At the Aug. 19 Hanover Township, Lehigh County, Council meeting, council Vice President Robert Heimecker reflected on the Flock camera presentation last meeting, adding he saw a segment on the Fox Network about de-Flocking during this year’s Halloween.

Flock cameras are highly touted by law enforcement as a tool to catch criminals and assist with Amber Alerts and other public safety issues. Heimbecker noted the cameras cost about $1,000, so if these cameras are broken, it can add up to a large expense.

Solicitor Jason Ulrich said a person could be charged with criminal mischief, vandalism or perhaps a heavier charge if caught destroying a Flock camera.

The “De-Flock America Night” phrase refers to a viral social media campaign urging people to vandalize, disable or obscure Flock safety surveillance cameras Oct. 31. Privacy activists note millions of people will be already wearing masks and costumes after dark on Halloween. This allows individuals to approach the cameras without drawing attention.

Flock cameras record a car’s license plate number and other characteristics of a car such as bumper stickers. The database is nationwide and reportedly has been misused by some in law enforcement, despite a reportedly excellent record as a tool to assist law enforcement.

Some people allegedly have been caught using Flock data to stalk former partners or spouses, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement reportedly accessing local databases have intensified the pushback.

The anti-Flock camera sentiment is reportedly an all-time high in Florida, where the controversy is defined as a “security vs. freedom” issue.

In Hanover, according to Pennsylvania State Police, the cameras have been instrumental in apprehending criminals and keeping the township safer.

Heimbecker also brought up a second issue regarding a property at an intersection on Pennsylvania Avenue, where there has reportedly been two recent incidents of a car leaving the road and zooming into the property, creating damage to the owner’s lawn. Heimbecker asked what can be done to assist the resident.

The one driver created much property damage but reportedly got away. The second perpetrator told police her cellphone allegedly slid to the floor, and when she reached down to retrieve it, she ended up on the resident’s front lawn. It was unclear if she was charged for the incident.

Ulrich said there is not much the township can do because the damage is on private property. Heimbecker asked if the township could erect some kind of guard rail structure. Councilman Anthony Rossi suggested the property owner put large landscape stones to deter drivers cutting the corner.

Township Engineer Kevin Chimics chimed in with a creative suggestion. He wondered if the resident could place some kind of soft material that would slow down a car entering the property as the car sunk a bit into the soft material, precluding the car from getting on the lawn. This prompted one attendee to see the suggested solution as a “sand trap.”

Council Chair Bruce Paulus closed the debate by noting the resident needs to address the issue as it is his private property.

Council voted to authorize the township manager to purchase and pay for a split-rail fence at Canal Park. The price to furnish and install 721 linear feet of two-hole split-rail and 327 linear feet of three-hole split-rail fence posts is $20,725. This price includes removing and hauling away the old fence.

The township manager was authorized to release payment for Michael Baker International in the amount of $9,277.83 for the D&L Trail project.

Council voted to authorize the township manager to sign the addendum for the extension of the garbage and recycling hauling contract with JP Mascaro and Sons from April 1, 2027, to March 31, 2028.

Council approved the authorization of the first annual Set the Pace Heart Warriors 5-K and 1.7-mile honor run/walk Sept. 12. The event begins 10 a.m. at Taylor House Brewing Company, 76 Lehigh St., Catasauqua. It is sponsored by the International Heart Spasms Alliance and Taylor House Brewing.

Part of the run will go through Hanover Township, Lehigh County. Registration and information can be found at pretzelcitysports.com.

Council approved the bills for Aug. 19, in the amount of $309,776.25.

The next Hanover Township, Lehigh County, Council meeting was scheduled for Sept. 2 in the municipal building, 2202 Grove Road, Allentown. Visit hanleco.org to review the meeting’s agenda.