As forecasts of the impending winter storm were on people’s minds during the Jan. 20 South Whitehall commissioners’ meeting, township Manager Howard Kutzler reported the township has an emergency operations center within the Cetronia Ambulance Corps Building.

Police, department managers, emergency responders and commissioners will be able to gather in a designated room equipped with two-way radios and other essential tools for communication during any serious event.

“Key people in emergency services can get together to coordinate what will be needed in an emergency situation,” Kutzler said.

Director of Public Works Bob Ibach commented on his crew of employees responding to wintry weather.

“We go to 24-hour shifts during a snowstorm,” Ibach said.

In other business, Police Chief John Christman reported arrests increased 35 percent from 2014 to 2015.

He said crime went up 12 percent with the biggest increase in drug charges.

Christman said the presence of a full time police officer at Dorney Park was a factor in tracking down offenders.

In other matters, Kutzler recalled last year a resident attending a meeting asked where township ordinances could be found.

Kutzler said staff responded by undertaking an effort to enter the codes on the website.

The project is in process.

Director of Community Development Gerald Harbison reported on the possibility of sidewalks on the northwest side of the Dorneyville bypass.

The work would be part of the re-developmnent of Cedar Pointe West.

Harbison noted Dorney Park has a lot of employees who reside in dorms at Cedar Crest College and walk to work.

The sidewalks would be a safety enhancement.

He said a small drive-through restaurant is planned for the Tilghman Square shopping center, and the Tesla chargers for electric cars are in place there.

Harbison stated residential construction increased in 2015 but commerical building decreased.

Board of Authority manager Peter Pineda reported the water rate will increase one hundred dollars per year, or 25 dollars additional in each quarterly payment.

Commissioners approved a bid of $809,751 to Eastern Industries for road building materials.

Ibach explained the materials are purchased as needed throughout the year and will not necessarily consume the awarded amount.