A large sinkhole at Chestnut Grove properties was reported to Hanover Township Council at its Feb. 6 meeting. The homeowners association quickly repaired the sinkhole, located on the community property. In the past, the township assisted homeowners when they were financially challenged by sinkholes. No assistance was required from the township.

In other business, the township updated its fee schedule. The notable change is an increase in commercial inspection fees from $150 to $200.

As the FedEx Ground project continues to move forward, council agreed to reduce the fund amount held by the township as part of the original agreement. Fees are held by a letter of credit the township requires from the developer to ensure the parts of the project in Hanover Township are completed. The improvements in the township are primarily roadway improvements. Council reduced the amount of the letter of credit while still retaining enough funds to complete the remaining portions of the project.

In a related matter, the township turned over all its acquired easements along Race Street to Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority. Rockefeller, the developer, can continue with its highway improvements once the weather becomes favorable.

Councilman Robert Heimbecker wants to inquire about adding an operation permit fee for truckers to reduce the cost of road repairs.

Township Engineer Albert Kortze updated council on MS4 projects. MS4 is a state requirement to reduce stormwater runoff and reduce pollutant load. The approved projects on the list include sweeping the streets, a vegetation swale along Postal Road, rain garden at the park and projects on private property. The objective is to reduce pollution from debris by 10 percent. Another rain garden is projected for Dauphin and Irving streets. The new project carries a price tag of $42,000.

Kortze released bid specifications for sewer rehabilitation at the Valley Plaza on Airport Road. The project includes repaving the parking lot. According to Kortze, most of the mall operators want to see a full sewer replacement.

For those few anglers secretly casting illuminated lures into Catasauqua Lake at Canal Park under a waning moon, it appears those days are numbered. Council introduced legislation that now will not only permit fishing at the lake, but also ice fishing.

In other news, council appointed Elizabeth Woolley to an open position on Public Library of Catasauqua’s board of trustees.

The Sherwood Park residential area will undergo a detailed analysis using geophysical probes to check for unstable ground. The operation is in conjunction with repaving the streets and underground utilities in the area.