North Whitehall supervisors temporarily interrupted their Sept. 8 meeting to have a public hearing for the transfer of a liquor license.

Attorney Ted Zeller, representing Ranger Rod and Gun Club, requested the transfer of a liquor license from Lower Milford Fire Company No. 1 to the club.

The club has a public license since the 1940s but wants to acquire a catering license to coincide with the club's philosophy.

Ranger Rod and Gun Club plans to sell the older license to help pay for building renovations.

The headquarters is about 3,000 square feet and is open daily 4-11p.m.

Members view the organization as family oriented and will be hosting parties, receptions and similar activities.

Supervisor Richard Celmer was concerned about the mix of guns and alcohol at the club but was assured members would monitor activities.

Ron Roth, a member of Copeechan Fish and Game Club, said club members there police the activities.

Supervisor Steve Pany made the motion to approve the transfer with Supervisor Ron Heintzelman seconding the motion. The measure was approved.

A somewhat lively discussion ensued when the Brookhill Estates plan was presented.

Applicant Julie Gross, represented by Mike Gula of Lehigh Engineering, is seeking to combine two lots to make a larger lot for construction of a single family dwelling.

The board had no objection to this but wanted a 15-foot-wide easement driveway installed for access to the stormwater area.

Pany was adamant the driveway be installed before any building permits are issued.

He chastised The Neffs National Bank, which had foreclosed on the property, as being negligent in this matter as representatives allegedly knew about the situation for more than a year.

After much discussion, the board approved the plan with the conditions relating to the access easement.

Supervisors approved the annual donations to the local service groups.

Schnecksville, Tri-Clover, Neffs and Laurys Station fire companies will each receive $30,000. Friedens Fire Company will receive $750 and NOVA was given $49,000.

Laurys Senior Citizens will receive $700 and Schnecksville Seniors will receive $950.

The Emergency Services Organization will receive $4,000.

Township Manager Jeff Bartlett notified the board he has started working on next year's budget.

Bartlett has been working on the rental property situation. He has been studying ordinances from other municipalities and noted there are many differences.

Some property owners have approached him concerning their rental properties. Bartlett will continue working on the project and will report at next month's meeting.

Mark Hills of River Road asked supervisors if they would be willing to post a 15 mph speed limit on River Road.

He said drivers go too fast on this .3 mile cul-de-sac.

He also noted one of the property owners along the road has posted "no parking" signs at various locations, some on neighboring property. Pany will look into the matter of the "no parking" signs and will meet with the property owner.

The public works department will look at the road in relation to the speed limit signs.

Roth asked about the status of the sewerage treatment plant on Coplay Creek.

Pany said he would have a full report next month. The Coplay Creek plant will replace small plants at Lehigh Carbon Community College, Lil Wolf and Sand Spring.

Roth also noted there is a flea market operating on the lot where Tex's BBQ was located, along Route 309, Schnecksville. Bartlett has notified the property owner about this matter.

Jim Morris asked why it was taking so long to replace existing culverts that are in disrepair.

Supervisors expected to have them replaced by the time the school began.

Bartlett said the township is waiting for the appropriate state Department of Environmental Protection permits before they can start work.

Resident Sterling Geiger brought a proposal before the board concerning the former West End Fitness Center.

He said North and South Whitehall townships should take over the property as a recreation center for residents.

Supervisors took the request under advisement.