Lehigh Township Board of Supervisors received an update on the township’s new Flock license plate reader cameras during the Oct. 13 meeting, with residents raising questions about privacy while police officials defended the technology as an effective crime-fighting tool.

Police Chief John Henry reported two Flock cameras have been installed in the township, one along Route 145 and the other along Route 248. He said the cameras are fixed in place and capture a single image of the rear of vehicles traveling on public roads rather than continuously tracking them.

“They take a point-in-time image of the rear of vehicles on public roadways,” Henry said. “They do not continuously track vehicles.”

According to Henry, images not associated with a criminal investigation are automatically deleted after 30 days. He said the technology has already assisted police in locating a missing juvenile and identifying a vehicle connected to a robbery at a vape shop along Route 248.

Some residents questioned whether the cameras infringe on personal privacy. Township Solicitor David Backenstoe disagreed.

“I don’t see how,” Backenstoe said. “Once you are out in public, there is no expectation of privacy.”

Henry also reported the department logged 411 calls during the month, including eight reportable crashes, 23 traffic citations, 15 equipment repair orders or warnings, 13 driving under the influence arrests, one DUI involving a motor vehicle crash and two individuals processed through the Northampton County booking center.

The chief said a recent truck weight enforcement detail resulted in one DUI arrest and one drug possession arrest. He also praised participation in National Night Out, saying residents responded favorably to the event’s location and timing.

Henry asked the board whether it would support pursuing grant funding for a police drone program. Supervisors agreed to explore available grant opportunities.

In a related public safety presentation, Sgt. Jon Roth discussed growing concerns surrounding e-bikes and e-scooters.

“I attended a workshop on e-bikes,” Roth said. “Most municipalities have issues with them.”

Roth said a regional coalition involving local law enforcement agencies, transportation advocates, planners and state lawmakers has formed to address micromobility safety concerns.

He said 26 people have died in two-wheel vehicle crashes in the Lehigh Valley this year, including seven involving e-bikes.

Roth reminded residents Pennsylvania law requires e-bike riders to be at least 16 years old and limits e-bikes to a top speed of 20 mph and a maximum power output of 750 watts. E-bikes also must be equipped with operable pedals and provide pedal-assist capability.

In other safety-related concerns, resident MaryAnn Endy asked supervisors to install a dusk-to-dawn light at the intersection of Route 145 and Washington Street.

“It is so dark there,” Endy said. “There are no lights. It is so hard to see to make the turn onto Washington Street from 145.”

Supervisors agreed visibility is poor at the intersection and directed public works Director Frank Zamadics to investigate possible solutions.

“I believe there is a pole down there we can put a light on,” Zamadics said. “I will check.”

Township Manager Alice Rehrig told supervisors budget preparations are underway.

“I will have everything ready for the board to go over at the next meeting for the budget,” Rehrig said.

Engineer Mike Muffley reported replacement of a drainage pipe along Timberline Road was scheduled to begin last week.

“There may be detours; notice signs will be in place,” Muffley said. “The job will be finished by winter and paving in the spring.”

Muffley also said the planning commission reviewed a plan submitted by Dan and Abigail Ziegenfuss to subdivide property and sell a portion to Lehigh Township Fire Company. He added work on updating the township zoning ordinance is nearing completion.

Supervisors also received an update from David Wasko regarding the Riverview Drive Self Storage project at 1139 Riverview Drive. Wasko said developers are awaiting construction invoices and are exploring a possible sale of the property.