At the Dec. 16 meeting, Dale Daubert was honored for his 25 years of service on the South Whitehall Board of Commissioners.

President Christina “Tori” Morgan praised Daubert for his distinguished career as a commissioner and presented a plaque and gift to him.

“It has been a pleasure and honor to work with you,” Morgan said. “Thank you for your service to South Whitehall.”

Daubert offered remarks on his retirement.

“I had a great deal of pleasure for 25 years,” he said. “I’m leaving the township in good hands.

“I’m pleased to have served the people of South Whitehall for a quarter century.”

He was accorded a standing ovation.

In other matters, Randy Cope, director of parks and recreation, said 500 people attended the bridge and tree lighting holiday ceremony at Covered Bridge Park.

“The community spirit was so huge,” Cope reported to the board.

Township Manager Howard Kutzler reported staff met with Pennsylvania Turnpike representatives recently to look at emergency services.

“They were interested in the location of our fire companies and what they can provide,” Kutzler explained.

Lindsay Newton, senior project manager with Newton Engineering, presented an update on the Hotel Hamilton project in Dorneyville.

“It has evolved in order to keep the King George Inn,” Newton said. “It will have an extended stay hotel.

“At the King George, doors and windows were replaced, the roof was repaired, and the inside was ripped out.”

She said engineers have been working to ensure proper stormwater controls at the site.

“It’s been a long haul, but I think we’re getting close,” Newton said.

In other business, commissioners granted a waiver of subdivision and land development review requirements to Nestle’ Purina Pet Care Co., 2050 Pope Road.

Nestle’ plans to construct additions totaling around 7,000 square feet to the can plant process area, the Hydroflex section, and the ammonia room.

Board member Thomas Johns commented on the project.

“I’m glad people are expanding in South Whitehall,” Johns said.