Fireworks were the topic of discussion during the July 25 Lehigh Township Board of Supervisors meeting.

Some areas have a lot of fireworks that are going late into the night, and they need to be regulated, the board said. Hours should be till 10 p.m., except on national holidays. The permit application should have the operator’s name - meaning a competent operator, according to the state.

Township Manager Alice Rehrig had prepared a draft ordinance Solicitor David Backenstoe said he could rework, with comments made at the meeting. Supervisor Darryl Snover asked if that would be satisfied by a licensed corporation. It would, it was said, but businesses have to be signed up with the attorney general.

A show should last only 20-30 minutes, unless authorized otherwise. For a firework that fails to detonate, it should be exploded rather than face more transport.

Paperwork has to be carried with the operator.

It was recommended it would be good to notify neighbors who may be suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, so they are aware the noise is just fireworks.

Supervisor Cindy Miller discussed a meeting with Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) concerning the Turkey Hill/Cherryville partnership intersection. She said things should soon be ready. The letter of credit will be needed before work can be done. On the leg of the intersection that the township will be responsible for, she said PennDOT keeps making changes, and the township needs a new agreement with a landowner.

Also at the meeting, it was discussed that an amendment to the subdivision and land development ordinance means Lehigh Valley Planning Commission may or may not provide comments. Its opinion is just advisory.

Speed limits on Stone Hill Drive will be set at 25 mph for its full length.

In other matters, the drainage land on Long Lane that has been discussed was purchased by the county when it went for tax sale. In 2000, the county took remedial measures. The township will send a letter to the county director of public works.

The property at 4656 Park Lane was found to be structurally unsafe after a search warrant allowed the township to go on the property and check its condition. The township will get an estimate on the cost to raze the home. It would get a lien on the property and get reimbursed for expenses when the property is sold.

Use of the ball fields was discussed. The outfield of baseball fields can be used for soccer games but should not be for practice. The little kids have been using it for practice also for six years. There are 175 kids in the soccer program.

Sandy Hopkins said the fields at Treichlers could support more play. Supervisor Keith Hantz said in spring and summer the priority is baseball. In fall, soccer has priority. Supervisor Blaine Holden said the use of the fields should rotate, so everyone gets to be more familiar with them.