Representatives of the Comfort Suites Hotel, 3712 Hamilton Blvd., are planning to construct a 34-foot long by 67.5-foot addition to the northwest corner of the existing building to house an indoor swimming pool and spa/fitness room for guests.

Built in 1989 shortly after the Hamilton Boulevard Bypass opened, the Comfort Suites project includes regrading of the adjacent detention pond and construction of an 8-foot-high retaining wall.

The wall will provide support for the proposed addition while ensuring no reduction in pond volume and the stormwater pond will continue to operate in its present manner.

Commissioners granted approval for the project to move ahead.

In other business, township Manager Howard Kutzler reported the Carmel Café, 3750 Hamilton Blvd., scheduled a ribbon cutting.

"This is a good reuse of the building which was Mangos," Kutzlwer said. "The Carmel Café has a Mediterranean flair and a liquor license."

Commissioners granted unanimous approval to a new flood plain ordinance to comply with regulations of state and federal agencies.

The project began a year ago when Zoning Officer Keith Zehner and planner Gregg Adams attended a FEMA training session on flood plain administration.

In November, FEMA sent the township a letter detailing corrective actions required to maintain consistency with current flood plain regulations by a deadline date of May 4, 2015.

The ordinance aims to encourage the use of appropriate construction practices i order to prevent or minimize flood damage in the future; to minimize danger to public health by protecting water supply and natural drainage; to reduce financial burden through prevention of excessive development in areas subject to flooding; and, to comply with federal and state flood plain management requirements.

Solicitor Joseph Zator commended the township for preparing and adopting the ordinance before the deadline.

"There would be issues of flood insurance if not done by then," said Zator.