Lehigh Township supervisors are preparing for the possibility of future data center development by drafting a standalone ordinance tailored specifically to that use.

Township engineer Mike Muffley told the board that planning efforts are already underway.

“The data center will be a standalone ordinance,” Muffley said. “We did road ideas and drafts for a data center if someone tries to build in the township.”

In other business, supervisors approved payment of General Fund checks 29373 through 29408 and granted an extension of time for recording the Tim Pitts land development plan to Aug. 31.

Public Works Director Frank Zamadics reported that two recently hired employees are adjusting well.

“They are not having any problems with training,” Zamadics said.

The board also approved the purchase of two dump trucks after hearing that ordering both this year would result in savings.

“If we order a single-axle dump truck along with the dual-axle dump truck, we will save $6,000,” Township Manager Alice Rehrig said. “If we wait till next year it will be a lot more.”

Rehrig said the dual-axle truck costs $287,047 and the single-axle costs $256,000. A $245,000 grant will offset most of the cost of the dual-axle truck. The remaining balance, along with the cost of the single-axle truck, will come from capital improvements funds. Supervisors voted unanimously to proceed with the purchases.

Rehrig also reported that switching the township’s email service from GoDaddy to Microsoft would save approximately $3,000.

“Just make sure our emails will carry over,” Supervisor Cindy Miller said. “I will check on that,” Rehrig responded.

The ITP tree removal project was tabled until the next meeting while officials await additional quotes.

Police Chief John Henry reported 418 calls in January, including seven arrests, 20 citations, one DUI crash, one wiretap and one DUI defendant who turned himself in at the station. A written test for 15 police officer applicants is scheduled for Feb. 21.

A sergeant’s exam for three applicants will be held May 14. National Night Out is set for Aug. 4.

Sgt. Jon Roth asked the board to reapply for a grant for two license plate recognition readers.

“This will save us time and make things safer,” Roth said. “Each unit is $6,000. The grant would be a matching one. All updates that would be necessary are included. The unit can scan and do maps also. Very valuable for the department.”

Supervisors voted to match the grant funds.

The zoning office reported 35 new permits issued, 10 open cases and one appeal.

Recreation also held a reorganization meeting. David Hess was named chairman and Keith Hantz vice chairman.