Lehigh Township Supervisor Keith Hantz recently questioned a meeting held by Supervisors Darryl Snover and Cindy Miller with Solicitor David Backenstoe.

Hantz's inquiry came under public comment at the April 14 supervisors meeting.

Two individuals can meet but not three or more, said Snover. If three or more individuals gather, then the meeting must be advertised.

To date, every board member has called him for business, said Backenstoe. Billable time is the same whether he meets with members or takes calls.

Hantz asked why the rest of the board was unaware of such a meeting and why they weren't included in the minutes.

Snover said if there is another meeting, he will ensure everyone is informed.

In other business, township engineer Phil Malitsch said the survey has been completed to vacate parts of Teel Road.

A Northwoods subdivision representative reported the development is making good progress. Design components have been cleared and the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission has reviewed the plan. A letter is expected.

A letter is also needed from the sewer authority.

A National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit is needed as well.

Miller said extensions are required but should only be allowed for a period of two to three months at a time.

Several ordinances were approved during the meeting. One ordinance authorizes refinancing two loans with Neffs Bank at 2.35-percent interest for 10 years. The ordinance must be advertised again.

An ordinance updating the existing pension ordinance was approved, along with an ordinance regulating speed limits on Cedar Drive, South Dogwood Road and South Cypress Road.

Also during the meeting, two former summer helpers, Matt Minnich and Frank Zamadics, were hired and the third was to be discussed in executive session.

Roads were checked, and it was determined more money is needed for repairs. The funds will come from previously unallocated money in the amount of $52,677, out of $62,000 available.

Three road projects will have to be taken off the list. Frank Zamadics, roadmaster, estimated the cost, but the bids may come in lower.

Township Manager Alice Rehrig said there are five pipe replacements not included in the repair work.

PennDOT needs a right of way at the Pennsville intersection. It offered $1,100 for the land needed at Walnut Road and Route 248 to improve the intersection. Since the land is not used, the offer was accepted. Hantz said Penn-DOT should spend the money on a more vital project.

According to Police Chief Scott Fogel, investigations are ongoing into fatal crashes. Charges were filed in one and another is pending. Grant money will pay for additional patrols.

Miller rode along with an officer and said the experience was "very good." Fogel said next time someone rides along, he will have that person wear a uniform and carry required equipment so they can truly experience life on patrol.

Rehrig noted she is advertising for a zoning hearing board member. She has been gathering insurance costs and will present them at the April 28 meeting.

Hantz also asked why Miller spoke to the owner of the Betty Seidel property instead of having the township manager consult the person. Miller said she assisted with the grant and had the required background information. She has also been talking to legislators.

Rehrig wants to get a price for the property, which would be needed to improve the intersection where Turkey Hill adds left turns to the other three roads entering the intersection.

The PennEast pipeline is not in the vicinity of Lehigh Township but appears to be coming closer, Hantz said.

Snover said the township has limited choice, but wanting electricity and oil and opposing a pipeline are two diametrically opposed views.

Resident Lee Fadil issued a complaint about odor at Route 946 and Dogwood Road. The material spread on the fields has been turned under but still smells, he said.

Snover said there is little the township can do, as it got "smacked" the last time it tried to help a local person in a similar situation. The state protects farmers from complaints such as Fadil's. Fadil said he will call the DEP himself.

Fadil also said tri-axle trucks are traveling to Woodstone Golf Resort, speeding and turning around in peoples' driveways. Children play in the driveways, he said. The paving at the intersection is ripped up, he added.

Police are active and checking weights, Snover said. Rehrig said Woodstone has applied for a grading permit. It also does not have an NPDES permit, Malitsch said.

Fogel said they have been checking weights on Routes 946 and 248 and find 90 percent are overweight.