Upper Macungie supervisors called a special workshop recently to discuss topics of concern within the township.

Several other items were taken care of at the same time.

Sally Urffer, representing Lehigh Valley Wheelmen, addressed the board March 20, about concerns with bicycle safety on the roads.

The route bicyclists use has some issues associated with it.

Loose cinders from the winter and a bad dip in one area of the road could be hazardous to cyclists, she explained.

Urffer said the organization is insured but Solicitor Andrew Schantz wanted more assurances the township is protected from litigation.

The board voted to allow the next two events conditional upon receipt of further legal forms.

In other matters, supervisors adopted an ordinance outlining the duties and powers of the township manager.

They also adopted four resolutions granting the township secretary permission to sign grant applications for Brein-igsville Park West, Grant Road Park, Grange Road Park and pathways in the Breinigsville neighborhood.

In other business, the board approved computers to be upgraded to Windows 7. Windows XP, which is no longer supported by Microsoft, will be replaced. It was noted there is money in the budget for this expenditure.

Supervisor Sam Ashmar noted a separation agreement was arranged with Building Code Official Kenneth Molony effective June 6.

His duties will be transferred to the new township manager. Gerald Schueck, a mechanic, notified the board of his intention to retire but did not give written notice. This matter was tabled until the next meeting.

The Parkland Library tendered a request to be allowed to use Independent Park for a summer reading program 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. one day a week. A motion was made to send the request to the recreation commission for review.

The Upper Macungie Township Police Department will be using the same actuary as the defunct Berks/Lehigh department.

Charles B. Friedlander will be studying the pension situation for the department.

The board requested information on the scope of service and the cost.

Police cars and other vehicles, which are to be sold will be put out on bid. Two offers were received privately but they were rejected.

Zoning updates and subdivision and land development changes were discussed.

Scott Stenroos, Dean Haas and Schantz will be working on this with input from Supervisor Kathy Rader. The ordinances will be reviewed and notes will be taken on the problem areas. Keystone Consulting Engineers would then do the changes.

Supervisors also discussed the comprehensive plan. Stenroos headed the discussion on future traffic planning.

PennDOT's traffic counts show some of the roads are currently overloaded. The board suggested more developer participation be required to upgrade the highway system.

PennDOT was at the planning commission's work session to discuss the situation.

Liberty Property and Air Products and Chemicals were discussed as possible sources of funding to help defray the costs of highway improvements.

Ashmar said Mill Creek Road and the new Hamilton Boulevard intersection should be upgraded due to proposed development in the immediate area.