At its June 4 meeting, Hanover Township, Lehigh County, Council tabled bill 2025-05, a suggested ordinance amending chapter 7, part 9, section 902 of the statutory code of the township to permit the use of wood chip smokers in outdoor cooking.

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

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

Council said this is not about cooking devices and not about fire pits. Council wants the ordinance to clearly state the ordinance covers gas, electric and charcoal fuel only. The issue is a device to enhance smoking, not cooking.

Councilman Bruce Paulus said residents need to be able to read and understand the ordinance without deep explanation. Township Solicitor Jason Ulrich noted the council-requested language can be added to the ordinance. Council tabled the bill until the next council meeting, which was to be held July 2.

Resolution 2025-32 was council approved and is a contract in the amount of $251,825 to T. Schiefer Contractors Inc., of Doylestown, for the Lloyd Street mill and overlay.

Council approved Kline’s Island Sewer System Act 537, which is a regional sewer system plan by 15 municipalities, including the township, to address current and future sewage disposal needs. It was explained the act requires minimal involvement for Hanover Township.

An ordinance was introduced, authorizing a loan in the amount of $510,000 from Lehigh County for the purchase of emergency response radios and related equipment for use by Han-Le-Co Volunteer Fire Company and Northampton Regional Emergency Medical Services.

In her report, township Manager Melissa Wehr said the first film of the summer movie series was set for June 27. Visit the township website, hanleco.org, for the summer schedule.

Council approved the bills for June 4 in the amount of $2,085,419.49. Paulus asked Wehr why the bills were so high. Wehr said the number includes funding for capital projects undertaken by the township.

The next council meeting is set for 7 p.m. July 16 at the municipal building, 2202 Grove Road. It is an in-person-only meeting. Visit hanleco.org to review the meeting’s agenda.