantz presented a proposal to the board concerning a development proposed on land in South Whitehall and Upper Macungie township. A commercial development is proposed which would straddle the township line.

The developer wants the land in Upper Macungie rezoned from LI to NC. The NC designation would be a better fit in the area due to the housing in the district.

If the board decides to rezone the area, it would have to decide whether I-78 or Schantz Road would be the boundary line.

Approximately 14 acres are in Upper Macungie while 29-plus acres are in North Whitehall Township.

Rader announced all on-lot septic systems in Zone 1 must have the tanks pumped this year.

Resident Joe Corcoran opined as the township has experienced much growth in recent year, it might be time to expand the board to five supervisors.

Ashmar suggested the voters decide. The board requested Schantz check into the matter and ascertain when this could be placed on the ballot.