A public hearing about the community center preceded the Washington Township supervisors meeting this month.

An ordinance to participate in the Northern Lehigh Recreation Authority was discussed before the regular meeting of supervisors in Washington Township. The second member is Slatington.Each member of the authority will have membership in the board. Brent Herzog, Wesley Beltz, Josh Friebolin, Debra Klock and Renee Evans will represent Washington. Action will require five members of the authority.Resident Ed Ziegler said they should have bought the old schoolhouse that was at the park near the Morgan bridge. He said the center would not work without a full-time manager. There should be a charge for various events.Supervisor Josh Friebolin said forming the authority does not necessarily mean the center will be built but will help get grants."It will provide more recreational opportunities," said Friebolin.Ziegler said he bought the property from Helen Romano and sold it for a center at the same price he paid for it. He said he wanted something to get children off the streets of Slatington.The ordinance was approved during the regular meeting.At the regular meeting two bids for work on the Old Mill Road Bridge were rejected because they were higher than expected. It will be rebid in the spring.Stephen Mazepa added 113.63 acres to the Agriculture Security Area on land along Ashfield Road.The pension plan ordinance for township workers lowered the age from 65 to 62 for getting a pension after working at least 10 years.Wildlands Conservancy is selling 22 acres at $400 an acre abutting State Game Lands 217. The Game Commission is making the purchase.Washington received a recycling performance grant of $3,977.A fire police officer had a heart attack while working. It raised the question of whether workers' compensation is effective.Secretary JoAnn Ahner said she put in a claim and will check on coverage during a nonemergency event.Fire personnel said they would not participate in such things as parades and runs/walks unless it is covered.The November meeting will be held Nov. 4 instead of Nov. 3.Trick or treat will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 28.