The issue of naming an assistant leader for the road crew was the chief subject of discussion at the Aug. 27 Lehigh Township supervisors' meeting.

Supervisor Keith Hantz said the township would be placing itself at a disadvantage if it names an administrator as assistant because the individual could not be on the call-out list for emergency duty. Hantz also said Frank Zamadics and the new person, if he is an administrator, would mean two people managing a crew of seven.

Pursuant to the job description, the individual would report to Zamadics. Hantz said he believes it should be a union position.

Supervisor Darryl Snover said if the individual serves in a management role, the employee's salary will have to be increased. The individual would only give direction in Zamadics' absence.

The union said it is agreeable to a temporary placement which would allow the township time to evaluate the position.

Hantz also said Zamadics is seeking assistance on a limited basis. Most hours will be spent on regular work.

Solicitor David Backenstoe said management or nonmanagement is not an issue. A revised draft of the job description should be made, however. With everyone working off the same version of the job description, it will be easier to understand what the position entails, Backenstoe said.

In other business, MetroTec requested zoning relief because the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania overturned Zoning Officer Laura Harrier's decision to allow the firm to install solar panels at Lehigh Elementary School. Township zoning officials denied the proposal saying the panels are a second use rather than an accessory use.

Backenstoe said he agrees with Harrier's decision.

MetroTec is seeking plan approval. The matter cannot be appealed to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court because the court accepts selected petitions and decides which cases it will hear.

Also at the meeting, Michael Biechy requested and received a waiver for the isolation distance for a new well. Hanover Engineering said it should be placed on the agreement that Biechy cannot report back to the township if there are problems.

Application and grant funding from gaming and the authorization to sign were approved. The funding will be used to improve Delps Park.

Brush and weed pickup will begin Oct. 21. Township manager Alice Rehrig said the composting authority has been receiving contaminants in the Dumpsters which are only for yard waste.

The payroll company is seeking to provide the numbers for payroll and have the township print the checks. There should be a $150 annual savings.

Also during the meeting, a letter from the fire company indicated it will accept money remaining in the salt fund for its truck fund. The amount equals $16,000. Hantz said the transfer should not be made until closer to the end of the year, in case the township should need it. Snover said a final decision can be made in a November meeting.

Supervisor Cindy Miller reported the township began adding photos to the website. The site should be completed in three to six months.