During the courtesy of the floor portion of a recent South Whitehall commissioners’ meeting, resident Joe Harvey asked whether the township could bring in more options for cable subscribers.

“The costs of cable and Internet are skyrocketing,” Harvey said. “There should be some competition.”

He suggested Comcast, Verizon and Fios as options.

South Whitehall is presently updating its cable franchise agreements with RCN and Service Electric.

Township Manager Howard Kutzler stated staff have already addressed this issue.

“We’re encouraging others to come in here,” Kutzler said. “It has to do with the market.

“Verizon doesn’t want to be here.”

In other business, Kutzler reported a plan is underway to place decorative streetlights along the sidewalks at the Cetronia Ambulance Corps building along Broadway.

He said the township recently hired Colin Wescoe as a part-time code enforcer who will work about 20 hours a week.

Kutzler noted a meeting will be arranged with Lower Macungie, Upper Macungie and South Whitehall representatives to discuss proposed Hamilton Boulevard improvements.

“We want to keep the momentum going,” Kutzler said.

South Whitehall already has a plan for roadway enhancements, signage and plantings to make its section of Hamilton Boulevard more attractive and welcoming.

Commissioners rejected a bid of $44,800 from Genos Greens LLC for grass cutting services during the summer, primarily for detention ponds throughout the township.

Kutzler recalled the idea was approved at budget time last fall with the intention of providing South Whitehall public works employees more time to focus on the parks.

“We wanted to free up staff for other things,” Kutzler explained. “Some of those may not get done, possibly, but we’ll do it like we always did with our own staff.”

Approval of the public works union was required prior to bidding, and that did not occur.

Commissioners were concerned all of the mowing may not get done without the outside help.

Kutzler said it is already grass cutting season and too late to start the re-bidding process.

Police Chief John Christman reported on a recent Coffee With Cops program at the Cedar Crest Boulevard McDonald’s restaurant.

“It was incredibly well-received,” he explained. “I was surprised at the number of people who came out.

“We talked about speeding, guns and other issues.

“We’re talking about doing it every other month.”