South Whitehall Police Chief Thomas Toth reports the acquisition of records management software will enable the department to move forward in the process of accreditation.

At the Sept. 17 meeting, South Whitehall commissioners approved $5,720 for purchase of the software, which will be used to transfer policies and procedures from paper to electronic form.

"Electronic is much more efficient than paper," Toth said. "We can distribute policies and procedures very quickly and officers can reference them easily."

Commissioners also approved $1,615 for purchase of SketchCop Solutions, a facial composite software used to produce sketches of suspects in criminal investigations.

Toth said seeking accreditation is a continuous review process that can take up to two years to prove standards have been met.

In other matters, commissioners approved a microsurface treatment project for streets north of Orefield Road in the Pheasant Hills section at a cost of $488,518.

"We plan to have it done this year, weather permitting," Director of Public Works Bob Ibach said.

Acting Township Manager Howard Kutzler reported staff have reached out to PennDOT concerning a speeding issue along Mauch Chunk Road in Mechanicsville.

The matter arose recently when a dog was hit by a speeding car, and the distraught owner asked commissioners to address safety concerns.

"Our options seem to be limited but PennDOT opened the possibility for a speed study and possible traffic controls with three-way stop signs," Kutzler explained.

He said a meeting is being planned with consultant Thomas Comitta and stakeholders to gather input on the Hamilton Boulevard improvement project.