At the May 7 Hanover Township, Lehigh County, Council meeting, council introduced bill 2025-05, which would amend Chapter 7, Part 9, Section 902 of the Statutory Code of Hanover Township, to permit the use of wood chip smokers in outdoor cooking.

Wood chip smokers are not directly regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency or other federal agencies, but the wood-burning devices they are used with, like stoves or outdoor furnaces, are subject to EPA emission standards. These regulations aim to reduce emissions of particulate matter and other pollutants from burning wood.

It was reported the fire marshal is responding to complaints about outside fires and requested an evaluation be completed for fire safety. It was noted smokers do not cook, they are covered, and smoke emanating from the smoker is limited and may not be bothersome to neighbors.

Council plans to examine any issues over the use of wood chip smokers in outdoor cooking to evaluate safety.

Council voted to adopt ordinance 663 that initiates a referendum for the purpose of amending Article III, Section 3.02 of the township charter to provide that the effective date of any change in salary of any member of council shall be governed by the Pennsylvania Constitution.

Ordinance 664, bill 2025-04, was approved by council to initiate a referendum for the purpose of amending Article VIII, Section 8.01 of the township charter to provide the authorization of contracts for the construction of public capital improvements shall be made by a resolution of council.

Township Manager Melissa Wehr said details on movies in the park will be posted on the township website. There are plans to hold a movie in June, July and August. She added the development of the pickleball court is moving forward.

Engineer Kevin Chimics said the hotel construction project by the airport could begin in about two weeks. He suggested there might be some overnight work from about 6 p.m. to approximately 6 a.m. to take advantage of the reduction in traffic.

Council approved and accepted the tax appeal for 1701 Dauphin St. and the 1112 American Parkway NE tax appeal.

Council approved the meeting minutes of the April 16 council meeting.

Bills up to May 7 were approved for payment in the amount of $374,046.36.