At the March 4 Hanover Township, Lehigh County, Council meeting, council moved forward with ordinance 670, bill 2026-02, by introducing the bill that initiates the intent to amend the township charter establishing snow emergency towing at property owners’ expense.

A debate ensued to determine the process of fining a resident for not moving their vehicle during an announced snow emergency. During a snow emergency, vehicles must be moved off the snow emergency routes, so the public works department can plow.

A township snow emergency is an official directive enacted during severe winter weather to facilitate efficient, curb-to-curb snow plowing on designated public streets. Its purpose is to clear roads for safe travel, ensure access for emergency vehicles and allow for essential services like trash pickup.

Council moved toward a $50 fine for a resident who does not move their vehicle at the start of a declared snow emergency. If the fine is not paid within 72 hours, the fine increases to $100. The resident’s vehicle would be towed, at the resident’s expense, if the resident does not move their vehicle. Council’s posture is no exceptions to the towing.

Township Manager Melissa Wehr noted a snow emergency is typically called in advance of a snowstorm to provide time for residents to move their vehicles. Hanleco snow emergencies are also announced on WFMZ.

Wehr and council members agreed to announce the new regulation in the township newsletters throughout the year and discussed other ways to inform residents.

Council approved ordinance 671, bill 2026-03, which authorizes the solicitation of bids for construction of the Sherwood Park basketball and pickleball courts, a public capital improvement, to be substantially in the form provided by council, its approval in the amount not to exceed $500,000, subject to certain change orders and unit price adjustments and its award by resolution of council after public bidding.

Resolution 2026-36, a resolution designating an area of compliance in accordance with ordinance 450 of the statutory code of Hanover Township, was tabled by council.

Council approved the payment of the bills for March 4 in the amount of $155,860.16.

The next meeting of Hanover Township, Lehigh County, Council was scheduled for March 18 at the municipal building, 2202 Grove Road, Allentown.