Bill Erdman, of Keystone Consulting Engineers, provided South Whitehall commissioners with an update on forthcoming Walbert Avenue improvements relating to the David Jaindl development on what was once the Rutz farm.

The Hills at Winchester includes an over-55 community of 206 units and 43 single family dwellings, according to a township listing of noteworthy projects.

The plan was approved in June 2015.

Erdman said plans include an extensive pedestrian network along the Walbert Avenue corridor.

A retaining wall will be removed, shoulder widths will be increased, traffic signals will be adjusted, and a right turn lane will be added at the Ridgeview Road and Walbert Avenue intersection.

Erdman reported Jaindl representatives and PennDOT officials still have not come to agreement on the speed limit issue.

He said PennDOT would like the developer to provide a super elevation of a portion of Walbert Avenue while preserving the existing 45 mph speed limit.

Jaindl, said Erdman, prefers avoiding the super elevation, instead lowering the speed limit to 35 mph.

Commissioners expressed support for that option.

Erdman commented on the issue.

“My feeling is the speed limit is not done yet,” Erdman said. “Let’s wait and revisit this.

“This is an urban area. We are much more urban than we were before. It’s much more congested than it used to be.

“Why have a 45 mph speed limit? Let’s reconsider 35 mph.

“Let’s try to bring someone in from Harrisburg to look at this more globally.”

Commissioners accepted the report but did not need to take action at this time.

In other business, board members approved a $1,000 per month increase in the base compensation of Renee Bickel, interim township manager.

Board President Christina “Tori” Morgan noted it is common practice to increase the compensation of an employee who takes on additional responsibilities.

“Thank you, Renee,” Morgan said. “We really appreciate everything you do.”

Bickel, who had been assistant township manager, assumed the post after the recent resignation of former township Manager Howard Kutzler.

The pay rate will remain in effect until a permanent township manager is hired and begins working.