A special meeting was held by Lehigh Township supervisors on Dec. 20for a personnel matter. Police Chief Scott Fogel recommended that Elias Batihk be hired as a part-time officer. He had been interviewed previously during the hiring process for a full-time officer.

Supervisor Darryl Snover asked how it will work out with existing officers and Fogel said that there are some minor details to work out. Batihk will work 24 hours per week though there might be more in the beginning as the regular staff is presently understaffed for medical reasons.Hantz made a motion to authorize the manager and public works director to develop a plan for public safety in the event of a strike because the teamsters contract is not getting settled or extended.The regular meeting was held Jan. 10. Supervisor Cindy Miller opened discussion with a question concerning payment of $75,000 for engineering at Cherryville. Snover said it was at least partially due to changes demanded by the state.Engineer Phil Malitsch said there are two issues: design changes in the middle of a project and a requirement for permits for all affected driveways.Miller said if the check was mailed now, how would future engineering be paid. It was decided to hold the check until more details are available.The Grace Estates escrow was released down to $70,000. At the same time Wood Drive and Bell Drive were dedicated.The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit was approved for the maintenance building, Malitsch said.Additional land is needed for the Cherryville intersection, including some from the fire company.Fire company activities for the year as presented by President Roger Spadt were approved. The fire company is getting a new utility truck for $91,185 to be paid from the equipment fund.A roadway access amendment will require all lots to have direct entrance to a roadway. Supervisor Keith Hantz asked if it would make things simpler. It came out of problems at the Kleppinger subdivision. There will be no shared driveways. It will go to solicitor David Backenstoe for review.Compensation for the tax collector must be adopted by Feb. 15. Supervisor Cindy Miller said they should find out what other municipalities pay. It was tabled.In December police drove 6,439 miles and logged 816 calls. There were 12 reportable accidents and 19 nonreportable accidents. Ninety-one traffic violations were issued. Police Chief Scott Fogel said arrests have gone down and he believes that is because the police are more visible.One officer out for medical reasons is back to work and two are expected back next week.Resident Sam Benner of Hawthorne Road said there is a serious cat problem. A homeowner died and left behind many cats that are running wild and multiplying. The daughter mentioned in the trust estate has not been located. Several rescue organizations have been contacted.Snover said there is a resurgence of rabies in the area.It was suggested No Kill Lehigh Valley might have suggestions.Backenstoe said a person in the Hills of Greenock wants to sell a lot with a shed but the shed was mistakenly placed on the border between two lots. The purchaser is willing to leave it in place. A waiver was given to allow it to remain since both the buyer and seller are agreeable.Snover said the North American band parents announced Northampton won a competition. He asked if the board objected to his attendance on the part of the township. The band also won the Cavalcade of Bands competition.Ed Ziegler, who bought speed limit signs for the township for use on Route 946, is dismayed that the limit was set at 40 mph instead of the discussed 45 mph. He has been getting complaints from truckers. Fogel said the police checked and the optimum limit would be between 40 and 45 mph so they went with the lower number. He said when the racetrack is operating, traffic on that section of road is horrific.Miller said she is happy with the 40 mph and that truckers can use another road.