Upon the recommendation of the township manager and the chief of police, South Whitehall commissioners granted approval Aug. 3 to a revision of the oath of office administered to new police officers by the district judge.

Under the existing oath, officers would swear or affirm they would not become a member of any organization aiming to overthrow the United States or state government by force, violence or other unconstitutional means while employed by South Whitehall police.

With the intention of simplifying the oath, that section was removed.

Prior to achieving status as a police officer, each applicant swears or affirms to support, obey and defend the Constitution of the United States, the constitution and laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the ordinances of South Whitehall township.

The officer agrees to discharge his or her duties without consideration to a person’s race, color, sex, religious creed, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, handicap or disability.

In other business, commissioners gave permission to Greenawalds Fire Company to proceed with kitchen renovations at a cost of $14,360.

The project includes flooring, countertops, cabinets, backsplash, new appliances, minor lighting upgrades, painting and a few miscellaneous items.

To keep costs down, fire company members will do as much of the work as possible, noted Fire Chief Matt Bertsch.

Township Manager Howard Kutzler reported former public works manager, Bob Ibach, was responsible for connecting South Whitehall with the PA 2015 GreenLight-Go program.

He explained the state will provide $8,000 and the township will supply $8,000 for examination of traffic lights at several high volume intersections.

“We’re going to look at some critical intersections to make sure they are timed appropriately,” Kutzler said. “The commonwealth is supporting this and we’re ready to go with a 50-percent match,.”

The intersections include Tilghman Street and Parkway Road, Mauch Chunk Road at Scherersville, and Lincoln Avenue at Hamilton Boulevard.

Kutzler stated the lights will be re-timed, if necessary, to improve traffic flow at the designated intersection.