Lehigh Township supervisors have considered several methods of helping the Lehigh Township Fire Company meet its financial requirements. A letter discussed at the Jan. 14 meeting will be included in the next newsletter, supervisors said at the Jan. 28 meeting.

"We just want residents' opinions," Supervisor Keith Hantz said. Two weeks after the newsletter comes out there will be a public meeting at the firehouse to gather input.

A presentation regarding what the fire company does and its financial needs will be held followed by a tour of the facility and explanations of the equipment. A new truck is needed.

"We know they need more money," Supervisor Cindy Miller said. "We don't give them a lot. How many years has it been the same?"

Fire Chief Rick Hildebrand said he would like to place the equipment on a five-year replacement plan. He said within the last year loans have been paid off and the company will be able to add to its equipment fund.

"A truck has to start when we need it," he said.

Some citizens have questioned the $100,000 price tag for the truck. Added equipment will increase the price of the truck.

Some residemts do not know Lehigh is an all volunteer force.

Hildebrand said there is more training and more professionalism, leaving less time for the fire company members to conduct fundraising drives. At one time the firehouse was the hub for community activities but that has changed. He said when people pass by the fire facility, they often see the building as another government building.

"Health, safety and welfare is what this board is responsible for and you're part of the safety," Miller said to Hildebrand.

Resident Mary Trexler said they are not in a rush because no new initiative will be implemented until the next budget cycle. Hantz said the letter has to be distributed immediately because the next newsletter will be released in the fall, at which time it will be too late to begin discussions.

Supervisor Dell Grove said there are three factors to look into including considering there is a problem, ways to fund the company and a date for the public meeting.

In other business, Christopher Whitley was named alternate sewage enforcement officer.

Also during the meeting, township manager Alice Rehrig received a letter from the insurance company indicating the BMX track could be included in the township insurance. The group that created the track, supervisors and a knowledgeable person from the insurance company will meet to discuss regulations.

It wil have to be inspected and maintained. The extent of those issues is needed.

Keystone Collection has been retained for the next three years with an additional two-year option as tax collector for the county. The rate will be lowered from 1.48 to 1.39 percent of collections.

A household hazardous waste collection will be held in May. The time and date will be posted on the website.

Solicitor David Backenstoe said he is working with zoning officer Laura Harrier to investigate a zoning violation of operating a business in a residential area. He said it is a complicated problem.