Charles Bruno, an attorney representing Randall Krapf of JO Krapf & Sons, asked Hanover Council for a preliminary assessment of a request to change zoning designation for property it owns in the township.

Krapf operates a slag pit on either side of the Route 22 bridge that passes over Daulphin Road. The mining area is accessed off Daulphin Road via a gravel road that traverses the railroad tracks.

Bruno indicated that his client is interested in changing the zoning designation to industrial.

"We intend to use the land as we have for the past several years," said Bruno.

Krapf confirmed the intended use. According to Krapf, there are no immediate plans to expand the business, however, the consensus at the company points to possible advantages in rezoning. The company has a headquarters building in Northampton.

Township Zoning Officer, Sandra Pudliner, explained to council that she does not see this as a spot zoning problem.

"All the plots along that stretch of Daulphin are zoned industrial. We are not doing anything special or out of the ordinary for this company," she said.

Bruno wanted to get a feel for how the board felt about the idea. Council Chairman Bruce Paulus asked questions of council and the staff.

"I don't see that we would be opposed to the request," he said.

Bruno and his client will need to follow procedures for a formal request to the Zoning Hearing Board. Rezoned as industrial the property might increase in value, but that is only speculation at this point.

In other action, council reaffirmed that they will attend the celebration honoring the birth of the Pennsylvania State Police on May 2.

"We will present a plaque and prepare a proclamation at the event," said Paulus.

The idea was the brainchild of Councilman Bob Heimbecker who originally wanted to have a celebration in the township.

Attending the celebration on May 2 was a compromise worked out to address liability concerns. The township will provide a luncheon for the state police officers.

"I am glad we are able to do something to show our appreciation for the work they do for the community," said Heimbecker.

Council toyed with the idea of creating a list of qualified home improvement contractors.

"It would be based on recommendations from residents," said Heimbecker.

Councilman Curtis Weghfahrt emphasized that any list was not an endorsement by the township. The purpose of the list is to publish recommendations of other residents.

Solicitor Jackson Eaton will review the procedures to insure no rules are broken.

Friendly's Restaurant on the corner of Catasauqua and Airport Road asked the township to close an open swale in front of the restaurant. The project was approved in 2013, but severe weather hampered the start. Township Engineer Frederick Hay reported that the project was ready to start and equipment was on site.