Lehigh Township supervisors last week accepted the resignation of Officer Christian Surjan and agreed to advertise for a full-time police officer to fill the vacancy.

The township has contracted for a survey about the police department, but results have not been made public.

Over the past year residents have questioned the turmoil in the police department. There has been turnover of officers.

Residents have questioned the continued employment of Police Chief Scott Fogel, following a $1.75 million settlement in a federal lawsuit.

The lawsuit, filed by former township police officer Jessica Edwards, alleged that Fogel sexually harassed, physically accosted and retaliated against her during her five-year tenure.

The township paid $275,000 in back wages, while the remainder of the settlement was covered by the township’s insurance provider.

During the meeting last week, Vice Chairman Gerald Pritchard questioned a $13,000 expense listed in the April bills.

“What is check 2717 for $13,000?” he asked.

Township Manager Alice Rehrig replied, “It was for the labor attorney.”

The check was made payable to Campbell Durrant PC, an attorney with offices in Bala Cynwyd and Pittsburgh.

Resident Kathryn Mack then asked, “For what did we need a labor attorney?”

After a brief pause, Chairman Mike Jones responded, “For anything to do with labor issues.”

No more information was released.

The firm’s website says attorneys specialize in collective bargaining with unions, labor investigations and more.

In other business, supervisors reviewed a proposal to determine the cost of renovating township parks in preparation for future grant applications.

In staffing matters, the board appointed Liz Amato as interim zoning officer and building code official, and approved Scott Brown of Hanover as interim code enforcement and zoning officer at a cost of $104 an hour.

Rehrig also received approval to proceed with a $17,990 proposal from Home Comfort Solutions to replace two air conditioning units at the police station.

Supervisor Cindy Miller emphasized the need for long-term financial planning.

“I feel very strongly that we should have a three-year budget for planning the future of the township,” she said. “The police grant that we are getting is only for three years. We should start looking at five years out.”

The board agreed and directed Rehrig to prepare a three-year budget plan.

In other business, Rehrig was authorized to apply for a GroNorCo grant to fund a new LED sign for the municipal building.