Cindy and Joseph Szapka, owners of the Lehigh Valley Home and Garden Center, 4220 Crackersport Road, want to erect a 41-foot by 72-foot open air pavilion to protect their plants and flowers in inclement weather.

The accessory structure, at the business established 26 years ago, will guard plants from heavy rain, hail and frost.

The proposed building meets all zoning setbacks and impervious surface requirements.

Although the Szapkas received approval from South Whitehall Zoning Officer Keith Zehner, they asked commissioners for a waiver from land development review, a process which typically takes three to six months.

Commissioners granted the waiver during their Aug. 15 meeting and wished the Szapkas well with their business.

The board also approved Buckno, Lisicky and Company as consultants for a review of internal control procedures at a cost not to exceed $10,000.

Township Manager Jon Hammer requested the firm be hired due to restructuring of management personnel and implementation of new technology.

The consultants will examine investments, revenue, expenditures, payroll liabilities, debt and debt service, prepaid expenses, capital assets, grants and more.

After review, the consultants will propose enhancements to existing policies, where necessary, to improve internal controls.

Township resident Mike Mittman, 1520 Hampton Road, told the board someone reported him for having a Japanese maple tree within the street sight triangle, which calls for 75 feet clearance.

Mittman described the situation.

"I live on a corner property. I'm well away from the stop sign," Mittman told commissioners. "There are only about 30 cars a day here.

"I hate to take down this beautiful tree. Penn-DOT allows 60 feet."

Commissioner Dale Daubert responded to Mittman's request.

"Have our people take a look at it," Daubert said. "Be reasonable when it's just a couple of feet."

Board President Christina "Tori" Morgan offered her opinion on the issue.

"Safety is always an issue," Morgan said.

"If there were any danger, I'd gladly take the tree down," Mittman replied. "When you start looking for these [in clear sight triangle], they're all over."

Director of Administration Tony Ganguzza commented on the matter.

"We'll take a look at the ordinance," Ganguzza said.

In a different matter, Ganguzza offered an update on the section of Jordan Road leading to Haasadahl Road.

Core samples were taken in spring to determine the status of the road bed.

"We're checking it regularly," Ganguzza said. "It is not in immediate danger. We'll do something about it eventually, probably next year."