The Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners met virtually May 4 to discuss ongoing developments in the community.

By utilizing the Cisco Webex platform, the entire board was present with both visual and audio communication. Community members were also able to attend the viewing session, and there was a question-and-answer box that encouraged their participation.

Board members discussed an ordinance detailing the purchase of a Rosenbauer Aerial custom fire apparatus for the Whitehall Township Fire Department. This particular model is reportedly the fastest and most powerful articulating platform with an aerial ladder that raises 115 feet in the air and can rotate 90 degrees. The vehicle can store 300 gallons of water.

Concerns surrounding the cost of the fire engine muted the amenities of the truck. With a price tag of $1.7 million, board President Philip Ginder raised questions surrounding warranty and future repairs. His questions were supported by board Secretary Thomas Slonaker.

Fire Chief David Nelson, also present during the meeting, assured the board he would have proper paperwork regarding the warranty for the following meeting. Nelson was able to confirm the trucks are reliable for 25 years, which is the age of the current fire engine the new model would replace.

It was reported Mayor Michael Harakal Jr. is likely to receive unanimous approval on a grant application for Lehigh County. He is seeking a block grant, given to local authorities who then allocate the funds to the necessary resources. Harakal plans to allot this money to the township’s Department of Housing and Urban Development.

To end the evening, the board discussed an ordinance proposing all Whitehall Township parks, playgrounds and other recreational areas become tobacco free. Board member Jeffrey Warren raised two questions - will the private parks in the area participate, and how will rentable pavilions be impacted?

Harakal said the two private parks in the area would likely not fit into the legal language of the ordinance, but the conditions would still apply to the rented pavilions within the public parks.

The board next meets 7 p.m. May 11. To attend the meeting virtually, visit whitehalltownship.org and find the instructions under the Whitehall News section. You may also join via audio conference by calling 1-408-418-9388, enter event number 717-191-818 # and press # when asked for attendee ID.