At its Feb. 18 meeting, Hanover Township, Lehigh County, Council addressed snow-related issues that have reportedly been brewing over time. The large snowstorm that dropped inches of snow on the relatively small township at the end of January was a catalyst for council to act.

Ordinance 670 was introduced by council to allow for the advertisement of the ordinance, which amends the township charter to establish the towing of vehicles not removed by residents on snow emergency routes.

As with any municipality that has emergency snow routes, residents are required to relocate their vehicles off the street when a township-wide snow emergency is declared. During a snow emergency, the public works department plows snow curb to curb. This is to assist emergency vehicles easier travel on those streets.

The towing of a resident’s vehicle would occur after a snow emergency is called by township officials, and the resident does not move their vehicle off the snow emergency road.

Council Chair Bruce Paulus asked if the resident about to have their car towed will be provided a contact or alert to tell them. Some municipalities have their police department or other municipal official contact the resident in person, telling them they must move their vehicle immediately or it will be towed.

Paulus hinted he would support a warning to the resident to move their car before being subject to the cost of the towing. The balance of the council firmly rejected the warning and voted for the unannounced towing.

In a related matter, residents are required to shovel their sidewalks after a snowfall ends. Council’s position was firm that these residents who do not shovel their sidewalks, per township ordinance, are to be fined.

In other business, township Manager Melissa Wehr initiated a discussion about the trade-in of a current public works truck to be replaced with a new truck. The truck dealer offered the township $24,500 for a trade. It was noted the truck may be worth $25,000-35,000.

After thorough discussion, it was decided the township office will contact other municipalities seeking a replacement truck. Also, the office will contact MunicibidPA to advertise the truck to garner interest in the truck at a higher price than the dealership offered.

MunicibidPA is an online auction service for government agencies, schools, authorities and utilities to sell equipment and surplus goods with verified buyers using a hassle- free, easy-to-use marketplace. Visit municibid.com for more information.

Wehr added the spring township newsletter is being worked on, and completion is expected soon.

Wehr added the office is seeking a part-time code enforcement officer. Visit hanleco.org to review the requirements for the position and, if interested, how to apply for the position.

Council approved allowing remote telephonic voting by township council members when an in-person quorum is not physically present. A quorum of council is five members, so three members present can conduct business at a township meeting. The new situation will allow up to two council members physically absent to call into the meeting and vote on any issues.

Council approved the township’s bills for Feb. 18 in the amount of $222,663.46.

Hanover’s population, according to the latest census statistics, is 1,880. Most of the township’s land is occupied by Lehigh Valley International Airport and various shopping malls and motels.

The next Hanover Township, Lehigh County, Council meeting was expected to be held March 4 in the township municipal building, 2202 Grove Road, Allentown. Visit hanleco.org for more information.