Water for fire hydrants dominated the discussion at a recent Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners workshop meeting.

Board members want to discuss with the Northampton Borough Water Authority (NBMA) the fees NBMA charges for the hydrant service used by the township's fire department when responding to fires.

The township pays the NBMA in the neighborhood of $50,000 for the hydrant service.

The township is asking NBMA to negotiate with the township over the fees.

Commissioners Vice President Philip Ginder initially raised the question.

The Whitehall Township Authority does not assess the township any fees for water hydrants in the section of the township it serves.

In another matter regarding fees, the administration recommended the board have its legal and legislative committee review its field and court rental fees. Any change in rates would be effective beginning in 2014, said Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr.

Barry Walakovits, who serves on the recreation commission as a member at large, will move to a position as a representative to the Disabled Community Board. The vacancy of the recreation commission would be filled later.

Hozza stated a new township public safety board will be created. Such a board is in place with other first class townships in the region, according to Hozza.