Jim DiPetris, Mike Jeitner, Mary Ann Wagner and Attorney Tim Charlesworth, representing Mary Ann’s Plaza, Routes 309 and 873, Scknecksville, were at the North Whitehall supervisors meeting asking the board for waivers to start construction.

Township Manager Jeff Bartlett advised supervisors to not grant any relief on this plan.

He said due to the issues with the plan, the developer should return to the planning commission.

Bartlett noted the applicants were in a hurry all of a sudden but this plan had been in the works for many years.

A lengthy discussion followed on whether to grant some leeway on this plan.

Any site preparation work would be done at the developers own risk.

Bartlett stated they must have permits prior to construction.

Supervisors agreed the plans would be reviewed concurrently with other plans for the site.

A waiver was granted on the submission deadline for the February meeting.

In other matters, Daniel Linchuk again appealed to the board for help with his water problem.

He asked why a drainage easement could not be placed on the property and how the township could collect stormwater and allow it to go onto private property.

He said money from the state should be used to fix the problem. His neighbor, Patrick Carl, agreed.

Linchuk said he will be at every supervisors’ meeting until his problem is solved.

A public hearing was held for adoption of an ordinance concerning running bamboo, which is very invasive and if left unchecked, will take over and crowd out other species of plants.

Restrictions on the planting, growing and cultivating of the bamboo are contained in the ordinance.

Taxes will remain the same in 2018. Rates will be .5 mill real estate tax, $44.77 for residential street lights and $1,821.05 for institutional.

Real estate transfer tax and earned income tax will be half of 1 percent with municipal services tax at $52.

The yearly budget, with a proposed surplus, was approved by the board.

Supervisors appointed Kirk Summa and Company to audit the township‘s books.

Developers of Manchester Place requested a reduction in their escrow fund for work performed at the site.

The board approved releasing $2,500 leaving a balance of $27,873.75 in the fund.

Ray Deutsch from the Ironton Rails/Trail told supervisors the group has received a grant of $40,000 from the state.

Cupolas will be installed on certain buildings.

Bartlett told supervisors some residents are giving the road crew a hard time regarding leaf collection.

The leaf collection facility is open six days a week where residents can bring their leaves and not wait for township pickup.

Township Secretary Brenda Norder told everyone the township office would be closed Dec. 25 and 26 for the Christmas holiday and Jan. 1, 2018, for New Years Day.

The supervisors’ organizational meeting will be 7:30 p.m. Jan. 2, 2018. Auditors will meet 6 p.m. Jan. 4, 2018.