William Erdman, of Keystone Consulting Engineers, spoke to South Whitehall commissioners about a welcome sign project undertaken by the Western Lehigh Chamber.

During the April 1 meeting, Erdman reported the project aims to recognize the names of small towns in the region which may be overlooked in the overall outlook of western Lehigh County.

"We really don't have a downtown," Erdman said. "We're trying to bring some locality to these areas."

The chamber is focusing on the Tilghman Street and Hamilton Boulevard corridors.

Erdman said towns such as Trexlertown, Wescosville and Kuhns-ville will receive welcome signs.

Ten signs are planned along Hamilton Boulevard, with seven outside South Whitehall.

Erdman said the chamber wants to erect three signs in Dorneyville. Funds would come from a grant and a sponsor, with no cost to the township.

However, Erdman asked for and received permission for the township public works department to install the signs.

He expects the signs to be ready in another month or so.

In other business, the board approved an amendment to the Civil Service Commission regulations for police officers.

Under the new provision, education requirements may be satisfied by the time of certification rather than at the time application.

Police Chief Thomas Toth said the new directives will eliminate the physical fitness examination in testing for promotional positions.

The commissioners appeared surprised to hear there is no physical fitness test after hiring.

"They have to be physically able to do the job," Toth said. "If injured, they need a note from a doctor saying they are able to work.

"Anyone who takes this job knows he or she must be able to perform on the job."

During a March meeting of commissioners, Police Capt. John Christman was appointed deputy chief for a period ending Oct. 29, 2015.

During this time, Christman and staff will prepare for the retirement of Chief Toth.