Lehigh Township supervisors voted to release $46,354 in escrow money for the Cottonwood Crest IV development on Ridgeview Lane.

The township is retaining 15 percent for the maintenance bond. Engineer Phil Malitsch approved the reduction.

Phase III of Hills of Greenock has been completed, Malitsch reported. Paving work, planting of trees and a rebuilt intersection are included in the work finished recently.

There was a change order, costing $6,519, to improve drainage at the intersection. A trench caused the need for extra material. The amount of $114,587 was released contingent on a maintenance bond. $45,000 remains in the Hills letter of credit.

A letter to residents is to be included in the February newsletter. The newsletter is a way of reaching most of the residents, said Supervisor Keith Hantz. The letter will ask for suggestions for ways to help the fire company.

Two weeks after the newsletter is released there will be a public meeting for a public presentation regarding what the company does as well as a tour of equipment.

Hantz said people do not realize the members of the company help at emergencies including fires [300 last year and 500 in 2012] are volunteers and are not paid.

Many have no idea what the equipment costs. It costs over $500,000 to run the company for a year. Firemen operate the fundraisers and take time for training in addition to going out on emergency calls.

The list of fire company public activities was approved with the exception of fitness training, a requirement for the township to include firemen under workmen's compensation.

Township Manager Alice Rehrig will meet with the insurance company about the BMX track regarding what other improvements are re-quired and what rules and regulations need to be drafted.

Keystone Collection and Berkheimer are competing for the job of tax collector in Northampton County, Rehrig said. As a result, she expects collection rates to be reduced.

Solicitor David Backenstoe said he has completed the ordinance for parking fees for violations.

The rezoning of the Route 248 and Blue Mountain Drive intersection has gone to the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission.

Supervisor Cindy Miller said people are concerned the change will affect their taxes.

Backenstoe said it will not have an effect as long as a property remains a private residence, but the commercial zoning may put a higher value on their homes when they sell them.