Mike Mastaglio of Rummel, Klepper and Kahl LLP, representing PennDOT, made a presentation to Upper Macungie supervisors June 5 outlining the proposed plan for temporary improvements on Route 222.

These improvements will be the installation of temporary traffic lights at the intersections of Route 222 and Independent and Farmington roads, and at the intersection of Schantz Road and Route 222.

In line with this, the length of the stacking lanes (left turn lanes) will be increased. There will be no right turn from Route 222 to Schantz Road on southbound Route 222. No right-of-way acquisition is anticipated.

Signals will be coordinated giving traffic accessing Route 222 from Independent and Farmington roads adequate chance to enter. Northbound left turn traffic will likewise have a better chance to enter Schantz Road.

There will be a public meeting to present the plan to the public. The project is expected in late fall.

Resident Peg Konnick, who lives at the intersection of Independent and Schantz roads, suggested there would be stacking problems with Folk and Farmington roads.

Mastaglio, however, said this was the best concept with the data available. The lights would be programmed for the peak travel times.

John Skrip asked how long the permanent project would take. He was told it would be 1-1/2 to 2 years until the start.

In order to move the project along, the board adopted resolutions allowing the erection of traffic signals.

Supervisor Sam Ashmar asked township Engineer J. Scott Stenroos to send a letter to PennDOT requesting all trucks be banned from Schantz Road.

In other matters, Chris Englebert thanked the board for police help at the recent lacrosse tournament at Grange Park and for the supervisors cooperation in this effort.

He said there were 87 teams that competed in the two-day event.

Richard Roseberry, representing Lehigh Hills, showed the board a new proposal for development at this site.

Four-story buildings, with elevator service, are proposed.

The maximum number of units and the building height do not meet ordinance specifications.

Supervisors would not make any decisions without planning commission review. Also, some issues are still on the table with the fire company.

A resident of Applewood said the board should reject the plan because the building height would interfere with the view from Applewood.

Attorney Joseph Zator addressed the board concerning the Iron Run project.

His proposal was to have the township enact a rehabilitation ordinance overlay district.

He said this would induce better clientele for the facility.

Zator suggsted the board consider the concept, saying there might be other areas in the township that could benefit.

He also said collaboration between developer, township and residents make for a better development.

Ashmar asked whether this would seem as if the township was rewarding property owners who let their properties become blighted or deteriorate.

Supervisor Kathy Rader said several properties in the township could benefit from this ordinance. No decision was made by the board.

A request was made as to what the township could do about the property at 157 Windermere Ave.

The property apparently has been abandoned and no one is taking care of the grass and the swimming pool is full of water.

Rader said a bank owns the property and there will be a sheriff's sale July 25.

A notice of violation has been sent and pictures of the property were sent to the bank's attorney.

The township is awaiting a response.

Township Solicitor Andrew Schantz will check to see if the township can empty the pool.

Rader made a motion, which passed, to have Schantz take any action necessary to bring the property into compliance.

The township will apply for a COPS grant. The request was forwarded by the police department.

Money received from this grant will be used toward officer salaries and benefits.

Rader said the HVAC system in the township building is 25 years old and should be replaced or updated.

She requested this be put in next year's budget.

The township will adopt an employee continuing education policy. This was brought about by a request of one of the township employees as there is nothing in the employee manual to cover this.

Stenroos said the speeding problem on Newtown Road was investigated and timing devices were erected.

The average speed was 48 mph with some speeds over 70 mph.

His recommendation was to post the road for a 35-mph speed limit.

Police Chief Edgardo Colon announced he will step up police presence in problem areas.

Ashmar made a motion to advertise the ordinance to set the speed limit.

PPL has given the township a $250,000 letter of credit toward the movement of large transformers across township roads.

Transformers, which weigh about 32,000 pounds, will be moved on trucks traveling at 5 mph.

Rader made the motion to approve the plan so they could move forward.

July is Park and Recreation Month and the Townships of Upper Macungie., Lower Macungie, North Whitehall and South Whitehall are all scheduling special events for the month.

Programs in Upper Macungie include tennis clinics July 1-31 at Ricky Park; Schmoyer Funeral Home fireworks at Breinigsville Park July 5; geocaching 11 a.m.-2 p.m. July 19 at Upper Macungie Park; and adult basketball Thursdays at Ricky Park.

The movie in the park for July will be "Walking with Dinosaurs."

Rader made a motion to have Schantz draft a resolution repealing the one adopted November 2013 to place a five-member board on the ballot.

She said as the township is going to have a township manager, a five-member board might not be necessary.

Chairman Jim Brunell seconded the motion but Ashmar took exception to the proposal saying the item was not on the agenda and should not be considered. He voted against the measure.

Daren Martocci's zoning report for the month showed 17 permits were issued for new residences, 25 for residential alterations or additions, 14 for commercial/industrial ]additions or alterations and 32 zoning permits.