At the Nov. 7 Moore Township Board of Supervisors meeting, supervisors and other officials grappled with complexities involving a potential application for a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Highway Occupancy Permit (HOP).

The issue at hand was a meeting agenda item to grant conditional final approval of Moore Township Estates’ final lot-line adjustment.

An HOP is granted by PennDOT for interested parties who desire access to a state right of way such as, in this case, a state road. The application process can be a laborious, frustrating and time-consuming endeavor, noted township Solicitor David Backenstoe.

The property in question, owned by Moore Township, is also eligible for partial farm preservation, complicating the matter. After about 30 minutes of discussion between the supervisors, the solicitor, the borough engineer, manager and those present at the meeting, a motion was cobbled together.

The motion made by Supervisor Richard Gable was, “Grant conditional final approval of lot-line adjustments for #19-15 P/F Moore Estates, Moore Township, with conditions set forth by Keystone in the letter dated Nov. 1, 2019, with the condition the township move forward with getting the HOP for the property prior to recording the plan and the plan be amended so there is an easement in front of the properties that should not, in any way, interfere with the clear sight triangle.”

The motion passed with a 3-0 vote.

After providing his land and environmental protection board report, Robert Romano received applause from those attending the meeting. The accolade was for the board’s continued efforts to preserve about 80 additional acres of farmland. The existence of the Moore Township farm preservation effort is 14 years old.

Because of its recent success, Romano was contacted by North Whitehall Township and one of the Nazareth townships to assist them in developing farmland preservation in their townships.

Supervisor Chair Daniel Piorkowski said, “People outside of the township recognize your success. It is a testament to you.”

Mike Tirrell, recreation committee chair, reported Moore Township Athletics’ spring sports sign-ups will be held at the township municipal building with sign-up dates and times in both January and February.

Chief Gary West, in his police report, included the hiring of Stephanie Volkmann as the next police department secretary. Volkmann arrives with academic and work experience in criminal justice. Her hourly rate is $19. Volkmann was slated to start Nov. 11.

The fire department had 36 calls with four fires in October. The ambulance service during October responded to 80 calls.

In township Manager Nicholas Steiner’s report, he said he expects the Ford F-550 truck delivery within two weeks. The purchased Freightliner truck delivery date is not yet established.

Supervisor Richard Gable announced, in his First Regional Compost Authority report, the authority signed a contract to store tea leaves. Gable noted this will be a revenue generator by providing richer mulch for residents to purchase.

“Things are going really well,” Gable said.

The next Moore Township Board of Supervisors meeting is set for 7 p.m. Dec. 3 at the municipal building, 2491 Community Drive.