A court stenographer was present at the North Whitehall Township supervisors meeting to transcribe minutes of the public hearing for the proposed amendment to the burning ordinance.

The purpose of the amendments is to clarify certain language in the ordinance so as to make it more enforceable.

Types of fires, size of fires, location and unattended fires were addressed.

Township Manager Jeff Bartlett told the board the fire companies were in favor of the proposed changes. Bartlett said that he (Bartlett), the zoning officer or the fire department could enforce the ordinance.

Neffs Fire Chief Jim Stewart spoke in favor of the ordinance although he did not want the fire companies to be designated to enforce the ordinance.

Tri-Clover Fire Chief Jeff Johnson favored the ordinance.

He said it would give the fire companies something to work with.

Ron Roth asked whether burning fence rows, and branches and brush from storms would still be allowed.

Bartlett replied that was still permitted and field debris could be burned, if a field is being prepared for crops.

Supervisors adopted the ordinance.

Garry Remaley was honored for his 44 years of service to the township with proclamations touting his years of service.

Township Secretary Brenda Norder read the proclamation to the audience and Ron Laudenslager presented it to Remaley.

State Rep. Gary Day, R-187th, was also present to give a proclamation from the House of Representatives honoring his service.

Doris Stearns from the office of state Sen. Pat Brown, R-16th, did likewise for the state Senate.

Bids were requested for materials for the summer road projects.

These bids for paving material and aggregate will be opened 8:45 a.m. March 20.

Township offices will be closed March 30 for Good Friday.

No tires will be accepted for recycling before April 1.