Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners, in a split vote Sept. 9, opted to not provide relief to the Northampton Borough Municipal Authority (NBMA) from the fee resulting from a sinkhole that earlier appeared on Mickley Road.

The bill before the commissioners for a vote stated, "After consideration and extended discussions on the various relationships between the Northampton Borough Municipal Authority and the Board of Commissioners of Whitehall Township, the Board of Commissioners grants relief to the Northampton Borough Municipal authority from the degradation fee occasioned by the sinkhole on Mickley Road."

The three votes in favor of providing the relief to the NBMA were Commissioners Paul Geissinger, Gerard Palagonia and Richard Hower. Voting against granting the NBMA relief from the degradation fee were Commissioners Clair Hunsberger, Vice President Philip Ginder, Thomas Slonaker and Commissioners President Linda Snyder.

There was mention of the bond between the township and the NBMA, including filling the township's three swimming pools with water for the summer season and other relationships the township benefits from NBMA actions.

Ginder said he did not want to set a precedent by granting the NBMA such relief regarding street restoration from sinkholes.

The restoration of Mickley Road caused by the sinkhole involved compacting. Ginder said the work performed by the NBMA "was excellent."

There was mention the patch of macadam on Mickley Road is better than what is seen on state highways.

At present, township officials said there is much work being done by UGI, who is digging up the front of residences where the property owners are switching from oil and electric to gas.

In other business, the commissioners approved the renewal of a contract with SUSKO, CPA, for tax auding services for the treasurer's office for 2013 through 2015.

Approval was also granted waiving the required installation of curb and sidewalks at 41-2 Bridge St. and 3205 W. Columbia St. involving 3,560 feet.