The budget for 2014 was approved for advertising.

The budget includes the tax proposed for this coming year; a home valued at $300,000 would receive a tax bill of $99.

Commissioner Roger Reis expressed his disapproval about the tax; the vote was 3-1 in favor of moving the budget forward, with Reis opposing.

The new fee schedule was submitted and will take effect Jan. 1, 2014.

There was a conditional use hearing for the Hamilton Crossings project, a commercial development project located on 66 acres along Krocks Road, Hamilton Boulevard and the Route 222 Bypass. This project will include Costco, Target, Whole Foods, several restaurants, fast food restaurants, retail establishments and a Costco gas station.

A large regional detention/infiltration pond is proposed for the northeast quadrant for stormwater management. Improvements include off-site traffic improvements, parking facilities, landscaping and access to an existing township park. A concern was raised about security which the township will investigate. The board and residents do not want police distracted away from other areas within the township.

Ron Beitler suggested developers do some additional research on the design of the Costco gas station. He said there are some beautiful facades that would make this area more attractive which is one of the major points with this project.

Resident Mike Seigel made suggestions for improvements of this commercial center based on past experiences including the creation of decent cart corrals, parking areas with numerous trees and accent landscaping, adequate pedestrian accessibility, fountains included at various locations including the detention pond and decorative trash receptacles.

Seigel said refuse containers and used oil drums should be screened from view and should be secure from potential unclosed gates and doors and all service areas (loading docks, etc) should be screened.

Lastly, he said commercial frontage and outdoor seating areas should have awnings or shade trees.

In other business, the board approved the demolition of the former Pizza Hut, along Hamilton Boulevard, to make way for a two-story medical/ office building. The lot, owned by Thomas Williams, will include a sidewalk restriping of the parking lot and new landscaping.

The Wild Cherry Bridge will have a changed weight restriction from 24 tons to 21 tons.

Gary Cordner who is conducting the police study has asked for an additional extension to Dec. 31 which was approved.

The request for the 3-way stop at Riverbend and Orchard will be implemented.

There will be a tree planting project along the Little Lehigh. This will be a no cost to the township.

The confirmation lights requested by the police for the flashing lights at Willow Lane Elementary will be installed. These lights have to be specialized as the flashing lights are solar powered. The confirmation light assures the police the lights are flashing.