The 2013 budget was approved at the Dec. 11 meeting of the Lehigh Township supervisors.

Supervisor Sandy Hopkins asked if the budget could be reopened for a discussion of personnel and major equipment purchases in three months.

Solicitor David Backenstoe said it is a matter of semantics. The budget will not be reopened but can be reviewed with transfers made of unencumbered funds. He said funds can't be reallocated if they are intended for specific debt.

Hopkins made a motion to approve the budget with the understanding that any large expenditures have to come before the supervisors.

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In other business:

· The township noted it has always paid for awards presented to firefighters in January. The supervisors were asked if they would do so again. The amount averages $400, with the supervisors voting to pay for them.

· Police Chief Scott Fogel said police issued 30 citations in a short time period on Route 145. Four were for speeding over 70 m.p.h. and one for a speed exceeding 80 m.p.h. None were for DUI, which is frequent on the day before Thanksgiving.

· Cameras are being installed in the parking area and cell block at the police headquarters. A prescription drug takeback day will be held April 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

· The supervisors announced recyclables will no longer have to be separated as a commingled service is beginning.

· Work will begin on the Walnut Drive bridge on Dec. 26 with scheduled completion Nov. 28, 2013. During part of that time the road will be closed. The new bridge will be two lanes instead of one.

· It was reported a handicapped child lives three doors down from the Danielsville intersection. The supervisors were asked to place a sign for motorists because the child does not understand the dangers associated with the roadway.

It is a PennDOT road and the state was asked to erect a sign. However, PennDOT was willing only to grant a permit to the township to buy, erect and maintain the sign.

· Fire Chief Rick Hildebrand said the company can obtain a grant to do a study about fire services and community needs. This will help the company get future grants.

"We're trying to stay on top of things," said Hildebrand.