Lehigh Township Administrator Alice Rehrig received cost estimates for a new maintenance building from Kistler Pole Building.

She told LehighTownship supervisors at the March 25 meeting that the cost would run roughly $100 per square foot.

The buildings that have been discussed would range from 16,000 to 22,000 square feet. Supervisor Keith Hantz said the township should begin drawing up plans.

Supervisor Sandra Hopkins said discussions have taken place. She said a portion could be completed and additions would not be very difficult.

Hopkins said Frank Zamadics, roadmaster, should participate in the discussion because he is aware of the various needs for the project.

Rehrig will consult with the neighboring townships to see if plans can be borrowed so supervisors can make a more definitive determination as to what is needed.

In other business, the Lehigh Township Police Association and Lehigh Township Fire Company requested to use Delps Park for a 5K run.

However, since the last meeting the plans have transitioned into a community day including the 5K run.

Questions posed in-clude whether there is adequate parking and restrooms.

President of the Police Association Phillip Lesoine said if any ruts are left in the grass they will be repaired. The use was approved.

Merf Miller said he is interested in volunteer projects in the township to be used as senior graduation projects, which include 30 hours of community service.

There would be written, mentoring and educational components in-volved.

"We should have projects ready for three to five kids for next year," Miller said. "Zamadics and I can work together on this because we don't want to step on his toes."

Also, the ordinance for group homes has to be modified to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Group homes cannot be turned down in any area where residences are permitted, which is every zone in Lehigh. The ordinance also covers correctional and group institutions over which the township has some control. Solicitor David Backenstoe said he forwarded a version to the planning commission for review.

An alternate building code official was appointed at an emergency meeting March 18 when it was found Laura Harrier, the zoning and code official, realized her certification was not up to date. The appointee was Keystone Code Consultants and Enforcement. The appointment is on an interim basis, but the position will be filled with a permanent alternate at the January 2015 reorganizational meeting.

When the culverts recently were checked, it was found the Ash Road Bridge has structural problems. Hanover Engineering will evaluate the structural issues.

The Department of Environmental Protection requires townships to use an independent contractor to study flood plains and adopt a new ordinance. Without it no municipality will be able to receive FEMA money, the supervisors said.

Supervisor Darryl Snover pointed out this is one more state and federal unfunded mandate.

A guarantee for a $950,000 municipal authority loan was approved after Backenstoe's review. The loan will be through Susquehanna Bank.

Leo Livingood said Poplar street is broken up to the point there is not much left of the road. There is no stone base, he said.

He added he paved one section and may be willing to assist with repairs.

Hopkins reported the township is receiving $100,000 in Monroe County gaming money for the development of Delps Park.