Under the existing rules for using a pavilion in one of Hanover Township's parks, if the group size was less than 30, no park permit was required. The situation was discussed at council's June meeting and a public hearing was held on the matter July 2. According to Township Manager Sandra Pudliner, reservations are required and have been required under the old rules.

"A lot of the time, the party organizer who reserves the pavilion says the number of people will be less than 30, but the number that actually attend the event is far greater," she said.

The new rules require that everyone get a permit and also must pay a refundable fee for cleanup. The fee will allow the township to clean up the pavilion if it is left in disarray, and is refunded if the area is left in good shape. The permit procedures apply to all pavilions in township parks and is not restricted to Canal Park.

In the council's discussion on the measure, there was a consensus among all members that having one policy on how the pavilions were reserved benefits the park program.

At the public hearing, no one objected to the change of policy.

According to Pudliner, signs at the pavilion in Canal Park need to be changed to reflect the new rules.

Council also took action to amend a rule on grease traps for restaurants.

"Some restaurants don't need a grease trap," said Township Engineer Fredrick Hay. "If all they do is heat up food, it is not a requirement."

The new change puts the burden on the users to justify if a grease trap does not need to be installed.

"We would make a determination about the grease trap based on the information the restaurant owner gives us. If they appeal, it would be their task to prove that a grease trap is not required [based on anticipated flow of grease into the public sewer system],"Hay said.

The proposed change was part of a public hearing. No one in attendance opposed the changes.