Hanover Township's Council reviewed the change in policy at Carmike Theaters at its April 16 meeting.

The theater owners posted a notice indicating that movies would start at 10:30 a.m. on weekends.

One of the conditions during Carmike's conditional approval for putting a theater on site was a provision that movies could only be shown from noon to midnight.

According to township Manager Sandra Pudliner, the emphasis was on wrapping things up by midnight. Pudliner reported that she talked to Carmike's local staff about the latest change.

"The movies are for children. I anticipate that some ticket sales are going on before noon and the staff gets in about an hour before," she said.

Pudliner said she could put pressure on the theater, forcing them to comply with the original conditions.

Council Chairman Bruce Paulus was reluctant to take drastic action. Solicitor Jackson Eaton agreed.

"The Zoning Officer [Pudliner] has some latitude on enforcing the requirements," Eaton said.

Eaton recommended monitoring the situation to see if there is a problem.

Councilman Bob Heimbecker, who brought the situation to council's attention, agreed that no issues exist at the present time.

"They do have the option of coming before the zoning board to change the conditions," Pudliner said.

In a related matter, Jeffry Mouer, the township's maintenance supervisor, addressed the board about playground equipment and improvements.

At council's last meeting, Tori Fox, a resident, complained about Chestnut Grove Park and the quality of the facilities.

Mouer explained that he has been in contact with Fox and explained the planned improvements.

"She understood the plans that we have and is happy with what the township is planning to do," he said.

The basketball court will be repaired as soon as the weather improves. The playground equipment at the south end of the park will be refurbished.

"[Township crews] will be able to do work on the apparatus and we can get the basketball court in shape," he added .

Fox wanted to see the playground equipment geared more to the population. Mouer said she was happy with the way equipment would be set in the park.

Mouer pointed out to Ricki Bonn, president of the Chestnut Grove Homeowners Association, that there are two detention ponds in Chestnut Grove. One is in the southern playground area and the other is closer to the entrance.

Bonn asked if the open areas in the south park area could be used to enhance the playground. Lighting in the southern part of the park is a problem. A suggestion was made to install a street light to light up the area. Mouer will investigate the possibilities. There are reports that unwanted activity takes place in the darkened areas in the early morning hours.

Repairs and improvements will be an ongoing project and Mouer will keep council updated on the progress.