At the Lehigh Township Board of Supervisors regular meeting Jan. 10, Supervisor Cindy Miller opened the discussion with a question concerning payment of $75,000 for engineering at the Cherryville intersection.

Chairman Darryl Snover said it was at least partially due to changes demanded by the state.

Engineer Phil Malitsch said there are two issues - design changes in the middle of a project and a requirement for permits for all affected driveways. Miller asked if the check was mailed now, how would future engineering be paid? It was decided to hold the check until more details are available.

Additional land also is needed for the Cherryville intersection, including some from the fire company.

In other news, the Grace Estates escrow was reduced to $70,000. At the same time, Wood Drive and Bell Drive were dedicated.

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit was approved for the maintenance building, Malitsch said.

Fire company activities for the year, as presented by President Roger Spadt, were approved. The fire company is getting a new utility truck for $91,185 to be paid from the equipment fund.

A roadway access amendment will require all lots to have direct entrance to a roadway. Supervisor Keith Hantz asked if it would make things simpler. It came out of problems at the Kleppinger subdivision. There will be no shared driveways. It will go to Solicitor David Backenstoe for review.

Compensation for the tax collector must be adopted by Feb. 15. Miller said they should find out what other municipalities pay. It was tabled at the meeting.

In December, police drove 6,439 miles and logged 816 calls. There were 12 reportable accidents and 19 nonreportable accidents. Ninety-one traffic violations were issued. Fogel said arrests have gone down, and he believes that is because the police are more visible. One officer out for medical reasons is back to work, and two were expected back later in January, Fogel said.

Also at the meeting, resident Sam Benner, of Hawthorne Road, said there is a serious cat problem in the area. A homeowner died and left behind many cats that are now running wild and multiplying. The daughter mentioned in the trust estate has not been located. Several rescue organizations have been contacted. It was suggested No Kill of the Lehigh Valley might have suggestions.

Snover said there is a resurgence of rabies in the area.

Backenstoe said a person in the Hills of Greenock wants to sell a lot with a shed, but the shed was mistakenly placed on the border between two lots. The purchaser is willing to leave it in place. A waiver was given to allow it to remain since both the buyer and seller are agreeable.

Ed Ziegler, who bought speed limit signs for the township for use on Route 946, is dismayed that the limit was set at 40 mph instead of the discussed 45 mph speed limit. He has been getting complaints from truckers. Fogel said police have checked, and the optimum limit would be between 40 and 45 mph, so they went with the lower number. He said when the Berlinsville racetrack is operating, traffic on that section of road is horrific.

Miller said she is happy with the 40 mph speed limit, adding truckers can use another road.

At a special meeting held by supervisors Dec. 20, 2016, Police Chief Scott Fogel recommended Elias Batihk be hired as a part-time officer. He had been interviewed previously during the hiring process for a full-time officer.

Snover asked how it will work out with existing officers, and Fogel said there are some minor details to work out. Batihk will work 24 hours per week, though there might be more in the beginning as the regular staff is presently understaffed for medical reasons.

Also at the meeting, Hantz made a motion to authorize the manager and public works director to develop a plan for public safety in the event of a strike because the teamsters contract is not getting settled or extended.