Three companies dispatched representatives to the Lehigh Township Board of Supervisors April 22 meeting to give presentations on various insurance programs.

This year is the first year the township has been able to shop for insurance due to previous claims.

Present were B.J. Giangilio of H.A. Thompson, Tim Schantz of Weiss-Schantz and Paul Pugelli of Brown and Brown.

Thompson represented the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Risk Management Association and has been the township's insurer since 1974.

He said the total premium would cost $58,965 and would provide $3.2 million of blanket coverage.

The other two companies said they focus on municipal insurance. Neither had brought a premium cost with them but said it would be provided the following day.

The breakdowns for all three were much the same.

Since a short window is available to change companies, a special meeting will be held.

In other business, several waivers were requested by Derek and Antionette Korpics for two lots at Cedar Drive, west of Walnut Drive. Paul Sell owns all 80 acres plus 20 acres to the north. Korpics wants to place much of the land into preservation.

Waivers included a change in contours from two feet to 10 feet on the map and a waiver from an easement requirement along Cedar Drive as it will not be a building lot. The change will be discussed with the current owner. Also requested was a waiver from improving the township roadway along the property. Such a waiver was deferred in the event of future land development. Additionally, a waiver was requested from dedicating open space for recreation which was not permitted, along with a waiver from delineating wetlands as they will not be disturbed.

Because the house and barn are located on separate areas it is a civil matter and outside the purview of the planning commission, said Supervisor Cindy Miller.

Solicitor David Backenstoe said a metes and bounds description is necessary.

Also during the meeting, changes were discusssed which had been added to the maintenance building plan received from Nazareth.

Supervisor Sandy Hopkins counted 10 garage doors and asked if there was room for the building.

The lease with Blue Mountain Quarter Midget Association for its racetrack was renewed. The request, with two years still to run on the old lease, is for a 10-year lease as the association wants to put in new lights which are costly. It retains $1 million in liability insurance.

The road improvement plan includes paving down to Treichlers and improving the drainage.

Township Manager Alice Rehrig said patching is being done with the township's machine. $118,000 is budgeted for a road project.

Prices for field rental were set at $250 for Berlinsville and $125 for Danielsville, Delps and Pennsville with registered teams getting a $50 discount except at Berlinsville.

Snover said only registered teams play at Pennsville presently. The amounts were approved.

Hopkins said the cracks in the tennis court must be addressed. Rehrig said she will research if there is a warranty and when a repair was last made.

Some supervisors wanted more work done on the recreation fields by the road crew but Snover said nonrecreational needs take priority because road work is in desperate need.

Rehrig said $123,104 was budgeted for winter maintenance on the roads but the actual cost was $140,360. There was $25,000 in overtime costs but much of it was taken in comp time, she said.

The school district wants a community committee to meet Aug. 21 to discuss community plans, emergency responses and other issues that may affect buses.

Fire Chief Rick Hildebrand said the firehouse and Bethany Wesleyan Church across the street are available as emergency shelters.

Rehrig said there have been complaints issued regarding drainage after the last rain at Route 946 and North Cottonwood Road. Suggestions had been made for improvement by the property owner. The pipe under North Cottonwood was cleaned and now carries the water away.

Miller asked if the township has looked at the Agility plan for trading work with the state. She said she has heard it is working in places. Rehrig said it did not for the township.