North Whitehall Township Supervisors held the first board meeting in the newly renovated municipal building Sept. 8.

Before the regular session, Supervisors Al Geosits and Ronald Heintzelman met in executive session with the township solicitor to receive legal advice on a land use appeal and zoning challenge filed by Gene and Deborah Weierbach concerning property at 2523 Woodbine St., Slatington.

The evening featured two presentations.

The first, delivered by John Carson, of the Pelorus Group, provided an update on the building renovation project.

Carson praised the township staff and supervisors for their teamwork, noting the project ran more smoothly than many others he has worked on.

The building is now in use, with only minor punch-list items remaining – most notably the elevator, which is expected to be operational within days following inspection.

Contractors are finishing interior and exterior details, while new furniture, AV equipment, IT systems, phones, internet, access control, and security are fully installed.

The goal is to wrap up all work before the official ribbon cutting Sept. 25.

Carson also reported the project is finishing about $155,000 under budget, even after funding additional improvements such as trench drains at the public works building, exterior painting, power washing and a new road sign.

The second presentation came from Fire Code Administrator Jim Stewart, who outlined plans for a new Fire and Life Safety Inspection Ordinance.

Currently, the township can only enter commercial and nonresidential buildings at occupancy certification or during emergencies.

The proposed ordinance would authorize regular inspections to improve fire prevention and safety.

The program would focus on exits, emergency lighting, alarms, sprinklers and fire extinguisher records, while also encouraging safe housekeeping and proper storage practices.

About 200 nonresidential properties have been identified for inspection, though many include multiple tenants.

Home-based and agricultural businesses would be exempt.

Stewart emphasized public education will be central to the program, with businesses receiving checklists in advance.

The township plans to finalize the ordinance by the end of the year, begin outreach in early 2026 and launch pilot inspections in the spring.

Inspections would occur on a two-year cycle.