Supervisor Jim Brunell opened the Upper Macungie supervisors meeting by reading a proclamation designating May 18-24 as Emergency Medical Services Week.

The proclamation, honoring the 40th national celebration, was sponsored by the board in recognition of the work EMS crews have done for the community.

Cetronia Ambulance Corps CEO Larry Wiersch and Director of Operations Chris Peischl accepted the proclamation.

In other matters, a new officer on the Upper Macungie Police Force was introduced.

Michael Heimes has already started patroling the township. He was the highest scoring candidate of 35 applicants for the position.

Trexlertown Fire Company requested assistance from the township to construct a concrete apron at the fire station in front of the garage doors.

The fire company obtained the funds for this project through a grant. The fire company plans to use some township equipment and employees who volunteered their services to construct the pad.

Charles B. Friedlander was given a waiver of conflict by the board.

He is the actuary who will be involved in the pension negotiations for the township in the dissolution of the Berks Lehigh Police Department.

The conflict arose because he is the actuary for the township police force. He gave a brief summary to the board outlining the current position in the negotiations.

The police report, presented by Deputy Chief Joe Wilson, indicated the department was busy in April.

He also reminded the audience of the bicycle registration will take place May 10 at Coldwater Crossing Clubhouse, Applewood Clubhouse on May 17, Ricky Park on May 24 and Breinigsville Park on May 31.

Registration will be from 1-4 p.m. The police department will also participate in a woman's self-defense course May 14 in conjunction with South Whitehall Township.

Supervisor Kathy Rader's recreation report was short. She reminded people of the upcoming events for the year.

Tennis clinics are now running at Ricky Park until June 5. Family fishing will take place June 7 at Apple Park.

A Night with psyic Laurie Moore will be presented 7 p.m. June 4 and pet CPR and first aid will be offered May 18 at Independent Park.

Movies in the Park will debut with the "Secret Life of Walter Mitty," on June 13 at Lone Lane Park and there will be fireworks July 5 in the Breinigsville Park.

Free programs during the summer are volleyball at Upper Macungie Park on Sundays, Sticks for Kids at Independent Park and adult basketball on Thursdays at Ricky Park.

For more information, call the township office.

The fire report listed 74 fire calls and 157 EMS calls. An EMS Academy is being offered Aug. 11-15 for township children. Police, fire companies and Cetronia Ambulance Corps are sponsoring the event.

Dean Haas reported the Fogelsville Dam project is moving along.

Recent heavy rains were controlled by the contractor so no sediment flowed into the creek.

Scott Stenroos gave a report on the road improvements on Schantz Road for the Parkland Fields Subdivision.

He said PennDOT will meet with the township next month to discuss interim safety improvements at the intersection of Schantz Road and Routes 863 and 22 and Schantz Road and Route 222. The project will start this fall.

Stenroos reported Long Lane will be closed from Twin Pond to Tillage Road for the Parkland Fields project.

The zoning report was given by Brunell. Nine permits were issued for new residences, 17 permits for additions/alterations to residences, 13 permits for commercial or industrial additions or alterations and 22 zoning permits.

Twelve licenses were issued for electrical work and six plumbing licenses were issued.

The zoning hearing board had two cases on the agenda in April.

Kay Builders sought a variance on the setback requirements for construction of a dwelling on a lot on Milkweed Drive in the Laura Fields subdivision.

The second appeal was the continuance of the request by Verizon Wireless for variances to erect a communications tower in the Breinigsville Park.

The Kay Builders request was granted while no action was taken on the Verizon request as the applicant withdrew the appeal.

The township manager search committee is narrowing down the candidates. The original 33 applicants have been reduced to nine.

A day-long meeting will be held to discuss the remaining candidates.

Public comment centered around road issues.

Phil Delvecchio was concerned about the speeding at Lone Lane Park.

Scott Faust stated there are 15 mph speed limit signs in place currently, but he will study the situation.

Bill McClenaghan and Calvin Fetherolf complained about the speeding in Breinigsville on Breinigsville and Brookdale roads. Fetherolf works for Schmoyer Funeral Home and said traffic does not slow down when there is a funeral or viewing.

Other areas of concern were Kuhns Lane parking problem in Trexlertown and Schantz Road.