H. Scott Everett, D&L Trail Stewardship Manager; Chris Strohler, Lehigh Valley Conservancy; and Bob Stiffler, Lehigh County Parks Department; came before North Whitehall supervisors to discuss a problem occurring at Treichler’s Bridge at the old Delaware and Lehigh Railroad area.

A parking area for hikers, boaters, anglers and others, usage has outgrown the site.

Some of the parking is being done on PennDOT property near the bridge.

The parking area designated for the site is being overused and people are parking on private property and on Cove Road.

The trio asked the board to have “No Parking” signs posted on Cove Road.

More land is being sought from a neighboring property owner in conjunction with development of a boat launch at this site.

Some of the land contains wetlands which will hinder development at this location.

Supervisor Steve Pany said the township would look into the problem.

While on this subject, Tom Van Vreede said ome of the bicyclists using the trail are rude and disrespectful toward hikers.

New business on the agenda included Parkland Hollow subdivisions extension of time until Oct. 6.

Supervisors also authorized the annual distribution of funds to local groups.

Each fire company, Schnecksville, Tri-Clover and Laurys Station, will receive $30,000. Northern Valley Ambulance Corps, NOVA, will receive $50,000.

North Whitehall Township Emergency Services Organization will receive $4,000, and $950 and $700 will be given to Schnecksville Seniors and Laurys Station Keenagers, respectively.

Township Manager Jeff Bartlett made the board aware the next payment of $63,849.67 was requested for work on the Ironton Rail Trail by Livengood Excavating.

The northern end of the trail near the township building has been completed but the entire trail completion awaits the arrival of the pre-constructed pedestrian bridge to be placed between Portland and Quarry streets.

The bridge is expected to arrive in October.

Bartlett also said a budget meeting has been set for Oct. 19.

He suggested supervisors consider purchasing a new street sweeper as the current one is 15 years old.

Last year, it cost $37,000 to keep the machine running.

A new one, costing $248,975 could be ordered now for delivery in 2016.

Bartlett will present the proposal at the next board meeting.

Supervisor Chairman Ron Heintzelman made a motion to start the purchase process.

Resident Jeanene Bauer objected to his motion saying he is a township employee and should have no say in the matter.

Heintzelman replied he made the motion as a township supervisor, not as an employee.

Bartlett notified the board that the tax collector, Susan Gelinas, will be retiring Jan. 1, 2016.

She has served the township for 34 years in this capacity.

Two years will be left in her term which means the board must appoint someone to a one-year term for 2016 and someone must be elected to the second year.

The board will make an appointment at the re-organization meeting in January. Salary is based on commission.

Supervisor Mark Hills thanked Gelinas for her many years of service.

The board received thanks for the new signs placed at the construction site on Riverview Road.

Concern was voiced about snow removal in the area as the road is closed.

Bartlett said the pipe will be replaced even if the road crew must work weekends.

The township is awaiting state permits to finish the project.

Richard Getz complained about the continued use of brake retarders on Mauch Chunk Road by the southbound truckers.

He said it isn’t necessary to use them at night or during the day and asked whether signs could be erected banning this practice.

Solicitor Lisa Young said an ordinance would have to be created for this situation.

If an ordinance were to be enacted, state police would be responsible for enforcement.

Heather Skorinko read a proposal which would amend the zoning ordinance relating to the section on density.

She said density of housing in the 55 and older communities should be determined by slope and not by acreage.

The junk on the property on Mill Road has not been removed.

Joe Lampe wanted to know where this stands.

Bartlett said the township has filed with the district judge and is requesting the maximum fine.

Ron Roth wanted to know the status of the sewer plant and the heliport case.

Pany outlined the sewer situation and Bartlett said the heliport case will be heard on Nov. 10 in the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas.