Howard Kutzler, formerly township manager and planning supervisor at Bethlehem Township, has been hired as the new South Whitehall director of administration.

He replaces Tony Ganguzza, who has moved to a part-time job with the water and sewer authority.

South Whitehall Manager Jon Hammer reported the action is part of the ongoing restructuring of administrative positions.

At the Nov. 20 commissioners' meeting, Kutzler provided an update on the historic resources inventory and protection ordinance.

The initiative was undertaken at the request of residents who want to see the King George Inn preserved.

Kutzler said the comprehensive plan adopted in 2009 includes a historic preservation element along with an implementation strategy, which involves compiling an inventory of notable properties.

"This is where we are now – at the actual inventory," Kutzler said.

A committee consisting of Gerald Harbison and Gregg Adams, from the planning department, and Kutzler will hold a kick-off meeting in mid-December.

The group will examine the existing inventory of historic buildings and consider additions suggested by the public.

Two residents have volunteered to participate with the inventory process.

Solicitor Joseph Zator is conducting a case review of preservation ordinances to see what a municipality is allowed to do on the issue.

Kutzler expects Zator's report to be completed soon. The committee will then review the information and proceed toward developing an appropriate ordinance.

In other business, Hammer reported staff have been working on the 2014 budget with commissioners at public sessions.

The plan is to continue the tradition of no tax increase.

The 4.9 mill rate, which held for more than 20 years, has been recalculated to 1.649 due to Lehigh County's reassessment of properties.

The amount of tax paid will remain the same as it has been since 1991.