Prior to the May 26 meeting of the Lehigh Township Board of Supervisors, an executive session was held to discuss personnel.

Potential employees were interviewed for the position of a full-time police officer. It became the first item on the agenda when Craig Ball was appointed to the position.

During public comment, David Jaindl presented the beginning of a plan for the 460 acres of the Mary Immaculate church property located at the highest point in the township. He sought board feedback for his plan. It would no longer be nonprofit and would be added to tax rolls.

Plans include repurposing the building for a senior center, health spa and wellness center, as well as wedding facilities. There is a 55 and older section, cottages for temporary use and a group of 75 single-family homes on 50 acres. Walking trails are also planned.

Supervisor Darryl Snover was concerned that the only road frontage was to Cherryville Road. He said there is the need for an access to Indian Trail Road. However, he indicated he was happy the land might be used.

Two hundred seventy acres of the property are located in Lehigh Township, with the remainder in Allen Township. As of May 26, Allen had not yet been contacted by Jaindl.

In other business, Supervisor Sandy Hopkins asked if a sketch and dimensions for the new maintenance building were available. She said she would like to send them out for estimates.

Supervisor Keith Hantz said township Manager Alice Rehrig should send the information out to the addresses provided by Hopkins.

Ordinances restating the police pension and house numbering were also discussed. The union contract and the ordinance must match on the pension.

Township Solicitor David Backenstoe said the township is required to have a pension ordinance. He will call an actuary for an opinion.

House numbering was suggested by the police department so houses can be found more easily in an emergency. For a home more than 100 feet from a road, the driveway should be numbered. If a policy is enacted, written notice of violation would be the first step taken when someone is found without the number. Hopkins said the numbers should be reflective.

The zoning officer or police department would start enforcement proceedings if they find an unnumbered house.

PennDOT safety improvements will be done at the Indian Trail Drive and Route 248, Route 145 and Birch Road, Route 248 and Timberline Road, and Blue Mountain Drive and Wood Road intersections.

Zamadics said it would become the township's job to maintain the signs. If the township does not accept the improvements and there is an accident that could have been prevented, the township could be held responsible.

Two issues with the Turkey Hill development are impervious cover and setbacks. Not more than 60 percent of a property can be impervious (waterproof) coverage. Although the developer indicated it would be 57 percent, it is now 66 percent. The developer indicates the work will be done in phases, but the overall property would have to meet the 60-percent standard.

The problem developed when PennDOT wanted larger rights of way.

The setback requirement was 30 feet and zoning allowed it to be dropped to 21.6 feet. With the PennDOT right of way, there is room for only 18 feet. There may be zoning relief.

Backenstoe said the supervisors are more comfortable tabling it.