A somber mood dominated the Upper Macungie supervisors meeting last Thursday. The loss of Supervisor Samir Ashmar was felt by everyone.

After a moment of silence was observed, Chairman Jim Brunell gave a short eulogy on Ashmar.

"We had good government," Brunell said. "We didn't always agree but we worked together."

Secretary Kathy Rader echoed Brunell's sentiments.

"Things were coming together as a board," she said. "His presence will be missed."

Solicitor Andrew Schantz then outlined the procedure for appointment of a replacement to fill Ashmar's term.

The board needs to act within 30 days of his death to appoint a replacement. If the two members cannot agree on a candidate, the vacancy board would convene to select a member.

The new member would serve until January 2016.

Four applicants – Larry Bernhard, Joe Corcoran, Sean Gill and Shohn Montano – submitted resumes.

Each gave a short speech on what they thought were their qualifications for the position.

After hearing all testimony, the board appointed Sean Hill to the office. Hill is a board member of the South Parkland Youth Association, coach and recreation board member.

In other business, the Board note Sewer Authority member Richard Henderson has retired. Joseph Bateman was appointed to fill the vacated position.

The recreation board has a vacancy also. Chairman Richard Keiser has resigned and a replacement is being sought. He has been on the board since its initiation.

The dissolution agreement of the Berks-Lehigh Regional Police has been signed.

The Lehigh County Humane Society was selected as the township's animal control unit and will be responsible to pick up any stray animals at the cost of $12,000 for the year.

The Public Works department is still picking up leaves. Scott Faust's report also listed sign repair, mulch grinding, salting and plowing, park cleaning and sewer details as jobs done in November.

Many of these jobs are ongoing and must be repeated every month.

Township Manager Dan Olpere noted there is also a vacancy in the township sewer authority office staff.

The planning commission also needs a new member to replace Ashmar. The public works department is still seeking an employee to work on the road crew.

The regularly scheduled supervisors meeting for January will be held immediately following the Jan. 5, 2015, re-organization meeting.

Chief Edgardo Colón gave the police report for the month of November. Total calls for service numbered 640 with 259 traffic citations.

The most reported crime was DUI with 11 offenses. The motor carrier safety program included 16 inspections.