At the Nov. 1 Moore Township Board of Supervisors meeting, Chairman David Tashner Sr. reported heaters have been purchased for the road department’s garage.

Tashner then reported on his recommendation to purchase a 2013 John Deere loader, with 1,388 hours of use, for $131,000.

Another loader presented to the board was a 2011 loader, with 7,400 hours of use, for $70,000.

Tashner said after little discussion, “Well, what do you want to do, gentlemen?”

After a pause, Tashner said, “Lease or buy a used machine?”

Another pause ensued.

Secretary/Treasurer Richard Gable said, “I think we should look at the 2011.”

Vice Chairman Daniel Piorkowski asked, “How many hours per year?”

Tashner replied, “The 2013 could last 20 years.”

Residents began to weigh in.

Leroy Bealer said, “Pass up the 2011.”

Bob Reimer then interjected, “If we have a snowstorm and [the 2011 model] doesn’t work, what are you going to do?”

A discussion continued about parts availability, hours of use and warranty.

Piorkowski said, “We need more data about the 2011’s warranty.”

Gable addressed Tashner, saying, “This is a losing argument from my viewpoint. You want what you want.”

“I move for the 2013,” Gable said, shaking his head in frustration.

There was a pause before the vote, which passed 3-0.

Gable concluded with a post-vote expression of objection to the way the process unfolded, saying directly to Tashner, “It would have been good to have this information presented before 4 p.m. today. You could have done that. It’s not right.”

In other news, Gable said the township stood tall at a recent Lehigh Valley Planning Commission event. The township received numerous accolades from elected officials recognizing the township as a model for its land preservation initiative. The board of supervisors, the land preservation committee and the environmental advisory council received kudos for the teamwork they demonstrate to preserving farmland.

The police department report included the transfer of $70,000 from the township’s general fund to the police pension fund. The fire department reported 24 fire calls and 44 ambulance calls during September.

The recreation department announced its winter night walks begin in December. The walks occur on the track around the football field 6-8 p.m. and last throughout the winter.

The land preservation committee indicated farm preservation plans for two farms; estimated costs were determined. The estimate for the Ianniello farm is $29,000. The estimate for the Cacciola farm is $82,000. Northampton County shares costs and assists in maintenance costs.

Township Solicitor David M. Backenstoe reported two ordinances were drafted and ready for review. A proposed amendment to the land preservation ordinance will allow for transactional costs and 25 percent of funds needed for maintenance purposes. It was forwarded to the planning commission for review.

A second proposed ordinance was approved for advertisement. It will allow members of the land preservation committee to also be on the environmental advisory committee and vice versa.