North Whitehall supervisors adopted four ordinances at their recent meeting.

The first concerned changes to the parks and recreation statute.

Wording was changed to allow the carrying of unconcealed weapons across township property.

Open carrying of weapons will be allowed but no hunting or trapping will be allowed on township property.

The next three ordinances concerned cable franchise agreements with Blue Ridge Cable, Service Electric and RCN. The new agreements will be for a period of 10 years.

In other matters, the recreation board issued its list of contributions to township recreation groups.

North Parkland will receive $3,500; Laurys Station and Ormrod, $5,000 each, Schnecksville, $4,500; Orefield, $3,000; and Neffs Playground Association, $1,000.

Township Manager Jeff Bartlett told supervisors the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources reviewed the bids for the Ironton Rail Trail project.

The lowest qualified bidder was Livengood Excavation with a bid of $528,000.

Eastern Industries was awarded the contract for road materials with a price of $256,380.00 for paving material and $45,457.50 for coarse aggregate.

Supervisors approved a resolution concerning the ratification of the union contract with the public works crew, represented by International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

The contract runs from Jan. 1, 2015 until December 31, 2017.

Some minor wording changes were included along with a salary raise and changes to the deductible and comp time sections.

Collection of delinquent taxes was discussed. Unpaid taxes for several years were exonerated for various reasons.

Properties in question were 1061 Birch St. ($8.10), 3488 Little Wolf Drive ($26.77), 1017 Dogwood St. ($8.54) and 1022 Dogwood St. ($33.91).

Jeff Bartlett's report covered many timely township subjects.

He advised residents burning of yard waste is not allowed. They should use the township facility to dispose of yard waste.

The township is still looking for one or two part-time workers to man the yard waste facility Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturday.

Members of the road crew are sweeping roads and collecting the screenings used during the winter.

Anyone wanting a load of the material should contact the township office. The material is not as clean as leaves, sticks, etc. are picked up when the sweeper comes through.

Residents are advised to remove any screenings or ashes from sidewalks. It seems sidewalks in Schnecksville are especially in need of cleaning.

Portable basketball hoops are another concern. They should not be placed on sidewalks and should not extend out onto the road travel lanes.

Four-wheelers and dirt bikes are another issue.

They are not allowed on the roads and if they in a field, they must stay 50 feet from a property line and the rider needs written permission of the property owner.

Dogs must be kept under control by their owner, either with a leash or in a confined area. Cats are not regulated.

Bartlett is looking for old pictures taken in North Whitehall for display on the township website.

If anyone has any, they should contact him.

In the conclusion of his report, he noted the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce Spirit Award was given to Edward Bechtel. This award is given yearly to an individual who is active in the community.

In other matters, resident Sue Mueller complained about newspaper carriers delivery of papers.

Papers are thrown somewhat randomly at subscribers' houses and, if not picked up, look unsightly, she said, adding papers should be placed in their paper box but are not.

Solicitor Lisa Young will look into the matter

Also noted was telephone books are delivered in a similar manner.

Ron Roth wondered when the handicap ramp would be installed at the store at the intersection of Kernsville Road and Route 309.

He said the decision by the board was the store could not open until the ramp was built and he is under the impression the store is open.

He also asked if the township could use the constable to enforce some of the items mentioned by Bartlett.