The Lehigh Township Supervisors last year discussed hiring one road crew member and another police officer mid-year.

Frank Zamadics, roadmaster, and Police Chief Scott Fogel and Sgt. John Henry were all in attendance at a recent Lehigh Township supervisors meeting to discuss the hirings.

Supervisor Keith Hantz said he consulted with public works to reach a consensus.

According to Zamadics, the depatment could manage with the current crew.

Hantz talked to two police officers, neither of whom who were present, and was invited to ride along with them during a patrol.

Fogel said Sgt. Henry does the scheduling and would like to set up 10-hour shifts. Eight hour shifts become a short day due to the paper work and bookings.

Henry said the 3 to 11 p.m. shift often ends with only one person on shift. With eight hours the shift would still fall on one person. He added that Fogel often alternates as a patrol officer.

"That's why I suggested supervisors ride along to see," Fogel said.

With only one car on the road it can take up to 20 minutes to respond to an emergency call. There are 60-to-80 calls from group homes that must be responded to by more than one person.

No decision was made on hiring a police officer, but Fogel said he still has applications that may expedite the hiring process

Supervisor Darryl Snover said a new person would require a tax increase. He added engineering expenses are increasing at every meeting due to federal and state mandates. The work on the MS4 is costing the equivalent of a salary, he said.

The hiring of two individuals would return the township to where it was five years ago, said Hantz.

Fogel said there are options such as a regional police force which has not cut into service in other areas.

Supervisor Cindy Miller insisted a capital improvements plan would be useful. She agreed to help township Manager Alice Rehrig develop one.

Snover asked Rehrig if she had the necessary resources.

Rehrig said the matter involves an investment in time.

Rehrig said the liquid fuel money will probably remain stagnant for at least four years.

Regardless of a capital improvement plan the cost of an officer can be determined. The issue will be kept on the agenda.

Rehrig asked Zamadics about the minimal size of a maintenance building that could handle all the equipment. He said 100 by 200 feet would be suitable. She provided plans from other municipalities to help the supervisors understand the issue more clearly.

Zamadics said he prefers a drive-through with a clear span rather than a large number of garage doors.

He said he would consult with Rehrig and decide what equipment should be housed.

For an office a 30-foot bump out would have to be added to the side. He said he knows a township resident who could provide more information.

In other business, Access Services requested a waiver for a pavilion rental fee for an annual picnic at Indian Trail Park. It was approved with the condition that the area be cleaned up.

A new office door will have to be added into next year's budget. It will cost $2,300, according to Rehrig. She presented quotes for repairing the heating in the back offices.

The new flood plain ordinance does not change buildable land to unbuildable. It will be advertised.

Smoke is an issue from an outdoor furnace at a home on Cashew Drive.

The supervisors said they were unable to take action on the issue. However, the supervisors said the issue may fit within the nuisance ordinance. The complainant, who lives on Stone Hill Drive, said he often has to keep his windows closed.

Engineer Jim Milot said a detailed analysis of drainage will have to be done at Delps Park before a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit is issued. The cost of the permit is $20,000.

At three culverts a bog turtle impact study must be done. Milot said the study can be complete if the township can prove it is not a turtle habitat.

At this point it would add $2,000 to the cost of the culvert.

"In an extreme situation we could just close the road," Milot said.