The Upper Macungie Township Board of Supervisors held its regular meeting on April 2, featuring a public hearing on an Interim Zoning Ordinance update and recognition of the township manager.

The meeting opened with a public hearing regarding regulations for Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS).

The proposed Interim Zoning Ordinance establishes guidelines for the placement and use of these high-tech warehouse systems within the township.

Currently, three ASRS facilities exist within the township’s LI and LI-L zoning districts, where height limits are capped at 120 feet.

Under the updated ordinance, ASRS installations must be part of a multiuse campus that includes manufacturing, office, and warehousing components.

Additionally, the systems may not exceed 20 percent of the principal structure’s total floor area.

Despite concerns raised about the proximity of such facilities to residential neighborhoods, they are not currently located near residential neighborhoods and their potential visual impact, the board voted to approve the ordinance.

The Interim Zoning Ordinance update was later formally adopted.

American Craft Brewery requested an extension of time for an ASRS that they had planned but may not proceed immediately. This was approved.

During the meeting, Supervisor Jeff Fleischaker recognized Township Manager Bob Ibach for receiving a regional honor.

Fleischaker noted that township officials recently attended a municipal mayor’s event hosted by the Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, where Ibach was named Township Manager of the Year.

“I was very happy, along with a lot of our staff and supervisors, to attend,” Fleischaker said. “Bob, you are a leader who has brought us every day toward better. We’re really proud to have you receive that award and grateful for your continued involvement in moving our township forward.”

Ibach responded by thanking the board and past leadership for their support.

“I was totally caught off guard,” he said. “I didn’t get a chance to really thank this board and the previous boards. Without your support, it’s hard to manage. That’s been a big part of my success, and I truly appreciate it.”

In other business, Fleischaker made a motion to approve recommendations from the township’s Park and Recreation Board to officially name several township parks.

The following names were unanimously approved: Apple Park, Blue Barn Park, Grange Park, Lone Lane Park, Ricky Park, and Route 100 Park.