Looking at fees and service contracts for animal control in 2013, South Whitehall commissioners chose The Sanctuary at Haafsville at a cost of $6,000.

The other option was the Lehigh County Humane Society whose fee is $10,200 for the new year.

Both organizations are licensed by the state and are the only two animal shelters with state accreditation in the area, reported township Manager Jon Hammer at a Dec. 19 meeting.

He said South Whitehall has had experience with both groups, but switched to the humane society in 2012 because the Sanctuary was not yet licensed.

After learning South Whitehall had only 20 animals needing help in 2012, Commissioner David Bond asked whether a per animal charge might be negotiated.

If there are 20 animals going to The Sanctuary in 2013, that would be $300 for each one, Bond said.

"I can't see spending so much money on one animal," Bond said. "Many times the owner picks it up, but we pay for it."

"It's a flat fee no matter how many animals," Director of Administration Tony Ganguzza said.

"What would happen if we didn't have this?" Commissioner Dale Daubert asked.

Police Chief Thomas Toth said the township is required by law to place any picked up animals at a licensed facility.

Commissioners then voted to approve the Sanctuary contract.

Chief Executive Officer of Cetronia Ambulance Corps Larry Wiersch was present regarding slight modifications to the land development plan for a joint operations facility at 4200 Broadway.

He provided an update on the matter.

"The project is moving forward," Wiersch said. "We hope to break ground in March. We're moving forward quite nicely."

James Vozar of Wind Gap then presented a proposal for a new business at the Jaflo site, 2013 Route 309, Orefield.

His project includes a show room, service department, and parts and training area for a national brand of motorcycles and ATVs.

Vozar said Jaflo is still in business but would consider relocating, and the site is available.

"It's a 6-acre property, and we're looking to develop the entire piece," Vozar said.

As the site is zoned industrial, commissioners gave Vozar options on how to request the needed zoning change to Highway Commercial.