South Whitehall Township has 725 fire hydrants, of those, six need replacement as they are not working and are beyond repair.

Assistant Public Works Manager Jerry Charvalla explained how long a fire hydrant lasts.

“Some are 40- to 50 years old,” Charvalla said. “Others last only five years if they get hit by cars.”

Total cost of the new hydrants is $18,750.

In other matters, commissioners approved the purchase of a new oil furnace from Meisner Services for Woodlawn Fire Company at a cost of $12,300.

Woodlawn will also be receiving a new system to remove exhaust from the building when trucks are started before they move out.

The present system is inoperable.Cost of the exhaust removal product is $7,245.

Commissioners granted Charvalla permission to proceed with an order for four trucks for the public works department.

These include a utility truck for the parks department at $58,700; a utility truck for the street department at $57,628; a truck for the sewer department at $39,300; and a truck to be shared by the parts department and the recreation department at $31,600.

“The ones which are being replaced will be sent to auction,” Charvalla said.

Commissioners also granted permission to Police Chief Glen Dorney to purchase three new police vehicles at a total cost of $211,177.

“This fleet management plan will help increase longevity of the vehicles and decrease service costs for the future due to the current overuse of police vehicles,” Dorney explained.

In another matter, Director of Community Development George Kinney reported township representatives are meeting with consultant Thomas Comitta on preliminary work for the new comprehensive plan.

Board President Christina “Tori” Morgan commented on the issue.

“We’re working with Comitta to plan the roll-out,” Morgan said.

“We’re here to give information that is true and correct.”